Pentax 50mm f/1.2

Buddha Jones · 04-09-2008, 07:33 PM

Adorama has two of these in the used lot for $350

k100d · 04-09-2008, 08:06 PM

they have an a K "E+" and A "E" for $349 but i can't seem to convince myself to put in my credit card number and buy it
anyone know how these conditions really are? i'm seeing some bad stuff about Adorama used equipment

Buddha Jones · 04-09-2008, 09:18 PM

Dunno, but as tempting as it is, I know I don't need glass that fast, amazing bokeh or not. I have to stay focussed on building the kit that I want.

craig1024 · 04-09-2008, 09:25 PM

Is there really that much difference from f/1.2 to f/1.4? Seems like my f/1.4 was a bargain at $179 new?

jsherman999 · 04-09-2008, 09:30 PM

Originally posted by k100d

they have an a K "E+" and A "E" for $349 but i can't seem to convince myself to put in my credit card number and buy it
anyone know how these conditions really are? i'm seeing some bad stuff about Adorama used equipment

Actually, I just ordered a used M 200mm f4 from them that was rated as "VG", which is a step below "E", and it's in exceptional shape - a very small mark on the lens hood, some extremely small smudges on the barrel, but that's it - shiny and new otherwise. I would have rated it an "E", I had to really look for the imperfections, and I'm pretty picky. Based on that one order I'd order again with confidence in their ratings, but I could have been just lucky also.

.

Tingchaleun · 04-09-2008, 10:25 PM

Buddha, what IS the kit you want?

aegisphan · 04-09-2008, 10:51 PM

For the A version, $350 is a very good price considering KEH is selling one at 500ish. If I don't have one enroute right now, I would probably jump on it.

walter · 04-09-2008, 10:53 PM

Thanks Buddha!!!

I tried to order one. It looks like they don't do real time
inventory since it's still listed. I guess I'll have to wait till
tomorrow to see if I actually got it.

roentarre · 04-09-2008, 11:52 PM

Originally posted by craig1024

Is there really that much difference from f/1.2 to f/1.4? Seems like my f/1.4 was a bargain at $179 new?

Well, there is no difference between the two. Kit zoom is more than enough for any types of photography. We are just all that silly doing LBA.

aegisphan · 04-10-2008, 12:09 AM

Of course there is no significant different between the 1.2 and 1.4. However, due to the complexity to get a f/1.2 aperture and rarity, this lens would cost much higher than the 50/1.4. You can take a look at the Canon L 50/1.2 for another example of price difference.

roentarre · 04-10-2008, 12:14 AM

I was just joking there.

There is quite a difference to my naked eyes for the images produced by A 50 f1.2 and Fa 50 f1.4 respectively.

Just that a lot of people do not appreciate the difference and hence we will leave it as it is.

I am sure that you would love that depth of field at f1.2

When I was 15 yr old, I would basicly snare at the idea of f1.2 and manual focusing (everything has to be sharp sharp and sharp; manual focusing is too prehistoric etc)

Even at f1.4, A 50 f1.2 is more consistent with image quality having better contrast and overall IQ (of course, only I belive that myself)

aegisphan · 04-10-2008, 01:29 AM

Of course I know you were joking. That big smiley face is a big hint.

To be honest, when I said no significant difference, this is because the "mere" 2/3 a stop gain. But i could be wrong. You have to try it to appreciate it: the thinner DOF, the measily stop gain (but can stop you right at the border of the next higher ISO), and superior IQ (I based this on carpent's test and several other 50/1.2 users). I guess that warrants the premium.

twinda1 · 04-10-2008, 04:37 AM

Originally posted by roentarre

Even at f1.4, A 50 f1.2 is more consistent with image quality having better contrast and overall IQ (of course, only I belive that myself)

I also found there was a big difference between the 1.2 and 1.4, but I mostly thought that was because I don't know how to use the 1.2 -- not that I really know how to use the 1.4 but I find I consistently get better results with the "slower" lens. I like the 1.4 enough that I'm thinking of getting the AF version.

Originally posted by aegisphan

To be honest, when I said no significant difference, this is because the "mere" 2/3 a stop gain. But i could be wrong.

Can't wait to hear your impressions when the lens arrive.

John Kovarik · 04-10-2008, 04:48 AM

Well, for me, 'heavy glass' is part of it. I have the 'A' and the 'K' 1.2s The on-camera using experience is greatly different from 1.4s and slower. IQ varies and I get fewer good shots with the 1.2s but not many and that's mainly due to my skill levels.......

Buddha Jones · 04-10-2008, 05:02 AM

Originally posted by Tingchaleun

Buddha, what IS the kit you want?

This is what I am going for...
DA*16-50mm, DA*50-135mm, DA*200mm, DA*300mm, DA35mmLTD, DA*55mm(when available), FA77mmLTD or DA70mmLTD and the new SDM TC when it comes out.

04-09-2008, 07:33 PM	#1
Buddha Jones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,587	Pentax 50mm f/1.2 Adorama has two of these in the used lot for $350

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: SMC Takumar 50mm 1.4 / Pentax-A 50mm 1.7 / Pentax-M 50mm 1.4 (US)	JP_Seattle	Sold Items	3	09-02-2010 06:17 PM
Wanted - Acquired: Tamron 17-50mm, Sigma 18-50mm, Pentax 16-45mm, or similar	Big I	Sold Items	1	06-05-2010 12:12 PM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax *ist DL, FA 50mm f/1.4, DFA 100mm f/2.8 macro, DA 18-55mm, A 50mm f/2.0	chemxaj	Sold Items	14	05-31-2010 09:34 AM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax Lenses F2 50mm, F4 75-150mm, F1.7 50mm, F4 200mm, F2.5 135mm, F4.5 80-2	hangu	Sold Items	10	03-27-2010 07:51 PM
Whats A Better Fast Prime? The Sigma 50mm Or Pentax FA 50MM? Or Another Option?	Christopher M.W.T	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	20	10-01-2009 08:02 AM

04-09-2008, 08:06 PM	#2
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	they have an a K "E+" and A "E" for $349 but i can't seem to convince myself to put in my credit card number and buy it anyone know how these conditions really are? i'm seeing some bad stuff about Adorama used equipment

04-09-2008, 09:18 PM	#3
Buddha Jones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,587 Original Poster	Dunno, but as tempting as it is, I know I don't need glass that fast, amazing bokeh or not. I have to stay focussed on building the kit that I want.

04-09-2008, 09:25 PM	#4
craig1024 Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 109	Is there really that much difference from f/1.2 to f/1.4? Seems like my f/1.4 was a bargain at $179 new?

04-09-2008, 09:30 PM	#5
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by k100d they have an a K "E+" and A "E" for $349 but i can't seem to convince myself to put in my credit card number and buy it anyone know how these conditions really are? i'm seeing some bad stuff about Adorama used equipment Actually, I just ordered a used M 200mm f4 from them that was rated as "VG", which is a step below "E", and it's in exceptional shape - a very small mark on the lens hood, some extremely small smudges on the barrel, but that's it - shiny and new otherwise. I would have rated it an "E", I had to really look for the imperfections, and I'm pretty picky. Based on that one order I'd order again with confidence in their ratings, but I could have been just lucky also. .

04-09-2008, 10:25 PM	#6
Tingchaleun Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 166	Buddha, what IS the kit you want?

04-09-2008, 10:51 PM	#7
aegisphan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Mexico Posts: 815	For the A version, $350 is a very good price considering KEH is selling one at 500ish. If I don't have one enroute right now, I would probably jump on it.

04-09-2008, 10:53 PM	#8
walter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 239	Thanks Buddha!!! I tried to order one. It looks like they don't do real time inventory since it's still listed. I guess I'll have to wait till tomorrow to see if I actually got it.

04-09-2008, 11:52 PM	#9
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Originally posted by craig1024 Is there really that much difference from f/1.2 to f/1.4? Seems like my f/1.4 was a bargain at $179 new? Well, there is no difference between the two. Kit zoom is more than enough for any types of photography. We are just all that silly doing LBA.

04-10-2008, 12:09 AM	#10
aegisphan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Mexico Posts: 815	Of course there is no significant different between the 1.2 and 1.4. However, due to the complexity to get a f/1.2 aperture and rarity, this lens would cost much higher than the 50/1.4. You can take a look at the Canon L 50/1.2 for another example of price difference.

04-10-2008, 12:14 AM	#11
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	I was just joking there. There is quite a difference to my naked eyes for the images produced by A 50 f1.2 and Fa 50 f1.4 respectively. Just that a lot of people do not appreciate the difference and hence we will leave it as it is. I am sure that you would love that depth of field at f1.2 When I was 15 yr old, I would basicly snare at the idea of f1.2 and manual focusing (everything has to be sharp sharp and sharp; manual focusing is too prehistoric etc) Even at f1.4, A 50 f1.2 is more consistent with image quality having better contrast and overall IQ (of course, only I belive that myself)

04-10-2008, 01:29 AM	#12
aegisphan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Mexico Posts: 815	Of course I know you were joking. That big smiley face is a big hint. To be honest, when I said no significant difference, this is because the "mere" 2/3 a stop gain. But i could be wrong. You have to try it to appreciate it: the thinner DOF, the measily stop gain (but can stop you right at the border of the next higher ISO), and superior IQ (I based this on carpent's test and several other 50/1.2 users). I guess that warrants the premium.

04-10-2008, 04:37 AM	#13
twinda1 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 142	Originally posted by roentarre Even at f1.4, A 50 f1.2 is more consistent with image quality having better contrast and overall IQ (of course, only I belive that myself) I also found there was a big difference between the 1.2 and 1.4, but I mostly thought that was because I don't know how to use the 1.2 -- not that I really know how to use the 1.4 but I find I consistently get better results with the "slower" lens. I like the 1.4 enough that I'm thinking of getting the AF version. Originally posted by aegisphan To be honest, when I said no significant difference, this is because the "mere" 2/3 a stop gain. But i could be wrong. Can't wait to hear your impressions when the lens arrive.

04-10-2008, 04:48 AM	#14
John Kovarik Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: West Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 338	Well, for me, 'heavy glass' is part of it. I have the 'A' and the 'K' 1.2s The on-camera using experience is greatly different from 1.4s and slower. IQ varies and I get fewer good shots with the 1.2s but not many and that's mainly due to my skill levels.......

04-10-2008, 05:02 AM	#15
Buddha Jones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,587 Original Poster	Originally posted by Tingchaleun Buddha, what IS the kit you want? This is what I am going for... DA16-50mm, DA50-135mm, DA200mm, DA300mm, DA35mmLTD, DA*55mm(when available), FA77mmLTD or DA70mmLTD and the new SDM TC when it comes out.