Which prime should I buy

**shardulm** · 10-25-2016, 07:39 AM

If weight and budget are your primary concerns I won't hesitate to recommend DA40/2.8 XS (yes the one that came with K-01 in a kit). Has all the qualities of Pentax lens and is very minimal in terms of baggage. Well it is almost a lens cap on a K-1.
I also consider this lens as a collectible. I think there is nothing like it out there on the market from other brands.

Last edited by shardulm; 10-25-2016 at 07:52 AM. Reason: Added more comments.

narual · 10-25-2016, 08:27 AM

Photojournalist style? Get the traditional focal length for a photojournalist lens (adjusting for crop factor) -- the 35mm f/8 & be there lens. On a K3, that'd be a 24mm, but the 21mm limited would probably work. The the K1, the 35mm obviously, or the 31mm to open up more opportunities for limited depth of field and lower light operation when f/8 is just too dark.

D1N0 · 10-25-2016, 10:03 AM

Originally posted by shardulm

If weight and budget are your primary concerns I won't hesitate to recommend DA40/2.8 XS (yes the one that came with K-01 in a kit). Has all the qualities of Pentax lens and is very minimal in terms of baggage. Well it is almost a lens cap on a K-1.
I also consider this lens as a collectible. I think there is nothing like it out there on the market from other brands.

The xs version has considerably worse corner performance on Full frame than the DA 40mm F2.8 Limited.

zvon · 10-25-2016, 11:33 AM

I think that I won't be getting DA40 f2.8 since I practically allready have it in my Sigma 17-50 f2.8. DA40 is light and small I understand that, but I want a shallower DOF which this lens simply doesn't have in comparison to other lenses that I am considering. I don't see the weight as a problem in any of Pentax lenses, it is only problem with Sigma 35 1.4

When looking at the samples of FA 35 f2.0 it is too soft for my taste even when stopped down, and that lens is not cheap. I think that I would be better off with FA50 f1.4 at 40% lower price even though it is not as wide.

So now I think about getting the FA50 f1.4, it is the cheapest of the three (FA 35, FA 43). I also looked at DA* 55 f1.4 and it is indeed great but a bit expensive for a lens that has Pentax SDM and could fail.

I have to sleep on any decisions. And also, thank you all on your suggestions, wonderful community on this forum

Cyril_K5 · 10-25-2016, 11:54 AM

For wedding, I think the FA77 f/1.8 is the lens you need and it will work with the K-1. I have it together with the FA 31mm and they are wonders of sharpness and bokeh. I wouldn't go for anything else personally

Driline · 10-25-2016, 12:14 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Cyril_K5

For wedding, I think the FA77 f/1.8 is the lens you need and it will work with the K-1. I have it together with the FA 31mm and they are wonders of sharpness and bokeh. I wouldn't go for anything else personally

I agree. Best of the best. If you can't get a shot then it's your fault

zvon · 10-25-2016, 01:00 PM

Originally posted by Driline

I agree. Best of the best. If you can't get a shot then it's your fault

That is true, but i'm not a big fan of near telephoto lenses like 77 in APS-C. I can see myself using 31 but 77, I would have to see. Maybe on FF 77 would be perfect for me, I don't know. Time will tell.

johnyates · 10-25-2016, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by narual

Photojournalist style? Get the traditional focal length for a photojournalist lens (adjusting for crop factor) -- the 35mm f/8 & be there lens. On a K3, that'd be a 24mm, but the 21mm limited would probably work. The the K1, the 35mm obviously, or the 31mm to open up more opportunities for limited depth of field and lower light operation when f/8 is just too dark.

This is your best advice if indeed you want a:

Originally posted by zvon

Prime would be used for wedding photography (candid photojournalist style)

A wider FOV will give more effective story-telling.

More DOF is good too. Photojournalists seldom shoot non-repeatable important events wide open. The 35mm focal length on full frame would be good, but paying the big bux for f1.4 is a waste of money.

**shardulm** · 10-25-2016, 01:49 PM

Originally posted by zvon

I also looked at DA* 55 f1.4 and it is indeed great but a bit expensive for a lens that has Pentax SDM and could fail.

It is a no brainer if it fits the bill. Note this is the FA*85/1.4 equivalent on an APS-C from FOV perspective and also works as a regular 55/1.4 on K-1. You cannot go wrong with this lens. SDM is not as notorious on these as they are on 16-50 and 50-135. That extra money spent you will not regret even one bit. The first few shots last year and a few in last few months made me wonder why does everyone not have one. This thing is a beauty and is weather sealed.

normhead · 10-25-2016, 01:50 PM

If I were starting from scratch, my firs primes would be the 31 ltd and 77ltd. I have the DA 35 and Sigma 70 macro now, and those lenses give me an excuse not to buy the 31 and 77. The 77 is said to be an amazing wedding lens...so I think you're looking too wide. And the DA 35 doesn't cost much if you need to wait for the 31.

Start with the best and fill in around them if you can afford it. It will make life a lot less complicated alter.. That would be my advice.

Saltwater Images · 10-25-2016, 01:57 PM

Just a thought to add on Naural's suggestion of the 21 Ltd. I have this lens but seldom use it for portraits. Field of view and perspective produced by a lens are very different things. The 21 has a field of view of roughly 31 mm on a crop sensor. The perspective is still 21mm. Wide angle lenses offer a wide angle perspective which is not flattering for portraits.

**BigMackCam** · 10-25-2016, 02:31 PM

Originally posted by Saltwater Images

Just a thought to add on Naural's suggestion of the 21 Ltd. I have this lens but seldom use it for portraits. Field of view and perspective produced by a lens are very different things. The 21 has a field of view of roughly 31 mm on a crop sensor. The perspective is still 21mm. Wide angle lenses offer a wide angle perspective which is not flattering for portraits.

Just to avoid confusion... a 21mm lens on an APS-C camera will have (almost) the same field of view as the 31mm on full-frame, and if shot at the same distance will have exactly the same linear perspective geometry (since this is a result of distance to the subject, not the focal length / field of view of the lens). The issue of perspective distortion would only apply if moving closer to or further away from the subject.

I wouldn't use the 21 on APS-C for head-and-shoulders or half-body portraits; I wouldn't even be that keen on using it for full body - but for environmental portraits, it would be a useful lens. Same is true of the 31 on full-frame, and the results - at least in terms of perspective - would be the same.

normhead · 10-25-2016, 06:06 PM

Quote:

The perspective is still 21mm. Wide angle lenses offer a wide angle perspective which is not flattering for portraits.

Just come right and say it, they make people's noses look big.

Blacknight659 · 10-26-2016, 07:00 AM

I wouldn't be surprised if Pentax/Ricoh has a new 50mm in the works. This is an obvious fan favorite on FF and the current offerings all leave something to be desired. If you need a 50, I would go with the DA 50mm f1.8 (to save some money) and wait patiently for a replacement. My bet is less than two years. I am betting the new offering is 50 or 55mm and f1.4 with WR.

If you need a bit longer of a lens, the FA 77 is a not brainier.

If you need wider, go with the 43 or the 31.

D1N0 · 10-26-2016, 07:17 AM

Originally posted by Blacknight659

I wouldn't be surprised if Pentax/Ricoh has a new 50mm in the works. This is an obvious fan favorite on FF and the current offerings all leave something to be desired. If you need a 50, I would go with the DA 50mm f1.8 (to save some money) and wait patiently for a replacement. My bet is less than two years. I am betting the new offering is 50 or 55mm and f1.4 with WR.

If you need a bit longer of a lens, the FA 77 is a not brainier.

If you need wider, go with the 43 or the 31.

They have but a 35/28/24mm first, then the 50 1.4 then a 85 or 135 and then a 20/24 1.4 or something.

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/lens/images/K_Mount_D_FA_Lens_Roadmap.pdf

10-25-2016, 01:30 PM	#23
johnyates Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Saskatoon, SK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,345	Originally posted by narual Photojournalist style? Get the traditional focal length for a photojournalist lens (adjusting for crop factor) -- the 35mm f/8 & be there lens. On a K3, that'd be a 24mm, but the 21mm limited would probably work. The the K1, the 35mm obviously, or the 31mm to open up more opportunities for limited depth of field and lower light operation when f/8 is just too dark. This is your best advice if indeed you want a: Originally posted by zvon Prime would be used for wedding photography (candid photojournalist style) A wider FOV will give more effective story-telling. More DOF is good too. Photojournalists seldom shoot non-repeatable important events wide open. The 35mm focal length on full frame would be good, but paying the big bux for f1.4 is a waste of money. Last edited by johnyates; 10-25-2016 at 01:43 PM.

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10-25-2016, 07:39 AM	#16
shardulm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 793	If weight and budget are your primary concerns I won't hesitate to recommend DA40/2.8 XS (yes the one that came with K-01 in a kit). Has all the qualities of Pentax lens and is very minimal in terms of baggage. Well it is almost a lens cap on a K-1. I also consider this lens as a collectible. I think there is nothing like it out there on the market from other brands. Last edited by shardulm; 10-25-2016 at 07:52 AM. Reason: Added more comments.

10-25-2016, 08:27 AM	#17
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Photojournalist style? Get the traditional focal length for a photojournalist lens (adjusting for crop factor) -- the 35mm f/8 & be there lens. On a K3, that'd be a 24mm, but the 21mm limited would probably work. The the K1, the 35mm obviously, or the 31mm to open up more opportunities for limited depth of field and lower light operation when f/8 is just too dark.

10-25-2016, 10:03 AM	#18
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	Originally posted by shardulm If weight and budget are your primary concerns I won't hesitate to recommend DA40/2.8 XS (yes the one that came with K-01 in a kit). Has all the qualities of Pentax lens and is very minimal in terms of baggage. Well it is almost a lens cap on a K-1. I also consider this lens as a collectible. I think there is nothing like it out there on the market from other brands. The xs version has considerably worse corner performance on Full frame than the DA 40mm F2.8 Limited.

10-25-2016, 11:33 AM	#19
zvon Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 143 Original Poster	I think that I won't be getting DA40 f2.8 since I practically allready have it in my Sigma 17-50 f2.8. DA40 is light and small I understand that, but I want a shallower DOF which this lens simply doesn't have in comparison to other lenses that I am considering. I don't see the weight as a problem in any of Pentax lenses, it is only problem with Sigma 35 1.4 When looking at the samples of FA 35 f2.0 it is too soft for my taste even when stopped down, and that lens is not cheap. I think that I would be better off with FA50 f1.4 at 40% lower price even though it is not as wide. So now I think about getting the FA50 f1.4, it is the cheapest of the three (FA 35, FA 43). I also looked at DA* 55 f1.4 and it is indeed great but a bit expensive for a lens that has Pentax SDM and could fail. I have to sleep on any decisions. And also, thank you all on your suggestions, wonderful community on this forum

10-25-2016, 11:54 AM	#20
Cyril_K5 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 73	For wedding, I think the FA77 f/1.8 is the lens you need and it will work with the K-1. I have it together with the FA 31mm and they are wonders of sharpness and bokeh. I wouldn't go for anything else personally

10-25-2016, 12:14 PM - 1 Like	#21
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by Cyril_K5 For wedding, I think the FA77 f/1.8 is the lens you need and it will work with the K-1. I have it together with the FA 31mm and they are wonders of sharpness and bokeh. I wouldn't go for anything else personally I agree. Best of the best. If you can't get a shot then it's your fault

10-25-2016, 01:00 PM	#22
zvon Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 143 Original Poster	Originally posted by Driline I agree. Best of the best. If you can't get a shot then it's your fault That is true, but i'm not a big fan of near telephoto lenses like 77 in APS-C. I can see myself using 31 but 77, I would have to see. Maybe on FF 77 would be perfect for me, I don't know. Time will tell.

10-25-2016, 01:49 PM	#24
shardulm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 793	Originally posted by zvon I also looked at DA* 55 f1.4 and it is indeed great but a bit expensive for a lens that has Pentax SDM and could fail. It is a no brainer if it fits the bill. Note this is the FA*85/1.4 equivalent on an APS-C from FOV perspective and also works as a regular 55/1.4 on K-1. You cannot go wrong with this lens. SDM is not as notorious on these as they are on 16-50 and 50-135. That extra money spent you will not regret even one bit. The first few shots last year and a few in last few months made me wonder why does everyone not have one. This thing is a beauty and is weather sealed.

10-25-2016, 01:50 PM	#25
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	If I were starting from scratch, my firs primes would be the 31 ltd and 77ltd. I have the DA 35 and Sigma 70 macro now, and those lenses give me an excuse not to buy the 31 and 77. The 77 is said to be an amazing wedding lens...so I think you're looking too wide. And the DA 35 doesn't cost much if you need to wait for the 31. Start with the best and fill in around them if you can afford it. It will make life a lot less complicated alter.. That would be my advice.

10-25-2016, 01:57 PM	#26
Saltwater Images Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Newfoundland Photos: Gallery Posts: 501	Just a thought to add on Naural's suggestion of the 21 Ltd. I have this lens but seldom use it for portraits. Field of view and perspective produced by a lens are very different things. The 21 has a field of view of roughly 31 mm on a crop sensor. The perspective is still 21mm. Wide angle lenses offer a wide angle perspective which is not flattering for portraits.

10-25-2016, 02:31 PM	#27
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,674	Originally posted by Saltwater Images Just a thought to add on Naural's suggestion of the 21 Ltd. I have this lens but seldom use it for portraits. Field of view and perspective produced by a lens are very different things. The 21 has a field of view of roughly 31 mm on a crop sensor. The perspective is still 21mm. Wide angle lenses offer a wide angle perspective which is not flattering for portraits. Just to avoid confusion... a 21mm lens on an APS-C camera will have (almost) the same field of view as the 31mm on full-frame, and if shot at the same distance will have exactly the same linear perspective geometry (since this is a result of distance to the subject, not the focal length / field of view of the lens). The issue of perspective distortion would only apply if moving closer to or further away from the subject. I wouldn't use the 21 on APS-C for head-and-shoulders or half-body portraits; I wouldn't even be that keen on using it for full body - but for environmental portraits, it would be a useful lens. Same is true of the 31 on full-frame, and the results - at least in terms of perspective - would be the same.

10-25-2016, 06:06 PM	#28
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Quote: The perspective is still 21mm. Wide angle lenses offer a wide angle perspective which is not flattering for portraits. Just come right and say it, they make people's noses look big.

10-26-2016, 07:00 AM	#29
Blacknight659 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731	I wouldn't be surprised if Pentax/Ricoh has a new 50mm in the works. This is an obvious fan favorite on FF and the current offerings all leave something to be desired. If you need a 50, I would go with the DA 50mm f1.8 (to save some money) and wait patiently for a replacement. My bet is less than two years. I am betting the new offering is 50 or 55mm and f1.4 with WR. If you need a bit longer of a lens, the FA 77 is a not brainier. If you need wider, go with the 43 or the 31.

10-26-2016, 07:17 AM	#30
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	Originally posted by Blacknight659 I wouldn't be surprised if Pentax/Ricoh has a new 50mm in the works. This is an obvious fan favorite on FF and the current offerings all leave something to be desired. If you need a 50, I would go with the DA 50mm f1.8 (to save some money) and wait patiently for a replacement. My bet is less than two years. I am betting the new offering is 50 or 55mm and f1.4 with WR. If you need a bit longer of a lens, the FA 77 is a not brainier. If you need wider, go with the 43 or the 31. They have but a 35/28/24mm first, then the 50 1.4 then a 85 or 135 and then a 20/24 1.4 or something. http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/lens/images/K_Mount_D_FA_Lens_Roadmap.pdf