Best fast prime lens for under $500?

jaytee · 02-10-2013, 06:19 PM

I would also vote for the 40 limited, the picture quality is really quite amazing. The auto focus is fast and it has quick shift which can be very handy. It's very small and light even with the hood on (which I never take off) Again the IQ will spoil you for other glass !

Mlcinema · 02-11-2013, 07:22 AM

Originally posted by jaytee

I would also vote for the 40 limited, the picture quality is really quite amazing. The auto focus is fast and it has quick shift which can be very handy. It's very small and light even with the hood on (which I never take off) Again the IQ will spoil you for other glass !

Are you talking the 40mm the 43mm or something different?

**mike.hiran** · 02-11-2013, 07:23 AM

for $500, you could get the Sigma 30 1.4 and the Pentax DA50 1.8! You might be $40 over, but close enough... that's what I'd do if I had $500 to spend on primes.

**RKKS08** · 02-11-2013, 08:17 AM

My preferences to meet the conditions of the OP could only be met by the combination of 2 lenses, which both are (sadly) out of production:
F/FA 1.7/50 or F/FA 1.4/50
and
FA* 2/24
You may have to wait quite a while for a decent FA* 2/24 not to exceed the $500 limit.
Alternatively, a F/FA 2.8/28 instead of the 24mm would easily be cheap enough. But I think 28mm maybe not wide enough for universal landscape shooting on APS-C.

Na Horuk · 02-11-2013, 08:29 AM

Originally posted by RKKS08

My preferences to meet the conditions of the OP could only be met by the combination of 2 lenses, which both are (sadly) out of production: F/FA 1.7/50 or F/FA 1.4/50

Are you sure the FA 50mm f1.4 is out of production? You can still find it sold as new online

**RKKS08** · 02-11-2013, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Are you sure the FA 50mm f1.4 is out of production? You can still find it sold as new online

You maybe right. I wrote my post from memory, without looking it up.

kaiserz · 02-11-2013, 10:07 AM

Originally posted by Mlcinema

Ya, now I'm leaning towards a 35mm. Decisions are hard.

Here's what I can tell you. I had the 35 2.4 and it was an awesome piece of glass; It also would not break the bank. Right now it is retailing for 170 - 190, you can find it cheaper second hand. I also have the DA 40xs which is very similar to the DA 40 limited, it goes for 140 - 160 second hand. It's an awesome pancake lens, In all honesty if I were in your position I would not get the DA 40 limited but would just settle for the 40xs cause it's way cheaper and yields the same IQ as the DA 40 limited(And I love the bokeh highlight rendering of the 40xs).

But here's what I'm gonna do if I'm in your situation. I would get the DA 35 2.4 and the DA 50 1.8, roughly they will cost you under 400. I will then save-up for the DA15 limited. To me the DA limited is one of the reason I'm still a pentaxian and not a nikon guy. IMO there's just no other lens out there that can match that lil gem.

DA 15 is known to be an awesome landscape lens.
DA 35 2.4 Plastic fantastic is an awesome "Coffee shop lens". Meaning it's a good indoor focal length for the not so tight spaces.
DA 50 I think would be an awesome portrait lens.

Good luck.

GeneV · 02-12-2013, 06:19 AM

Originally posted by Mlcinema

Ya, now I'm leaning towards a 35mm. Decisions are hard.

Do you have the kit lens that came with the camera? Go back and look at how many shots you are taking at different focal lengths covered by the DA18-55.

You can get within your price range with a fast, high quality prime with an FA35, DA35, DA40, FA43, DA50 or FA50. You will be happy with the quality of any of those. Only you can decide which FL you use most. I'm now in a phase favoring a manual 28/2 and the FA50/1.4, but I don't think I, personally, would pick either of them as my only lens. I have gone through years where either the 35 or the ~40 was the sweet spot, but I tend to think the 35 is my most used all round FL for a prime. However, see what you have favored before you pick, especially if funds are tight.

**lmd91343** · 02-12-2013, 10:34 AM

There are many if you consider new and used lenses. Pentax has several very good to outstanding fast prime lenses for less than $500 that I have:

FA 50/1.4 $350
FA 35/2.0. $400
Tak M42 85/1.8 used only
Tak M42 50/1.4 used only
Tak M42 55/1.8 used only
Tak M42 55/2.0 used only
K mount "M" 50/1.4 used only
K mount "M" 50/1.7 used only

So-so Pentax lenses:
Tak M42 35/2.0
K mount "M" 50/2.0

By "Tak" I mean "Super Multi Coated Takumar" or "Super Takumar".

**savoche** · 02-12-2013, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by kaiserz

But here's what I'm gonna do if I'm in your situation. I would get the DA 35 2.4 and the DA 50 1.8, roughly they will cost you under 400. I will then save-up for the DA15 limited. To me the DA limited is one of the reason I'm still a pentaxian and not a nikon guy. IMO there's just no other lens out there that can match that lil gem.

DA 15 is known to be an awesome landscape lens.
DA 35 2.4 Plastic fantastic is an awesome "Coffee shop lens". Meaning it's a good indoor focal length for the not so tight spaces.
DA 50 I think would be an awesome portrait lens.

I'm with kaiserz here. The 35 is an excellent allrounder. The 50 might be better for portraits. And (later) the 15 is really, really nice - if you get to like wide lenses, that is. I do, but it's not for everyone.

jaytee · 02-12-2013, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by Mlcinema

Are you talking the 40mm the 43mm or something different?

SMC Pentax-DA 1:2.8 40mm Limited ...pancake : ) That 40 limited. It's a great lens at a low price!

**cheekygeek** · 02-12-2013, 03:55 PM

I know you said you have to have autofocus, but I really HIGHLY recommend snagging yourself a Pentax-A 50mm f1.7 (less than $100) for your portraits. You want something wider for landscapes.
For autofocus:
I have (and love) both the Sigma EX 10-20mm f4-5.6 (example of landscapes):

And the Sigma EX 28mm f1.8 (which can also deliver that super shallow DOF)

The 28mm f1.8 cost me $299 and I bought the 10-20mm used for $350. (Either one plus the A50 would still be less than $500)

joe.penn · 02-12-2013, 04:27 PM

@cheekygeek brought up a good lens, the Siggy 28mm 1.8 EX - fabulous lens, I recently sold mine but do miss it, I actually sold a Siggy 30mm 1.4 when I got the 28mm, always felt the 28 delivered in more ways the 30 did for me. As an added bonus, the 28mm can be used for wide angle macro work, it focuses extremely close...

Mlcinema · 02-13-2013, 08:12 AM

Originally posted by jaytee

SMC Pentax-DA 1:2.8 40mm Limited ...pancake : ) That 40 limited. It's a great lens at a low price!

OK, thank you.

Mlcinema · 02-13-2013, 08:14 AM

Originally posted by cheekygeek

I know you said you have to have autofocus, but I really HIGHLY recommend snagging yourself a Pentax-A 50mm f1.7 (less than $100) for your portraits. You want something wider for landscapes.
For autofocus:
I have (and love) both the Sigma EX 10-20mm f4-5.6 (example of landscapes):

And the Sigma EX 28mm f1.8 (which can also deliver that super shallow DOF)

The 28mm f1.8 cost me $299 and I bought the 10-20mm used for $350. (Either one plus the A50 would still be less than $500)

Nice photos.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Fast, fast focusing 30-35mm prime? For dance photography	Pheo	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	22	11-02-2012 07:57 AM
Fast prime lens (35/40/50mm) for Pentax K-30	sena	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	17	10-10-2012 10:12 PM
best 18-50-ish standard zoom under $500 used	CPTenorII	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	14	09-10-2012 05:09 PM
Recomendations for an economical fast legacy prime lens for video	Wayne77	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	20	02-21-2012 07:59 AM

02-10-2013, 06:19 PM	#31
jaytee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: tucson,az Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 255	I would also vote for the 40 limited, the picture quality is really quite amazing. The auto focus is fast and it has quick shift which can be very handy. It's very small and light even with the hood on (which I never take off) Again the IQ will spoil you for other glass !

02-11-2013, 07:22 AM	#32
Mlcinema Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 109 Original Poster	Originally posted by jaytee I would also vote for the 40 limited, the picture quality is really quite amazing. The auto focus is fast and it has quick shift which can be very handy. It's very small and light even with the hood on (which I never take off) Again the IQ will spoil you for other glass ! Are you talking the 40mm the 43mm or something different?

02-11-2013, 07:23 AM	#33
mike.hiran Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: portland Photos: Albums Posts: 1,491	for $500, you could get the Sigma 30 1.4 and the Pentax DA50 1.8! You might be $40 over, but close enough... that's what I'd do if I had $500 to spend on primes.

02-11-2013, 08:17 AM	#34
RKKS08 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main Posts: 1,241	My preferences to meet the conditions of the OP could only be met by the combination of 2 lenses, which both are (sadly) out of production: F/FA 1.7/50 or F/FA 1.4/50 and FA* 2/24 You may have to wait quite a while for a decent FA* 2/24 not to exceed the $500 limit. Alternatively, a F/FA 2.8/28 instead of the 24mm would easily be cheap enough. But I think 28mm maybe not wide enough for universal landscape shooting on APS-C.

02-11-2013, 08:29 AM	#35
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Originally posted by RKKS08 My preferences to meet the conditions of the OP could only be met by the combination of 2 lenses, which both are (sadly) out of production: F/FA 1.7/50 or F/FA 1.4/50 Are you sure the FA 50mm f1.4 is out of production? You can still find it sold as new online

02-11-2013, 08:40 AM	#36
RKKS08 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main Posts: 1,241	Originally posted by Na Horuk Are you sure the FA 50mm f1.4 is out of production? You can still find it sold as new online You maybe right. I wrote my post from memory, without looking it up.

02-11-2013, 10:07 AM	#37
kaiserz Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NoVa The "burg" Photos: Gallery Posts: 899	Originally posted by Mlcinema Ya, now I'm leaning towards a 35mm. Decisions are hard. Here's what I can tell you. I had the 35 2.4 and it was an awesome piece of glass; It also would not break the bank. Right now it is retailing for 170 - 190, you can find it cheaper second hand. I also have the DA 40xs which is very similar to the DA 40 limited, it goes for 140 - 160 second hand. It's an awesome pancake lens, In all honesty if I were in your position I would not get the DA 40 limited but would just settle for the 40xs cause it's way cheaper and yields the same IQ as the DA 40 limited(And I love the bokeh highlight rendering of the 40xs). But here's what I'm gonna do if I'm in your situation. I would get the DA 35 2.4 and the DA 50 1.8, roughly they will cost you under 400. I will then save-up for the DA15 limited. To me the DA limited is one of the reason I'm still a pentaxian and not a nikon guy. IMO there's just no other lens out there that can match that lil gem. DA 15 is known to be an awesome landscape lens. DA 35 2.4 Plastic fantastic is an awesome "Coffee shop lens". Meaning it's a good indoor focal length for the not so tight spaces. DA 50 I think would be an awesome portrait lens. Good luck.

02-12-2013, 06:19 AM	#38
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by Mlcinema Ya, now I'm leaning towards a 35mm. Decisions are hard. Do you have the kit lens that came with the camera? Go back and look at how many shots you are taking at different focal lengths covered by the DA18-55. You can get within your price range with a fast, high quality prime with an FA35, DA35, DA40, FA43, DA50 or FA50. You will be happy with the quality of any of those. Only you can decide which FL you use most. I'm now in a phase favoring a manual 28/2 and the FA50/1.4, but I don't think I, personally, would pick either of them as my only lens. I have gone through years where either the 35 or the ~40 was the sweet spot, but I tend to think the 35 is my most used all round FL for a prime. However, see what you have favored before you pick, especially if funds are tight.

02-12-2013, 10:34 AM	#39
lmd91343 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,027	There are many if you consider new and used lenses. Pentax has several very good to outstanding fast prime lenses for less than $500 that I have: FA 50/1.4 $350 FA 35/2.0. $400 Tak M42 85/1.8 used only Tak M42 50/1.4 used only Tak M42 55/1.8 used only Tak M42 55/2.0 used only K mount "M" 50/1.4 used only K mount "M" 50/1.7 used only So-so Pentax lenses: Tak M42 35/2.0 K mount "M" 50/2.0 By "Tak" I mean "Super Multi Coated Takumar" or "Super Takumar".

02-12-2013, 01:22 PM	#40
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Originally posted by kaiserz But here's what I'm gonna do if I'm in your situation. I would get the DA 35 2.4 and the DA 50 1.8, roughly they will cost you under 400. I will then save-up for the DA15 limited. To me the DA limited is one of the reason I'm still a pentaxian and not a nikon guy. IMO there's just no other lens out there that can match that lil gem. DA 15 is known to be an awesome landscape lens. DA 35 2.4 Plastic fantastic is an awesome "Coffee shop lens". Meaning it's a good indoor focal length for the not so tight spaces. DA 50 I think would be an awesome portrait lens. I'm with kaiserz here. The 35 is an excellent allrounder. The 50 might be better for portraits. And (later) the 15 is really, really nice - if you get to like wide lenses, that is. I do, but it's not for everyone.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

02-12-2013, 01:39 PM	#41
jaytee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: tucson,az Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 255	Originally posted by Mlcinema Are you talking the 40mm the 43mm or something different? SMC Pentax-DA 1:2.8 40mm Limited ...pancake : ) That 40 limited. It's a great lens at a low price!

02-12-2013, 03:55 PM	#42
cheekygeek Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kearney, Nebraska USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,261	I know you said you have to have autofocus, but I really HIGHLY recommend snagging yourself a Pentax-A 50mm f1.7 (less than $100) for your portraits. You want something wider for landscapes. For autofocus: I have (and love) both the Sigma EX 10-20mm f4-5.6 (example of landscapes): And the Sigma EX 28mm f1.8 (which can also deliver that super shallow DOF) The 28mm f1.8 cost me $299 and I bought the 10-20mm used for $350. (Either one plus the A50 would still be less than $500)

02-12-2013, 04:27 PM	#43
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	@cheekygeek brought up a good lens, the Siggy 28mm 1.8 EX - fabulous lens, I recently sold mine but do miss it, I actually sold a Siggy 30mm 1.4 when I got the 28mm, always felt the 28 delivered in more ways the 30 did for me. As an added bonus, the 28mm can be used for wide angle macro work, it focuses extremely close...

02-13-2013, 08:12 AM	#44
Mlcinema Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 109 Original Poster	Originally posted by jaytee SMC Pentax-DA 1:2.8 40mm Limited ...pancake : ) That 40 limited. It's a great lens at a low price! OK, thank you.

02-13-2013, 08:14 AM	#45
Mlcinema Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 109 Original Poster	Originally posted by cheekygeek I know you said you have to have autofocus, but I really HIGHLY recommend snagging yourself a Pentax-A 50mm f1.7 (less than $100) for your portraits. You want something wider for landscapes. For autofocus: I have (and love) both the Sigma EX 10-20mm f4-5.6 (example of landscapes): And the Sigma EX 28mm f1.8 (which can also deliver that super shallow DOF) The 28mm f1.8 cost me $299 and I bought the 10-20mm used for $350. (Either one plus the A50 would still be less than $500) Nice photos.