Getting into pentax, need some lens advice

Photographykn · 05-03-2016, 12:12 PM

Hey People, I have my eyes on a cheap and mint K5 II s
Now I already have Canon(s) as my main system, but I would like a K5 to use with some old lenses

What old (preferably with AF) lenses would you recommend ? Because I think there are quite a lot of old autofocus lenses out there for Pentax mount ?

I have a few M42 lenses but these are mainly for use on my A7

builttospill · 05-03-2016, 12:24 PM

It's hard to recommend lenses without a little more information. What subjects do you like to shoot? What focal lengths do you prefer on your Canon? What's your budget?

There are several lenses out there, but my favorite lens of all time is the FA 43 Limited. It's sharp and versatile for portraits and landscapes. It's not necessarily old though, so it might be a little more expensive than you were looking for.

**UncleVanya** · 05-03-2016, 12:24 PM

The Pentax F, FA, DA, and DFA lenses all are auto focus on Pentax. All except the DA lenses may be in greater demand due to the release of the K-1 full frame camera.

The forum has a lens section that covers all the various options including 3rd party.

Photographykn · 05-03-2016, 12:34 PM

oh well I am not going for the most expensive lenses here as this is not a main system, so would prefer the cheaper ones like a decent landscape, portrait, .. lens

**TER-OR** · 05-03-2016, 12:44 PM

The "plastic" DA35mm and 50mm are great performers for their cost.

Alternately, look at the pancake series. I really like the DA21mm, though it costs a bit more than the 40mm. The 70mm is more of a portrait lens, a bit long on ASPC for casual use, though for casual portraits it's worth looking at. The camera is a lot less intimidating with the pancakes.

A special lens is the DA 10-17 fisheye zoom. That's a lot of fun being UWA at 17mm and 170 degree at 10mm.

Adam · 05-03-2016, 12:45 PM

Originally posted by Photographykn

oh well I am not going for the most expensive lenses here as this is not a main system, so would prefer the cheaper ones like a decent landscape, portrait, .. lens

Here's a list of Pentax AF lenses:

Lenses with Autofocus - Pentax Lens Search | PentaxForums.com

Are there any that stand out to you?

I would go for a mix of old and new lenses. The Limiteds are really worth trying, IMO!

There are also plenty of great manual focus lenses.

Mahadragon · 05-03-2016, 12:54 PM

I would definitely recommend the 50mm F1.8 (green ring around lens). It's cheap and a great performer for the price! It can be had for a little over a hundred bucks if you look around, even cheaper if you buy used.

If you don't mind manual focus, you can get the 50mm F1.4 for less than $100 used like I did. The 50-200mm kit lens that came with my KS2 is pretty decent for the price as well.

TinaS · 05-03-2016, 01:01 PM

Da 35 and 50 are a great price and performance. I have both, and am happy with them.

furryurry · 05-03-2016, 01:05 PM

AF Zooms:
Pentax-F 24-50 f/4, $100-$200 used
Pentax-F 35-70 f/3.5-4.5, $40-70 used

AF Primes:
Pentax-DA 35mm f/2.4, $100-150 used or new
Pentax-DA 50mm f/1.8, $70-110 used or new
Pentax-F 50mm f/1.7, $100-140 used

**TER-OR** · 05-03-2016, 01:34 PM

Another one with which I have direct experience is Sigma's 28mm f1.8 macro. It's not a small lens, being FF capable. It performs very well, even wide-open. They have several in the 28-30mm range. If I'm walking around and want wider angle, though, I use the 21mm.

Don't neglect a weather-resistant lens. That's part of why we have Pentax, after all.

HudsonShooter · 05-03-2016, 03:45 PM

you can find lots of old manual lenses on the web for k mount.
I would reccommed getting a 80-200 or simular used.
cheap 50mm and 28mm primes are abundant.
They have better lenses new such as 50mm 1.8 which is good for portrait.

C_Jones · 05-03-2016, 09:22 PM

I have a K-5IIS. I have a Pentax 16-85 on it. The detail in images the K-5IIS produces is excellent.

**Douglas_of_Sweden** · 05-03-2016, 10:03 PM

Generally speaking, used Pentax autofocus lenses from the film age (F, FA and even FAJ) have been rising in price noticeably the last 4-5 months...which might have something to do with them being full frame and people shoping lenses for the K-1.

But if you want gems that have been underrated in price the FA 28-70mm f4 (constant f) is the first that comes to my mind. In reviews when it came out in the 90's its optic was favourably compared to the FA* 28-70mm f2.8. Just slower, smaller and less $$$. Another very good FA lens is the powerzoom FA 28-105mm. But don't mix these lenses up with the other zooms covering the same focal range, but different specifications and different optical formulas.

Photographykn · 05-04-2016, 01:16 AM

thanks for all the advice so far

I was actually wondering, if i get the ltd 40mm and 70mm (I can get them at an intresting price) , can these be used on my Sony A7, in other words, are these lenses made for full frame?
I know they have aparture rings also

**clackers** · 05-04-2016, 02:04 AM

Originally posted by Photographykn

thanks for all the advice so far

I was actually wondering, if i get the ltd 40mm and 70mm (I can get them at an intresting price) , can these be used on my Sony A7, in other words, are these lenses made for full frame?
I know they have aparture rings also

Yes, they work on FF.

But they don't have aperture rings.

I use them and other DA lenses on my A7 with a Novoflex PK adapter that has its own (of sorts) aperture ring.

Not very good, but better than nothing.

05-03-2016, 12:12 PM	#1
Photographykn New Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 9	Getting into pentax, need some lens advice Hey People, I have my eyes on a cheap and mint K5 II s Now I already have Canon(s) as my main system, but I would like a K5 to use with some old lenses What old (preferably with AF) lenses would you recommend ? Because I think there are quite a lot of old autofocus lenses out there for Pentax mount ? I have a few M42 lenses but these are mainly for use on my A7

05-03-2016, 12:45 PM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by Photographykn oh well I am not going for the most expensive lenses here as this is not a main system, so would prefer the cheaper ones like a decent landscape, portrait, .. lens Here's a list of Pentax AF lenses: Lenses with Autofocus - Pentax Lens Search \| PentaxForums.com Are there any that stand out to you? I would go for a mix of old and new lenses. The Limiteds are really worth trying, IMO! There are also plenty of great manual focus lenses. 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:

05-03-2016, 01:05 PM	#9
furryurry Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NYC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 786	AF Zooms: Pentax-F 24-50 f/4, $100-$200 used Pentax-F 35-70 f/3.5-4.5, $40-70 used AF Primes: Pentax-DA 35mm f/2.4, $100-150 used or new Pentax-DA 50mm f/1.8, $70-110 used or new Pentax-F 50mm f/1.7, $100-140 used Last edited by furryurry; 05-03-2016 at 04:08 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Thinking of switching from fuji to pentax need some advice	nirVaan	Pentax Full Frame	28	01-10-2016 10:27 AM
Need some advice for a zoom lens	stang	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	10	04-25-2011 01:24 AM
Getting back into photography, advice desired	Virago	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	6	01-28-2010 08:53 AM
Advice on Getting BACK into MF	hillerby	Pentax Medium Format	5	08-14-2009 11:28 AM
Need some lens advice - Tight Budget	fvalduga	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	02-28-2009 08:43 AM

05-03-2016, 12:24 PM	#2
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	It's hard to recommend lenses without a little more information. What subjects do you like to shoot? What focal lengths do you prefer on your Canon? What's your budget? There are several lenses out there, but my favorite lens of all time is the FA 43 Limited. It's sharp and versatile for portraits and landscapes. It's not necessarily old though, so it might be a little more expensive than you were looking for.

05-03-2016, 12:24 PM	#3
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,460	The Pentax F, FA, DA, and DFA lenses all are auto focus on Pentax. All except the DA lenses may be in greater demand due to the release of the K-1 full frame camera. The forum has a lens section that covers all the various options including 3rd party.

05-03-2016, 12:34 PM	#4
Photographykn New Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 9 Original Poster	oh well I am not going for the most expensive lenses here as this is not a main system, so would prefer the cheaper ones like a decent landscape, portrait, .. lens

05-03-2016, 12:44 PM	#5
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	The "plastic" DA35mm and 50mm are great performers for their cost. Alternately, look at the pancake series. I really like the DA21mm, though it costs a bit more than the 40mm. The 70mm is more of a portrait lens, a bit long on ASPC for casual use, though for casual portraits it's worth looking at. The camera is a lot less intimidating with the pancakes. A special lens is the DA 10-17 fisheye zoom. That's a lot of fun being UWA at 17mm and 170 degree at 10mm.

05-03-2016, 12:54 PM	#7
Mahadragon Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Seattle Posts: 28	I would definitely recommend the 50mm F1.8 (green ring around lens). It's cheap and a great performer for the price! It can be had for a little over a hundred bucks if you look around, even cheaper if you buy used. If you don't mind manual focus, you can get the 50mm F1.4 for less than $100 used like I did. The 50-200mm kit lens that came with my KS2 is pretty decent for the price as well.

05-03-2016, 01:01 PM	#8
TinaS Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,164	Da 35 and 50 are a great price and performance. I have both, and am happy with them.

05-03-2016, 01:34 PM	#10
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Another one with which I have direct experience is Sigma's 28mm f1.8 macro. It's not a small lens, being FF capable. It performs very well, even wide-open. They have several in the 28-30mm range. If I'm walking around and want wider angle, though, I use the 21mm. Don't neglect a weather-resistant lens. That's part of why we have Pentax, after all.

05-03-2016, 03:45 PM	#11
HudsonShooter Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 108	you can find lots of old manual lenses on the web for k mount. I would reccommed getting a 80-200 or simular used. cheap 50mm and 28mm primes are abundant. They have better lenses new such as 50mm 1.8 which is good for portrait.

05-03-2016, 09:22 PM	#12
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	I have a K-5IIS. I have a Pentax 16-85 on it. The detail in images the K-5IIS produces is excellent.

05-03-2016, 10:03 PM	#13
Douglas_of_Sweden Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stockholm Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,374	Generally speaking, used Pentax autofocus lenses from the film age (F, FA and even FAJ) have been rising in price noticeably the last 4-5 months...which might have something to do with them being full frame and people shoping lenses for the K-1. But if you want gems that have been underrated in price the FA 28-70mm f4 (constant f) is the first that comes to my mind. In reviews when it came out in the 90's its optic was favourably compared to the FA* 28-70mm f2.8. Just slower, smaller and less $$$. Another very good FA lens is the powerzoom FA 28-105mm. But don't mix these lenses up with the other zooms covering the same focal range, but different specifications and different optical formulas.

05-04-2016, 01:16 AM	#14
Photographykn New Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 9 Original Poster	thanks for all the advice so far I was actually wondering, if i get the ltd 40mm and 70mm (I can get them at an intresting price) , can these be used on my Sony A7, in other words, are these lenses made for full frame? I know they have aparture rings also

05-04-2016, 02:04 AM	#15
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Photographykn thanks for all the advice so far I was actually wondering, if i get the ltd 40mm and 70mm (I can get them at an intresting price) , can these be used on my Sony A7, in other words, are these lenses made for full frame? I know they have aparture rings also Yes, they work on FF. But they don't have aperture rings. I use them and other DA lenses on my A7 with a Novoflex PK adapter that has its own (of sorts) aperture ring. Not very good, but better than nothing.