What Is Your Best Lens?

NZUnicorn · 12-28-2013, 04:12 PM

My best lens is my DA 21mm Ltd and DA 40mm Ltd. I think the pair are small enough to qualify as one lens.

Between them they cover a lot of common requirements. They have a special kind of handling appeal and produce great results.

DavidSKAF3 · 12-28-2013, 06:24 PM

Originally posted by noelpolar

The discusion and opinions in this thread provide a good insight into the "lens buying affliction" that a percentage of us suffer from........

So, your take on a discussion about the merits and characteristics of the wide variety of lenses available is that, "a lens is a lens is a lens" and all anybody needs is one, because they're all pretty much the same? I've wondered if that is the real deal sometimes myself!

Because, like, I already have a perfectly good putter in my golf bag, right? Why would I want another one? They're all just oblong blocks on the end of a pole, right?

So let's just sit here, in this, what's-it-called, a photography forum, and talk about nothing. Let's just simply sit here, savor the ennui, and stare vacantly into space! With any luck someone will mistake us for indigents, and take us to some home where we won't have to think or discuss anything ever again, and get three hot meals daily and a cozy cot, and a nice, sunny lawn where we can sit and drool and watch the cars go by, day after day, ad infinitum.

Yeah, that's the ticket!

**Ex Finn.** · 12-28-2013, 06:45 PM

Originally posted by davids8560

So, your take on a discussion about the merits and characteristics of the wide variety of lenses available is that, "a lens is a lens is a lens" and all anybody needs is one, because they're all pretty much the same? I've wondered if that is the real deal sometimes myself! Because like, I have a perfectly good putter in my golf bag, right? Why would I want another one? They're all just oblong blocks on the end of a pole, right?

Let's just sit here, in this photography forum, and talk about nothing. Let's just simply sit here, enjoying the ennui, and stare vacantly into space!

Yeah, that's the ticket!

My best "lens" is a 900mm F 1:7.5 APO.

agsy · 12-28-2013, 07:13 PM

My best one is the one I use the most, the Tamron 17-50. A good copy is very sharp even wide open.

Jools · 12-28-2013, 07:29 PM

The idea of a best lens is hard to determine.
But I find myself linked more often than not with these cuties.
Some may not have the best IQ and other negatives but for what I like to take images of they work superbly.
I work exclusively in manual focus and prefer to use MF on the newer age lenses.
BTW, all these were purchased here on the PF marketplace. Thank you!

Sears 55mm f1.4 (Tomioka)
Porst Weitwinkel Auto F 28mm f2.8
Tamron 90mm f2.5 SP Adaptall-2 (52B)
Sigma 10-20mm f4/5.6
Pentax 10-17mm f3.5/4.5 FE

DavidSKAF3 · 12-28-2013, 07:37 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Ex Finn.

My best "lens" is a 900mm F 1:7.5 APO.

I won one of these too on eBay! Beastly thing, isn't it?

Too bad when it came I found that the hydraulic seals were blown. It was stuck in the 90 degree apogee position. I did some calculations with a cosign and a hypotenuse, and then I ran a microwave with the door open next to it as determined for the designated time, but it was all to no avail. It just wouldn't budge! I was soooo disappointed!

Fortunately, the seller agreed to take a return and I got a full refund.

But darn it if the trailer hitch didn't go ahead and break when I was towing the thing back to the post office!

But that would be another story!

😄

slipdm16 · 12-28-2013, 07:43 PM

Very tough question!!

Best lens? Probably the FA 31.

Most used? FA 43.

Most fun? DA* 60-250, D-FA 100 WR Macro

Lens I wish I used more? K 50 f/1.2

I guess I'm either indecisive or thorough?!

Driline · 12-28-2013, 07:45 PM

Originally posted by davids8560

and get three hot meals daily and a cozy cot, and a nice, sunny lawn where we can sit and drool and watch the cars go by, day after day, ad infinitum.

Our definition of a "Trailer Park" However you must substitute the 3 hot meals for 3 cold ones and a moon pie.

Driline · 12-28-2013, 07:47 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by slipdm16

Most used? FA 43.

Cool, another FA 43 fan. I must admit too that my most fun to use lens is the DA*50-135. It's a manley mans lens

DavidSKAF3 · 12-28-2013, 07:49 PM

Originally posted by Driline

Our definition of a "Trailer Park" However you must substitute the 3 hot meals for 3 cold ones and a moon pie.

I like the lemon ones!

DavidSKAF3 · 12-28-2013, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by Jools

Porst Weitwinkel Auto F 28mm f2.8

Porst Weitwinkel? Really? Can you tell me more? Sounds like a rarity!

And, what subjects do you like, then, as you mentioned?

Thanks!

**Ex Finn.** · 12-29-2013, 04:07 AM

Originally posted by davids8560

I won one of these too on eBay! Beastly thing, isn't it?

Too bad when it came I found that the hydraulic seals were blown. It was stuck in the 90 degree apogee position. I did some calculations with a cosign and a hypotenuse, and then I ran a microwave with the door open next to it as determined for the designated time, but it was all to no avail. It just wouldn't budge! I was soooo disappointed!

Fortunately, the seller agreed to take a return and I got a full refund.

But darn it if the trailer hitch didn't go ahead and break when I was towing the thing back to the post office!

But that would be another story!

😄

**ivanvernon** · 12-29-2013, 04:27 AM

Originally posted by davids8560

Hi thanks for the reply I am wondering what you wrote about "filling the frame" means.... Isn't this a matter of physically moving closer or farther from the subject to get that done with a prime, since you can't optically zoom? How is this a lens shortcoming?

Also, I've heard about the 16-45 wobble, but it seems the front end of mine is pretty firm to me - how do I tell if mine has WLS for sure? (WLS= wobbly lens syndrome) LOL

Dave

I have a problem filling the frame with one of my favorite lenses, the 77 limited, just too long for easy use at inside gatherings, restaurants, parties, that sort of thing, unless you want just head shots. For these kinds of occasions, I take the Tamron 17-50.

Boris · 12-29-2013, 07:20 AM - **1 Like**

My all time favorite lens is Pentax SMCP A 50/1.2. It has the rendering that is somewhat dissimilar to modern all very contrasty, punchy uninteresting modern lenses. The lens I use the most these days is Voigtlander Nokton 40/1.4 on my Ricoh GXR M-mount module. It is small, light, fast and produced wonderful images with excellent tonal and OOF separation.

Pontax · 12-29-2013, 03:02 PM

Originally posted by interested_observer

Contax Zeiss 28/f2.8 Distagon - Well you can pay $1300 for it (in the ZK version), but also give up a half a stop and get an older version, swap mounts and you have yourself a older K mount prime - all manual that is stunning, all for about $400. Or, even better an old M28/2.8 for about $100. Contax Zeiss 85/f2.8 Sonnar - Same story as above.

Same for me, plus the 50/f1.4. I use them in M, Av with or without auto iso.

Contax rules, Pentax lasts = Pontax.

12-28-2013, 06:24 PM	#77
DavidSKAF3 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tompkins County, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 546 Original Poster	Originally posted by noelpolar The discusion and opinions in this thread provide a good insight into the "lens buying affliction" that a percentage of us suffer from........ So, your take on a discussion about the merits and characteristics of the wide variety of lenses available is that, "a lens is a lens is a lens" and all anybody needs is one, because they're all pretty much the same? I've wondered if that is the real deal sometimes myself! Because, like, I already have a perfectly good putter in my golf bag, right? Why would I want another one? They're all just oblong blocks on the end of a pole, right? So let's just sit here, in this, what's-it-called, a photography forum, and talk about nothing. Let's just simply sit here, savor the ennui, and stare vacantly into space! With any luck someone will mistake us for indigents, and take us to some home where we won't have to think or discuss anything ever again, and get three hot meals daily and a cozy cot, and a nice, sunny lawn where we can sit and drool and watch the cars go by, day after day, ad infinitum. Yeah, that's the ticket! Last edited by DavidSKAF3; 12-28-2013 at 06:51 PM.

12-28-2013, 07:37 PM - 2 Likes	#81
DavidSKAF3 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tompkins County, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 546 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ex Finn. My best "lens" is a 900mm F 1:7.5 APO. I won one of these too on eBay! Beastly thing, isn't it? Too bad when it came I found that the hydraulic seals were blown. It was stuck in the 90 degree apogee position. I did some calculations with a cosign and a hypotenuse, and then I ran a microwave with the door open next to it as determined for the designated time, but it was all to no avail. It just wouldn't budge! I was soooo disappointed! Fortunately, the seller agreed to take a return and I got a full refund. But darn it if the trailer hitch didn't go ahead and break when I was towing the thing back to the post office! But that would be another story! 😄 Last edited by DavidSKAF3; 12-29-2013 at 03:54 AM.

12-28-2013, 08:03 PM	#86
DavidSKAF3 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tompkins County, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 546 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jools Porst Weitwinkel Auto F 28mm f2.8 Porst Weitwinkel? Really? Can you tell me more? Sounds like a rarity! And, what subjects do you like, then, as you mentioned? Thanks! Last edited by DavidSKAF3; 12-29-2013 at 03:57 AM.

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12-28-2013, 04:12 PM	#76
NZUnicorn Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 41	My best lens is my DA 21mm Ltd and DA 40mm Ltd. I think the pair are small enough to qualify as one lens. Between them they cover a lot of common requirements. They have a special kind of handling appeal and produce great results.

12-28-2013, 06:45 PM	#78
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Originally posted by davids8560 So, your take on a discussion about the merits and characteristics of the wide variety of lenses available is that, "a lens is a lens is a lens" and all anybody needs is one, because they're all pretty much the same? I've wondered if that is the real deal sometimes myself! Because like, I have a perfectly good putter in my golf bag, right? Why would I want another one? They're all just oblong blocks on the end of a pole, right? Let's just sit here, in this photography forum, and talk about nothing. Let's just simply sit here, enjoying the ennui, and stare vacantly into space! Yeah, that's the ticket! My best "lens" is a 900mm F 1:7.5 APO.

12-28-2013, 07:13 PM	#79
agsy Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 551	My best one is the one I use the most, the Tamron 17-50. A good copy is very sharp even wide open.

12-28-2013, 07:29 PM	#80
Jools Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SW Wisconsin by way of Venezuela Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,398	The idea of a best lens is hard to determine. But I find myself linked more often than not with these cuties. Some may not have the best IQ and other negatives but for what I like to take images of they work superbly. I work exclusively in manual focus and prefer to use MF on the newer age lenses. BTW, all these were purchased here on the PF marketplace. Thank you! Sears 55mm f1.4 (Tomioka) Porst Weitwinkel Auto F 28mm f2.8 Tamron 90mm f2.5 SP Adaptall-2 (52B) Sigma 10-20mm f4/5.6 Pentax 10-17mm f3.5/4.5 FE

12-28-2013, 07:43 PM	#82
slipdm16 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Minneapolis, MN Photos: Albums Posts: 159	Very tough question!! Best lens? Probably the FA 31. Most used? FA 43. Most fun? DA* 60-250, D-FA 100 WR Macro Lens I wish I used more? K 50 f/1.2 I guess I'm either indecisive or thorough?!

12-28-2013, 07:45 PM	#83
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by davids8560 and get three hot meals daily and a cozy cot, and a nice, sunny lawn where we can sit and drool and watch the cars go by, day after day, ad infinitum. Our definition of a "Trailer Park" However you must substitute the 3 hot meals for 3 cold ones and a moon pie.

12-28-2013, 07:47 PM - 1 Like	#84
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by slipdm16 Most used? FA 43. Cool, another FA 43 fan. I must admit too that my most fun to use lens is the DA*50-135. It's a manley mans lens

12-28-2013, 07:49 PM	#85
DavidSKAF3 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tompkins County, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 546 Original Poster	Originally posted by Driline Our definition of a "Trailer Park" However you must substitute the 3 hot meals for 3 cold ones and a moon pie. I like the lemon ones!

12-29-2013, 04:07 AM	#87
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Originally posted by davids8560 I won one of these too on eBay! Beastly thing, isn't it? Too bad when it came I found that the hydraulic seals were blown. It was stuck in the 90 degree apogee position. I did some calculations with a cosign and a hypotenuse, and then I ran a microwave with the door open next to it as determined for the designated time, but it was all to no avail. It just wouldn't budge! I was soooo disappointed! Fortunately, the seller agreed to take a return and I got a full refund. But darn it if the trailer hitch didn't go ahead and break when I was towing the thing back to the post office! But that would be another story! 😄

12-29-2013, 04:27 AM	#88
ivanvernon Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Medina, OH Photos: Albums Posts: 7,224	Originally posted by davids8560 Hi thanks for the reply I am wondering what you wrote about "filling the frame" means.... Isn't this a matter of physically moving closer or farther from the subject to get that done with a prime, since you can't optically zoom? How is this a lens shortcoming? Also, I've heard about the 16-45 wobble, but it seems the front end of mine is pretty firm to me - how do I tell if mine has WLS for sure? (WLS= wobbly lens syndrome) LOL Dave I have a problem filling the frame with one of my favorite lenses, the 77 limited, just too long for easy use at inside gatherings, restaurants, parties, that sort of thing, unless you want just head shots. For these kinds of occasions, I take the Tamron 17-50.

12-29-2013, 07:20 AM - 1 Like	#89
Boris Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 932	My all time favorite lens is Pentax SMCP A 50/1.2. It has the rendering that is somewhat dissimilar to modern all very contrasty, punchy uninteresting modern lenses. The lens I use the most these days is Voigtlander Nokton 40/1.4 on my Ricoh GXR M-mount module. It is small, light, fast and produced wonderful images with excellent tonal and OOF separation.

12-29-2013, 03:02 PM	#90
Pontax Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Bornholm Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 160	Originally posted by interested_observer Contax Zeiss 28/f2.8 Distagon - Well you can pay $1300 for it (in the ZK version), but also give up a half a stop and get an older version, swap mounts and you have yourself a older K mount prime - all manual that is stunning, all for about $400. Or, even better an old M28/2.8 for about $100. Contax Zeiss 85/f2.8 Sonnar - Same story as above. Same for me, plus the 50/f1.4. I use them in M, Av with or without auto iso. Contax rules, Pentax lasts = Pontax.