[Snydly]

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Hi,
Yes it's a stupid title. I want a 50 mm lens, but can't get past all the reviews and opinions here...

Every time I make up my mind, I read something that stops me from purchasing.

I've thought about the 28-105, the DA*55 and the 50 2.8 macro. I have the FA31 and DFA 70-200, as well as the Tamron 90. I've got a few Tak's and the 16-50 and 50-135 for my k5iis, but would like a normal for my k1.

Sorry for the 'helpless' tone, but would just like some advice..


Thanks,

Bill

[WestBug]

SMC-K 55mm 1.8
SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

[Snydly]

Where do I get one of those?

[WestBug]

Where do I get one of those?

Here on the Forum , Ebay , Goodwill Auctions. They aren't hard to find. usually go for about $30-$50
There are LOTS of good 50's everywhere. Stick with Ricoh or Pentax and you cant really go wrong.

[Saltwater Images]

Why not compliment your DA 31 Ltd with its sibling the FA 43 f/1.9 Ltd? If I had a K-1 and the FA 31 that's what I'd do.

[W.j.christy]

i think the first question would be whether or not you are good with manual lenses. If so that opens the door for many other choices. Also, what size aperture do you need or most want?

[marcusBMG]

SMC-A 50mm f1.7. Easily acquired for less than 50 bucks. At that price - just get one! My most used lens...

[Snydly]

Why not compliment your DA 31 Ltd with its sibling the FA 43 f/1.9 Ltd? If I had a K-1 and the FA 31 that's what I'd do.

Sorry, forgot about that one. Been looking at it also.

---------- Post added 02-14-17 at 09:11 PM ----------

i think the first question would be whether or not you are good with manual lenses. If so that opens the door for many other choices. Also, what size aperture do you need or most want?

I kind of prefer manual focus lenses as that is how I started, and by the time the in camera focus motor finds it's target, and I like what I see through the VF I could've already manually dialed it in. However, a good AF lens is great to have for quick shots.

I find the 31 a little too wide for most of my shots (kids, dog, airplanes, etc.) and the 90 too tele.

Plus, I'm experiencing a LBA relapse... Is there a medicine for this?

[pres589]

What purpose and what price range and are you good with buying used or do you want new?

On the surface, you said you want normal on a K-1, so the FA 43 Ltd would be my first stop if you have the budget. The 40XS is a low cost, low weigh & size option if wider than 50 interests you. Helios 44K-4's seem like a great lens for low money if you're okay with the risks involved. Or the classic FA 50 1.4 seems like an excellent all-arounder.

[WestBug]

If you want a very good and inexpensive one try this. Ricoh Rikenon 50mm f2.0. They never go for more than $15.
Ricoh Rikenon 50mm f/2 Lens Reviews - Ricoh Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database


And for another $5 extra you can get one of these. Ricoh Rikenon XR 50mm f1.7.
Ricoh 50mm f1.7 XR Rikenon Lens Reviews - Ricoh Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database


The solution for a case of LBA relapse is if it costs less than a Takeout Pizza , Just skip it and go buy a lens.

[Snydly]

I don't WANT to spend a lot, but since my wife won't let me get a motorcycle, and I'ts getting more difficult to stand up on a surfboard at my age, and I'm terrible at fishing, I don't mind spending what I need to on a good lens. I bought the 16-50, 50-135 and Tamron 90 used, but the FA31 and 70-200 new. I don't mind used, but the coatings on some of the new lenses supposedly help with some of the mistakes I make when trying to take photo's...

[Audi 5 cyl]

SMC-K 55mm 1.8
SMC Pentax 55mm F1.8 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I am just going to double this. I like K lenses better for their quality build with the brass-alu internals rather then alu-alu M series. It is a pleasure to use them for MF-ing and K 1,8/55 is optically a great lens as well. M or A 1.7/50 will give you the similar out of focus rendering with a little more DOF at the same subject distance. I would personally go for the K lens. Depending on your budget, for just a bit more you could get a K 1.4/50.

You could start here for buying. Just avoid the fungus ones, unless they are really really cheap and you are good at or know somebody who is good at cleaning them.

[W.j.christy]

Perhaps look at the FA 50- F1.4 if you're not looking to kindly on the price of the FA limiteds. I have had great luck with it and find it to be a fine addition to my lens set up.

[hcc]

Dare to be different: Voiglander Nokton 58mm f1.4.

A full frame MF lens, built like a tank, superb IQ:
FA31mm f1.8 vs VL Nokton 58mm f1.4 - PentaxForums.com

The VL58m is possibly my favorite lens.

It can be purchased second hand (with Pentax mount) on the Bay, sometimes at PF marketplace.

Mt 5 cents.

[Snydly]

I am just going to double this. I like K lenses better for their quality build with the brass-alu internals rather then alu-alu M series. It is a pleasure to use them for MF-ing and K 1,8/55 is optically a great lens as well. M or A 1.7/50 will give you the similar out of focus rendering with a little more DOF at the same subject distance. I would personally go for the K lens. Depending on your budget, for just a bit more you could get a K 1.4/50.

You could start here for buying. Just avoid the fungus ones, unless they are really really cheap and you are good at or know somebody who is good at cleaning them.

I believe I already have a Tak 55 1.8, as well as an M 50 1.7. Haven't tried them yet, but I will.