[Adam]

It and the F 35-70 make a great combination in term of reach and versatility, but I don't know if its quality (the 18-50) is ok? I already own the F 35-70 and I like it.

The build quality is a bit too flimsy for my taste, but optically it's OK.

Pentax 18-50mm and 18-55mm Kit Lens Comparison - Review Announcements | PentaxForums.com

Adam
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[normhead]

The build quality is a bit too flimsy for my taste, but optically it's OK.

Pentax 18-50mm and 18-55mm Kit Lens Comparison - Review Announcements | PentaxForums.com

Exactly my issue with the 35-80. Compared to the DFA 28-105, it's a piece of junk. I like it, but I'm afraid to take it out, I might damage it. Id di use it happily after my K-1 came and I was still dithering because the 28-105 wasn't 24mm instead of 28mm.

[ScooterMaxi Jim]

I'm pretty fond of the 28-70 f/4 which is quite a bit smaller than the standard 18-55s though a bit heavier, stronger into the corners (weaker in the center), and renders nicely overall. For a constant aperture zoom, it is pretty amazing for compactness. Balances nicely on the K-01, but the build is a bit of a letdown - compared to the body.

[dms]

I also think the FA 28-70 f/4 is an excellent lens, highly underated, and absurdly inexpensive. It is light weight and small if you fit a small hood on it.**
I own two of them--one stopped going below 31 mm so I got a another--both optically are fine. It is one of the 3 lenses that I use the most for my theatre photography when the lighting is not very low--usually it is fine and it lives at f/5.6. And the only zoom I regularly use.

_____
** As long as not FF usage, the Nikon HN-2 hood is easy to get used and is reasonably small. The super-takumar 35mm f/3.5 49mm circular metal hood, and a 49-52 mm step up ring, is even more petite.

[EarlVonTapia]

The Pentax 18-135 is surprisingly compact for a lens that has its zoom range.

[blende8]

I also think the FA 28-70 f/4 is an excellent lens, highly underated, and absurdly inexpensive.

Similarly the FA 28-105/3.2-4.5 AL [IF] is of the same size and excellent.

[cyberjunkie]

I have at times stuffed the FA 35-80 in my bag and found it acceptable. It's #3 on the list, but it's not particularly compact size wise.

I don't always fully agree with Norman's (sometimes a bit pointy ) opinions, but I share his appreciation for the late silver Pentax-FA 35-80mm zoom (and for the Pentax-F 70-210mm).
The 35-80 is plasticky, a bit wobbly, but is very light and works surprisingly well at medium diaphragms.
It's a good fit for the K-01.

If you don't mind going for the green button procedure, there are cheaper alternatives to the 40mm Limited and its siblings.
One is the old Pentax-M, then there are two more (both probably made by Cosina), one 2.8/45mm and one 2.5/40. I own them as Revuenon (the former) and Porst (the latter).
The differences shouldn't be so great.

Cheers

Paolo

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Last edited by cyberjunkie; 11-10-2017 at 02:55 PM.

[drumhead]

I would pick a 35mm or 40mm prime over the 18-50 zoom any day of the week. I actually use a K 55/1.8 mounted on a Sony NEX for messing around more than I'd like to admit. Sony has excellent focus peaking.