What are some good manual K-mount wide-angle lenses?

Cintramontane · 01-28-2016, 02:44 AM

Hi,

I have a lovely Ricoh XR-2s which takes K-mount lenses. I have a Mitakon 50mm 1.4 and a Mitakon 135 2.8 for it but I'm really more of a landscape kinda guy. What are some good, cheap, manual K-mount wide-angles I could look for?

Thanks,

Cintramontane

Sandy Hancock · 01-28-2016, 04:17 AM

K28/3.5
M28/3.5
A28/2.8
A24-50/4.0
Kiron28/2.0 (I wish I never sold that one)

**southlander** · 01-28-2016, 04:42 AM

K35/3.5

**dms** · 01-28-2016, 04:57 AM

For landscapes/cityscapes w/ 35 mm and wider I often prefer takumar lens (screw mount) because you can zone focus and use in auto aperture mode. The 24 mm f/3.5, 28 mm f/3.5, and 35 mm f/3.5 are excellent. Of these I believe the original K-mount versions are the same for the 24 mm, and certainly so for the 35mm, and the 28 mm was revised (said to be improved) for the K-mount.

Also the 28 mm and 35mm takumars are amazingly low in cost. The 35 mm especially is perhaps the best bargain in Pentax lenses (it and the m SMC 50mm f/1.7). BTW many non SMC 35 mm takumars are reputed to have smc, but not labeled or announced to be so.

Last edited by dms; 01-28-2016 at 05:02 AM.

pathdoc · 01-28-2016, 05:16 AM

DMS's suggestion definitely has its merits. I encountered metering inconsistencies with Takumars on my XR-1 and quickly gave that combination up. Quite possibly the XR-2s, having aperture priority, is a different kettle of fish; but just making you aware of that. If you can handle an M42 lens and adapter in a camera store before making the investment, that might be a wise idea.

That being said, I have the SMC Takumar 28/3.5 and Super Takumar (preceding generation) 35mm/3.5 DMS mentions, and they are both excellent lenses optically.

If you also primarily shoot APS-C DSLRs, remember that an 18mm APS-C lens is approximately the same in field of view terms as a 28mm lens on full frame; so if you want wider than that, choose your focal lengths appropriately. Landscapes makes me think DA15, so consider a 24mm lens to be close to that.

Ricoh also made their own glass, of course, and the 28mm XR Rikenon is a very nice piece of equipment IMO.

Doundounba · 01-28-2016, 05:22 AM

Sigma Superwide II 24mm F/2.8 has a great reputation. Love mine, but I only shoot APS-C, so I guess YMMV...

8540tomg · 01-28-2016, 06:25 AM

The SMC Pentax K 24/2.8 is the widest of all my old manual focus glass.

With a little time and effort it works just fine on a digital camera.

Tom G

wyoung · 01-28-2016, 06:40 AM

I found a copy of a K 55 1.8 at Adorama (rated E+) a couple of years ago and bought it. I think I paid $60 for it. It has become my favorite lens. It set me off on a manual focus binge. For the dollar to value ratio--it's hard to beat some of these old lenses. The lens database here has been a helpful guide.

Cintramontane · 01-28-2016, 07:09 AM

Thanks folks, that gives me something to go on.

Ralph · 01-28-2016, 09:24 AM

My favorites:
SMC Pentax 1:3.5 15 mm
SMC Pentax-M Zoom 1:3.5 24 mm - 35 mm

**WPRESTO** · 01-28-2016, 10:57 AM

Various versions of the Pentax 20mm lens have a good reputation. Check the owner/user ratings under "lenses" here on PF. I think the later/last f4 version is thought to be better than the more expensive f2.8. Among aftermarket lenses the Tokina 17mm f3.5 is excellent. Had an early version of this lens and was very pleased with its IQ.

**gofour3** · 01-28-2016, 11:03 AM

If price is not an issue, then this is my favorite kit:

K28/2
K50/1.2
K85/1.8

Those are the real three amigos!

Phil.

**monochrome** · 01-28-2016, 11:18 AM

Originally posted by gofour3

If price is not an issue, then this is my favorite kit:

K28/2
K50/1.2
K85/1.8

Those are the real three amigos!

Phil.

Phil: Thse may be the real Three Amigos but the FA Limiteds will always be the Three Princesses.

Adam · 01-28-2016, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by Cintramontane

Hi,

I have a lovely Ricoh XR-2s which takes K-mount lenses. I have a Mitakon 50mm 1.4 and a Mitakon 135 2.8 for it but I'm really more of a landscape kinda guy. What are some good, cheap, manual K-mount wide-angles I could look for?

Thanks,

Cintramontane

I'd look at current Samyang lenses as they'll easily beat out legacy glass. They're a great value, not necessarily bargain-basement priced, but they'll certainly last a while.

Lenses to consider include the 14mm F2.8, 16mm F2, and 24mm F1.4.

**WPRESTO** · 01-28-2016, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by Adam

I'd look at current Samyang lenses as they'll easily beat out legacy glass. They're a great value, not necessarily bargain-basement priced, but they'll certainly last a while.

Lenses to consider include the 14mm F2.8, 16mm F2, and 24mm F1.4.

He is looking for something to cover FF. I think the 16mm Samyang is only APS-C. Also the 14mm Samyang is not very good @ f2.8, but is competitive @ f5.6~8

01-28-2016, 02:44 AM	#1
Cintramontane New Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 3	What are some good manual K-mount wide-angle lenses? Hi, I have a lovely Ricoh XR-2s which takes K-mount lenses. I have a Mitakon 50mm 1.4 and a Mitakon 135 2.8 for it but I'm really more of a landscape kinda guy. What are some good, cheap, manual K-mount wide-angles I could look for? Thanks, Cintramontane

01-28-2016, 05:22 AM	#6
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351	Sigma Superwide II 24mm F/2.8 has a great reputation. Love mine, but I only shoot APS-C, so I guess YMMV... Last edited by Doundounba; 01-28-2016 at 08:01 AM.

01-28-2016, 10:57 AM	#11
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,138	Various versions of the Pentax 20mm lens have a good reputation. Check the owner/user ratings under "lenses" here on PF. I think the later/last f4 version is thought to be better than the more expensive f2.8. Among aftermarket lenses the Tokina 17mm f3.5 is excellent. Had an early version of this lens and was very pleased with its IQ. Last edited by WPRESTO; 01-28-2016 at 11:10 AM.

01-28-2016, 11:52 AM	#14
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by Cintramontane Hi, I have a lovely Ricoh XR-2s which takes K-mount lenses. I have a Mitakon 50mm 1.4 and a Mitakon 135 2.8 for it but I'm really more of a landscape kinda guy. What are some good, cheap, manual K-mount wide-angles I could look for? Thanks, Cintramontane I'd look at current Samyang lenses as they'll easily beat out legacy glass. They're a great value, not necessarily bargain-basement priced, but they'll certainly last a while. Lenses to consider include the 14mm F2.8, 16mm F2, and 24mm F1.4. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

01-28-2016, 12:01 PM	#15
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,138	Originally posted by Adam I'd look at current Samyang lenses as they'll easily beat out legacy glass. They're a great value, not necessarily bargain-basement priced, but they'll certainly last a while. Lenses to consider include the 14mm F2.8, 16mm F2, and 24mm F1.4. He is looking for something to cover FF. I think the 16mm Samyang is only APS-C. Also the 14mm Samyang is not very good @ f2.8, but is competitive @ f5.6~8 Last edited by WPRESTO; 01-28-2016 at 12:07 PM.

01-28-2016, 04:17 AM	#2
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	K28/3.5 M28/3.5 A28/2.8 A24-50/4.0 Kiron28/2.0 (I wish I never sold that one)

01-28-2016, 04:42 AM	#3
southlander Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Adelaide Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,364	K35/3.5

01-28-2016, 04:57 AM	#4
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	For landscapes/cityscapes w/ 35 mm and wider I often prefer takumar lens (screw mount) because you can zone focus and use in auto aperture mode. The 24 mm f/3.5, 28 mm f/3.5, and 35 mm f/3.5 are excellent. Of these I believe the original K-mount versions are the same for the 24 mm, and certainly so for the 35mm, and the 28 mm was revised (said to be improved) for the K-mount. Also the 28 mm and 35mm takumars are amazingly low in cost. The 35 mm especially is perhaps the best bargain in Pentax lenses (it and the m SMC 50mm f/1.7). BTW many non SMC 35 mm takumars are reputed to have smc, but not labeled or announced to be so. Last edited by dms; 01-28-2016 at 05:02 AM.

01-28-2016, 05:16 AM	#5
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	DMS's suggestion definitely has its merits. I encountered metering inconsistencies with Takumars on my XR-1 and quickly gave that combination up. Quite possibly the XR-2s, having aperture priority, is a different kettle of fish; but just making you aware of that. If you can handle an M42 lens and adapter in a camera store before making the investment, that might be a wise idea. That being said, I have the SMC Takumar 28/3.5 and Super Takumar (preceding generation) 35mm/3.5 DMS mentions, and they are both excellent lenses optically. If you also primarily shoot APS-C DSLRs, remember that an 18mm APS-C lens is approximately the same in field of view terms as a 28mm lens on full frame; so if you want wider than that, choose your focal lengths appropriately. Landscapes makes me think DA15, so consider a 24mm lens to be close to that. Ricoh also made their own glass, of course, and the 28mm XR Rikenon is a very nice piece of equipment IMO.

01-28-2016, 06:25 AM	#7
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	The SMC Pentax K 24/2.8 is the widest of all my old manual focus glass. With a little time and effort it works just fine on a digital camera. Tom G

01-28-2016, 06:40 AM	#8
wyoung New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Alabama Posts: 14	I found a copy of a K 55 1.8 at Adorama (rated E+) a couple of years ago and bought it. I think I paid $60 for it. It has become my favorite lens. It set me off on a manual focus binge. For the dollar to value ratio--it's hard to beat some of these old lenses. The lens database here has been a helpful guide.

01-28-2016, 07:09 AM	#9
Cintramontane New Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Thanks folks, that gives me something to go on.

01-28-2016, 09:24 AM	#10
Ralph New Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 3	My favorites: SMC Pentax 1:3.5 15 mm SMC Pentax-M Zoom 1:3.5 24 mm - 35 mm

01-28-2016, 11:03 AM	#12
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,092	If price is not an issue, then this is my favorite kit: K28/2 K50/1.2 K85/1.8 Those are the real three amigos! Phil.

01-28-2016, 11:18 AM	#13
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by gofour3 If price is not an issue, then this is my favorite kit: K28/2 K50/1.2 K85/1.8 Those are the real three amigos! Phil. Phil: Thse may be the real Three Amigos but the FA Limiteds will always be the Three Princesses.

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