Help--Quick---Pentax-A 28mm f2.8

alamo5000 · 05-27-2012, 01:21 PM

I have the option to buy a Pentax-A 28mm F2.8 lens for $65, possibly negotiable.

From what I can tell the lens is in excellent shape.

For the price is this a good deal or not a good deal? I will be picking it up locally should I decide to get it.

I have read the reviews on the lens (on this forum) but I am very new to Pentax and wondering if this is a good one to have in the arsenal and if the price is 'decent'.

Don't wanna blow a lot of money and also don't want to run around the seller hard negotiating prices...

It will be on a K-5 body.

Adam · 05-27-2012, 01:25 PM - **1 Like**

Any SMC lens under $100 is probably a good deal, including this one

I would go for it.

Buschmaster · 05-27-2012, 01:55 PM

I would say it is definitely a good deal. If you think it is a lens you could use, go for it!

I'm always surprised at how nice the old lenses are because they've mostly held up so well.

Great construction quality on those.

alamo5000 · 05-27-2012, 02:06 PM

Thanks guys!! I am on the way to pick it up. Got detailed pics and it looks great. The lens has been owned and used and cared for by a professional photographer who has changed platforms.

Checked on Ebay and the prices for this lens in mint condition are 120 on up from my quick checks.

alamo5000 · 05-27-2012, 02:07 PM

And from the looks of it this one is mint.

Philoslothical · 05-27-2012, 05:09 PM

Yep, very good deal. The Pentax A series of lenses are nice and convenient to use, too. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

stevebrot · 05-27-2012, 05:40 PM

There are better 28s out there, but at that price point for a Pentax-A lens, I would consider it a reasonable deal.

Steve

stevebrot · 05-27-2012, 05:46 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Any SMC lens under $100 is probably a good deal, including this one

I would go for it.

Adam, ANY SMC lens? Surely you jest! The price for the lens the OP is considering is reasonable, but not a steal by any stretch. It may well be worth the asking price, but resale at $100...well, it is enough to say that the response would be lukewarm.

Steve

RioRico · 05-27-2012, 06:06 PM

Mi dos centavos: The A28/2.8 is reportedly a decent lens but it's not wizard; a bit better optically maybe than the M28/2.8, and more convenient because it's A-series, but it's not really special. I have a hard time paying US$100 for such. Your budget may vary.

Other 28s with better optics (but not A-type) cost rather less. I'll put my Vivitar-Kiron 28/2.5, Tamron 02B 28/2.8, and especially the Vivitar-Komine 28/2 CFWA (my most-used manual prime) in that league. Next to those, my fave 28 is an A-type Toyo Five Star 28/2.8 -- VERY sharp optics, and nice bokeh. And an M-type Access-Tokina 28/2.8 'macro', also sharp with nice rendering. These all handily beat my M28/2.8.

Are many good-to-great 28s for decent prices. I'd skip the A28/2.8 at that price. Good luck!

alamo5000 · 05-27-2012, 08:59 PM

I scored on the lens front today. I might have gotten stuck a little on the cash front but if so I will chalk it up to a learning curve.

I got the above mentioned 28mm A series...stellar condition and has filters included.

I also scored a f1.1.4 50mm in pristine condition, also A series for less than $100

And I scored a f1.1.7 50mm for 25 bucks, again, all A series.

3 lens score day all for under 200 bucks including shipping and so forth. With canon---that ain't happenen'

I figure if I screwed up anything its the price of admission. Once I put those lenses on the camera and start snapping (I don't even have my camera delivered yet by the way) then I will know if I like them or not....I could debate all day. For every person that says no another will say yes.

I will use the time tested good old fashioned method called 'trial and error' and see what I come up with. I spend $50 on a meal from time to time...

I don't know if you saw my introduction in the "new people" category but this is my very first ever DSLR (K-5) and I haven't even gotten it yet. I am one step above rank amateur in that I have read books upon books about photography in the last numerous months, more like year and a half. I tried to get up to speed and make an educated choice before jumping in. I didn't start out shopping for a DSLR but I ended up shopping for one...

I have always been 'into photography' but never had the means to plunk down 10 grand to get everything...

All I know is if I had gone with my other other choice (canon) we would not be having a conversation about a $65 lens. They might let you borrow one for a day and send you a nice glossy shot of a canon lens for that price, but you sure won't be getting a canon lens for that...

If I overpaid by 5 or 10 bucks again its the cost of admission. I don't want to get ripped off, but at the same time for a starter kit I am building it all up pretty good.

I will be starting my lens collection with 6 lenses all of various shapes and sizes...so now all I have to do is learn how to work the camera and take award winning photography of epic things or people.

Now that my tools are on the way---now the education part starts....

Philoslothical · 05-28-2012, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by alamo5000

I also scored a f1.1.4 50mm in pristine condition, also A series for less than $100

And I scored a f1.1.7 50mm for 25 bucks, again, all A series.

Dang. Even if you overpaid a bit on the 28mm (which at $65 I don't think you did), you cleaned up on the 50s. Nicely done. Both of those lenses are well regarded, but the 1.4 should be particularly nice.

alamo5000 · 05-28-2012, 09:00 AM

Originally posted by Philoslothical

Dang. Even if you overpaid a bit on the 28mm (which at $65 I don't think you did), you cleaned up on the 50s. Nicely done. Both of those lenses are well regarded, but the 1.4 should be particularly nice.

My first foray ever into the Ebay world. I took no prisoners.

I had people (on here) telling me the relative values of the lenses...all of them have a simple return policy if they don't work as advertised too...

But I don't see that happening...

Since I never Ebay'ed before I asked a friend who is an Ebay guru and he told me how the system works...

I came, I saw, I conquered, and I won.

The 50mm f1.4 lens has been professionally cleaned and reconditioned...it was less than $101 including shipping.

RioRico · 05-28-2012, 12:55 PM

You have done well, grasshopper. Those are indeed good prices for useful lenses. Enjoy!

alamo5000 · 05-28-2012, 01:10 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

You have done well, grasshopper. Those are indeed good prices for useful lenses. Enjoy!

Yes, I am the man...

I am proud of myself.

I am now looking all over for lenses... I get to travel all over the place so I am gonna check everywhere to get a collection going.

RioRico · 05-28-2012, 02:32 PM

Since you're looking for more, I'll mention some of my favorite not-too-costly PK lenses. In numerological order:

* Zenitar-K2 16/2.8 (K2= PK-M mount) -- Slightly fishy on APS-C, very usable, mucho fun.
* Vivitar Series 1 19-35/3.5-4.5 (Cosina, PK-A) -- Very sharp, very useful 'street' lengths.
* Vivitar 24/2.0 (Kiron, PK-M) -- This and the Zenitar are great for darker smaller interiors.
* SMC-F 35-70/3.5-4.5 (Pentax AF) -- Agile (VERY fast AF), tiny, sharp as a bag of primes.
* Vivitar Series 1 70-210 f/3.5 (Kiron, PK-M) or f/2.8-4 (Komine, PK-A) -- Just the sharpest!
* Focal 135/2.8 (Ricoh, PK/AR) -- Sharp, smooth, no Ricoh pin, very utilitarian longer lens.
* Takumar Bayonet 135/2.5 (PK-M) -- Dissed for lacking SMC, it's still my most-used 135.
- (most-used because it's fast, has a built-in hood, focuses close -- but don't aim into lights)

I could also suggest many M42 & adaptable & modifiable lenses, but that's enough for now.

05-27-2012, 01:21 PM	#1
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962	Help--Quick---Pentax-A 28mm f2.8 I have the option to buy a Pentax-A 28mm F2.8 lens for $65, possibly negotiable. From what I can tell the lens is in excellent shape. For the price is this a good deal or not a good deal? I will be picking it up locally should I decide to get it. I have read the reviews on the lens (on this forum) but I am very new to Pentax and wondering if this is a good one to have in the arsenal and if the price is 'decent'. Don't wanna blow a lot of money and also don't want to run around the seller hard negotiating prices... It will be on a K-5 body.

05-28-2012, 09:00 AM	#12
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962 Original Poster	Originally posted by Philoslothical Dang. Even if you overpaid a bit on the 28mm (which at $65 I don't think you did), you cleaned up on the 50s. Nicely done. Both of those lenses are well regarded, but the 1.4 should be particularly nice. My first foray ever into the Ebay world. I took no prisoners. I had people (on here) telling me the relative values of the lenses...all of them have a simple return policy if they don't work as advertised too... But I don't see that happening... Since I never Ebay'ed before I asked a friend who is an Ebay guru and he told me how the system works... I came, I saw, I conquered, and I won. The 50mm f1.4 lens has been professionally cleaned and reconditioned...it was less than $101 including shipping. Last edited by alamo5000; 05-28-2012 at 09:01 AM. Reason: spelling

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05-27-2012, 01:25 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Any SMC lens under $100 is probably a good deal, including this one I would go for it.

05-27-2012, 01:55 PM	#3
Buschmaster Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 806	I would say it is definitely a good deal. If you think it is a lens you could use, go for it! I'm always surprised at how nice the old lenses are because they've mostly held up so well. Great construction quality on those.

05-27-2012, 02:06 PM	#4
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962 Original Poster	Thanks guys!! I am on the way to pick it up. Got detailed pics and it looks great. The lens has been owned and used and cared for by a professional photographer who has changed platforms. Checked on Ebay and the prices for this lens in mint condition are 120 on up from my quick checks.

05-27-2012, 02:07 PM	#5
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962 Original Poster	And from the looks of it this one is mint.

05-27-2012, 05:09 PM	#6
Philoslothical Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 1,889	Yep, very good deal. The Pentax A series of lenses are nice and convenient to use, too. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

05-27-2012, 05:40 PM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	There are better 28s out there, but at that price point for a Pentax-A lens, I would consider it a reasonable deal. Steve

05-27-2012, 05:46 PM	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Adam Any SMC lens under $100 is probably a good deal, including this one I would go for it. Adam, ANY SMC lens? Surely you jest! The price for the lens the OP is considering is reasonable, but not a steal by any stretch. It may well be worth the asking price, but resale at $100...well, it is enough to say that the response would be lukewarm. Steve

05-27-2012, 06:06 PM	#9
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Mi dos centavos: The A28/2.8 is reportedly a decent lens but it's not wizard; a bit better optically maybe than the M28/2.8, and more convenient because it's A-series, but it's not really special. I have a hard time paying US$100 for such. Your budget may vary. Other 28s with better optics (but not A-type) cost rather less. I'll put my Vivitar-Kiron 28/2.5, Tamron 02B 28/2.8, and especially the Vivitar-Komine 28/2 CFWA (my most-used manual prime) in that league. Next to those, my fave 28 is an A-type Toyo Five Star 28/2.8 -- VERY sharp optics, and nice bokeh. And an M-type Access-Tokina 28/2.8 'macro', also sharp with nice rendering. These all handily beat my M28/2.8. Are many good-to-great 28s for decent prices. I'd skip the A28/2.8 at that price. Good luck!

05-27-2012, 08:59 PM	#10
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962 Original Poster	I scored on the lens front today. I might have gotten stuck a little on the cash front but if so I will chalk it up to a learning curve. I got the above mentioned 28mm A series...stellar condition and has filters included. I also scored a f1.1.4 50mm in pristine condition, also A series for less than $100 And I scored a f1.1.7 50mm for 25 bucks, again, all A series. 3 lens score day all for under 200 bucks including shipping and so forth. With canon---that ain't happenen' I figure if I screwed up anything its the price of admission. Once I put those lenses on the camera and start snapping (I don't even have my camera delivered yet by the way) then I will know if I like them or not....I could debate all day. For every person that says no another will say yes. I will use the time tested good old fashioned method called 'trial and error' and see what I come up with. I spend $50 on a meal from time to time... I don't know if you saw my introduction in the "new people" category but this is my very first ever DSLR (K-5) and I haven't even gotten it yet. I am one step above rank amateur in that I have read books upon books about photography in the last numerous months, more like year and a half. I tried to get up to speed and make an educated choice before jumping in. I didn't start out shopping for a DSLR but I ended up shopping for one... I have always been 'into photography' but never had the means to plunk down 10 grand to get everything... All I know is if I had gone with my other other choice (canon) we would not be having a conversation about a $65 lens. They might let you borrow one for a day and send you a nice glossy shot of a canon lens for that price, but you sure won't be getting a canon lens for that... If I overpaid by 5 or 10 bucks again its the cost of admission. I don't want to get ripped off, but at the same time for a starter kit I am building it all up pretty good. I will be starting my lens collection with 6 lenses all of various shapes and sizes...so now all I have to do is learn how to work the camera and take award winning photography of epic things or people. Now that my tools are on the way---now the education part starts....

05-28-2012, 08:55 AM	#11
Philoslothical Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 1,889	Originally posted by alamo5000 I also scored a f1.1.4 50mm in pristine condition, also A series for less than $100 And I scored a f1.1.7 50mm for 25 bucks, again, all A series. Dang. Even if you overpaid a bit on the 28mm (which at $65 I don't think you did), you cleaned up on the 50s. Nicely done. Both of those lenses are well regarded, but the 1.4 should be particularly nice.

05-28-2012, 12:55 PM	#13
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	You have done well, grasshopper. Those are indeed good prices for useful lenses. Enjoy!

05-28-2012, 01:10 PM	#14
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962 Original Poster	Originally posted by RioRico You have done well, grasshopper. Those are indeed good prices for useful lenses. Enjoy! Yes, I am the man... I am proud of myself. I am now looking all over for lenses... I get to travel all over the place so I am gonna check everywhere to get a collection going.

05-28-2012, 02:32 PM	#15
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Since you're looking for more, I'll mention some of my favorite not-too-costly PK lenses. In numerological order: * Zenitar-K2 16/2.8 (K2= PK-M mount) -- Slightly fishy on APS-C, very usable, mucho fun. * Vivitar Series 1 19-35/3.5-4.5 (Cosina, PK-A) -- Very sharp, very useful 'street' lengths. * Vivitar 24/2.0 (Kiron, PK-M) -- This and the Zenitar are great for darker smaller interiors. * SMC-F 35-70/3.5-4.5 (Pentax AF) -- Agile (VERY fast AF), tiny, sharp as a bag of primes. * Vivitar Series 1 70-210 f/3.5 (Kiron, PK-M) or f/2.8-4 (Komine, PK-A) -- Just the sharpest! * Focal 135/2.8 (Ricoh, PK/AR) -- Sharp, smooth, no Ricoh pin, very utilitarian longer lens. * Takumar Bayonet 135/2.5 (PK-M) -- Dissed for lacking SMC, it's still my most-used 135. - (most-used because it's fast, has a built-in hood, focuses close -- but don't aim into lights) I could also suggest many M42 & adaptable & modifiable lenses, but that's enough for now.