Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
11-13-2012, 05:35 PM   #1
Senior Member




Join Date: Apr 2011
Photos: Albums
Posts: 186
Slimming down lenses collection... Questions come upon though...

Hi all, I currently own quite a few lenses for pentax.... but I would like to slim down my collection, so the question is... which one should I get rid?

here is the list:
  1. Sigma 12-24mm EX DG
  2. Bushnell 28mm F2.8
  3. Pentax FA 31mm MIJ
  4. Pentax DA 40mm XS Silver
  5. Pentax FA 43mm MIJ w/ Lead
  6. Pentax F 50mm F1.7
  7. Pentax F 50mm F2.8 Macro
  8. Ricoh Rikenon P 50mm F2
  9. Pentax M 50mm F1.7
  10. Pentax FA 77mm MIJ
  11. Pentax DFA 100mm F2.8 Macro
  12. Pentax Takumar 135mm F2.5
  13. Pentax m42 Super Takumar 135mm F2.5
  14. Vivitar 135mm F2.8
  15. Pentax K 200mm F2.5
  16. Pentax F 300mm F4.5
  17. Pentax DA 300mm F4
  18. Pentax mirror adapter
  19. Pentax AF 1.7x
I am now thinking to get rid of item #2, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, possibly 4, 6, 16, 18 and 19 as well


Here comes the question though
  1. since I rarely take macro shots and I am planning to upgrade the telephoto to FA 200. Is the FA200 better IQ compare to K 200 F2.5? How does it compare to DA 200mm?
  2. Some more debate is that should I sell the F 50mm F1.7? Is there any upgrade I can do on the 50 range?
  3. For wide angle I am still longing for the full frame camera so it should be best to stick with sigma 12-24mm right? I have been using it on film camera and it produce very nice image. Is the 2nd version better though?
  4. Is it better to upgrade the 135 range to 135mm F1.8 or go with FA 135mm F2.8?
  5. For the two 300mm, it looks like the DA is producing slightly sharper image, but F* is much much smaller to carry around, has anyone compare these two lenses before?



Last edited by yen800; 11-13-2012 at 09:22 PM.
11-13-2012, 05:51 PM   #2
Veteran Member
Docrwm's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Somewhere in the Southern US
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 12,285
Wow, that's some list of what you are thinking of getting rid of. One thing you did not really mention, other than not doing much Macro, is what you do shoot. Also, not to be a spoil sport for some but the Pentax AF 1.7x is really scarce - I'd think long and hard about getting rid of it before you sell it.
11-13-2012, 05:54 PM   #3
Pentaxian
SpecialK's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: So California
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 16,479
I would keep the 12-24, 31, 43, 77, and DA 300.

I have no experience with the A, F, K or M lenses :-)
11-13-2012, 05:55 PM   #4
Administrator
Site Webmaster
Adam's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Arizona
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 51,584
Normally I'd say get rid of all your APS-C lenses, but since most of your stuff is full-frame, you don't have that much cleaning up to do If it were my choice, I would eliminate 2, 4, 8, 12, 14, and 17, as they're mostly redundant in your lineup.

QuoteOriginally posted by yen800 Quote
since I rarely take macro shots and I am planning to upgrade the telephoto to FA 200. Is the FA200 better IQ compare to K 200 F2.5? How does it compare to DA 200mm?
My personal impression of the FA* 200/2.8 is that it's got a lot of fringing on digital. I would get the DA* instead.


Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)



PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:
11-13-2012, 06:40 PM   #5
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Lowell Goudge's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Toronto
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 17,869
You have a lot of repetition, and seem to be going for a full AF line up, so I claim first option on the k200/2.5, and a tak 135/2.5, but seriously what do you want to do.

My own setup h 3 distinct kits, an AF zoom kit that are the backbone of my gear, sigma 10-20, tamer on 28-75/2.8 and sigma 70-200/2.8 with sigma 1.4 x and 2x TCs, this is an all round excellent kit for travel, nature etc.

Then I have an M42 kit with 16/2.8, 24/2.5, 28/2.5,35/2, 50/1.4 , 50/4 macro, 55/1.7, 58/2, 85/1.9, 90/2.5 macro, 105/2.8, 135/2.8, 200/3.5, 300/4.5

Then I have a mixed KA and K manual focus kit 8/3.5, 13/2.8, 24/2, 28/2, 35/2, 50/1.4, 85/1.4, 100/4macro, 105/2.8, 135/2.5, 300/4 and 400/5.6

I use M42 and K mounts for my own time when I am not rushed or when I want a different look, plus night shots since all my primes are fast as or faster than my zooms, at any virtually focal length.

Some of the old lenses can still really perform, and are worth it. I went for complete kits to avoid swapping in and out adapters etc.

You would do well to divide your collection into at least AF and MF before you cull the heard
11-14-2012, 06:40 AM   #6
Pentaxian
bdery's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Quebec city, Canada
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 9,352
My humble opinion, if it was me (but your needs may vary):


Sigma 12-24mm EX DG Keep
Bushnell 28mm F2.8 Sell
Pentax FA 31mm MIJ Keep
Pentax DA 40mm XS Silver Sell (except if you like the size)
Pentax FA 43mm MIJ w/ Lead Keep (except if you keep the 40)
Pentax F 50mm F1.7 Keep
Pentax F 50mm F2.8 Macro Sell (I've owned both 50s, and since you have another macro, these are duplicates)
Ricoh Rikenon P 50mm F2 Sell
Pentax M 50m m F1.7 Sell
Pentax FA 77mm MIJ Keep
Pentax DFA 100mm F2.8 Macro Keep
Pentax Takumar 135mm F2.5 Sell
Pentax m42 Super Takumar 135mm F2.5 Sell
Vivitar 135mm F2.8 Sell
Pentax K 200mm F2.5 Keep if you do use it, otherwise sell
Pentax F 300mm F4.5 Keep if you sell the DA, depending on your preference
Pentax DA 300mm F4 Keep if you sell the F, depending on your preference
Pentax mirror adapter Not sure what that is
Pentax AF 1.7x Keep

QuoteOriginally posted by yen800 Quote
Some more debate is that should I sell the F 50mm F1.7? Is there any upgrade I can do on the 50 range?
The only upgrade would be a DA*55, you'd get marginally better IQ, silent AF, WR, but loose some AF speed and get a bigger lens. The F50 f1,7 is a great lens in itself, you can't go wrong with it.

QuoteOriginally posted by yen800 Quote
Is it better to upgrade the 135 range to 135mm F1.8 or go with FA 135mm F2.8?
Do you really need 135 if you have 100? I had a 50 macro and a K135, and replaced both with the 100 macro. I never looked back...

QuoteOriginally posted by yen800 Quote
For the two 300mm, it looks like the DA is producing slightly sharper image, but F* is much much smaller to carry around, has anyone compare these two lenses before?
If the IQ is enough and size is important, keep the F. If IQ is all important, keep the DA...
11-14-2012, 08:32 AM   #7
Veteran Member
msatlas's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 309
Definite keepers:

1. Sigma 12-24mm EX DG
3. Pentax FA 31mm MIJ
5. Pentax FA 43mm MIJ w/ Lead
10. Pentax FA 77mm MIJ

Maybes:

6. Pentax F 50mm F1.7
7.Pentax F 50mm F2.8 Macro
11. Pentax DFA 100mm F2.8 Macro
12. Pentax Takumar 135mm F2.5
13.Pentax m42 Super Takumar 135mm F2.5
15.Pentax K 200mm F2.5
16.Pentax F 300mm F4.5
17.Pentax DA 300mm F4

To answer some of your questions:

2. If you want to upgrade over the F 50/1.7 the main area you can improve is smoothness of bokeh. The F/FA 50/1.4, DA* 55/1.4 or Sigma 50/1.4 could all do this. The DA* 55 would give you some more differentiation above the 43 Limited.

3. I don't think there's any difference optically between the Sigma 12-24 versions so you can probably stand pat with yours.

4. I have the F 135/2.8 which is optically the same as the FA. It's definitely nice, but also prone to purple fringing when using it on bright sunny days. So if you're looking to go AF at 135mm it could be an option if you keep this in mind.

5. This choice comes down to whether you want the absolute smallest lens, or the maybe a bit better image quality w/ SDM.

11-14-2012, 08:39 AM   #8
Veteran Member
slip's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 3,535
I would get rid of all those 50mm (except the macro) and just get a 50mm 1.4

good luck

randy
11-14-2012, 06:13 PM   #9
Senior Member




Join Date: Apr 2011
Photos: Albums
Posts: 186
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Docrwm Quote
Wow, that's some list of what you are thinking of getting rid of. One thing you did not really mention, other than not doing much Macro, is what you do shoot. Also, not to be a spoil sport for some but the Pentax AF 1.7x is really scarce - I'd think long and hard about getting rid of it before you sell it.
I do some scenary, lots of portrait, some concerts, rarely macros and rarely birdings. Since most of the time I only need the range is within 300mm that's why I am thinking of getting rid of the 1.7... but of course it took me quite awhile to obtain this little gem too..
11-14-2012, 06:14 PM   #10
Senior Member




Join Date: Apr 2011
Photos: Albums
Posts: 186
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
I would keep the 12-24, 31, 43, 77, and DA 300.

I have no experience with the A, F, K or M lenses :-)
that's quite similar to what I am thinking too... Thanks for the input!
11-14-2012, 06:20 PM   #11
Veteran Member
Docrwm's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Somewhere in the Southern US
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 12,285
QuoteOriginally posted by yen800 Quote
I do some scenary, lots of portrait, some concerts, rarely macros and rarely birdings. Since most of the time I only need the range is within 300mm that's why I am thinking of getting rid of the 1.7... but of course it took me quite awhile to obtain this little gem too..
Ah, well that makes perfect sense. With your interests the choices seem clearer and the 1.7 really isn't a plus for any of those, except the rare birding.
11-14-2012, 06:59 PM   #12
Senior Member




Join Date: Apr 2011
Photos: Albums
Posts: 186
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
Normally I'd say get rid of all your APS-C lenses, but since most of your stuff is full-frame, you don't have that much cleaning up to do If it were my choice, I would eliminate 2, 4, 8, 12, 14, and 17, as they're mostly redundant in your lineup.



My personal impression of the FA* 200/2.8 is that it's got a lot of fringing on digital. I would get the DA* instead.

Thanks Adam! just wondering do you have any impression/comparison between the F* 300mm and DA* 300mm as well? is the FA 300mm F2.8 worth the upgrade? and what about the FA 200mm Macro compare to DA* 200mm?
11-14-2012, 07:06 PM   #13
Senior Member




Join Date: Apr 2011
Photos: Albums
Posts: 186
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by bdery Quote
My humble opinion, if it was me (but your needs may vary):


Sigma 12-24mm EX DG Keep
Bushnell 28mm F2.8 Sell
Pentax FA 31mm MIJ Keep
Pentax DA 40mm XS Silver Sell (except if you like the size)
Pentax FA 43mm MIJ w/ Lead Keep (except if you keep the 40)
Pentax F 50mm F1.7 Keep
Pentax F 50mm F2.8 Macro Sell (I've owned both 50s, and since you have another macro, these are duplicates)
Ricoh Rikenon P 50mm F2 Sell
Pentax M 50m m F1.7 Sell
Pentax FA 77mm MIJ Keep
Pentax DFA 100mm F2.8 Macro Keep
Pentax Takumar 135mm F2.5 Sell
Pentax m42 Super Takumar 135mm F2.5 Sell
Vivitar 135mm F2.8 Sell
Pentax K 200mm F2.5 Keep if you do use it, otherwise sell
Pentax F 300mm F4.5 Keep if you sell the DA, depending on your preference
Pentax DA 300mm F4 Keep if you sell the F, depending on your preference
Pentax mirror adapter Not sure what that is
Pentax AF 1.7x Keep



The only upgrade would be a DA*55, you'd get marginally better IQ, silent AF, WR, but loose some AF speed and get a bigger lens. The F50 f1,7 is a great lens in itself, you can't go wrong with it.



Do you really need 135 if you have 100? I had a 50 macro and a K135, and replaced both with the 100 macro. I never looked back...



If the IQ is enough and size is important, keep the F. If IQ is all important, keep the DA...
Thanks for your input, I guess I should stick with F50 f1.7...
which 100 macro do you have? I am somewhat not impressed with the DFA macro as it is way too slow (probably due to the missing range limiter), I have read it somewhere that macro photographer may want to keep both 50 and 100 macro though, that's why I bought the 50mm but I found out at 50mm I normally shoot portrait anyways... it's too close for product shots... and since 50 and 100 macro are both 1:1, I probably don't need 2 macro lenses...
I haven't done any pixel comparison between the F* and the DA*, but just a simple "on-the-tripod" comparison, and it seems DA is slightly sharper, even though F has ED element...
11-14-2012, 07:12 PM   #14
Senior Member




Join Date: Apr 2011
Photos: Albums
Posts: 186
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by msatlas Quote
Definite keepers:

1. Sigma 12-24mm EX DG
3. Pentax FA 31mm MIJ
5. Pentax FA 43mm MIJ w/ Lead
10. Pentax FA 77mm MIJ

Maybes:

6. Pentax F 50mm F1.7
7.Pentax F 50mm F2.8 Macro
11. Pentax DFA 100mm F2.8 Macro
12. Pentax Takumar 135mm F2.5
13.Pentax m42 Super Takumar 135mm F2.5
15.Pentax K 200mm F2.5
16.Pentax F 300mm F4.5
17.Pentax DA 300mm F4

To answer some of your questions:

2. If you want to upgrade over the F 50/1.7 the main area you can improve is smoothness of bokeh. The F/FA 50/1.4, DA* 55/1.4 or Sigma 50/1.4 could all do this. The DA* 55 would give you some more differentiation above the 43 Limited.

3. I don't think there's any difference optically between the Sigma 12-24 versions so you can probably stand pat with yours.

4. I have the F 135/2.8 which is optically the same as the FA. It's definitely nice, but also prone to purple fringing when using it on bright sunny days. So if you're looking to go AF at 135mm it could be an option if you keep this in mind.

5. This choice comes down to whether you want the absolute smallest lens, or the maybe a bit better image quality w/ SDM.
I mainly do consider IQ to be an upgrade, is the DA* 55 giving better resolution on digital than 43mm? 55 is an even better portrait lens when it is being used on aps-c as well..

sounds great that I can keep the 12-24! I definitely love it on films and will sure want to be able to use it on FF pentax digital...

I have heard the 135/2.8 is a superb lens, great IQ, fast focusing, and on aps-c it would be great for a small telephoto for concert shots as well, that's why I am considering it, since most of them are indoors so I don't need to care about bright sunny days.. I suppose...

I have seen few samples on F300 which look fantastic.. that's why I bought the F300 initially, pending for testing to see if the DA is really better though..
11-14-2012, 07:15 PM   #15
Senior Member




Join Date: Apr 2011
Photos: Albums
Posts: 186
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by slip Quote
I would get rid of all those 50mm (except the macro) and just get a 50mm 1.4

good luck

randy
why all 50mm except for macro though? I have heard the F1.7 is better than the 50/1.4 wide open at 1.7, never used the 1.4 so I can't comment on that part...
I have only seen samples comparing different 100 macro but not 50 macro, so I am trying to convince myself I only need 1 macro!
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
135mm, 300mm, 50mm, da, f2.5, f2.8, fa, k-mount, macro, pentax, pentax lens, slr lens, upgrade
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ricoh GRD (any flavour): come on down! kyteflyer Ricoh GR 156 02-08-2020 08:18 PM
Super Takumar Pentax Lenses Collection southlander Pentax Price Watch 4 10-25-2012 09:35 AM
sf1/sfx reflex lense/mirror is sprung in the up position and wont come down noahsark6454 Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 12 02-16-2011 01:45 AM
Sports Down we come Elva Post Your Photos! 2 07-19-2010 03:24 AM
Landscape looking down upon half dome mapleneckblues Photo Critique 6 06-21-2010 11:00 PM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:55 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top