[DeadJohn]

... Anyway, I've found a K1, 100mm macro, 31mm, 77mm, and a 50/1.8 to get started ... Or is the 28-120mm zoom just that good? ... My favorite normal lens ever was the Konica M-Hexanon 50mm ... So maybe the 43mm?...

I suggest starting a K-1 system with the DFA 28-105 (I think that's what you meant by 28-120). It's a great lens for general usage like landscapes, cityscapes, travel. Very sharp, good color and contrast, handles flare well. It's a fairly new model with utility features such as silent focus, weather sealing, quickshift manual focus.

The main limitation of the 28-105 is the f3.5-f5.6 maximum aperture which limits depth of field effects. Add primes to get that.

You've said your favorite prior lens was 50mm, so you obviously like that focal length. Consider the FA 43, or DA* 55, 50/1.8, or many other legacy 50mm available for Pentax.

DFA 28-105 plus a fast prime in the 43-55 range. Use that for a while, then decide if you need a wider or a longer lens next.

[btnapa]

What say the experts? If the answer was not "buy them all," which one would you commit to if you knew you were going to have to stick with it for a few years?

I have the 31,43,77 and the 100 macro. I still got the 28-105. The zoom is more versatile for everyday carrying around and the cost made it a no brainer. I use the primes mostly for paid gigs. The only drawback of the 28-105 is the slower and variable aperture. However, it is sharp, even wide open. If I had to combine the best of both worlds (primes and zoom), I would go for the 24-70 f2.8. I am pretty sure I would do that once the budget is there. If you have the budget, go for it now.

[mikesbike]

If your Pentax 50mm f/1.8 is the DA version, which is the only such in current production, I believe that lens is cut for APS-C cameras. I have long enjoyed the FA 43mm f/1.8 Limited, especially when shooting 35mm film (full-frame like your K-1) for its fine optical performance, its small size, fine build, and the fact that it is true normal- providing a slightly wider view than a 50mm, making it more versatile. If I were to buy a K-1 it would be to use my fine FF lenses like that one, in their original FOV. I would also include the new DFA 28-105mm zoom lens for its very good performance, light carrying, having WR, and the flexibility a zoom brings.

I don't know where you live, but right now B&H has a special sale going for the Pentax FA 43mm Limited- $100 off the usual price.

[leekil]

I don't know where you live, but right now B&H has a special sale going for the Pentax FA 43mm Limited- $100 off the usual price.

Looking at the B&H site -- is only the black FA43 produced now? No more silver?

[Derek Zeanah]

Well, I found a 28-105mm (thanks for the correction on the focal length) for $328 used from a dealer I trust, so I'll do that and see how it goes from here. I've got the 50mm f1.8 coming as well for when that works best, and I'll re-evaluate once the new 50mm comes out.

As an aside, I'm disappointed there's no Pentax mount of the Art series of lenses. Is there bad blood between the two companies? I can't figure out why Sigma would just choose to exclude one mount type, but there you go.

[Buffy]

I am surprised nobody has mentioned the K or A 50mm f/1.2. Legends surrounding them are of mythic proportion!

Perhaps you are looking for something actually in production, though? I have there 43mm Ltd, it's a wonderful lens on the K-1. Not the fastest lens in the bag, of course, but it really is a fine performer on many fronts--sharpness, color, bokeh.

[awscreo]

Well, I found a 28-105mm (thanks for the correction on the focal length) for $328 used from a dealer I trust, so I'll do that and see how it goes from here. I've got the 50mm f1.8 coming as well for when that works best, and I'll re-evaluate once the new 50mm comes out.

As an aside, I'm disappointed there's no Pentax mount of the Art series of lenses. Is there bad blood between the two companies? I can't figure out why Sigma would just choose to exclude one mount type, but there you go.

I think our base is too small for them. They only have few lenses on mft which is a bigger system.