[akash.srivastava]

After looking at the inputs on my autofocus performance and flash options performance thread - I am now ready to jump into Pentax K-1.

Now comes the lens selection. I am almost certain to get 15-30 mm for wide angles option for landscape, architecture and astro photography. But unsure whether to get 24-70 or 28-105 for a standard zoom for landscape, cityscapes with occasional street and portraiturephotography.

Although price is not a factor but does the $800 premium for 24-70 is justified, I read in some forums that it's a Tamron rebranded and there is not much difference in picture quality.

Also, if any member think that I should drop 15-30 please let me know.

[jatrax]

I have both the 28-105 and the 24-70. (don't ask )

I have no doubt the 24-70 is slightly sharper in testing. But in the real world it is very difficult to see much difference. However, the 24-70 is an f/2.8 constant aperture lens. The 28-105 is a relatively slow one. If you need f/2.8 then there is no question. If you do not, then you lose some focal length on the wide end, 24mm is noticeably different than 28mm, but you gain a lot on the long end.

My ideal general use pair of lenses would be a 18- 35mm f/4 and a 24-105mm f/4 but we do not have either of those. So I usually carry the FA 20-35 and the DFA 28-105. Unless I need f/2.8 in which case I use the DFA 24-70.

Hope that helps.

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[C_Jones]

The Pentax 24-70 was created specifically for the K-1, and is a newer version lens.

[pres589]

The reason the 24-70 exists in a Pentax jacket is to support the K-1 and is indeed a Tamron rebadge although Pentax coatings are used in place of Tamron's.

I think this statement from the PentaxForums hands-on review is worth reading; "While the 28-105mm can crush film-era lenses and is competitive with the D FA 24-70mm F2.8 in terms of sharpness, in absolute terms it is not as sharp as say, a prime. For everyday photos, we thus recommend a small amount of extra sharpening during RAW processing for the best results. If you use out-of-camera JPEGs, however, no extra sharpening is needed as Pentax camera tend to apply a generous amount of sharpening by default."

There's are some folks on this forum that suggest having a generally good all over zoom that isn't so big that you never want to take it with you. If there's a focal length that this zoom covers that you're specifically interested in (say, 40 to 45 mm for a nice "normal" field of view) you then get a really nice prime to handle that duty. I think this makes a lot of sense. The 28-105 is said to be all around great and a good compromise. That $800 saved would be fun to play with.

Full review of the 28-105 here; HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

[C_Jones]

If you want the light the Pentax 24-70 can give you with F 2.8 that may be something you can take into consideration.

[pschlute]

I am a new K1 user. I am so far very impressed with the DFA 24-70 lens. But the OP should try both lenses out if possible. For street photography I would suggest a small wide angle prime be better than a bulky zoom. And factor in the weight too. The 24-70 is almost twice the weight of the 28-105. On a K1 that is 1.9 kilo you are lugging around !

[xmeda]

The reason the 24-70 exists in a Pentax jacket is to support the K-1 and is indeed a Tamron rebadge although Pentax coatings are used in place of Tamron's.

LOL, NO, they are both exactly same and produced in one factory. Ricoh buys them from tamron as OEM. That's all. Coatings of course are same for both.

This alone is nothing wrong.

But the fact that these DFA with disabled VC and with less then half warranty cost 150% price of the tamron original is DISGUSTING.

[jlstrawman]

But the fact that these DFA with disabled VC and with less then half warranty cost 150% price of the tamron original is DISGUSTING.

I would suggest that you save yourself a great deal of anguish, and not buy this lens.

[pres589]

LOL, NO, they are both exactly same and produced in one factory. Ricoh buys them from tamron as OEM. That's all. Coatings of course are same for both.

This alone is nothing wrong.

But the fact that these DFA with disabled VC and with less then half warranty cost 150% price of the tamron original is DISGUSTING.

Went and looked for info on this. One of the first results was another photog forum and you being rude to others while making this same claim. No basis for your position. much like here. I also found this;

HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mmF2.8ED SDM WR / Standard-Angle Lenses / K-mount Lenses / Lenses / Products | RICOH IMAGING

I'm pretty certain that Tamron elements are sent to Pentax for coating application and are then sent back to Tamron for final assembly in the lens. Ricoh's statement here agrees. Why are you so angry about a camera lens?

[xmeda]

Went and looked for info on this. One of the first results was another photog forum and you being rude to others while making this same claim. No basis for your position. much like here. I also found this;

HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mmF2.8ED SDM WR / Standard-Angle Lenses / K-mount Lenses / Lenses / Products | RICOH IMAGING

I'm pretty certain that Tamron elements are sent to Pentax for coating application and are then sent back to Tamron for final assembly in the lens. Ricoh's statement here agrees. Why are you so angry about a camera lens?

No, they are not. Lens is completely outsorced. Optical formulas are patented including coatings. AR coating is just vapor phase deposited metal, no magic there. But if you like to pay for your dreams, enjoy .)

[ChatMechant]

What is your source for this information?

[sibyrnes]

The Pentax 24-70 was created specifically for the K-1, and is a newer version lens.

Newer than what? Wasn't the DFA 28-105 created specifically for the K-1 and isn't it actually a "newer " design than the 24-70?

[pres589]

Newer than what? Wasn't the DFA 28-105 created specifically for the K-1 and isn't it actually a "newer " design than the 24-70?

Yes. 24-70 is a mild rework of the existing Tamron 24-70 and is assembled in Japan. 28-105 is a new design not shared with any other lens and was created to support the K-1 roll out.

[Skewed]

I bought the K-1 bundled with the DFA 28-105. While the 28-105 lens is an excellent value, I wanted a 24-70 f/2.8 for low light and shallow DOF.

Recalling that I was happy with the (old screwdrive) Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 on my K20D, I bought a newer HSM version from a forum member. This lens is in like-new condition; I paid $475. It is a big, heavy beast, not WR, and discontinued, but the IQ and focusing are quite good. For walking around, though, I'm keeping the 28-105.

[edin_togger]

I had to start my Pentax lens lineup from scratch as I was moving over from Fuji and appear to have made a similar decision to yourself.
Bought a 15-30 after getting a good price and I honestly can't find fault with it, excellent lens.
I opted for the 24-70 as its been my "go-to" focal length on full frame and I've only ever used the Tamron 24-70 when I had a few Nikon's (D800/D750/D810) and found it to be an excellent and fairly solid performer and I've found the Pentax to be the same, a solid and dependable lens albeit at a price.

I did however pickup a used 28-105 to take on a travel weekend due to the size of the 24-70 and to be honest I was plenty impressed with the quality of the lens, I tend to be stopped down to f8/f14 most of the time and I don't see much difference.
For me though only being 28mm at the wide end is the issue for me, I tend to use the 24-70 at 3 main lengths, 24/35/50, it might only be an extra 4mm but for me thats a huge difference, its also important to note the fixed f2.8, you may not "need" f2.8 but it does allow you to stop down a little and I'd say the 24-70 is better at f3.5/f4 than the 28-105 is.....

In future for travel I could probably get around it by taking the 15-30 and 28-105 while travelling but we'll see, I'd rather take the 24-70 and have a smaller, wide option like hopefully a new 20mm or perhaps even a Samyang.

All in though both lenses are good but I'll likely be keeping the 24-70 over the 28-105 and taking my 31/43 as a smaller travel companion.