Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

jbrowning · 06-13-2008, 04:41 PM

Hello everyone, I am looking for a 135mm k/mount f/2.8 or f/2.5 that is auto focus for my sons basketball games this winter. Any idea of where I could find one?

Thanks again
Jim

Groundloop · 06-13-2008, 05:32 PM

eBay? Craigslist?

I don't know if any third party companies made 135mm AF primes for K mount, so as far as I know, you're limited to the F and FA 135 f/2.8. If you're looking for a prime.

What's your budget? Maybe the DA* 50-135 or Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 would work for you.

jbrowning · 06-13-2008, 06:22 PM

I have been watching ebay (lots of manual focus lenses) and craigslist for Colorado and nothing has come up. The only thing I have been worried about the non prime lenses is if I zoom from 50-135 or 70-200 will I still have enough light with the lenses going from 2.8 to 3.5 or higher? I wouldn't mind keeping it under $150 if that is possible.

Thanks for the response.
Jim

TourDeForce · 06-13-2008, 07:22 PM

Originally posted by jbrowning

I wouldn't mind keeping it under $150 if that is possible.

I don't know if you're gonna find a fast auto focus lens in that focal range for that kind of money.

When I was working for the paper I figured out that players have a tendency to migrate to a part of the court they're comfortable with, or at least a part they're responsible for in the offensive/defensive scheme. I'd stake out an angle, pre-focus for that spot, and when the time came,... *snap*! Got my shot.

I also liked the 50mm down close to the boards too. Got some of my best pictures when players were taking what would later become a 3 point shot. There's a natural pause in the action when the corner is reached.

jbrowning · 06-13-2008, 08:16 PM

Hi Jim, yeah what I used last year was my 28-80mm f/3.5 that worked well. I stayed in one corner and used the 28mm when the teams were on my end of the court then the 80mm worked pretty well on the far end of the court. The home gym is very bright so the lens worked out well. It was when we were at other schools that didn't have good lighting I would have to end up using my 50mm 2.8. Which was bright enough but pushed the players so far away that it just didn't work because you had to crop the pictures so bad. I do have a manual 135 f/2.8 but it is so hard to get clear shots with focusing. I thought a 135 f/2.8 af might help me out.

Thanks
Jim

clawhammer · 06-13-2008, 09:28 PM

your other option might be a 100 macro- they're usually f/2.8. however, you're only talking half a stop of light here. have you hit your ISO limit? if not, just bump your ISO up half a stop or more. The K100 should do decent in high-ISO situations, if memory serves.

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-16-2008, 09:40 AM

you might want to consider a 50-135 F2.8 pentax zoom or I believe sigma 50-150mm F2.8.

While not a prime, it meets your requirements for speed and will be more flexible than a prime.

axl · 06-17-2008, 12:09 AM

agree with lowell here. those two options or I think there is sigma 70-200 f2.8 which would fit your bill too and would be quite a bit longer too...

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-17-2008, 04:41 AM

Originally posted by axl

agree with lowell here. those two options or I think there is sigma 70-200 f2.8 which would fit your bill too and would be quite a bit longer too...

not to mention A LOT heavier

jbrowning · 06-17-2008, 03:20 PM

Wow Lowell Goudge axl at this time those lenses are a little bit (ok quite a bit) more than my pocket book can handle. Thanks for the info though I really appreciate it.

Thanks
Jim

Nick1946 · 06-17-2008, 03:28 PM

I know you stated auto focus, but there are several manual focus k mounts showing at KEH website-very affordable. Just a thought

jbrowning · 06-17-2008, 05:17 PM

Hi Nick, thanks for the reply. I used a manual focus lens one or twice buy I missed a lot of shots that I wouldn't have missed with a auto focus.

Thanks
jim

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-17-2008, 07:08 PM

Originally posted by jbrowning

Hi Nick, thanks for the reply. I used a manual focus lens one or twice buy I missed a lot of shots that I wouldn't have missed with a auto focus.

Thanks
jim

Jim

now that we have established price, (or perhaps your desire for lack of)

can I make anogher suggestion. you give up 1/2 stop, but get a great lens, that is probably within your ability to manual focus. I am suggesting a Vivitar Series 1 79-210 F3.5 (version 1)

focusing is 180 degrees (1/2 turn) from closest focus to infinity. it is a one touch zxoom so you can zoom and focus as you go, it is a true zoom, not veri focus, so it holds focus while zooming, and it is constant apature so you don't need to worry about changing apatures as you zoom and continually readjust exposure.

at f3.5 it only gives up 1/2 a stop and is bright enough to focus easily.

I used it for over 20 years (replaced ultimately with the sigma 70-200 F2.8 because I got lazy)

They are a very good lens, cheap, fast easy to use. It might be worth the time to learn MF. Maybe get a catz eye?

06-13-2008, 04:41 PM	#1
jbrowning Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 996	135mm lense Hello everyone, I am looking for a 135mm k/mount f/2.8 or f/2.5 that is auto focus for my sons basketball games this winter. Any idea of where I could find one? Thanks again Jim

06-17-2008, 03:28 PM	#11
Nick1946 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NW Arkansas Photos: Gallery Posts: 130	135mm I know you stated auto focus, but there are several manual focus k mounts showing at KEH website-very affordable. Just a thought

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Noob Question Difference Between a Lense That Does Macro & A True Macro Lense	Christopher M.W.T	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	16	07-19-2009 12:20 AM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax 28-80mm, 35-135mm and sears 135mm	YJD	Sold Items	5	07-15-2009 01:42 PM
For Sale - Sold: SuperTak 35mm f/3.5, Soligor 135mm f/2.8, Hanimex 135mm f/2.8 (M42 lens)	hinman	Sold Items	14	01-14-2008 11:36 AM
Mid Range Zoom - Tamron 24-135mm or Pentax F 35-135mm?	Khukri	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	0	06-26-2007 02:02 AM
For Sale - Sold: Make Offers: Haminex 135mm f/2.8, Sears 135mm f/2.8, Super Albinar 100-200mm f	inneyeseakay	Sold Items	1	06-23-2007 02:05 AM

06-13-2008, 05:32 PM	#2
Groundloop Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 236	eBay? Craigslist? I don't know if any third party companies made 135mm AF primes for K mount, so as far as I know, you're limited to the F and FA 135 f/2.8. If you're looking for a prime. What's your budget? Maybe the DA* 50-135 or Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 would work for you.

06-13-2008, 06:22 PM	#3
jbrowning Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 996 Original Poster	I have been watching ebay (lots of manual focus lenses) and craigslist for Colorado and nothing has come up. The only thing I have been worried about the non prime lenses is if I zoom from 50-135 or 70-200 will I still have enough light with the lenses going from 2.8 to 3.5 or higher? I wouldn't mind keeping it under $150 if that is possible. Thanks for the response. Jim

06-13-2008, 07:22 PM	#4
TourDeForce Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 514	Originally posted by jbrowning I wouldn't mind keeping it under $150 if that is possible. I don't know if you're gonna find a fast auto focus lens in that focal range for that kind of money. When I was working for the paper I figured out that players have a tendency to migrate to a part of the court they're comfortable with, or at least a part they're responsible for in the offensive/defensive scheme. I'd stake out an angle, pre-focus for that spot, and when the time came,... snap! Got my shot. I also liked the 50mm down close to the boards too. Got some of my best pictures when players were taking what would later become a 3 point shot. There's a natural pause in the action when the corner is reached.

06-13-2008, 08:16 PM	#5
jbrowning Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 996 Original Poster	Hi Jim, yeah what I used last year was my 28-80mm f/3.5 that worked well. I stayed in one corner and used the 28mm when the teams were on my end of the court then the 80mm worked pretty well on the far end of the court. The home gym is very bright so the lens worked out well. It was when we were at other schools that didn't have good lighting I would have to end up using my 50mm 2.8. Which was bright enough but pushed the players so far away that it just didn't work because you had to crop the pictures so bad. I do have a manual 135 f/2.8 but it is so hard to get clear shots with focusing. I thought a 135 f/2.8 af might help me out. Thanks Jim

06-13-2008, 09:28 PM	#6
clawhammer Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Logan, Utah Photos: Gallery Posts: 971	your other option might be a 100 macro- they're usually f/2.8. however, you're only talking half a stop of light here. have you hit your ISO limit? if not, just bump your ISO up half a stop or more. The K100 should do decent in high-ISO situations, if memory serves.

06-16-2008, 09:40 AM	#7
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	you might want to consider a 50-135 F2.8 pentax zoom or I believe sigma 50-150mm F2.8. While not a prime, it meets your requirements for speed and will be more flexible than a prime.

06-17-2008, 12:09 AM	#8
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	agree with lowell here. those two options or I think there is sigma 70-200 f2.8 which would fit your bill too and would be quite a bit longer too...

06-17-2008, 04:41 AM	#9
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Originally posted by axl agree with lowell here. those two options or I think there is sigma 70-200 f2.8 which would fit your bill too and would be quite a bit longer too... not to mention A LOT heavier

06-17-2008, 03:20 PM	#10
jbrowning Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 996 Original Poster	Wow Lowell Goudge axl at this time those lenses are a little bit (ok quite a bit) more than my pocket book can handle. Thanks for the info though I really appreciate it. Thanks Jim

06-17-2008, 05:17 PM	#12
jbrowning Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 996 Original Poster	Hi Nick, thanks for the reply. I used a manual focus lens one or twice buy I missed a lot of shots that I wouldn't have missed with a auto focus. Thanks jim

06-17-2008, 07:08 PM	#13
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Originally posted by jbrowning Hi Nick, thanks for the reply. I used a manual focus lens one or twice buy I missed a lot of shots that I wouldn't have missed with a auto focus. Thanks jim Jim now that we have established price, (or perhaps your desire for lack of) can I make anogher suggestion. you give up 1/2 stop, but get a great lens, that is probably within your ability to manual focus. I am suggesting a Vivitar Series 1 79-210 F3.5 (version 1) focusing is 180 degrees (1/2 turn) from closest focus to infinity. it is a one touch zxoom so you can zoom and focus as you go, it is a true zoom, not veri focus, so it holds focus while zooming, and it is constant apature so you don't need to worry about changing apatures as you zoom and continually readjust exposure. at f3.5 it only gives up 1/2 a stop and is bright enough to focus easily. I used it for over 20 years (replaced ultimately with the sigma 70-200 F2.8 because I got lazy) They are a very good lens, cheap, fast easy to use. It might be worth the time to learn MF. Maybe get a catz eye?

135mm lense

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!