[Tonytee]

Greetings,

I am in need of a very good Pentax lens I wish to use on my Pentax ZX-30 camera. I have used a couple of Pentax's short zooms, i,e., Pentax-F 1:4~5.6 35~80mm and I am not pleased at all. I am willing to go the extra mile as far as cost is concerned, however I am not willing to take a second mortgage on my house. So, many thanks for any assistance.

Regards,

Tony

[yucatanPentax]

What sort of photos do you envision taking with your new lens?

[Tonytee]

Thanks for your question. Well, basically just about the same as every other amateur. I enjoy doing indoor portrait work,
mountain scenery, coastline scenery and also city scapes. I have in mind something along the lines of a 28~105mm lens or maybe a little more length. Thanks,

Tonytee

[Sandy Hancock]

The ZX-30 needs A series lenses (or newer) to meter properly. If you want to take advantage of its autofocus you will need F series lenses or newer.
That leaves at least 100 lenses to choose from.
What sort of lens are you after?

[Tonytee]

Thank you very much for your reply. Actually, I have just recently been checking out the Pentax-F 70-210mm Zoom. It is getting a lot of stellar reviews, and it seems to be reasonably priced on ebay. However, I am still open to more recommendations. Thanks again,

Tonytee

[Sandy Hancock]

The F70-210 might be a reasonable option for portraits, but if you are after shallower depth of field a prime lens would be a better option. I'm a huge fan of the FA77, but it's not cheap.
For landscapes, the F28 might be a good place to start.

[rhodopsin]

+1 Fast prime for portraits. I assume you say not another 50mm because you already have it -- 50mm is perfect portrait focal length for your camera -- if too close then +1 the 77mm...

If you want more reach for your other photo-making, +1 the 70-210.

Sandy Hancock you give good advice!

[Naruto]

Why not the DA 35 f2.4? It has its flaws but itis supposed to be cheap with very good optics and claimed to be FF compatible.

[manntax]

From zooms I would go for much faster and more versatile SMC-A 70-210 f4 - constant f4 means better low light abilities and better separation and control over the DOF. From other lenses I think fast 135mm will give you a massive value for money - not sure how this camera works without the A contacts though - if it doesn't then the amount of lenses to choice from is basically reduced to SMC-A and af lenses.

[Sandy Hancock]

Why not the DA 35 f2.4? It has its flaws but itis supposed to be cheap with very good optics and claimed to be FF compatible.

No control of the aperture though....

[Hamiltom]

I would agree with the F35-70. It is a great little lens and makes a great combination with the F70-210. You should be able to find them fairly cheap. I find both of them to be very tough lenses. The macro on the F35-70 works well.

[bassek]

I would agree with the F35-70. It is a great little lens and makes a great combination with the F70-210. You should be able to find them fairly cheap. I find both of them to be very tough lenses. The macro on the F35-70 works well.

+1. And the F35-105 is nice too.

Seb

[yusuf]

50mm is a good portrait lens, maybe you can tell us why not 50

[TER-OR]

Look for one of the 28-105s, I got one attached to a film body a while ago. While inexpensive this light zoom delivers, particularly at 70mm. Wide open it's good too.
Promaster or Pentax branding, I think the lenses are the same. Do get a rubber screw-on hood, though.

[Tonytee]

50mm is a good portrait lens, maybe you can tell us why not 50

I did not mean to imply that I thought Pentax 50mm lenses were not good. I have many A's, M's and Takumar 55mm f/2. I want something that will allow more creative latitude. So, I do have my sights set on the Pentax-A or -F 70-210mm with the constant f/4. I like the looks of this lens and of course the glowing reviews it has earned. Seems the best way to go. Go Pentaxians, you rule.
Thanks for all of the helpful suggestions. Best wishes for this holiday season.

Tony