Best 'normal' pentax K-1 lens?

oscaletrains · 09-19-2016, 06:38 AM

Using a prime is so "old school"...!

HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR

With the modern shake reduction, f2.8 is fine.

Last edited by oscaletrains; 09-19-2016 at 07:07 AM.

leekil · 09-19-2016, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by chickenandavocado

Thanks all, interestingly in the lens review database there is not much love for the fa43 on the k1

Do they have bad copies or...?

SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

There are two less-than-stellar reviews there. One is by MadMathMind who seems to have an extreme dislike and/or bad experience for it on the K-1. (He has talked about it extensively on the forums in a couple places.) The other is just a so-so response. But two negative reviews are not indicative of a trend.

**bpv_UW** · 09-19-2016, 08:16 PM

I have both the fa 43 and da 55 and have used both extensively on K1 and K3. The 43 I have always found finicky, mostly in terms of AF accuracy, which seems a bit spotty. That phenomenon is more pronounced on the K3 than the K1 (but still present on the K1). That said, I've gotten some great images with it on the K1. It's definitely capably of delivering, if you're willing to deal with its idiosyncrasies. The 55 I liked on the K3 but is just stellar on the K1. AF speed isn't lightning quick, but acceptable, and the AF accuracy has been absolutely spot on. Rendering is fantastic, especially if portrait is your main goal. One thing to note is that I've found it to be bitingly sharp even at open apertures, and very contrasty at all apertures, on the K1. This isn't a problem, but I've often had to dial down Clarity in LR to -30-35 or so when shooting portraits to get the look I wanted (for comparison, I often decrease Clarity to -10 or so with the Fa limiteds in similar circumstances). Anyway, bottom line is they both can deliver great results, but I'd choose the 55 if portrait is your main goal. If versatility is your goal, I'd be more apt to consider the 43 as I think it's focal length is more versatile.

-Brandon

**clackers** · 09-20-2016, 06:48 AM - **1 Like**

I'd happily walk around all day with the K-1 and the DA*55:

robthebloke · 09-20-2016, 06:55 AM

Originally posted by chickenandavocado

Thanks all, interestingly in the lens review database there is not much love for the fa43 on the k1

Do they have bad copies or...?

SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I would take the reviews with a semi-pinch of salt. When I was shooting the 43 on the k-3, I'd be hard pressed to recommend it over the DA40. The DA40 has nice buttery bokeh, is smaller, quite a bit cheaper, and much more consistent. The FA43 has a bit of what I'd call an operating window. Within the right focal lengths, at the right aperture, it can deliver some astonishing shots (on the k-3 that is). But outside that window, it can often deliver flat and dull looking images (again, I'm only talking about the k-3 here).

On the k-1 though, it does come alive. It is not an FA77 or FA31. Those lenses are buttery smooth all the way. If that's what you are after, then the DA* 55 is probably what you want. The FA43 has a very unique rendering between about f2 and f3.5. Within certain limits its buttery smooth (in most cases from f4 and smaller, although that varies depending on focus distance), outside of those limits its bokeh is much more impressionist in its style (e.g. Monet, cezanne). For some people that style is not their cup of tea. For me personally, I really like the fact it's a very different lens to the 31 or 77.

I love it (as do many other k-1 owners), however it's not to everyone's taste. Take a good long hard look at the bokeh in this image: IMGP1595 | Rob Bateman | Flickr

That's the style of rendering that separates the 43 from the other FA limiteds. it's sharp, and it's tiny. You'll either love it, or you'll hate it, but it's not a lens that you could ever say was bad (not your first choice for your style of photography maybe, but bad, no!). I'd never sell mine. It's become my most used lens on the k-1.

noelpolar · 09-22-2016, 08:18 PM

Originally posted by robthebloke

I love it (as do many other k-1 owners), however it's not to everyone's taste. Take a good long hard look at the bokeh in this image: IMGP1595 | Rob Bateman | Flickr
.

Can see it here.... on K3

les3547 · 09-24-2016, 12:29 PM

Originally posted by LennyBloke

I'd be interested to hear the views of anyone who has used the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 on a K1 (I know it's 3mm above your max focal length) - it may just be that this is the "Best Normal Lens" - if it's APS-C results are anything to go by it will certainly be up there

So far I'm finding the Nokton incredible on the K-1. I've owned every one of the Voigtlanders, sold them all, then bought my favorites again, including the Nokton specifically hoping it could serve as my normal lens when I got the K-1. But I again have been selling off my Voigtlanders because I have a new glasses prescription, and I can't seem to manual focus anymore (it's been months of trying without success except when on a tripod). But the Nokton I still have because of how good it is on the K-1—it is sharp edge to edge from f2 onward. On APS-C I didn't feel it was so spectacular. I know that's partly because the FL was a bit awkward (for me), but as a "long normal" on FF the focal length is now my favorite, and the image quality is so much better that I think that APS-C just didn't offer the Nokton good enough resolution to really show what it was capable of (either that or my current Nokton, which replaced my earlier one, is an exceptional copy). I may end up selling it because of my glasses, but I for now I'm keeping for use with a tripod.

**clackers** · 09-24-2016, 12:40 PM

Originally posted by les3547

, and the image quality is so much better that I think that APS-C just didn't offer the Nokton good enough resolution to really show what it was capable of (either that or my current Nokton, which replaced my earlier one, is an exceptional copy).

Must be the latter, Les. :-)

The K-5 has the same resolution as the K-1 (practically the same sensor wafer, just smaller) and the K-3 even more pixels per square inch.

I loved the Nokton sample photos in this forum and considered getting one, but went for a DA*55 instead for its WR and AF.

les3547 · 09-24-2016, 01:54 PM

Originally posted by clackers

Must be the latter, Les. :-)

The K-5 has the same resolution as the K-1 (practically the same sensor wafer, just smaller) and the K-3 even more pixels per square inch.

I loved the Nokton sample photos in this forum and considered getting one, but went for a DA*55 instead for its WR and AF.

You are right of course. However, I have been suspecting anyway that my lack of enthusiasm for the 58mm FL on APS-C. and how much more I like it on FF, has made me less than objective about my earlier Nokton. RE DA 55. I too have been considering it if my eyesight forces me to sell the Nokton, but I haven't seen enough reports about using it on FF, plus Pentax is planning to release a "standard" FF lens, which I'd like to see.

**clackers** · 09-24-2016, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by les3547

You are right of course. However, I have been suspecting anyway that my lack of enthusiasm for the 58mm FL on APS-C. and how much more I like it on FF, has made me less than objective about my earlier Nokton. RE DA 55. I too have been considering it if my eyesight forces me to sell the Nokton, but I haven't seen enough reports about using it on FF, plus Pentax is planning to release a "standard" FF lens, which I'd like to see.

Super versatile, the DA*55 on FF:

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09-19-2016, 06:38 AM	#16
oscaletrains Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery Posts: 172	Using a prime is so "old school"...! HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR With the modern shake reduction, f2.8 is fine. Last edited by oscaletrains; 09-19-2016 at 07:07 AM.

09-19-2016, 08:53 AM	#17
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	Originally posted by chickenandavocado Thanks all, interestingly in the lens review database there is not much love for the fa43 on the k1 Do they have bad copies or...? SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database There are two less-than-stellar reviews there. One is by MadMathMind who seems to have an extreme dislike and/or bad experience for it on the K-1. (He has talked about it extensively on the forums in a couple places.) The other is just a so-so response. But two negative reviews are not indicative of a trend.

09-19-2016, 08:16 PM	#18
bpv_UW Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rochester, MN Posts: 765	I have both the fa 43 and da 55 and have used both extensively on K1 and K3. The 43 I have always found finicky, mostly in terms of AF accuracy, which seems a bit spotty. That phenomenon is more pronounced on the K3 than the K1 (but still present on the K1). That said, I've gotten some great images with it on the K1. It's definitely capably of delivering, if you're willing to deal with its idiosyncrasies. The 55 I liked on the K3 but is just stellar on the K1. AF speed isn't lightning quick, but acceptable, and the AF accuracy has been absolutely spot on. Rendering is fantastic, especially if portrait is your main goal. One thing to note is that I've found it to be bitingly sharp even at open apertures, and very contrasty at all apertures, on the K1. This isn't a problem, but I've often had to dial down Clarity in LR to -30-35 or so when shooting portraits to get the look I wanted (for comparison, I often decrease Clarity to -10 or so with the Fa limiteds in similar circumstances). Anyway, bottom line is they both can deliver great results, but I'd choose the 55 if portrait is your main goal. If versatility is your goal, I'd be more apt to consider the 43 as I think it's focal length is more versatile. -Brandon

09-20-2016, 06:48 AM - 1 Like	#19
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	I'd happily walk around all day with the K-1 and the DA*55:

09-20-2016, 06:55 AM	#20
robthebloke Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 844	Originally posted by chickenandavocado Thanks all, interestingly in the lens review database there is not much love for the fa43 on the k1 Do they have bad copies or...? SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I would take the reviews with a semi-pinch of salt. When I was shooting the 43 on the k-3, I'd be hard pressed to recommend it over the DA40. The DA40 has nice buttery bokeh, is smaller, quite a bit cheaper, and much more consistent. The FA43 has a bit of what I'd call an operating window. Within the right focal lengths, at the right aperture, it can deliver some astonishing shots (on the k-3 that is). But outside that window, it can often deliver flat and dull looking images (again, I'm only talking about the k-3 here). On the k-1 though, it does come alive. It is not an FA77 or FA31. Those lenses are buttery smooth all the way. If that's what you are after, then the DA* 55 is probably what you want. The FA43 has a very unique rendering between about f2 and f3.5. Within certain limits its buttery smooth (in most cases from f4 and smaller, although that varies depending on focus distance), outside of those limits its bokeh is much more impressionist in its style (e.g. Monet, cezanne). For some people that style is not their cup of tea. For me personally, I really like the fact it's a very different lens to the 31 or 77. I love it (as do many other k-1 owners), however it's not to everyone's taste. Take a good long hard look at the bokeh in this image: IMGP1595 \| Rob Bateman \| Flickr That's the style of rendering that separates the 43 from the other FA limiteds. it's sharp, and it's tiny. You'll either love it, or you'll hate it, but it's not a lens that you could ever say was bad (not your first choice for your style of photography maybe, but bad, no!). I'd never sell mine. It's become my most used lens on the k-1.

09-22-2016, 08:18 PM	#21
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by robthebloke I love it (as do many other k-1 owners), however it's not to everyone's taste. Take a good long hard look at the bokeh in this image: IMGP1595 \| Rob Bateman \| Flickr . Can see it here.... on K3

09-24-2016, 12:29 PM	#22
les3547 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Sebastopol, California Photos: Albums Posts: 2,020	Originally posted by LennyBloke I'd be interested to hear the views of anyone who has used the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 on a K1 (I know it's 3mm above your max focal length) - it may just be that this is the "Best Normal Lens" - if it's APS-C results are anything to go by it will certainly be up there So far I'm finding the Nokton incredible on the K-1. I've owned every one of the Voigtlanders, sold them all, then bought my favorites again, including the Nokton specifically hoping it could serve as my normal lens when I got the K-1. But I again have been selling off my Voigtlanders because I have a new glasses prescription, and I can't seem to manual focus anymore (it's been months of trying without success except when on a tripod). But the Nokton I still have because of how good it is on the K-1—it is sharp edge to edge from f2 onward. On APS-C I didn't feel it was so spectacular. I know that's partly because the FL was a bit awkward (for me), but as a "long normal" on FF the focal length is now my favorite, and the image quality is so much better that I think that APS-C just didn't offer the Nokton good enough resolution to really show what it was capable of (either that or my current Nokton, which replaced my earlier one, is an exceptional copy). I may end up selling it because of my glasses, but I for now I'm keeping for use with a tripod.

09-24-2016, 12:40 PM	#23
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by les3547 , and the image quality is so much better that I think that APS-C just didn't offer the Nokton good enough resolution to really show what it was capable of (either that or my current Nokton, which replaced my earlier one, is an exceptional copy). Must be the latter, Les. :-) The K-5 has the same resolution as the K-1 (practically the same sensor wafer, just smaller) and the K-3 even more pixels per square inch. I loved the Nokton sample photos in this forum and considered getting one, but went for a DA*55 instead for its WR and AF.

09-24-2016, 01:54 PM	#24
les3547 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Sebastopol, California Photos: Albums Posts: 2,020	Originally posted by clackers Must be the latter, Les. :-) The K-5 has the same resolution as the K-1 (practically the same sensor wafer, just smaller) and the K-3 even more pixels per square inch. I loved the Nokton sample photos in this forum and considered getting one, but went for a DA*55 instead for its WR and AF. You are right of course. However, I have been suspecting anyway that my lack of enthusiasm for the 58mm FL on APS-C. and how much more I like it on FF, has made me less than objective about my earlier Nokton. RE DA 55. I too have been considering it if my eyesight forces me to sell the Nokton, but I haven't seen enough reports about using it on FF, plus Pentax is planning to release a "standard" FF lens, which I'd like to see.

09-24-2016, 03:17 PM	#25
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by les3547 You are right of course. However, I have been suspecting anyway that my lack of enthusiasm for the 58mm FL on APS-C. and how much more I like it on FF, has made me less than objective about my earlier Nokton. RE DA 55. I too have been considering it if my eyesight forces me to sell the Nokton, but I haven't seen enough reports about using it on FF, plus Pentax is planning to release a "standard" FF lens, which I'd like to see. Super versatile, the DA*55 on FF: