Between the 15 and 70

mnhoj · 12-30-2017, 10:23 AM

Hello all and seasons greetings.

I just ordered a K-70 and also have a used 15 and 70 on the way. Can't wait.
I've done some math and think the 21 3.2 and FA 50 1.7 would round out the perfect kit for me.

Yet, there are quite a few desirable/affordable options.

The 35s - F2, F2.4 and macro.
The 40s
F 28 2.8
F 50 1.4 and DA 50 1.8

I'd like to hear what lens choices you like and at the same time start up my first conversation post here. ( :

I've shot with Nikon and Canon Dslrs and pretty much all the mirrorless brands.
I miss dslr constant AF, a good OVF and am fascinated by Pentax lenses and bodies.

I like to shoot street, scapes and the usual family stuff.

Thanks.
John

btnapa · 12-30-2017, 10:38 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mnhoj

I've done some math and think the 21 3.2 and FA 50 1.7 would round out the perfect kit for me.

I agree on the 21 and 70. I now shoot the K1 which is full frame. If I ever start shooting APSc again, one lens that I always wanted was the 20-40 limited zoom lens. I have tried it a few times and it is a fantastic "if you have to bring only one" lens solution. Good luck with your lenses and welcome to Pentax land!

r3nx · 12-30-2017, 10:38 AM - **1 Like**

Can't go wrong with the DA35/2.4. Excellent for its price.

Saltwater Images · 12-30-2017, 10:51 AM

I shoot the Limited's on a K-5II. When travelling light I carry a small Domke F-5XB bag that holds the camera with a Limited and two additional Limiteds (+ a spare battery, lens pen and a microfibre cloth). Depending on the location I carry one of the two following combinations 1) HD DA 21/40/70 Limited's (this is my primary kit with the 21 being the most used lens). 2) HD DA 15/35/70 Limited's. I find both configurations to provide a fair balance of focal lengths. Given that you have the 15 & 70 on the way the 35 Limited seems like it would round out your kit exceptionally well.

**aslyfox** · 12-30-2017, 10:52 AM - **1 Like**

you might want to take a good look at the Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited ( choice of SMC or HD ) or the SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS

either are hardly noticeable on your camera

here is an " in depth review " of the HD DA 40mm limited

HD Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

and the " in depth review " of the DA 35mm, SMC DA 40mm limited and the DA 40mm XS

Pentax DA 35mm F2.4 vs 40mm XS vs 40mm Limited Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

IgorZ · 12-30-2017, 11:21 AM

Depends how much you want to spend

I have FA 43 and FA 77. I feel like I need something in the middle, like DA* 55mm. The 77 was a bit tight indoors, and the 43 is a bit wide. I enjoy the 43 quite a bit, even though I never thought I would, so I would definitely recommend it. My perfect kit would be FA 31, 43, 77, and DA 55mm. That's if you like primes, which you seem like you do.

**mgvh** · 12-30-2017, 11:27 AM

For street shooting, I like the DA 21 on a body like K-70. It's the focal length I find most useful. But, I also bring along a 40XS. It's so small and gives a bit more zoom when I need it. Both the 21 and 40XS make for a very inconspicuous kit on the K-70 which is also a plus for street shooting.

aaacb · 12-30-2017, 11:30 AM

I have the 15 and 70, and in addition fa 35, da 40 and fa 50; they serve different purposes (film vs apsc digital, for example). I used to have the 21 but I sold it because I either liked either normal fov (35/40) or really wide (15).

I never bring both the 50 and the 70 with me, imo they're too close. And between 35 and 40 it's a toss, iq is the great but different in rendering, usually it's about speed vs size. My usual kits are 15, 40, 70 for digital, and the two fa 35 and 50 for film or low light.

SpecialK · 12-30-2017, 11:47 AM

The 21 and 40's are small and therefore you should always have them with you. And they round out the Limiteds (not counting the 35 macro which is too close to the 40 FL to have just for the macro feature). If you get the Opteka back-to-back rear caps, you can put 2 lenses in one bag hole and prevent them from rattling around on each other.

The 50 is a bit long for a normal lens, and the 40 is on the longer side of the normal range, so if you get a 50 and not a 40, consider a 35 as well.

Na Horuk · 12-30-2017, 11:53 AM

Thats a nice set! I would like to have something similar. I have Samyang 14mm on the widest end, then DA 21mm, M 28mm, DA 35mm, a couple old fifties and DFA 100mm. I don't do much telephoto, so the 100mm covers that whole range as well as gives macro.
DA 21mm is the latest one I got and its really nice, super compact, great colours, really nice FoV on APSC. I am using Samyang 14mm and DA 35mm much less these days because of it, even though they are very different lenses

mnhoj · 12-30-2017, 12:30 PM

Originally posted by btnapa

I agree on the 21 and 70. I now shoot the K1 which is full frame. If I ever start shooting APSc again, one lens that I always wanted was the 20-40 limited zoom lens. I have tried it a few times and it is a fantastic "if you have to bring only one" lens solution. Good luck with your lenses and welcome to Pentax land!

I just looked up the 20-40. I was expecting something large.
That looks pretty amazing.

**twilhelm** · 12-30-2017, 12:37 PM - **1 Like**

I started with the FA lenses since I also shoot film, which led to the 31,43,77 combination. I do have the DA 35 2.4 and optically it is worth every penny. But for my DA needs, I love the 20-40. That is one lens that stays glued to one of my cameras. It's a little pricey, but I still think it was well worth it.

**robgski** · 12-30-2017, 12:38 PM - **2 Likes**

You can usually get a used DA 40mm XS for less than US $200 , IMO it is a great lens to have in your bag or on your camera, either way it is so compact and light that I leave it on my K5 for days or weeks at a time as a walk-around lens. I had this combo in a small bag while travlling in a crowded bus or aircraft and I could easily take it out and take shots out of the windows without hitting someone with the lens.

08amczb · 12-30-2017, 12:42 PM

My most used primes are the FA43 and FA*24 (I don'r have the DA21). The FA43 is my favorite lens.
From F50 F1.7, DA50, DA*55 and FA43, I choose the FA43 as the most versatile and preferred lens, in general my 3 lens setup is the DA15, FA43 and FA77.

gm4life · 12-30-2017, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by mnhoj

I just looked up the 20-40. I was expecting something large.
That looks pretty amazing.

It is. This lens has a fair amount of pixel dust. I tell everyone it is like two primes in one. Seriously it covers both the highly regarded 21 and 40 Limited and is F2.8 at 20 which is fairly fast too boot.

12-30-2017, 10:23 AM	#1
mnhoj Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 132	Between the 15 and 70 Hello all and seasons greetings. I just ordered a K-70 and also have a used 15 and 70 on the way. Can't wait. I've done some math and think the 21 3.2 and FA 50 1.7 would round out the perfect kit for me. Yet, there are quite a few desirable/affordable options. The 35s - F2, F2.4 and macro. The 40s F 28 2.8 F 50 1.4 and DA 50 1.8 I'd like to hear what lens choices you like and at the same time start up my first conversation post here. ( : I've shot with Nikon and Canon Dslrs and pretty much all the mirrorless brands. I miss dslr constant AF, a good OVF and am fascinated by Pentax lenses and bodies. I like to shoot street, scapes and the usual family stuff. Thanks. John

12-30-2017, 10:38 AM - 1 Like	#2
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,616	Originally posted by mnhoj I've done some math and think the 21 3.2 and FA 50 1.7 would round out the perfect kit for me. I agree on the 21 and 70. I now shoot the K1 which is full frame. If I ever start shooting APSc again, one lens that I always wanted was the 20-40 limited zoom lens. I have tried it a few times and it is a fantastic "if you have to bring only one" lens solution. Good luck with your lenses and welcome to Pentax land! Last edited by btnapa; 12-30-2017 at 11:15 AM. Reason: typo

12-30-2017, 10:52 AM - 1 Like	#5
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	you might want to take a good look at the Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited ( choice of SMC or HD ) or the SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS either are hardly noticeable on your camera here is an " in depth review " of the HD DA 40mm limited HD Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews and the " in depth review " of the DA 35mm, SMC DA 40mm limited and the DA 40mm XS Pentax DA 35mm F2.4 vs 40mm XS vs 40mm Limited Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews Last edited by aslyfox; 12-30-2017 at 10:58 AM.

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12-30-2017, 10:38 AM - 1 Like	#3
r3nx Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Estonia Posts: 64	Can't go wrong with the DA35/2.4. Excellent for its price.

12-30-2017, 10:51 AM	#4
Saltwater Images Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Newfoundland Photos: Gallery Posts: 501	I shoot the Limited's on a K-5II. When travelling light I carry a small Domke F-5XB bag that holds the camera with a Limited and two additional Limiteds (+ a spare battery, lens pen and a microfibre cloth). Depending on the location I carry one of the two following combinations 1) HD DA 21/40/70 Limited's (this is my primary kit with the 21 being the most used lens). 2) HD DA 15/35/70 Limited's. I find both configurations to provide a fair balance of focal lengths. Given that you have the 15 & 70 on the way the 35 Limited seems like it would round out your kit exceptionally well.

12-30-2017, 11:21 AM	#6
IgorZ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ottawa Posts: 1,735	Depends how much you want to spend I have FA 43 and FA 77. I feel like I need something in the middle, like DA* 55mm. The 77 was a bit tight indoors, and the 43 is a bit wide. I enjoy the 43 quite a bit, even though I never thought I would, so I would definitely recommend it. My perfect kit would be FA 31, 43, 77, and DA 55mm. That's if you like primes, which you seem like you do.

12-30-2017, 11:27 AM	#7
mgvh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,030	For street shooting, I like the DA 21 on a body like K-70. It's the focal length I find most useful. But, I also bring along a 40XS. It's so small and gives a bit more zoom when I need it. Both the 21 and 40XS make for a very inconspicuous kit on the K-70 which is also a plus for street shooting.

12-30-2017, 11:30 AM	#8
aaacb Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,725	I have the 15 and 70, and in addition fa 35, da 40 and fa 50; they serve different purposes (film vs apsc digital, for example). I used to have the 21 but I sold it because I either liked either normal fov (35/40) or really wide (15). I never bring both the 50 and the 70 with me, imo they're too close. And between 35 and 40 it's a toss, iq is the great but different in rendering, usually it's about speed vs size. My usual kits are 15, 40, 70 for digital, and the two fa 35 and 50 for film or low light.

12-30-2017, 11:47 AM	#9
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	The 21 and 40's are small and therefore you should always have them with you. And they round out the Limiteds (not counting the 35 macro which is too close to the 40 FL to have just for the macro feature). If you get the Opteka back-to-back rear caps, you can put 2 lenses in one bag hole and prevent them from rattling around on each other. The 50 is a bit long for a normal lens, and the 40 is on the longer side of the normal range, so if you get a 50 and not a 40, consider a 35 as well.

12-30-2017, 11:53 AM	#10
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Thats a nice set! I would like to have something similar. I have Samyang 14mm on the widest end, then DA 21mm, M 28mm, DA 35mm, a couple old fifties and DFA 100mm. I don't do much telephoto, so the 100mm covers that whole range as well as gives macro. DA 21mm is the latest one I got and its really nice, super compact, great colours, really nice FoV on APSC. I am using Samyang 14mm and DA 35mm much less these days because of it, even though they are very different lenses

12-30-2017, 12:30 PM	#11
mnhoj Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 132 Original Poster	Originally posted by btnapa I agree on the 21 and 70. I now shoot the K1 which is full frame. If I ever start shooting APSc again, one lens that I always wanted was the 20-40 limited zoom lens. I have tried it a few times and it is a fantastic "if you have to bring only one" lens solution. Good luck with your lenses and welcome to Pentax land! I just looked up the 20-40. I was expecting something large. That looks pretty amazing.

12-30-2017, 12:37 PM - 1 Like	#12
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	I started with the FA lenses since I also shoot film, which led to the 31,43,77 combination. I do have the DA 35 2.4 and optically it is worth every penny. But for my DA needs, I love the 20-40. That is one lens that stays glued to one of my cameras. It's a little pricey, but I still think it was well worth it.

12-30-2017, 12:38 PM - 2 Likes	#13
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,799	You can usually get a used DA 40mm XS for less than US $200 , IMO it is a great lens to have in your bag or on your camera, either way it is so compact and light that I leave it on my K5 for days or weeks at a time as a walk-around lens. I had this combo in a small bag while travlling in a crowded bus or aircraft and I could easily take it out and take shots out of the windows without hitting someone with the lens.

12-30-2017, 12:42 PM	#14
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796	My most used primes are the FA43 and FA24 (I don'r have the DA21). The FA43 is my favorite lens. From F50 F1.7, DA50, DA55 and FA43, I choose the FA43 as the most versatile and preferred lens, in general my 3 lens setup is the DA15, FA43 and FA77.

12-30-2017, 12:52 PM	#15
gm4life Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 602	Originally posted by mnhoj I just looked up the 20-40. I was expecting something large. That looks pretty amazing. It is. This lens has a fair amount of pixel dust. I tell everyone it is like two primes in one. Seriously it covers both the highly regarded 21 and 40 Limited and is F2.8 at 20 which is fairly fast too boot.