24-70 alternative lens for K1

Scintilla · 09-28-2018, 08:26 AM - **1 Like**

Having used the Tamron 28-75/2.8 (A09) on a Canon 5D (12 MP 36x24, so not a very demanding sensor at all), I can say that it's relatively small and light (takes only 67mm filters, unlike seemingly all the other f/2.8 zooms), but I don't like how mine renders smeary by the edges (though that may not be an issue for portraits or even street?) and have pretty much stopped using it.
I haven't used any of the others, but I have to believe the DFA 28-105 would be clearly superior to the Tamron even if you don't need the extra reach.

gylfimag · 09-28-2018, 08:38 AM - **1 Like**

The DFA 28-105 is a very nice lens, good IQ and far less bulky than any 24-70 f2.8 lens for Pentax. If you need something a bit wider and brighter there are a few options, including Pentax's own 24-70 f2.8 and two from Sigma. The Pentax lens is apparently quite good but the most expensive option. I have the older of the two Sigma lenses, with screw-drive rather than HSM. Bought it used for roughly one third of what a brand new copy of the Pentax lens would have cost me. It is a very nice lens and frankly I don't notice any obvious difference in image quality between it and the DFA 28-105. The main drawback compared to the DFA is that the Sigma lens is considerably bigger and heavier. It also does not have WR. The screw drive works well enough and even if the more modern focusing systems, like the one in the DFA 28-105, may be a bit faster, in practice it is easily fast enough on a K-1 body. So, I use both lenses a lot, pick the Pentax one when I want a light package (still something like 1.5 kg, camera+lens) or need WR but the Sigma for low light or when I need 24 mm. There is a considerable difference between the field of view at 24mm and 28mm. Another option is to buy something like the FA 35 to complement the DFA 28-105. That gives you a moderately wide lens with an f2.0 maximum aperture which helps a lot in low light, when the relatively slow maximum aperture of the DFA lens is a problem. I find that duo quite practical. The FA 35 is a very nice lens and quite light and compact and not too expensive (plenty available used as it has been sold since the film era).

robertordm · 09-28-2018, 08:40 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Kaisas

I attached 2 pictures which was taken with dfa 28-105 on Pentax k1.

Thanks for taking the trouble of dropping those pics in. And I’ve taken your comments on board, I’m just also interested to hear informed reviews of other lenses.

**clickclick** · 09-28-2018, 09:00 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by robertordm

I know I’m driving a hard bargain but the 2.8 of the 24-70

If you're really stuck on the f2.8 and this range, I think the Tamron 28-75/2.8 is pretty decent. I have that from before I bought my 24-70, and it's a nice lens. You can pick one up used for around $200. Pretty good bang for the buck.

**JensE** · 09-28-2018, 09:14 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by robertordm

... for, in order of importance, Photojourno/Street/Landscape.

The modern Pentax lenses, and the DFA 28-105 for sure, definitely have an edge over all suggested older fast zooms in terms of flare resistance and WR, both can be important depending on you shooting locations (dust) for your first priorities, and definitely often are for landscapes. They also feature fast, silent and reliable AF. Depending on what kind of "Photojourno" you do, supported by a fast prime (e.g. FA 35mm/2.0 or F(A) 50mm/1.7), as suggested above, it may cover all you need and then some, and is definitely very portable. If however you need to cover varying distances in low light indoors, I'd go with the 2.8 Tamrom zoom (inexpensive, lightweight, good quality from f/4 usable at f/2.8), or the Sigma HSM if silent AF is a must. Add a prime if you find a need for a specific application.

6BQ5 · 09-28-2018, 09:26 AM - **1 Like**

I have both the D-FA 28-105mm and the D-FA 24-70mm. Honestly, the IQ from the 28-105mm is better and more even across the frame compared to the 24-70mm. Unless you feel like you need the low-light capabilities of the 24-70mm I think you are better off spending your hard earned dollars elsewhere. The 24-70 lens is big and heavy. Carrying it around all day on a K-1, especially with a battery grip, is a serious workout. I wouldn't recommend it as a general purpose lens. The 28-105mm is a better value overall in my opinion.

pid · 09-28-2018, 09:59 AM - **1 Like**

If you don't care if it is manual I can highly recommend the SMC Pentax-M 35-70mm F2.8-3.5 .
I have the both, the M Zoom and the DFA 24-70/2.8 and this old Zoom is just a gem!
IQ wise it is on par with the DFA!

bdery · 09-28-2018, 10:04 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by robertordm

I know I’m driving a hard bargain but the 2.8 of the 24-70 would be nice, but too much to ask, I know

You could couple the 28-105 with a couple of primes for when you want a fast aperture.

jspillane · 09-28-2018, 10:23 AM - **1 Like**

I would probably go for a prime to compliment the 28-105, since I don't think the non-DFA* lenses are really going to be optically better (just larger/faster/$$$).

For street/landscape, I think it is pretty hard to beat the FA 31 ltd. Was a key reason to move towards a Pentax kit for me and I feel like anyone who has invested in a K1 should give it a shot! Prices are high new but if you keep your eye on the used market there are some good deals. FA 35 f/2 is a much cheaper alternative (I haven't used but it gets strong reviews).

**clackers** · 09-28-2018, 03:18 PM - **1 Like**

The 28-105 is such a great kit lens.

But of course, if you need f2.8 or need 24mm, you need to splash the cash for the DFA 24-70.

Joe Dusel · 09-28-2018, 04:32 PM - **3 Likes**

I am happy enough with my Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 lens. I got mine used on ebay for around $200.

**dtrego** · 09-28-2018, 09:56 PM

There’s also the Sigma 24-60 2.8 - apologies if it has already been mentioned and I missed it. It’s a bit smaller than the Sigma 24-70 2.8, but lacks an aperture ring.

Rated a bit higher than the Sigma 24-70 (edit: a bit higher than the non-HSM version. It’s rated a bit lower than the HSM) here:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/sigma-24-60mm-f2-8-ex-dg.html

robertordm · 09-28-2018, 11:13 PM

Originally posted by pid

If you don't care if it is manual I can highly recommend the SMC Pentax-M 35-70mm F2.8-3.5 .
I have the both, the M Zoom and the DFA 24-70/2.8 and this old Zoom is just a gem!
IQ wise it is on par with the DFA!

Yes, I agree, I have this one too and it is quite nice!

---------- Post added 09-28-18 at 11:17 PM ----------

Originally posted by Joe Dusel

I am happy enough with my Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 lens. I got mine used on ebay for around $200.

Yes, as per previous posts I’m now researching the Tamron, among the other great previous suggestions.
I do appreciate the time you all have taken to comment here, it is of great help and looking forward to more..

---------- Post added 09-28-18 at 11:29 PM ----------

Sigma 17-50 2.8 DC HSM. ??
Any thoughts?

**felixkh** · 09-28-2018, 11:53 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by robertordm

Yes, I agree, I have this one too and it is quite nice!

---------- Post added 09-28-18 at 11:17 PM ----------

Yes, as per previous posts I’m now researching the Tamron, among the other great previous suggestions.
I do appreciate the time you all have taken to comment here, it is of great help and looking forward to more..

---------- Post added 09-28-18 at 11:29 PM ----------

Sigma 17-50 2.8 DC HSM. ??
Any thoughts?

The Sigma 17-50 is a crop sensor lens. Go for full frame lenses like the Tamron 28-75 pr even the FA*28-70/2.8. I have used the latter and the results are great.

robertordm · 09-29-2018, 12:23 AM

Originally posted by felixkh

The Sigma 17-50 is a crop sensor lens. Go for full frame lenses like the Tamron 28-75 pr even the FA*28-70/2.8. I have used the latter and the results are great.

Yes thanks, I looked further and realised my error, but thanks for pointing that out.

Is the Tamron being referred to above the 28-75 2.8 Di A09 ??

09-28-2018, 09:56 PM	#27
dtrego Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Grove City, OH, USA Posts: 105	24-70 alternative lens for K1 There’s also the Sigma 24-60 2.8 - apologies if it has already been mentioned and I missed it. It’s a bit smaller than the Sigma 24-70 2.8, but lacks an aperture ring. Rated a bit higher than the Sigma 24-70 (edit: a bit higher than the non-HSM version. It’s rated a bit lower than the HSM) here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/sigma-24-60mm-f2-8-ex-dg.html

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09-28-2018, 08:26 AM - 1 Like	#16
Scintilla Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 347	Having used the Tamron 28-75/2.8 (A09) on a Canon 5D (12 MP 36x24, so not a very demanding sensor at all), I can say that it's relatively small and light (takes only 67mm filters, unlike seemingly all the other f/2.8 zooms), but I don't like how mine renders smeary by the edges (though that may not be an issue for portraits or even street?) and have pretty much stopped using it. I haven't used any of the others, but I have to believe the DFA 28-105 would be clearly superior to the Tamron even if you don't need the extra reach.

09-28-2018, 08:38 AM - 1 Like	#17
gylfimag Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 90	The DFA 28-105 is a very nice lens, good IQ and far less bulky than any 24-70 f2.8 lens for Pentax. If you need something a bit wider and brighter there are a few options, including Pentax's own 24-70 f2.8 and two from Sigma. The Pentax lens is apparently quite good but the most expensive option. I have the older of the two Sigma lenses, with screw-drive rather than HSM. Bought it used for roughly one third of what a brand new copy of the Pentax lens would have cost me. It is a very nice lens and frankly I don't notice any obvious difference in image quality between it and the DFA 28-105. The main drawback compared to the DFA is that the Sigma lens is considerably bigger and heavier. It also does not have WR. The screw drive works well enough and even if the more modern focusing systems, like the one in the DFA 28-105, may be a bit faster, in practice it is easily fast enough on a K-1 body. So, I use both lenses a lot, pick the Pentax one when I want a light package (still something like 1.5 kg, camera+lens) or need WR but the Sigma for low light or when I need 24 mm. There is a considerable difference between the field of view at 24mm and 28mm. Another option is to buy something like the FA 35 to complement the DFA 28-105. That gives you a moderately wide lens with an f2.0 maximum aperture which helps a lot in low light, when the relatively slow maximum aperture of the DFA lens is a problem. I find that duo quite practical. The FA 35 is a very nice lens and quite light and compact and not too expensive (plenty available used as it has been sold since the film era).

09-28-2018, 08:40 AM - 1 Like	#18
robertordm New Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 13 Original Poster	Originally posted by Kaisas I attached 2 pictures which was taken with dfa 28-105 on Pentax k1. Thanks for taking the trouble of dropping those pics in. And I’ve taken your comments on board, I’m just also interested to hear informed reviews of other lenses.

09-28-2018, 09:00 AM - 2 Likes	#19
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Originally posted by robertordm I know I’m driving a hard bargain but the 2.8 of the 24-70 If you're really stuck on the f2.8 and this range, I think the Tamron 28-75/2.8 is pretty decent. I have that from before I bought my 24-70, and it's a nice lens. You can pick one up used for around $200. Pretty good bang for the buck.

09-28-2018, 09:14 AM - 1 Like	#20
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,969	Originally posted by robertordm ... for, in order of importance, Photojourno/Street/Landscape. The modern Pentax lenses, and the DFA 28-105 for sure, definitely have an edge over all suggested older fast zooms in terms of flare resistance and WR, both can be important depending on you shooting locations (dust) for your first priorities, and definitely often are for landscapes. They also feature fast, silent and reliable AF. Depending on what kind of "Photojourno" you do, supported by a fast prime (e.g. FA 35mm/2.0 or F(A) 50mm/1.7), as suggested above, it may cover all you need and then some, and is definitely very portable. If however you need to cover varying distances in low light indoors, I'd go with the 2.8 Tamrom zoom (inexpensive, lightweight, good quality from f/4 usable at f/2.8), or the Sigma HSM if silent AF is a must. Add a prime if you find a need for a specific application.

09-28-2018, 09:26 AM - 1 Like	#21
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	I have both the D-FA 28-105mm and the D-FA 24-70mm. Honestly, the IQ from the 28-105mm is better and more even across the frame compared to the 24-70mm. Unless you feel like you need the low-light capabilities of the 24-70mm I think you are better off spending your hard earned dollars elsewhere. The 24-70 lens is big and heavy. Carrying it around all day on a K-1, especially with a battery grip, is a serious workout. I wouldn't recommend it as a general purpose lens. The 28-105mm is a better value overall in my opinion.

09-28-2018, 09:59 AM - 1 Like	#22
pid Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 567	If you don't care if it is manual I can highly recommend the SMC Pentax-M 35-70mm F2.8-3.5 . I have the both, the M Zoom and the DFA 24-70/2.8 and this old Zoom is just a gem! IQ wise it is on par with the DFA!

09-28-2018, 10:04 AM - 1 Like	#23
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by robertordm I know I’m driving a hard bargain but the 2.8 of the 24-70 would be nice, but too much to ask, I know You could couple the 28-105 with a couple of primes for when you want a fast aperture.

09-28-2018, 10:23 AM - 1 Like	#24
jspillane Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 45	I would probably go for a prime to compliment the 28-105, since I don't think the non-DFA* lenses are really going to be optically better (just larger/faster/$$$). For street/landscape, I think it is pretty hard to beat the FA 31 ltd. Was a key reason to move towards a Pentax kit for me and I feel like anyone who has invested in a K1 should give it a shot! Prices are high new but if you keep your eye on the used market there are some good deals. FA 35 f/2 is a much cheaper alternative (I haven't used but it gets strong reviews).

09-28-2018, 03:18 PM - 1 Like	#25
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	The 28-105 is such a great kit lens. But of course, if you need f2.8 or need 24mm, you need to splash the cash for the DFA 24-70.

09-28-2018, 11:13 PM	#28
robertordm New Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 13 Original Poster	Originally posted by pid If you don't care if it is manual I can highly recommend the SMC Pentax-M 35-70mm F2.8-3.5 . I have the both, the M Zoom and the DFA 24-70/2.8 and this old Zoom is just a gem! IQ wise it is on par with the DFA! Yes, I agree, I have this one too and it is quite nice! ---------- Post added 09-28-18 at 11:17 PM ---------- Originally posted by Joe Dusel I am happy enough with my Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 lens. I got mine used on ebay for around $200. Yes, as per previous posts I’m now researching the Tamron, among the other great previous suggestions. I do appreciate the time you all have taken to comment here, it is of great help and looking forward to more.. ---------- Post added 09-28-18 at 11:29 PM ---------- Sigma 17-50 2.8 DC HSM. ?? Any thoughts?

09-28-2018, 11:53 PM - 1 Like	#29
felixkh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,201	Originally posted by robertordm Yes, I agree, I have this one too and it is quite nice! ---------- Post added 09-28-18 at 11:17 PM ---------- Yes, as per previous posts I’m now researching the Tamron, among the other great previous suggestions. I do appreciate the time you all have taken to comment here, it is of great help and looking forward to more.. ---------- Post added 09-28-18 at 11:29 PM ---------- Sigma 17-50 2.8 DC HSM. ?? Any thoughts? The Sigma 17-50 is a crop sensor lens. Go for full frame lenses like the Tamron 28-75 pr even the FA*28-70/2.8. I have used the latter and the results are great.

09-29-2018, 12:23 AM	#30
robertordm New Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 13 Original Poster	Originally posted by felixkh The Sigma 17-50 is a crop sensor lens. Go for full frame lenses like the Tamron 28-75 pr even the FA*28-70/2.8. I have used the latter and the results are great. Yes thanks, I looked further and realised my error, but thanks for pointing that out. Is the Tamron being referred to above the 28-75 2.8 Di A09 ??