Lense ?

Cvrn · 03-06-2008, 03:19 PM

What are all the different numbers and * symbols meaning as for quality and how do they rank?

Sorry I am a rookie at this still

**Canada_Rockies** · 03-06-2008, 03:33 PM

Here is a brief list.

M42 or S/M is screw mount lenses. They go on K mount cameras with an adapter.
K lenses, are not labeled K. They are manual focus and manual aperture.
M lenses are the same as K, but generally smaller
M* lenses are "pro" quality, with a price to match.
A lenses have an A setting on the aperture ring - you can set it in the camera
A* lenses are "pro" quality, with a price to matdh.
F lenses are autofocus
F* I do not believe ever existed
FA lenses are autofocus
FA* the expensive version again
FA-J lenses are autofocus, but have no f/stop ring. Only late cameras can use them
D-FA lenses have the digital coatings, but cover a full 35 mm frame. No aperture ring.
DA lenses don't cover the 35 mm frame, only the APS-C sized sensors. No aperture ring.
DA* lenses are weatherproof, and pro quality and expensive. No aperture ring.

Cvrn · 03-06-2008, 06:39 PM

WOW! Thanks Canada Rockies=)

A sigma 50-500 would be considered What?...... Awesome glass, good glass, ok glass ?

Is * glass the best money can buy?

How does Sigma compare to Pentax stuff?

I was going to upgrade my K10 but am finding out I need more lenses, and better lenses.

**Canada_Rockies** · 03-06-2008, 09:50 PM

Originally posted by Cvrn

WOW! Thanks Canada Rockies=)

A sigma 50-500 would be considered What?...... Awesome glass, good glass, ok glass ?

Is * glass the best money can buy?

How does Sigma compare to Pentax stuff?

I was going to upgrade my K10 but am finding out I need more lenses, and better lenses.

I had a bad experience with a Sigma 170-500 that I found overly soft, and went back to the Pentax prime 400/5.6. I've pretty well settled on using Primes for long lenses. All the looking around I have done has indicated that the long zooms still tend to be a bit softer than the primes.

My LBA is aimed at DA* lenses. I am very, very happy with the two I have.

03-06-2008, 03:19 PM	#1
Cvrn Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Utah Photos: Gallery Posts: 17	Lense ? What are all the different numbers and * symbols meaning as for quality and how do they rank? Sorry I am a rookie at this still

03-06-2008, 03:33 PM	#2
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	What the heck are all those letters anyway? Here is a brief list. M42 or S/M is screw mount lenses. They go on K mount cameras with an adapter. K lenses, are not labeled K. They are manual focus and manual aperture. M lenses are the same as K, but generally smaller M* lenses are "pro" quality, with a price to match. A lenses have an A setting on the aperture ring - you can set it in the camera A* lenses are "pro" quality, with a price to matdh. F lenses are autofocus F* I do not believe ever existed FA lenses are autofocus FA* the expensive version again FA-J lenses are autofocus, but have no f/stop ring. Only late cameras can use them D-FA lenses have the digital coatings, but cover a full 35 mm frame. No aperture ring. DA lenses don't cover the 35 mm frame, only the APS-C sized sensors. No aperture ring. DA* lenses are weatherproof, and pro quality and expensive. No aperture ring. Last edited by Canada_Rockies; 03-06-2008 at 03:35 PM. Reason: DA aperture ring comment

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Which Lense for the K-7	SimoneDice	Pentax DSLR Discussion	15	09-26-2009 03:44 AM
Noob Question Difference Between a Lense That Does Macro & A True Macro Lense	Christopher M.W.T	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	16	07-19-2009 12:20 AM
Lense help.. I don't know what these are..	Orli	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	18	04-09-2009 08:01 PM
what lense is better	CarlCanary	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	10-23-2007 10:43 AM
M-50 F 1.4 lense	Stewart Minnis	Pentax DSLR Discussion	13	08-15-2007 09:56 PM

03-06-2008, 06:39 PM	#3
Cvrn Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Utah Photos: Gallery Posts: 17 Original Poster	WOW! Thanks Canada Rockies=) A sigma 50-500 would be considered What?...... Awesome glass, good glass, ok glass ? Is * glass the best money can buy? How does Sigma compare to Pentax stuff? I was going to upgrade my K10 but am finding out I need more lenses, and better lenses.

03-06-2008, 09:50 PM	#4
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by Cvrn WOW! Thanks Canada Rockies=) A sigma 50-500 would be considered What?...... Awesome glass, good glass, ok glass ? Is * glass the best money can buy? How does Sigma compare to Pentax stuff? I was going to upgrade my K10 but am finding out I need more lenses, and better lenses. I had a bad experience with a Sigma 170-500 that I found overly soft, and went back to the Pentax prime 400/5.6. I've pretty well settled on using Primes for long lenses. All the looking around I have done has indicated that the long zooms still tend to be a bit softer than the primes. My LBA is aimed at DA* lenses. I am very, very happy with the two I have.