Your set of 3 primes - and nothing more?

wullemaha · 03-10-2014, 06:20 PM

Hey guys and girls,

since recently I was using my M50 F1.4 more and more on my K5IIs, I was starting to wonder what other primes I need to get at some point... DA 21 or 15 are hot contenders right now, as is the DA*50 as an upgrade of my manual lens at some point.

So here a question I want to give to you:
If you had to give away all zooms and decide on 3 primes to use from now on, which would those be for you?
Not considering bang for your buck or prices in general. I only want to know what set of 3 primes would keep you happy "forever" for your photography?

BR René

p.s.: I know that NONE of us will be happy forever with 3 lenses, LBA and all that... but let's play the mind game, ok?

seventysixersfan · 03-10-2014, 06:25 PM

Really hard narrowing it down to just 3...

Among primes that I actually own:

Sigma 24mm super-wide II f/2.8
FA 43mm f/1.9
DA 70mm f/2.4

These cover all my daily needs.

fgaudet · 03-10-2014, 06:28 PM

My list would be probably like this (I go for wide to short tele, it's three of the sharpest lenses made for K mount):
Pentax DA 15mm f/4 ltd
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art
Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 ltd

I would however allow myself to cheat and get a teleconverter

jezza323 · 03-10-2014, 06:31 PM

Sigma 30mm f1.4

Sigma 70mm f2.8 Macro or DFA 100mm f2.8 Macro

and something wide, really wide

like a Samyang 10mm f2.8 (which of course isnt out yet

)

SpecialK · 03-10-2014, 06:36 PM

Sometimes I go out with the 15, 30 and 90. (That is a car-show triplet).

**burzum** · 03-10-2014, 06:36 PM - **2 Likes**

Pentax DA 15mm f/4 ltd
Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 ltd
Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 ltd

waterfall · 03-10-2014, 06:39 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by wullemaha

Hey guys and girls,

since recently I was using my M50 F1.4 more and more on my K5IIs, I was starting to wonder what other primes I need to get at some point... DA 21 or 15 are hot contenders right now, as is the DA*50 as an upgrade of my manual lens at some point.

So here a question I want to give to you:
If you had to give away all zooms and decide on 3 primes to use from now on, which would those be for you?
Not considering bang for your buck or prices in general. I only want to know what set of 3 primes would keep you happy "forever" for your photography?

BR René

p.s.: I know that NONE of us will be happy forever with 3 lenses, LBA and all that... but let's play the mind game, ok?

DA 15, DA 35 Macro and DA 70. All Limiteds. These three are my most used lenses and I can shoot almost anything except distant critters with them.

**interested_observer** · 03-10-2014, 06:43 PM

How about asking an easier question....

If its only 3, I might as well go with AF too.

Pentax DA 15mm f/4 Ltd

Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 Ltd

Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 Ltd

This would mean that I would need to buy 2 new lenses. If it is 3 that I currently have, then it would be...

Voightlander 20mm f3.5

Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 Ltd

Contax Zeiss 85mm f2.8

VisualDarkness · 03-10-2014, 06:47 PM

I want to choose four but since you said three:
My new DA 14mm F2.8
DA* 55mm F1.4 (My most used lens nowadays)
DA* 300mm F4

Honorable mention to DA 70mm F2.4 for simply being awsome, though I don't use it much after I got the 55mm.

normhead · 03-10-2014, 06:48 PM

Originally posted by burzum

Pentax DA 15mm f/4 ltd
Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 ltd
Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 ltd

That looks good to me... I don't have any of them, but I've seen lots of images taken with them.

Of the lenses I own.

21 ltd.
DA 35 2.4
Sigma 70 macro.

Often they are in the bag with DA* 60-250, but the DA 18-135 is on the camera.

wullemaha · 03-10-2014, 06:54 PM

Interesting. There seem to be a lot combinations with 1x, 3x, 7x focal lengths. Not as much 5x as I expected.
Currently I am wondering what should be my next target - upgrading the M50 1.4 to an AF lens (maybe even a 7x ?), or going for a 21,15 or 14mm prime.

*sigh*

So many lenses, not enough money...

DSims · 03-10-2014, 07:02 PM

FA*24
FA*85
F*300

I have all of these. When it comes down to it, I generally don't need the focal lengths in between. But I do need these. Not only the FL, but also the character and capabilities of these (IQ, fast AF, fast apertures).

If you allowed me to, I'd add the FA135 before I'd add something wider than 24mm, and especially before adding something between 24 and 85mm. The FA135 is too nice a FL, is fast focusing, and is so wonderfully small that it'd easily be the least obtrusive lens in my set.

If you gave me a fifth one, it would be the soon-to-be-released Samyang 10/2.8 - expect my imaginary one with Pentax, Tokina, Fuji, or Zeiss glass.

[The FA77 can be substituted for the FA*85; and of course the FA*300 or DA*300 can be substituted for the F*300. Unfortunately, there's nothing that currently can be substituted for the FA*24. That's why you need one, even though it's not as obvious it's in the same class. But if you own one you'll see it's still close (to being in the same class) and very useful.]

**geomez** · 03-10-2014, 07:02 PM

Of the ones I own:

Rokinon 16 F2 for landscapes and night shots

DA 35 F2.4 for everyday shooting

Tamron 90mm F2.8 macro for portraiture, short telephoto, and because I can't live without a 1:1 macro lens

ChristianRock · 03-10-2014, 07:02 PM

In practice I don't really need to go very wide. So my 3-piece prime set (on APS-C) usually is:

. Ricoh Rikenon XR 28mm f/2.8. (Had two Pentax 28 2.8 lenses, sold both and kept the Ricoh)
. Auto Sears MC 50mm f/1.7 (also a Ricoh lens), or SMC Pentax-K 55mm f/2 (I have two other 50s I can pick depending on my mood… all 4 get used quite a bit)
. SMC Pentax-A 135mm f/2.8. That one never leaves my bag.
Plus one 52mm inverter ring and I'm all set for macro, too

Sometimes I'll go out with just two lenses, and it works out well. 3 for me is a luxury

If it's just two, it's the 135 I listed above, plus either the Rikenon XR 28, or the Pentax DA 35mm f/2.4.

Finally, there are times when I go out with just one. Camera and lens, that's it (with a full battery of course). That would be the Pentax DA 35mm f/2.4.

Kozlok · 03-10-2014, 07:14 PM

Originally posted by wullemaha

Interesting. There seem to be a lot combinations with 1x, 3x, 7x focal lengths. Not as much 5x as I expected.
Currently I am wondering what should be my next target - upgrading the M50 1.4 to an AF lens (maybe even a 7x ?), or going for a 21,15 or 14mm prime.

*sigh*

So many lenses, not enough money...

I did a study not too long ago taking as-near-as-possible the "same" shot with my 18-135 at 18, 24, 35, 50, and 70. I shot 3 or 4 different scenes every day for a couple of weeks. I found that, for me, anytime the 50 was better than the 35, the 70 was better than the 50. Almost never was 50 the "right" FL for me. All the others have their place, and I carry an old Takumar 50/1.4, but I'd never invest money in an autofocus 50 after learning that.

For me, I'd take my 15Ltd, Sigma 30/1.4 and I'd pick up the Sigma 70 Macro (don't have it yet, next on my LBA list since I found I have a strong affinity for 70).

03-10-2014, 06:20 PM	#1
wullemaha Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Tokyo Posts: 503	Your set of 3 primes - and nothing more? Hey guys and girls, since recently I was using my M50 F1.4 more and more on my K5IIs, I was starting to wonder what other primes I need to get at some point... DA 21 or 15 are hot contenders right now, as is the DA*50 as an upgrade of my manual lens at some point. So here a question I want to give to you: If you had to give away all zooms and decide on 3 primes to use from now on, which would those be for you? Not considering bang for your buck or prices in general. I only want to know what set of 3 primes would keep you happy "forever" for your photography? BR René p.s.: I know that NONE of us will be happy forever with 3 lenses, LBA and all that... but let's play the mind game, ok?

03-10-2014, 06:43 PM	#8
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	How about asking an easier question.... If its only 3, I might as well go with AF too. Pentax DA 15mm f/4 Ltd Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 Ltd Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 Ltd This would mean that I would need to buy 2 new lenses. If it is 3 that I currently have, then it would be... Voightlander 20mm f3.5 Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 Ltd Contax Zeiss 85mm f2.8

03-10-2014, 07:02 PM	#12
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	FA24 FA85 F300 I have all of these. When it comes down to it, I generally don't need the focal lengths in between. But I do need these. Not only the FL, but also the character and capabilities of these (IQ, fast AF, fast apertures). If you allowed me to, I'd add the FA135 before I'd add something wider than 24mm, and especially before adding something between 24 and 85mm. The FA135 is too nice a FL, is fast focusing, and is so wonderfully small that it'd easily be the least obtrusive lens in my set. If you gave me a fifth one, it would be the soon-to-be-released Samyang 10/2.8 - expect my imaginary one with Pentax, Tokina, Fuji, or Zeiss glass. [The FA77 can be substituted for the FA85; and of course the FA300 or DA300 can be substituted for the F300. Unfortunately, there's nothing that currently can be substituted for the FA24. That's why you need one, even though it's not as obvious it's in the same class. But if you own one you'll see it's still close (to being in the same class) and very useful.] Last edited by DSims; 03-10-2014 at 07:25 PM.

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03-10-2014, 06:25 PM	#2
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Really hard narrowing it down to just 3... Among primes that I actually own: Sigma 24mm super-wide II f/2.8 FA 43mm f/1.9 DA 70mm f/2.4 These cover all my daily needs.

03-10-2014, 06:28 PM	#3
fgaudet Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Ontario Posts: 726	My list would be probably like this (I go for wide to short tele, it's three of the sharpest lenses made for K mount): Pentax DA 15mm f/4 ltd Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 ltd I would however allow myself to cheat and get a teleconverter

03-10-2014, 06:31 PM	#4
jezza323 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,421	Sigma 30mm f1.4 Sigma 70mm f2.8 Macro or DFA 100mm f2.8 Macro and something wide, really wide like a Samyang 10mm f2.8 (which of course isnt out yet )

03-10-2014, 06:36 PM	#5
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	Sometimes I go out with the 15, 30 and 90. (That is a car-show triplet).

03-10-2014, 06:36 PM - 2 Likes	#6
burzum Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 172	Pentax DA 15mm f/4 ltd Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 ltd Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 ltd

03-10-2014, 06:39 PM - 1 Like	#7
waterfall Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Northern Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,812	Originally posted by wullemaha Hey guys and girls, since recently I was using my M50 F1.4 more and more on my K5IIs, I was starting to wonder what other primes I need to get at some point... DA 21 or 15 are hot contenders right now, as is the DA*50 as an upgrade of my manual lens at some point. So here a question I want to give to you: If you had to give away all zooms and decide on 3 primes to use from now on, which would those be for you? Not considering bang for your buck or prices in general. I only want to know what set of 3 primes would keep you happy "forever" for your photography? BR René p.s.: I know that NONE of us will be happy forever with 3 lenses, LBA and all that... but let's play the mind game, ok? DA 15, DA 35 Macro and DA 70. All Limiteds. These three are my most used lenses and I can shoot almost anything except distant critters with them.

03-10-2014, 06:47 PM	#9
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	I want to choose four but since you said three: My new DA 14mm F2.8 DA* 55mm F1.4 (My most used lens nowadays) DA* 300mm F4 Honorable mention to DA 70mm F2.4 for simply being awsome, though I don't use it much after I got the 55mm.

03-10-2014, 06:48 PM	#10
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by burzum Pentax DA 15mm f/4 ltd Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 ltd Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 ltd That looks good to me... I don't have any of them, but I've seen lots of images taken with them. Of the lenses I own. 21 ltd. DA 35 2.4 Sigma 70 macro. Often they are in the bag with DA* 60-250, but the DA 18-135 is on the camera.

03-10-2014, 06:54 PM	#11
wullemaha Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Tokyo Posts: 503 Original Poster	Interesting. There seem to be a lot combinations with 1x, 3x, 7x focal lengths. Not as much 5x as I expected. Currently I am wondering what should be my next target - upgrading the M50 1.4 to an AF lens (maybe even a 7x ?), or going for a 21,15 or 14mm prime. sigh So many lenses, not enough money...

03-10-2014, 07:02 PM	#13
geomez Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Roanoke, Virginia, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,760	Of the ones I own: Rokinon 16 F2 for landscapes and night shots DA 35 F2.4 for everyday shooting Tamron 90mm F2.8 macro for portraiture, short telephoto, and because I can't live without a 1:1 macro lens

03-10-2014, 07:02 PM	#14
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	In practice I don't really need to go very wide. So my 3-piece prime set (on APS-C) usually is: . Ricoh Rikenon XR 28mm f/2.8. (Had two Pentax 28 2.8 lenses, sold both and kept the Ricoh) . Auto Sears MC 50mm f/1.7 (also a Ricoh lens), or SMC Pentax-K 55mm f/2 (I have two other 50s I can pick depending on my mood… all 4 get used quite a bit) . SMC Pentax-A 135mm f/2.8. That one never leaves my bag. Plus one 52mm inverter ring and I'm all set for macro, too Sometimes I'll go out with just two lenses, and it works out well. 3 for me is a luxury If it's just two, it's the 135 I listed above, plus either the Rikenon XR 28, or the Pentax DA 35mm f/2.4. Finally, there are times when I go out with just one. Camera and lens, that's it (with a full battery of course). That would be the Pentax DA 35mm f/2.4.

03-10-2014, 07:14 PM	#15
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	Originally posted by wullemaha Interesting. There seem to be a lot combinations with 1x, 3x, 7x focal lengths. Not as much 5x as I expected. Currently I am wondering what should be my next target - upgrading the M50 1.4 to an AF lens (maybe even a 7x ?), or going for a 21,15 or 14mm prime. sigh So many lenses, not enough money... I did a study not too long ago taking as-near-as-possible the "same" shot with my 18-135 at 18, 24, 35, 50, and 70. I shot 3 or 4 different scenes every day for a couple of weeks. I found that, for me, anytime the 50 was better than the 35, the 70 was better than the 50. Almost never was 50 the "right" FL for me. All the others have their place, and I carry an old Takumar 50/1.4, but I'd never invest money in an autofocus 50 after learning that. For me, I'd take my 15Ltd, Sigma 30/1.4 and I'd pick up the Sigma 70 Macro (don't have it yet, next on my LBA list since I found I have a strong affinity for 70).