[lost.echo]

Hello everyone, I've been shooting Pentax for a couple years now, but I never really gotten an AF prime. My currents lenses are the DA18-55 WR, K50 1.4, FA 100-300, Tamron 28-75, and the M75-150. I was thinking about picking up a prime to do some more street photography and I was trying to decide between the DAL 35 2.4, DA40 Limited, DA35 Limited, or the FA 35 2. I was really liking the idea of getting the DA 40 because of it's size, but the DA 35 Limited has a macro feature which sounds great too. I was hoping to pick up the lens before I go study abroad in the summer. So any advice would be awesome.

[mattb123]

I have the 40 and it's nice but I think it can be a little long for street shooting. I love that lens, but street isn't its forte in my opinion.
If I was shopping specifically for a street lens I think I'd get the plastic 35/2.4 and save some money. If I was after a general use lens I'd lean toward the 35 macro for its versatility.

The macro is going to focus slower than a non-macro because the focus throw (distance the ring needs to be turned) is longer to allow for fine adjustments.

[Dlanor Sekao]

The DAL 35 2.4 is a fantastic lens. That would be my first choice if I were you.

[robthebloke]

DA35 limited, because as well as it being a fantastic lens, it's also a macro, which is something you don't have yet.

Alternatively the DA21. (Which is the other DA limited that is extremely versatile)

[kh1234567890]

DA21 Ltd - great for street photos, AF is very reliable and the unusual lens hood helps you to remain unnoticed. Just a touch too wide at times when you can't get close.
DA35 Macro Ltd - AF can miss and it is a long (and noisy) spin to the near end stop. 35mm is a bit short for macros - you have to get really close. Nice lens otherwise.
DA40 Ltd - also reliable and fast AF but somehow I'd never liked the focal length for street photos.
DA70 Ltd - great for short tele people shots when you want to blur the background.

Basically, you can't go wrong with any of these, but I'd recommend the DA21 to start with

[VoiceOfReason]

I'd almost look for an FA 24 first, possibly an FA 28 or 31, or the Sigma 30f/1.4.

[Transit]

My DA40 gathers dust, my DA21 gathers images

[jddwoods]

I do a good amount of street shooting in New York City. When I go, the lens that is on my K-3 by default is the DA 21 Limited. Depending on where I am visiting and the time of the year I will bring along the DA35 Macro and/or the DA70 Limited. These cover just about everything and keep the camera and camera bag small and light.

[SpecialK]

So any advice would be awesome.

None of those. The 21 is a better FL for street. You can try it out by testing the 18-55 at 21, then 35 for a day.

[pakinjapan]

i have FA20, F28 and FA35. i like the speed and sharpness of FA35 the most, but when talk about focal lengths, FA20 is the best for street (IMO) for city with lot of tall building - day time shooting. when i can not make up my mind between 20mm and 35mm, F28 is always there, and it never disappointed me. 28mm is a very good choice for street photo too. i find myself using 20 the most, next 28 and then 35.

DA15 is another one you will "need" ! or let's just forget about anything your zoom already cover, and go for the mind controlling 15?
going out for street photo at night, 15 is the only lenses i usually carry.

[jwc77]

Another vote for the DA 21...brilliant lens for street. Very versatile.

[stevebrot]

I own the FA 35/2 and while it rocks for street photography with 35mm FF film, it is just a little too long on APS-C. The suggestions regarding 24mm are well-made.


Steve

[normhead]

Another 21 ltd fan here. I don't know why I even like that lens, but I do.

[Sagitta]

If you use lightroom or any other photo suite that records focal lengths, do yourself a favor and see which ones you gravitate to the most. Then, check what speed you tend to use the most at that focal length, and do your shopping from there.

[Trudger1272]

For street the 21mm and I'd definitely bump the 40mm further down the list.
But for shooting in general, I'd start with a normal focal length, then through shooting with it, I'd decide which direction to go next. For macro I suggest getting a 100mm variant.
Good luck!