Originally posted by Saxplayer1004 This has been discussed a bit before, but time for a new one.
Here's the rules.
Choose whichever lenses you feel would be "perfect" for you. If you're one to have a whole slew of lenses and tote them all around, list them. If you're like me and want a small group, then good too.
Lenses don't have to be K-mount only. This can discuss lenses that you wish Pentax had an equivalent, or tweaks to existing lenses.
Here's mine.
WA- I wish pentax had an equivalent of Canon or Nikons 16-35/2.8. They're IF and IZ, which is what really sells it for me. I wish the Canon had the 77mm filter size of the first version, but oh well. Unfortunately our 16-50 doesn't have IZ which is a turn off for me if I want to take it hiking or whatever. I don't like external moving parts. I know you can't get a zoom with that big of a reach to IZ, which is why I'm ok with taking an IZ zoom with smaller reach and a 50mm prime to cover the middle ground.
Nifty Fifty- DFA 50mm. This the 50mm that I take with me, mainly because of Macro. I wish it was WR, but beggars can't be choosers. I go this with my k10d for a really good price a few years ago and it has stayed with me since day 1.
Tokina ATX-Pro 828. Love this lens, hate the AF/MF clutch that Tokina uses. If pentax had a WR version of this lens with quick-shift and SDM I'd ditch the Tokina. Until then, this keeps up with the CaNikon options, and is more useful for me than the 50-135 with the extra reach. Also has FF options and gets used on film every once in a while.
Long lens- Nikon 200-400/4 with mods. My dream lens is still the Pentax 250-600, but the odds of ever finding one are next to nil, and if Pentax released a 200-500/4 with WR and SDM I think it would sell like hotcakes
So that's my list. The WA zoom would be good for most running around options with one lens, and I love nature photography and the long lens is good for that. Long lens would only come out as needed. Right now I'm wide angle-less and I don't like it. My 16-50 was stolen, so I only have the 50 and the Tokina right now. Would buy a new 16-50 but I'm waiting to see what comes out this year. I unfortunately sold my kit lens when I sold my K10d, and the K5 I bought didn't have a kit lens. I can't see spending any money on any more non WR lenses since I'm outside all the time.
The 18-135 is still a contender as a walk-around, but only if it basically falls into my lap. Would have to get a killer deal on it, and likely with a new body in order to justify the $400 price of it. I like the lens, and will be purchasing it if I don't like the new DA* option that comes out or the new DA wide.
What's your dream lens kit like?
I'm going to list the ones I have and the ones I wish I had:
Have:
16-45mm f4 - This lens allows me to go Super Wide angle without breaking the bank. Plus it's versatile. CONS; Noisy, not WR, limited range
20-40mm f2.8-4 - Just got this one so I can't say much other than its quiet, WR, sharp, great Pentax colors. CONS; extreme limited range, red Canon-like ring, expensive
35 mm Macro f2.8 - Clinically sharp across the frame, compact, well built and you can do Macro. CONS; you really have to get close to do Macro. great for close-ups, colors especially blue bleed slightly at high ISO.
50 mm f1.8 - Fast , relatively good picture quality, cheap, compact, no big deal if it gets stolen or dropped. CONS; Missing that WOW factor
77mm f1.8 - Fast great picture quality well built, no need to say more. CONS; Noisy , expensive.
100mm f2.8 Macro - Fast, well built, looks good, WR and Macro. CONS; You need to pre manual focus a lot
31mm f1.8 - It's in the mail so I can't comment. CONS; unbelievably expensive !
Wish I had:
50mm f2.8 Macro - 100mm is to long, 35mm is too short, 50mm is just about right for Macro.
17-70mm f4 - A little bit more reach than 16-45mm , makes a great travel lens.
200 f2.8 SDM - Nice quiet, perfect for sports and special events like weddings.
18-135mm f3.5-5.6 - Great for travel, WR, relatively cheap, relatively compact .