FF Primes under $300

paolojackson · 11-01-2018, 09:00 PM

Got my K-1 much faster than I thought I would once the decision was made. Turns out I only had one Pentax lens left from my K10d which was actually a manual 50/2 from an ME Super. Now I am in need of some cheap primes until I can save up for a FA77 or perhaps a yet to be revealed lens from Pentax.

My most used lenses with Canon were the 35/1.4 and the 85/1.8. Manual focus is fine (and expected) given the price range. The "A" setting would be nice for aperture, but not a must. 35mm and 85mm were the preferred focal lengths, but open to anything TBH. Just want some cheapish, quality glass to hold me down for a while.

**Quartermaster James** · 11-01-2018, 09:01 PM

I think I got my 85mm/2 for about $200.

howieb101 · 11-01-2018, 09:28 PM

You might be able to grab an FA 35mm F2 somewhere 2nd hand. Great lens.

**clackers** · 11-01-2018, 10:06 PM

New, the DA35 and DA50 'plastic fantastics' work fine on my K-1, but the FA35 you may be able to find around that $300 range anyway.

The K85 f1.8 you might get around the $400 range, and you could sell it for similar to finally buy that FA77 - it'll be worth the wait!

Adam · 11-01-2018, 10:35 PM

Originally posted by paolojackson

Got my K-1 much faster than I thought I would once the decision was made. Turns out I only had one Pentax lens left from my K10d which was actually a manual 50/2 from an ME Super. Now I am in need of some cheap primes until I can save up for a FA77 or perhaps a yet to be revealed lens from Pentax.

My most used lenses with Canon were the 35/1.4 and the 85/1.8. Manual focus is fine (and expected) given the price range. The "A" setting would be nice for aperture, but not a must. 35mm and 85mm were the preferred focal lengths, but open to anything TBH. Just want some cheapish, quality glass to hold me down for a while.

There are 3 new lenses under $300 (the D FA 50 macro, FA 50, and FA 35). All are great- maybe go with the first one to get that extra bit of sharpness out of your new K-1?

Full Frame Prime Lenses | PentaxForums.com

**dms** · 11-01-2018, 11:22 PM

If you are good w/MF and like 35mm and 85mm, then the least costly/best 35 is likely the K 35mm f/3.5. Faster aperture would likely be the K 35mm f/2, or (although I don't own one) the reviews/discussion would say the best (and AF) is the 35mm FA f/2.0, which is likely about same price as the K. 85mm f/1.8 (K) is reputed to be superb (except too sharp for portraits); however, the M 85mm f/2 (mentioned above) is nice--but not a very high resolution lens. The 35mm are in the $100 (f/3.5) or $200 (f/2) ballpark, and the 85mm f/2 maybe $250 as I recall, and a little more for the f/1.8. The FA 35mm f/2 is still available new (but the price I mention is likely used.)

**mikesbike** · 11-01-2018, 11:34 PM

Another vote for the FA 35mm f/2. This lens is one of the best. It is very good even wide open, and its FL is very versatile, so it can stay on the camera as an all around choice for most uses. It is also light and compact, which helps compensate for the K-1's weight and size. In fact, it is having owned one of these since I bought it for use on my then newer 35mm AF film bodies, that intrigues me towards getting a K-1 or a subsequent FF body- to use this lens and a few other favorites in their original FOV.

Igor123 · 11-02-2018, 02:59 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by clackers

New, the DA35 and DA50 'plastic fantastics' work fine on my K-1, but the FA35 you may be able to find around that $300 range anyway.

The K85 f1.8 you might get around the $400 range, and you could sell it for similar to finally buy that FA77 - it'll be worth the wait!

Seconded, I have the DA35 on a K1 and it's great! The other 35s may be a tad better (I've never had one of them), but there's really not a lot of improvement to be made relatively especially for the cost!

(On a subjective scale, if a 18-55 is a '5' at 35mm, I'd say the da35 is a '9' and then some of the others may be a 10 but at triple+ the price, and heavier, but that's not a problem in this range I think).

If the K85 is over budget I'd suggest the M85F2 - "just" an M but one of the hardest ones to part with for me both becuase of iq, size, feel etc.

But if I dare mention zooms while at it, the Tamron 70-200 F2.8 is a stellar lens which can be found below $300 used, so that may fit the bill until you get the 77. It's large, but the smallest and lightest of the FF 70-200F2.8s, and great iq too for a bargain price.

Docrwm · 11-02-2018, 03:02 AM - **2 Likes**

Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF is under $300 new and often sold used under $200. It's a lovely lens and covers FF from the specs and posts I read here.

**clackers** · 11-02-2018, 03:12 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF is under $300 new and often sold used under $200. It's a lovely lens and covers FF from the specs and posts I read here.

Yeah, it has an A setting too unlike the K85 and M85.

Not a Number · 11-02-2018, 03:18 AM

You can shoot with your DA lenses in crop mode too. 16mp is still a step up from 10.2 mp.

Docrwm · 11-02-2018, 03:21 AM

Originally posted by clackers

Yeah, it has an A setting too unlike the K85 and M85.

True. When I'm not being lazy it's my favorite portrait lens. Best photos of my children are all with that lens. Comes in a variety of rebagged names Samyang, Vivitar (version I own), Rokinon, Bower, and Pro Optic. There have been some positive reviews of it by K-1 users and I can say that the focus ring is large, well dampened, and easy to use.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/vivitar-85mm-f14/review.html

**aslyfox** · 11-02-2018, 03:42 AM

a vintage 28mm perhaps

Pentax or other wise

I have a Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm F2 MC P/KA 55 F myself

https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/kiron-28mm-f2-mc.html

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**pepperberry farm** · 11-02-2018, 06:26 AM

FF primes under $300 are going to be rare, unless you don't mind shopping for used....

if that's not a problem, there's a huge catalog of FF primes out there for you - starting with the myriad film-era lenses....

I have a nice set of Sigma EX DG lenses (28, 50, and 70 macro) that each was less than $300 (used)

**UncleVanya** · 11-02-2018, 06:29 AM

Fa 28 f2.8, fa 35 f2, DA 35 f2.4, DA 40, f/fa 50 f1.7/1.4, DA 50 f1.8, DA 70 f2.4

Some of these can be found new for your budget, some only used.

11-01-2018, 09:00 PM	#1
paolojackson Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 379	FF Primes under $300 Got my K-1 much faster than I thought I would once the decision was made. Turns out I only had one Pentax lens left from my K10d which was actually a manual 50/2 from an ME Super. Now I am in need of some cheap primes until I can save up for a FA77 or perhaps a yet to be revealed lens from Pentax. My most used lenses with Canon were the 35/1.4 and the 85/1.8. Manual focus is fine (and expected) given the price range. The "A" setting would be nice for aperture, but not a must. 35mm and 85mm were the preferred focal lengths, but open to anything TBH. Just want some cheapish, quality glass to hold me down for a while.

11-01-2018, 10:35 PM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by paolojackson Got my K-1 much faster than I thought I would once the decision was made. Turns out I only had one Pentax lens left from my K10d which was actually a manual 50/2 from an ME Super. Now I am in need of some cheap primes until I can save up for a FA77 or perhaps a yet to be revealed lens from Pentax. My most used lenses with Canon were the 35/1.4 and the 85/1.8. Manual focus is fine (and expected) given the price range. The "A" setting would be nice for aperture, but not a must. 35mm and 85mm were the preferred focal lengths, but open to anything TBH. Just want some cheapish, quality glass to hold me down for a while. There are 3 new lenses under $300 (the D FA 50 macro, FA 50, and FA 35). All are great- maybe go with the first one to get that extra bit of sharpness out of your new K-1? Full Frame Prime Lenses \| PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

11-02-2018, 03:42 AM	#13
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	a vintage 28mm perhaps Pentax or other wise I have a Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm F2 MC P/KA 55 F myself https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/kiron-28mm-f2-mc.html ______________________ these sites might be of interest: http://k-1-lab.com/en/ Review and share images captured with various PENTAX lenses! The PENTAX K-1 Laboratory is a website where you can review and share images captured by PENTAX K-1 users employing a variety of PENTAX interchangeable lenses. ________________________ PentaxForums.com → Camera Help Central → Pentax Articles → Pentax Lens Articles → DA lenses on Full Frame: Test Shots thread Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/54-pentax-lens-articles/31629-da-lenses-...#ixzz5Vh42MBVA https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/photo-articles/pentax-k-1-lens-compatibility-guide.html Last edited by aslyfox; 11-02-2018 at 03:57 AM.

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11-01-2018, 09:01 PM	#2
Quartermaster James Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 653	I think I got my 85mm/2 for about $200.

11-01-2018, 09:28 PM	#3
howieb101 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 594	You might be able to grab an FA 35mm F2 somewhere 2nd hand. Great lens.

11-01-2018, 10:06 PM	#4
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	New, the DA35 and DA50 'plastic fantastics' work fine on my K-1, but the FA35 you may be able to find around that $300 range anyway. The K85 f1.8 you might get around the $400 range, and you could sell it for similar to finally buy that FA77 - it'll be worth the wait!

11-01-2018, 11:22 PM	#6
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	If you are good w/MF and like 35mm and 85mm, then the least costly/best 35 is likely the K 35mm f/3.5. Faster aperture would likely be the K 35mm f/2, or (although I don't own one) the reviews/discussion would say the best (and AF) is the 35mm FA f/2.0, which is likely about same price as the K. 85mm f/1.8 (K) is reputed to be superb (except too sharp for portraits); however, the M 85mm f/2 (mentioned above) is nice--but not a very high resolution lens. The 35mm are in the $100 (f/3.5) or $200 (f/2) ballpark, and the 85mm f/2 maybe $250 as I recall, and a little more for the f/1.8. The FA 35mm f/2 is still available new (but the price I mention is likely used.)

11-01-2018, 11:34 PM	#7
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,561	Another vote for the FA 35mm f/2. This lens is one of the best. It is very good even wide open, and its FL is very versatile, so it can stay on the camera as an all around choice for most uses. It is also light and compact, which helps compensate for the K-1's weight and size. In fact, it is having owned one of these since I bought it for use on my then newer 35mm AF film bodies, that intrigues me towards getting a K-1 or a subsequent FF body- to use this lens and a few other favorites in their original FOV.

11-02-2018, 02:59 AM - 1 Like	#8
Igor123 Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 183	Originally posted by clackers New, the DA35 and DA50 'plastic fantastics' work fine on my K-1, but the FA35 you may be able to find around that $300 range anyway. The K85 f1.8 you might get around the $400 range, and you could sell it for similar to finally buy that FA77 - it'll be worth the wait! Seconded, I have the DA35 on a K1 and it's great! The other 35s may be a tad better (I've never had one of them), but there's really not a lot of improvement to be made relatively especially for the cost! (On a subjective scale, if a 18-55 is a '5' at 35mm, I'd say the da35 is a '9' and then some of the others may be a 10 but at triple+ the price, and heavier, but that's not a problem in this range I think). If the K85 is over budget I'd suggest the M85F2 - "just" an M but one of the hardest ones to part with for me both becuase of iq, size, feel etc. But if I dare mention zooms while at it, the Tamron 70-200 F2.8 is a stellar lens which can be found below $300 used, so that may fit the bill until you get the 77. It's large, but the smallest and lightest of the FF 70-200F2.8s, and great iq too for a bargain price.

11-02-2018, 03:02 AM - 2 Likes	#9
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF is under $300 new and often sold used under $200. It's a lovely lens and covers FF from the specs and posts I read here.

11-02-2018, 03:12 AM	#10
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Docrwm Samyang 85mm F1.4 Aspherical IF is under $300 new and often sold used under $200. It's a lovely lens and covers FF from the specs and posts I read here. Yeah, it has an A setting too unlike the K85 and M85.

11-02-2018, 03:18 AM	#11
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	You can shoot with your DA lenses in crop mode too. 16mp is still a step up from 10.2 mp.

11-02-2018, 03:21 AM	#12
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by clackers Yeah, it has an A setting too unlike the K85 and M85. True. When I'm not being lazy it's my favorite portrait lens. Best photos of my children are all with that lens. Comes in a variety of rebagged names Samyang, Vivitar (version I own), Rokinon, Bower, and Pro Optic. There have been some positive reviews of it by K-1 users and I can say that the focus ring is large, well dampened, and easy to use. https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/vivitar-85mm-f14/review.html

11-02-2018, 06:26 AM	#14
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	FF primes under $300 are going to be rare, unless you don't mind shopping for used.... if that's not a problem, there's a huge catalog of FF primes out there for you - starting with the myriad film-era lenses.... I have a nice set of Sigma EX DG lenses (28, 50, and 70 macro) that each was less than $300 (used)

11-02-2018, 06:29 AM	#15
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	Fa 28 f2.8, fa 35 f2, DA 35 f2.4, DA 40, f/fa 50 f1.7/1.4, DA 50 f1.8, DA 70 f2.4 Some of these can be found new for your budget, some only used.