[malenisjaj]

Hi,
I have SMC-A 35-105/3.5 and I'm very satisfied with it, but since I'm trying to control myself over buying other lenses (LBA?!) and my next option would be SMC 100mm (or even SMC 85mm), I'm asking here is it wise to buy that primes if I already have them with "stack of primes" lens? I know that it's f3.5 but, is it "worth" to buy one or two primes (SMC)? Is IQ that better?

Thank you!

[GibbyTheMole]

Personally, I wouldn't. The 35-105 is a superb lens, and the difference is likely to be minimal. If you want a 100 or 85mm lens, the ones to get would be either a good 100mm macro lens, or the Samyang/Rokinon/Vivitar/Opteka f:1.4 / 85mm lens. Those would give you capabilities you don't have now. Macro capability in the first case, and speed & portrait bokeh in the latter.

[lubosh.occ]

is it the 1:2.8 Pentax-M lens you have in mind? in the review section it comes slightly better rated that the 35-105mm … and i would say it comes down to what your preference is … to have a zoom or prime? and what you want to use it for … if it fits your purpose … or if you just "like having them around, in case the opportunity comes" … my opinion, most prime lenses have slightly better iq, but it could be hard to notice sometimes, there is just too many lenses to say for definite, and can it be justified to carry around 5 prime lenses instead of possibly 2 good enough zooms … especially these M/A that are quite heavy (don't apply if you have a photo bag on wheels

[yusuf]

Hi,
I have SMC-A 35-105/3.5 and I'm very satisfied with it, but since I'm trying to control myself over buying other lenses (LBA?!) and my next option would be SMC 100mm (or even SMC 85mm), I'm asking here is it wise to buy that primes if I already have them with "stack of primes" lens? I know that it's f3.5 but, is it "worth" to buy one or two primes (SMC)? Is IQ that better?

Thank you!

I haven't came across any lens qualifying as "stack of primes" - in fact most good primes would be way sharper at f3.5 than 35-105mm and offer better IQ.

Having said that, 35-105mm is indeed a nice lens as long as you keep your expectations in limit. I recently posted some pics from my mostly unused 35-105mm, if you like, check them out.

[malenisjaj]

is it the 1:2.8 Pentax-M lens you have in mind?

Yes. Or the Pentax-A.

[Na Horuk]

Maybe if you got the modern 100mm macro. That way it has true 1:1 macro, modern lens coatings, the latest version is even WR. The 100mm macro lenses are really amazing, very sharp and contrasty. Dunno about the older SMC and M versions, though.

[malenisjaj]

Why macro? I'm not that intersted in macro photography or do you mean that with macro lens one gets better IQ than non-macro lens?

[Na Horuk]

Ah, well if you don't want macro, then a macro lens might not be a good choice
But the FA or DFA 100mm macro is an amazing lens, even in non-macro usage. Very sharp, contrasty, good colours. But since its a macro lens, its AF is a little slower. You can look for sample photos here:
Pentax Camera & Lens Sample Photo Search Engine - PentaxForums.com

[bassek]

You gain one half stop with the M100/2,8, and one more with the M85/2.0. Thats the main reason as I see it (except the obvious LBA).
I can not comment IQ improvement @ f/3.5 for these lenses compared to the A35-105, but at least I believe they should be slightly better.

Seb