[krissow]

Hi guys.
I've had my pentax k-30 for about 8 months now with the 18-135 3,5-5,6 WR lens and I think it is time for a 50 mm prime (autofocus only), mainly because I really enjoy good bokeh.
I've been researching quite a lot, but I cannot decide which one to buy. Also because I am on a budget.
Lenses I am considering:

SMC Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8 - I am pretty sure I read it is a bit soft wide open, but that around F2.2 it should be sharper than the f1.4.
I've found this lens from a seller in my own country. Brand new and a price around 180 usd which is quite appealing when I'm on a budget.

SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.7 - I've read that this lens is really good and sharp wide open. I seem to have a hard time finding people who sell this lens..

SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 - I've read that this lens is soft wide open but I've also heard that this lens produces the best bokeh.

I would really appreciate som advices. Also if anyone is selling these lenses at a reasonable price feel free to message me

[cali92rs]

I can vouch for the FA 50mm 1.7, it is a very sharp lens and not too expensive if you can find one.
Here is a list of FA 50mm 1.4s for sale:
Pentax Autofocus Fixed Focal Length Lenses - KEH.com

[Adam]

Hi guys.
I've had my pentax k-30 for about 8 months now with the 18-135 3,5-5,6 WR lens and I think it is time for a 50 mm prime (autofocus only), mainly because I really enjoy good bokeh.
I've been researching quite a lot, but I cannot decide which one to buy. Also because I am on a budget.
Lenses I am considering:

SMC Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8 - I am pretty sure I read it is a bit soft wide open, but that around F2.2 it should be sharper than the f1.4.
I've found this lens from a seller in my own country. Brand new and a price around 180 usd which is quite appealing when I'm on a budget.

SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.7 - I've read that this lens is really good and sharp wide open. I seem to have a hard time finding people who sell this lens..

SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 - I've read that this lens is soft wide open but I've also heard that this lens produces the best bokeh.

I would really appreciate som advices. Also if anyone is selling these lenses at a reasonable price feel free to message me

Just get the current 50mm F1.8 IMO. Can't go wrong with it.

[krissow]

I think I want the 1.7 the most actually but I can't find it at a reasonable price from a seller who ships to Europe.
How's the bokeh on the 1.8, Adam? I heard it does not produce as attractive bokeh as the 2 other lenses.

Oh and by the way. If anyone has any other suggestions for a 50mm prime I wouldn't mind at all

[EarlVonTapia]

I had an F 50 1.7 for a few months and I really enjoyed it. Great performer. It's roughly the same price as the new DA 50 1.8 (used obviously because it isn't made anymore) but in my opinion it is 10x more sexy. Those 80's colors are fab.

[tromboads]

Get yourself a 50mm f2 M you should be able to get one for a couple of bucks. Bokeh is fine, you have a k30 so you don't need anything faster then an f2.

And using manual primes makes one feel like super man

Chicks love superman.

[tromboads]

Actually unless you are a chick, then boys love superman

[G_Money]

Get yourself a 50mm f2 M

OP wants an AF lens.

[tromboads]

*whoops*

/ Leaves thread.


*Yells from the distance.*


...try the 50 Mmmmmmmmmmmmm.....

[rbefly]

Hello Krissow, Welcome to the forum!
My vote would be for the DA 50mm f/1.8. I've owned several legacy 50's and above f/2.0 or 2.4, the new DA is as good as any. I know this borders on heresy with the Pentax faithful, but I happen to believe it's true. It has 7 curved aperture blades which produce the beautifully rounded, soft Bokeh that really enhances any photo. It's also a great focal length (75mm on APS-C format) for portraits.
It is fast-focusing (perhaps not quite as fast as the other 'Plastic Fantastic'- the DA 35mm f/2.4, but that one is blazingly fast!) light and compact.
Yes, the edge resolution could be sharper wide-open, but that's true of any lens.
Shooting this lens at f/2.0 and 50mm means you'll be THREE full f/stops faster than the kit lens wide-open at 55mm. Those stops can be used for a faster shutter speed, lower ISO, or a combination of both. Paying about the same for a used AF f/1.7 to gain 1/3 stop? Not a great trade-off.
If you go the the 'Lens Clubs' forum, you'll find a 'Fantastic Fifty' club, many good examples of this lens in use.
JMO, YMMV,
Ron

[andyvo]

The Sigma 50mm 1.4 is also worth considering. It's a fantastic lens for the money. There have been some reports of back focusing issues but I never experienced this. Though if you do plan on getting on make sure you can test it out first or ask the seller directly if their copy suffers from focusing issues.

Also note that it is a massive lens. The largest 50mm prime I'm aware of. Larger than the Canon 50mm 1.2.

Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

You can get them second hand for under $300.

[krissow]

Hey Ron and thanks!
Just looked through fantastic fifty thread and it pretty much convinced me to buy the 1.8. I think i'll buy it in a day or two

[TopherTheME]

If you're going with a new copy of the DA 50 1.8 I'd recommend waiting until Black Friday (if you even have that???) to pick one up.

[krissow]

Sadly we don't have that here

[zbrueningsen]

I think I want the 1.7 the most actually but I can't find it at a reasonable price from a seller who ships to Europe.
How's the bokeh on the 1.8, Adam? I heard it does not produce as attractive bokeh as the 2 other lenses.

Oh and by the way. If anyone has any other suggestions for a 50mm prime I wouldn't mind at all

The 50 1.7 has the ugliest bokeh that exists to mankind. The FA 50 1.4 is significantly better in bokeh. The 50 1.7 is sharper and a hint more vivid. The 50 1.8 is a great deal because it brings both those attributes together - better bokeh and sharpness. If you didn't have a budget the 55 1.4 is king by far. I've owned all these lenses and I would pick the 50 1.8 (at its current price) or if you have deeper pockets the DA 55 1.4 is just incredible quality.