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01-02-2014, 02:46 PM   #1
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Standard prime recommendation for K-5

Hi,

I have K-5 with kit lens 18-55 and SMC M 50/1.7. I love the image quality of the 50mm.

I would like to buy a prime with focal length ~28mm that would offer image quality at least as good as my 50mm, possibly even better. Speed in the range of 2.8, auto focus or manual A. I think this lens will be my primary one, so ease of use matters. That's why I do not want manual M which is a bit too inconvenient for me. Quick shift in autofocus lens would be nice, but not required.

Re budget: 350$ but flexible. Cheaper preferred, but can afford a bit more expensive too. Unfortunately, I can't afford new Pentax FA 31/1.8 Limited

I will be very grateful for your suggestions.

01-02-2014, 02:51 PM   #2
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The Sigma Superwide 24 F2.8 and the FA 28 F2.8 are both pretty good candidates for your requirements.
01-02-2014, 03:13 PM   #3
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Pentax A 28/2.8 and 24/2.8 are two obvious candidates, and the A 28/2 as a more expensive alternative (and I assume harder to find).

But the FA 28 is the one I have in mind for myself - if I should ever get it into my head that I need something between 21 and 35
01-02-2014, 03:16 PM   #4
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The SMC Pentax-A 28/2.8 is an excellent lens and would only set you back $80 or so in the US (Not sure about Poland).

It is the same optically as the F28 or FA 28. A hood is a good idea too, I prefer a metal 49mm hood to the rubber ones (for standard lens, not wide angle).

01-02-2014, 03:21 PM   #5
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The DA35/2.4 is just a bit longer, but quite reasonably priced.

You can also get a DA21 used for ~$350.

For me, though, the Sigma 30/1.4 is a winner. Not corner to corner sharp, but the center is amazing.
01-02-2014, 03:22 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by c3p0 Quote
Hi,

I have K-5 with kit lens 18-55 and SMC M 50/1.7. I love the image quality of the 50mm.

I would like to buy a prime with focal length ~28mm that would offer image quality at least as good as my 50mm, possibly even better. Speed in the range of 2.8, auto focus or manual A. I think this lens will be my primary one, so ease of use matters. That's why I do not want manual M which is a bit too inconvenient for me. Quick shift in autofocus lens would be nice, but not required.

Re budget: 350$ but flexible. Cheaper preferred, but can afford a bit more expensive too. Unfortunately, I can't afford new Pentax FA 31/1.8 Limited

I will be very grateful for your suggestions.
It's hard to beat a 50mm as far as image quality goes, but you might want to check this lens out as a nice normal prime. Manual focus but auto aperture and F1.4!

Samyang 35mm F1.4 Lens Reviews - Samyang Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

$429: Samyang 35mm f/1.4 Wide-Angle US UMC Aspherical Lens SY35M-P B&H

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01-02-2014, 03:45 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by c3p0 Quote
Hi,

I have K-5 with kit lens 18-55 and SMC M 50/1.7. I love the image quality of the 50mm.

I would like to buy a prime with focal length ~28mm that would offer image quality at least as good as my 50mm, possibly even better. Speed in the range of 2.8, auto focus or manual A. I think this lens will be my primary one, so ease of use matters. That's why I do not want manual M which is a bit too inconvenient for me. Quick shift in autofocus lens would be nice, but not required.

Re budget: 350$ but flexible. Cheaper preferred, but can afford a bit more expensive too. Unfortunately, I can't afford new Pentax FA 31/1.8 Limited

I will be very grateful for your suggestions.
If you are willing to spend a bit more, the DA 35mm f2.8 sure is nice. Has quick shift, is auto focus, is a true 1:1 macro, meaning you can shoot a bug or flower, a landscape and a portrait without swapping lenses.

01-02-2014, 04:24 PM   #8
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You also might find a Sigma 28 f/1.8 in your price range, though it is a big lens.
01-02-2014, 07:25 PM   #9
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Another vote for the DA 35mm f2.8 LTD. Might cost a little more, but supremely built, and is more versatile with a MFD of ~1cm, but great rendering for landscapes and lovely bokeh for portraits
01-02-2014, 09:17 PM   #10
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I will put in another vote for the DA 35mm f2.8 LTD, but since I haven't tried any of the other lens mention I can't make a comparison.
01-03-2014, 11:23 AM   #11
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Thank you for the replies!

I had a look at F28 and FA 28. I have noticed that the former gets a better score (9.38) then the latter (8.86). Half point looks like a significant difference, but it is surprising. Would you agree that F28 is really better than FA28?

I have read so much about the quality of limited lenses that I like idea of getting DA 35mm f2.8 LTD, far more than my wallet I will have to check/experiment if 28mm vs 35 mm makes any difference to me, though.
01-03-2014, 11:43 AM   #12
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The FA35mm f/2 is a good option...used price is reasonable, has aperture ring also.
01-03-2014, 12:12 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by twitch Quote
Sigma 30/1.4 is an option too

I second this option, love mine
01-03-2014, 12:28 PM   #14
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As for the review scores... don't look too much at them, the grading done is highly subjective. Rather take the time to read some of the reviews. Then you'll be able to sort out the good from the bad.
02-28-2014, 04:50 AM   #15
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Another vote for FA35mm f/2. I got it brand new at around 330 USD. I has been looking at FA31 too. Almost buy it during newyear holiday, but after tests it in a camera store against my FA35. I decide to keep my 35.(and will never sale it.) At more than 3 times the price of FA35, If Pentax updates the 31 with WR and quickshift, I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Sigma will soon have 30mm f1.4 art series for pentax k-mount. test the sigma's mount version at CP+, very nice lens. if you can wait and save a bit more, it could be a very good alternative.
I was thinking of waiting for the Sigma art, but reading this post early this week and found F28 on sale the same day! I bought it right a way! very impress with the lens so far.

Last edited by pakinjapan; 02-28-2014 at 05:26 AM.
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