[seb.leclerc]

Hello everyone. I have a (maybe) simple question, from a newby. I currently have a K-3 with the 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 that came with it. I would like a second lense.

I have read this post https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/187-pentax-forums-giveaways/276310-lens-t...-f1-7-a-2.html a found those 2 lenses are pretty neat. Are they that similar? What are the typical usage of each?

Thanks!

[boriscleto]

They are 2 very different lenses. One is a manual everything film era lens, the other is a modern autofocus lens designed for APS-C digital.

The field of view of a 35mm lens on APS-C is close to that of a 50mm lens on Full Frame.

Try taking some pictures at 35mm and then some at 50mm with your 18-135.

[seb.leclerc]

After a quick check, those are the 2 lenses that I can get and not too expensive:
Pentax SMC DA 50MM f/1.8 and Pentax SMC DA 35MM f/2.4 AL

I found 2 other post that helped me:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/261583-50mm-vs-35mm.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/259160-m...m-f2-4-al.html

[Alex645]

Hello everyone. I have a (maybe) simple question, from a newby. I currently have a K-3 with the 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 that came with it. I would like a second lense.

I have read this post https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/187-pentax-forums-giveaways/276310-lens-t...-f1-7-a-2.html a found those 2 lenses are pretty neat. Are they that similar? What are the typical usage of each?

Thanks!

The DA 35mm f/2.8 Ltd. Macro is a razor sharp jewel of a lens and is a practical focal length for street photography as it approximates what your eyes see. Also as a macro, you can get extreme close ups, albeit at a certain point it is less practical as a macro (vs. a 100mm macro) because you are physically so close that you cast your own shadow into the shot or scare of little critters. Also the DA 35mm has auto focus with quick shift, whereas the M 50mm f/1.7 is more of a short telephoto (manual focus) that is really nice for portraiture and shallow depth-of-field.

Another consideration for a second lens is to look at your metadata. What percentage of your shots are done at 18mm? 135mm? And in-between? If a majority are at the wide end, perhaps you should consider a wide angle prime under 18mm? Or a majority at 135mm, then perhaps you want more reach like a 55-300mm? If that isn't your thinking, and unless you want portraiture, the DA 35mm f/2.8 Ltd. Macro will give your K3 amazingly sharp images with great color rendition.

[soti]

Hello everyone. I have a (maybe) simple question, from a newby. I currently have a K-3 with the 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 that came with it. I would like a second lense.

I have read this post https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/187-pentax-forums-giveaways/276310-lens-t...-f1-7-a-2.html a found those 2 lenses are pretty neat. Are they that similar? What are the typical usage of each?

Thanks!

Those two lenses offer improved image quality over what you currently have. But is it what you want? I would probably go for something that I dont have. For more reach, I'd take the 55-300mm. Much wider is expensive, but there are great options there as well: DA 12-24mm vs Sigma and Tamron 10-24mm Comparison Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Other than this, you could go for a fish-eye, for a macro lens (for extreme close-up)... the list is long

[stevebrot]

Try taking some pictures at 35mm and then some at 50mm with your 18-135.

What he said...

After a quick check, those are the 2 lenses that I can get and not too expensive:
Pentax SMC DA 50MM f/1.8 and Pentax SMC DA 35MM f/2.4 AL

Both are great value, though which works better for you depends quite a bit on your style of shooting. As noted above, the FOV between 50mm and 35mm is considerable.


Steve

[stevebrot]

Another consideration for a second lens is to look at your metadata.

He means the EXIF metadata that is embedded within the image files your camera generates. The EXIF includes tons of information for each shot you take and focal length is part of the mix when using AF lenses or when entered manually for manual focus lenses. There is a free (donation appreciated) tool called ExposurePlot that can do a batch analysis of your image files. Check it out at the link below:

http://www.vandel.nl/exposureplot.html


Steve

[grispie]

first, imo using a prime focal will improve your photography, if only by the limitation of not being able to zoom & thinking about your frame a tad longer.

the da35 would be more of a allrounder, say street, casual, (environmental) portraits... the da50 gets closer to a 'portrait lens. So it all depends on what you are after.

as second lens, one of these is a great choice anyhow.
my 2 cents

[clackers]

The 35 is more versatile - in street photography, it would be the one you use for most shots - the 50 better for detail shots like signs, food, and upper body portraits.


There's an argument for both, isn't there? :-)


And they're cheap with high quality - lenses Pentaxians can be proud of.

[Billk]

The 35 macro is going too enable you to do lots of things, including close up.

However, if you try to take head and shoulders portraits with a 35mm, your subjects might punch you when they see the results. (Distorted features, especially exaggerated noses and jawlines.) A 50mm would be muuuuuuch better for portrait (including full length and environmental).

But we really need to hear more about what kind of shooting you like best.

[KDD]

DA is better. Manul lens are boring!

[clackers]

A 50mm would be muuuuuuch better for portrait (including full length and environmental).

Nuh, we're on APS-C, Bill.

The 35 is fine for all of that.

[UncleVanya]

Nuh, we're on APS-C, Bill.

The 35 is fine for all of that.

Agreed.

Case in point: https://flic.kr/p/zLRyCy

FA 31... That is what he looks like. And yes it was a minor crop full width of a shot that was vertical and had a little more background than I wanted.

[seb.leclerc]

Thanks everyone for the answers. I'll probably go for the 35mm for his versatility. I'll probably do more street and some macro shots.

[whojammyflip]

on digital, 50 will behave like a 85mm lens on film...quite a nice perspective for portraits

for general shots, some might say something shorter than 35mm might be more useful as you can get more in