Looking for a "general" prime

pentax_sam · 11-03-2013, 05:37 PM

Also, this coming summer, I will be taking my K5 on a 100+ mile, 10 day backpacking trip (Philmont) in the Northern New Mexican backcountry. I'm not sure if I would want to take my 18-135 only, with something else, or leave it and take something else instead. I want to keep my camera load as small/light as possible, since I'll already be hauling around about 60lbs of gear/food/water.

Adam · 11-03-2013, 05:57 PM

Originally posted by pentax_sam

Hey guys,

I currently own a K5, DA18-135mm, and a SMC-A 50mm f/2. I've been really wanting a nice "overall" prime lens. I've been eyeing a DA Limited 35mm f/2.8 macro, but it is a lot of money. Also, I really like FAST lenses. Some m42 lenses have caught my eye, like the Takumar 35mm f/2... but I'm afraid the IQ wouldn't be as good as the Limited lens.

The FA 31mm F/1.8 is what I'd really want.. but of course, it's over a grand, and I don't really want to spend more than $400. If there's anything similar to it for a cheaper price, I'd be fangirling.
Anyway, shoot me some suggestions! I know there are always some old gems out there, but at this point the 35mm f/2.8 limited is the best option it seems, although it's a bit too slow by my standards.

Thanks!

Sigma 35mm F1.4 perhaps? Big, but fantastic

The 35mm macro is also a great choice, but it's slow to AF with the K-5, especially in live view mode.

**ivanvernon** · 11-03-2013, 06:26 PM

I just want to second the suggestion about the Sigma 30 mm f 1.4. I bought this lens as a "vaccination" against the Pentax FA 31 Limited and have not been at all sorry. This fast lens lets you take great photos with surprisingly low light. I am sure the lens IQ does not equal the 31 Limited, but on the other hand you can get a new copy for around $400 instead of $1,200+ for the 31 limited.

Andrew Farnsworth · 11-03-2013, 07:09 PM

I recently bought a Pentax M 28 mm f 2.8 off another forum member and I have to say that I like this focal length compared to my other primes. I wish Pentax Ricoh would release a contemporary version of this Lens, but they haven't , so the Sigma 30 mm f1.4 as mentioned in the above posts might be the closest substitute.

Drake Avenue · 11-03-2013, 07:23 PM

Another vote for the Sigma 30mm f1.4. Very usable at f1.4, the corners are average but the center of the frame can be outstanding. Stopped down, sharp across the frame.

johnyates · 11-03-2013, 07:38 PM

There seem to be a fair number of FA 35mm f/2 about these days. They tend to go for ~$300 or so.

pentax_sam · 11-03-2013, 08:34 PM

Is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 "contrasty"? That's kind of what I'm looking for.

carrrlangas · 11-03-2013, 08:50 PM

Originally posted by pentax_sam

Also, this coming summer, I will be taking my K5 on a 100+ mile, 10 day backpacking trip (Philmont) in the Northern New Mexican backcountry. I'm not sure if I would want to take my 18-135 only, with something else, or leave it and take something else instead. I want to keep my camera load as small/light as possible, since I'll already be hauling around about 60lbs of gear/food/water.

I did a 6Km high trecking last summer and at the time I took the 18-55WR + F28/2.8 and F50/1.7. Very difficult to find time to swap lenses because of the altitude. But during the night time F28 and F50 were very useful. Mostly because of fast aperture and very usable wide open, so don´t overlook that.
If I were to do it again, I´ll take DA16-50, DA21, DA40, DA70 (because they are weightless) F50 for low light and DA55-300

**Just1MoreDave** · 11-03-2013, 09:02 PM

I sold a Takumar 35mm f2 and a Pentax-M 35mm f2 to get an FA 35mm f2. It is a lot better than the older lenses, fast, compact, and very useful. It doesn't have Limited build, quick shift or macro.

fun size nick · 11-03-2013, 09:41 PM

Adam, with respect, you're recommending a lens that costs more than double what the OP said they were willing to spend!

I'm surprised at the lack of love the DA35/2.4 has gotten on this thread...seriously worth considering over the 35Ltd if you aren't specifically after a macro lens. Fantastic IQ, inexpensive, small, light weight and quicker AF.

Joojoo2010 · 11-04-2013, 05:20 AM

Originally posted by pentax_sam

Is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 "contrasty"? That's kind of what I'm looking for.

Yes, mine have morecontrast that other lenses. Best IQ lens i have, i have around 20 lenses. Very nice colors. Good fixed walkaround lens for me.

Colbyt · 11-04-2013, 06:15 AM

Originally posted by fun size nick

Adam, with respect, you're recommending a lens that costs more than double what the OP said they were willing to spend!

I'm surprised at the lack of love the DA35/2.4 has gotten on this thread...seriously worth considering over the 35Ltd if you aren't specifically after a macro lens. Fantastic IQ, inexpensive, small, light weight and quicker AF.

Do you consider 2.4 fast?

Honestly, I don't. And, like you said it isn't macro.

richmondthefish · 11-04-2013, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by Adam

Sigma 35mm F1.4 perhaps? Big, but fantastic

The 35mm macro is also a great choice, but it's slow to AF with the K-5, especially in live view mode.

After reading your review that is too big for walkaround

HSV · 11-04-2013, 09:02 AM

Going a tiny bit off topic here...

How does the Sigma 30 1.4 compare with the FA31? What are the advantages/disadvatanges of each?

I'd like to take either one of these to a wedding next weekend, to compliment my 50-135. I have sort of tried to do with the DA35, but it's slightly too long...but my other wider primes are the DA21 and DA15, both which are decent, but I'm not confident enough with them to use indoors. The other choice would be my Tokina AT-X Pro 28-70 version II.

Any help on this topic will be appreciated.

pentax_sam · 11-04-2013, 09:09 AM

Originally posted by HSV

Going a tiny bit off topic here...

How does the Sigma 30 1.4 compare with the FA31? What are the advantages/disadvatanges of each?

Well, first off, it's plastic, looks cheap, build quality is cheap in comparison to the beautiful FA31. I've heard that the Sigma is a little soft in the corners. If I were to consider the DA 35mm f/2.4, I'd probably just go ahead and get the 35mm f/2.8 Ltd. I hate plastic. Metal makes me very happy.

11-03-2013, 05:57 PM	#17
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by pentax_sam Hey guys, I currently own a K5, DA18-135mm, and a SMC-A 50mm f/2. I've been really wanting a nice "overall" prime lens. I've been eyeing a DA Limited 35mm f/2.8 macro, but it is a lot of money. Also, I really like FAST lenses. Some m42 lenses have caught my eye, like the Takumar 35mm f/2... but I'm afraid the IQ wouldn't be as good as the Limited lens. The FA 31mm F/1.8 is what I'd really want.. but of course, it's over a grand, and I don't really want to spend more than $400. If there's anything similar to it for a cheaper price, I'd be fangirling. Anyway, shoot me some suggestions! I know there are always some old gems out there, but at this point the 35mm f/2.8 limited is the best option it seems, although it's a bit too slow by my standards. Thanks! Sigma 35mm F1.4 perhaps? Big, but fantastic The 35mm macro is also a great choice, but it's slow to AF with the K-5, especially in live view mode. 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:

11-03-2013, 06:26 PM	#18
ivanvernon Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Medina, OH Photos: Albums Posts: 7,224	Sigma 30 mm f 1.4 I just want to second the suggestion about the Sigma 30 mm f 1.4. I bought this lens as a "vaccination" against the Pentax FA 31 Limited and have not been at all sorry. This fast lens lets you take great photos with surprisingly low light. I am sure the lens IQ does not equal the 31 Limited, but on the other hand you can get a new copy for around $400 instead of $1,200+ for the 31 limited.

11-03-2013, 09:41 PM	#25
fun size nick Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Beijing, China Photos: Gallery Posts: 27	Adam, with respect, you're recommending a lens that costs more than double what the OP said they were willing to spend! I'm surprised at the lack of love the DA35/2.4 has gotten on this thread...seriously worth considering over the 35Ltd if you aren't specifically after a macro lens. Fantastic IQ, inexpensive, small, light weight and quicker AF. Last edited by fun size nick; 11-03-2013 at 09:58 PM.

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11-03-2013, 05:37 PM	#16
pentax_sam Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 66 Original Poster	Also, this coming summer, I will be taking my K5 on a 100+ mile, 10 day backpacking trip (Philmont) in the Northern New Mexican backcountry. I'm not sure if I would want to take my 18-135 only, with something else, or leave it and take something else instead. I want to keep my camera load as small/light as possible, since I'll already be hauling around about 60lbs of gear/food/water.

11-03-2013, 07:09 PM	#19
Andrew Farnsworth New Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 20	I recently bought a Pentax M 28 mm f 2.8 off another forum member and I have to say that I like this focal length compared to my other primes. I wish Pentax Ricoh would release a contemporary version of this Lens, but they haven't , so the Sigma 30 mm f1.4 as mentioned in the above posts might be the closest substitute.

11-03-2013, 07:23 PM	#20
Drake Avenue Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 140	Another vote for the Sigma 30mm f1.4. Very usable at f1.4, the corners are average but the center of the frame can be outstanding. Stopped down, sharp across the frame.

11-03-2013, 07:38 PM	#21
johnyates Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Saskatoon, SK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,345	There seem to be a fair number of FA 35mm f/2 about these days. They tend to go for ~$300 or so.

11-03-2013, 08:34 PM	#22
pentax_sam Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 66 Original Poster	Is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 "contrasty"? That's kind of what I'm looking for.

11-03-2013, 08:50 PM	#23
carrrlangas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Joensuu (Finland) Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,761	Originally posted by pentax_sam Also, this coming summer, I will be taking my K5 on a 100+ mile, 10 day backpacking trip (Philmont) in the Northern New Mexican backcountry. I'm not sure if I would want to take my 18-135 only, with something else, or leave it and take something else instead. I want to keep my camera load as small/light as possible, since I'll already be hauling around about 60lbs of gear/food/water. I did a 6Km high trecking last summer and at the time I took the 18-55WR + F28/2.8 and F50/1.7. Very difficult to find time to swap lenses because of the altitude. But during the night time F28 and F50 were very useful. Mostly because of fast aperture and very usable wide open, so don´t overlook that. If I were to do it again, I´ll take DA16-50, DA21, DA40, DA70 (because they are weightless) F50 for low light and DA55-300

11-03-2013, 09:02 PM	#24
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	I sold a Takumar 35mm f2 and a Pentax-M 35mm f2 to get an FA 35mm f2. It is a lot better than the older lenses, fast, compact, and very useful. It doesn't have Limited build, quick shift or macro.

11-04-2013, 05:20 AM	#26
Joojoo2010 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 306	Originally posted by pentax_sam Is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 "contrasty"? That's kind of what I'm looking for. Yes, mine have morecontrast that other lenses. Best IQ lens i have, i have around 20 lenses. Very nice colors. Good fixed walkaround lens for me.

11-04-2013, 06:15 AM	#27
Colbyt Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central Kentucky Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,417	Originally posted by fun size nick Adam, with respect, you're recommending a lens that costs more than double what the OP said they were willing to spend! I'm surprised at the lack of love the DA35/2.4 has gotten on this thread...seriously worth considering over the 35Ltd if you aren't specifically after a macro lens. Fantastic IQ, inexpensive, small, light weight and quicker AF. Do you consider 2.4 fast? Honestly, I don't. And, like you said it isn't macro.

11-04-2013, 08:24 AM	#28
richmondthefish Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 221	Originally posted by Adam Sigma 35mm F1.4 perhaps? Big, but fantastic The 35mm macro is also a great choice, but it's slow to AF with the K-5, especially in live view mode. After reading your review that is too big for walkaround

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11-04-2013, 09:02 AM	#29
HSV Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 321	Going a tiny bit off topic here... How does the Sigma 30 1.4 compare with the FA31? What are the advantages/disadvatanges of each? I'd like to take either one of these to a wedding next weekend, to compliment my 50-135. I have sort of tried to do with the DA35, but it's slightly too long...but my other wider primes are the DA21 and DA15, both which are decent, but I'm not confident enough with them to use indoors. The other choice would be my Tokina AT-X Pro 28-70 version II. Any help on this topic will be appreciated.

11-04-2013, 09:09 AM	#30
pentax_sam Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 66 Original Poster	Originally posted by HSV Going a tiny bit off topic here... How does the Sigma 30 1.4 compare with the FA31? What are the advantages/disadvatanges of each? Well, first off, it's plastic, looks cheap, build quality is cheap in comparison to the beautiful FA31. I've heard that the Sigma is a little soft in the corners. If I were to consider the DA 35mm f/2.4, I'd probably just go ahead and get the 35mm f/2.8 Ltd. I hate plastic. Metal makes me very happy.