[rzakbzak]

When you're looking at lens choice it's not just overlapping FL you need to consider, but also IQ and usage. Your Sigma may well cover 21mm, but how does the IQ compare with the 21 Ltd? That said, the Sigma is a versatile walk-around lens. You may want to look at the Pentax 12-24. Superb IQ and often referred to as a collection of primes in one lens.

For my own part I know I have huge overlap in my collection, but justify this to myself by breaking my lenses up into functional groups.

All my DA Ltd's are paired with a K-S1 to give a great light-weight, high IQ walk-around kit.

My DA* zooms + 12-24 with a K3II for IQ and versatility, etc.

Makes sense. I'd like to break down my eventual collection into similar groups as you've noted above (compactness/versatility) though I don't plan to buy another body at this time.

I'd say get the DFA 100mm WR macro. It is medium telephoto, a prime focal length you don't yet have, allows true 1:1 macro, it is WR, has QS, and is amazing all around.
You can also get one of the older versions, like the non-WR DFA or the FA version. They are optically practically the same, but have different features and price points
Sure, it is not super compact, but the WR version is compact for 100mm macro lenses.

I'll check it out though I'm focused on the limited primes atm

The 15 gives you a focal length you don't already have in any form, so if I were going to get them, I would consider that one first.

The 70 is in my experience just exquisite. That would be next.

As far as the 21 is concerned, I think it is just about the widest Limited lens I would consider when taking pictures of people per se. It's great for putting people in the broad context of what they are doing while still keeping them in the forefront, while the 15 tends to make them part of the scene a little too much (which is fine if that's what you're trying to do, and maybe it's good for large-group photos in cramped quarters, but it's the last thing I'd use for portraits).

The 15 and 70 are definitely the first two on my list.

I say buy all the DA Limiteds!
I have the 15 and the 70. They are both great lenses. My next will be the 35 Macro followed by the 21 and then the 40. I only wish they were weatherproof. That is their single shortcoming.
I grabbed an 18-55 WR kit lens just for the weatherproof design when needed.

I'm thinking along the same lines, I'd keep my kit lens and 55-300 HD for any inclement weather and use the primes for just about everything else.

Outside, in the sun, I'll pick the 21 Ltd over the Sigma 18-35 every time. Indoors, with bad light, and the Sigma is the right choice.
I think you're approaching this whole thing incorrectly. Each lens is a tool, better at some things, worse at other. What you should do is decide what photographic quality you want to improve on, and get a lens that does that. If all you do is studio portraits, the DA15 is almost useless. If you want to get wide angle shots with a starburst-sun in the frame, or night time shots with starburst in the streetlights, the 15 and 21 are amazing. If I'm at an indoor family event and want photos of my family, the Sigma 30/1.4 gets that job done better than any other lens I have. If I want a nice landscape shot, the Sigma is terrible.

Before you listen to anyone's advice on what lens to get, think about what you're trying to accomplish from an image standpoint. Also, think about each of your lenses in the same way. Is there anything the DA35 does for you that the Sigma zoom won't? If you don't mind the weight of the Sigma, the answer may be no. If you hate having a giant lens, the more compact lenses may be the best choice for you. Does the kit lens offer anything the other don't (it's WR, is that important to you?). Ask these kinds of questions.

One more bit of advice, buy used lenses, here on the forum, use them and if they don't gel with your photography, sell them again, buy something different. It's not a high-risk decision, and buying a lens isn't permanent, so just do it and decide for yourself.

Indeed, your advice is greatly appreciated. I don't shoot anything in particular at the moment so I guess my goal is to assemble a versatile kit (bearing in mind that I like shooting with primes) to quell my LBA

[Jome]

Well, I have seen that I'm not alone suffering... Here is a picture of my LBA for 2016 (the highest in 31 years! but all second hands)

[pathdoc]

Well, I have seen that I'm not alone suffering... Here is a picture of my LBA for 2016 (the highest in 31 years! but all second hands)

Nice. If I were reassembling my DA Limited lens collection from the start, I'd be tempted to start with 15, 20-40, 70 and then expand from there, especially since the 20-40 is a WR lens, but back when I started the 20-40 did not exist and even if it had, my *istDL could not have driven the AF.

I can't quite read the writing on your 70-210 - is that an M zoom, or an A? (I have the 80-200 M, which is a fraction of a stop slower all through, so getting this one would be too much of an overlap for me.) How do you find it matches the 200/4 at the zoom's long end?

[Jome]

Nice. If I were reassembling my DA Limited lens collection from the start, I'd be tempted to start with 15, 20-40, 70 and then expand from there, especially since the 20-40 is a WR lens, but back when I started the 20-40 did not exist and even if it had, my *istDL could not have driven the AF.

I can't quite read the writing on your 70-210 - is that an M zoom, or an A? (I have the 80-200 M, which is a fraction of a stop slower all through, so getting this one would be too much of an overlap for me.) How do you find it matches the 200/4 at the zoom's long end?

Thanks Pathdoc,
I have made a great upgrade from my old gear (A-135, A-50 and Tokina 28, they were my K1000 friends). When I bought my K-3 in 2014, it came with the 18-55 WR and 50-200 WR. Then the LBA began...

To answer your question, it is the SMC A 70-210 and it is a wonderful thing for sharpness and range (it is just HEAVY but I don't understand why the PF rating is so low). The advantage of the M-200 is its weight (compared to A 70-210). I have not been able to do extended testings with the M-200 but you can find a sample of it on those links (and don't forget to see the excellent content of the corresponding lens clubs):

A 70-210: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/32801-club-post3802530.html#post3802530

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/32801-club-post3790572.html#post3790572

M 200: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/27739-m-club-post3799306.html#post3799306

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Last edited by Jome; 10-28-2016 at 07:05 AM.

[UncleVanya]

I'm confused. The A 70-210 is one of the three highest rated A series Zooms. How is that a "low" rating?

[Jome]

I'm confused. The A 70-210 is one of the three highest rated A series Zooms. How is that a "low" rating?

Hi UncleVanya, Don't be confused. For me the A 70-210 deserves a minimum rating of 9 that's why I wrote "low" (LBA pending for A 24-50 F4 and 35-105 F 3.5).

[UncleVanya]

Hi UncleVanya, Don't be confused. For me the A 70-210 deserves a minimum rating of 9 that's why I wrote "low" (LBA pending for A 24-50 F4 and 35-105 F 3.5).

LOL - I understand now!

[rzakbzak]

Well, I have seen that I'm not alone suffering... Here is a picture of my LBA for 2016 (the highest in 31 years! but all second hands)

Nice! So I sold my Tamron 17-50 along with my 35mm and 50mm primes. Goal now is to get a complete set of (used) limited primes (15/21/35/40/70)!

[Jome]

Nice! So I sold my Tamron 17-50 along with my 35mm and 50mm primes. Goal now is to get a complete set of (used) limited primes (15/21/35/40/70)!

Thanks rzakbzack, Try to grab the 35 macro limited if you can. Which 35 and 50 have you sold?

[rzakbzak]

Thanks rzakbzack, Try to grab the 35 macro limited if you can. Which 35 and 50 have you sold?

Will do, I sold the DA35mm F2.4 and A50mm 1.7 to make room for the ltds... So I guess it all balances out at the end

[pathdoc]

I almost bought an M 200/4.0, then I saw this short, stubby thing next to it and said to the salesman "What's that incredibly small thing?" At first I thought it was a 3X teleconverter or a helicoid extension tube (high shelf, not a good view) but it turned out to be the SMC M 135/3.5, and it was the ideal match to my ME film body. My FA 135/2.8 is faster, but the M 135 is so much smaller and lighter for the same focal length that it occasionally gets the nod on M series film cameras or when I'm feeling nostalgic and speed of working or AF doesn't matter so much.

[rzakbzak]

I'm happy to announce I'm the proud owner of a complete set of pentax limited (SMC) prime lenses. Picked them up (used) earlier in December, and can't wait to put them all through some serious paces! I always read that the build quality is stupendous, but boy, holding them in you hands really speaks to their outstanding finish and compact nature. My 15mm didn't come with a ltd lens cap so do let me know if anyone knows where to get one relatively cheap

I think my LBA has been satiated... for now...

[pathdoc]

Congratulations!

Get the DA15 cap if you really want it for the aesthetics, but a pinch cap is far handier.

[pepperberry farm]

when you say 'complete' set of limited primes, you mean the 15/21/35/40/70 line up.... or do you include the FA limiteds also?

[rzakbzak]

when you say 'complete' set of limited primes, you mean the 15/21/35/40/70 line up.... or do you include the FA limiteds also?

Just the DA Limiteds (15/21/35/40/70)