Hi,
I'm relative new to DSLR (had a P&S for years).
I have a K-x with kit lenses (18-55 , 55-300).
I bought a SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/2. It's OK but nothing to be impressive about.
I read a lot about this Nokton 58mm and is really intrigued.
I know its build quality is better than FA 50mm.
but...
My main concerns...
- I'm a little daunted by the MF part. Having used the Pentax-M 50mm prime for a bit and I'd say I can get some keepers *only* if my target patiently cooperates
- I know the kytzeye but it adds significant cost (Nokton, which is MF, is already more expensive than FA 50mm, which is AF). Plus it seems not to be solve-all: even when you can focus more accurately, you can only focus so fast (OK, maybe Pentax in general, K-x and FA 50mm in particular, are pretty slow in AF anyhow.)
- I do intend to get a lens for portraits but NOT by any means exclusively - I really want to use it for general purpose as well whenever possible (eg, go out in the wild; in-door, etc.). In this regard it seems 58mm would be slightly better than 50mm but really by a stretch? I doubt it.
in short,
likes:
- 58mm better for portraits than 50mm (only according to my readings, no experience
whatsoever)
- Nokton better build quality than FA 50mm
concerns:
- MF pretty daunting
I had almost going to pull the trigger for a week now but the MF is still blocking me...
Maybe the real question I should ask is: is the FA 50mm really that much worse than Norkon 58mm for my purposes? (I've read a ton of reviews on the FA 50mm and most are pretty positive, even though dpreview only gave it ~82/100, which is actually not very high.)
FA 50mm was always in my picture until I saw this thread and noticed the Nokton. Sometimes you wish you knew less
Any opinion?