"My kit it's enough!" Say it: "My kit it's enough!" Another case of lba!

**UncleVanya** · 02-23-2019, 12:52 PM

I'm as bad.

mikesbike · 02-23-2019, 02:58 PM

Don't know what camera you are using, but I would consider getting rid of your 18-55mm kit lens and go for the DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 WR Limited. That would fill in a gap you have without having to deal with more primes and lens-changing, yet have a high quality upgrade.

**monochrome** · 02-23-2019, 06:17 PM

Originally posted by ThorSanchez

Take an old screwdrive 55-300, point at bird in the sky, then hit autofocus. WWWHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. And it never focuses on anything. The PLM mightn't focus on anything either, but at least it's fast and it keeps it to itself. And mine has nicer out-of-focus areas.

The old screwdrive versions are fine if you really, truly have a budget capped at $150. But if you can scrape and scrounge $350 the PLM is a joy.

In good light using Spot AF on K-1 or KP the original SMC DA55~300 is fast enough to focus and locks just fine. Additionally it produces images with rich, bright, deep colors, especially blues. I still use mine for light hiking when I don’t want to carry a big, heavy lens.

**Alex645** · 02-23-2019, 10:00 PM

Originally posted by zburatoru

I know if I change those lenses will have other inner voices: get leica or zeiss, get a k1 or even a 645z...

Guaranteed. But you gotta think of it like life. It's not a destination; it's the journey, the process.

You just don't want to replace something better with something different. Technically, the Zeiss or the Leica have less "flaws" but IMO less character.

And for what I do with my photos, FF and MF take it to another level. That's not LBA, it's ZEN.

zburatoru · 02-23-2019, 10:13 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mikesbike

Don't know what camera you are using, but I would consider getting rid of your 18-55mm kit lens and go for the DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 WR Limited. That would fill in a gap you have without having to deal with more primes and lens-changing, yet have a high quality upgrade.

I'm more than satisfied with my Tamron 17-50mm. Really, really excellent lens!

---------- Post added 02-23-2019 at 10:15 PM ----------

Originally posted by monochrome

In good light using Spot AF on K-1 or KP the original SMC DA55~300 is fast enough to focus and locks just fine. Additionally it produces images with rich, bright, deep colors, especially blues. I still use mine for light hiking when I don’t want to carry a big, heavy lens.

Yes, a very good lens, sharp at every focal and aperture and for me a very good landscape lens, too!

---------- Post added 02-23-2019 at 10:21 PM ----------

Originally posted by Alex645

Guaranteed. But you gotta think of it like life. It's not a destination; it's the journey, the process.

You just don't want to replace something better with something different. Technically, the Zeiss or the Leica have less "flaws" but IMO less character.

And for what I do with my photos, FF and MF take it to another level. That's not LBA, it's ZEN.

Good point! "No character!" My lenses and my camera have character! A big one!!!
Let's see what I've had if I remember: Smc Pentax m 50mm f1.7, Vivitar 28mm f2.8 close focus, Pentacon 50mm f1.8, Fujinon 55mm f2.2 ( Maybe the best colors I have seen in a lens), Sigma 30mm f1.4 first version (strange rendering but very smooth bokeh), Sigma art 30mm f1.4 (didn't like the rendering, muted colors, very bad CA), Tamron 28-200mm (very good colors, contrast but pretty unsharp), Rikenon 50mm f2, Smc Pentax 55-300mm (little fungus), Samyang 85mm as if (little fungus)...
What I have and what Iike about them:
15mm limited - great colors, contrast, sharpness
31mm limited - not a big love for the moment, but one of the best bokeh I have seen, 3d pop sometimes
Smc f 50mm f1.7 - my precious, best lens for flowers, Christmas lights, bright image and fa limited feeling...
Smc A 50mm f1.7 - cover for f version
Pentax da 55mm sdm - best colors and contrast, on par with my Sigma 105mm macro, vintage defined edges bokeh until f2, smooth bokeh above
Helios 58mm f2 - unique bokeh
Samyang 85mm f1.4 - one of the smoothest bokeh and I think that on this chapter only it's better than 77mm limited!
Sigma 105 macro - crazy colors and contrast, very smooth bokeh
Smc pentax 18-55mm - not very sharp but unique rendering, don't know how to describe, great lens for black and white photography!
Tamron 17-50mm - a prime sharpness, great colors, contrast, it can't do bad pictures!
Hd Pentax da 55-300mm - my go to lens for birds and other animals, surprisingly good for macro and a very good landscape lens!
So, I don't need anything else! Say it!

dbs · 02-24-2019, 02:28 AM - **1 Like**

YOU DON'T NEED ANYTHING ELSE

but what about...................................

whoops

Dave

zburatoru · 02-24-2019, 03:49 AM

Originally posted by dbs

YOU DON'T NEED ANYTHING ELSE

but what about...................................

whoops

Dave

) Will always be something but the photographic eye and the style will remain so either lens will deliver...

ZombieArmy · 02-24-2019, 04:30 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by zburatoru

My inner voices:
"You should buy a 43mm limited instead of 55mm sdm"
"

I wouldn't. The 55mm SDM is great and a better portrait lens than the 43mm. If you want to play with something at 40ish I'd get the cheap little 40mm XS which can be had for 70-90 used.

Something I'd immediately sell in your list is the A 50mm 1.7 because you already have the F version.

zburatoru · 02-24-2019, 05:56 AM

Originally posted by ZombieArmy

I wouldn't. The 55mm SDM is great and a better portrait lens than the 43mm. If you want to play with something at 40ish I'd get the cheap little 40mm XS which can be had for 70-90 used.

Something I'd immediately sell in your list is the A 50mm 1.7 because you already have the F version.

Well, I'm thinking to a 40mm variant because I love the contrasy images you can get... I don't think I will change my 55 sdm, it's a great lens the only silent af lens that I have... My a 50mm it's my backup and it ain't got a very good value on the market...

ZombieArmy · 02-24-2019, 06:02 AM

Originally posted by zburatoru

Well, I'm thinking to a 40mm variant because I love the contrasy images you can get...

The 43s contrast isn't very good compared to the DA/XS 40mm.

zburatoru · 02-24-2019, 06:13 AM

Originally posted by ZombieArmy

The 43s contrast isn't very good compared to the DA/XS 40mm.

Yes, I know, that's why I like the rendering better on 40mm. I already have a fa 31mm limited, so a 43 won't be necessary...

Caribe · 02-24-2019, 06:39 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

In good light using Spot AF on K-1 or KP the original SMC DA55~300 is fast enough to focus and locks just fine. Additionally it produces images with rich, bright, deep colors, especially blues. I still use mine for light hiking when I don’t want to carry a big, heavy lens.

Just in time to relieve the pressure off the Plm version! My old da 55-300 did fine even with the k3 during the last air show. Now with the kp it's a bit faster but it also has better first time accuracy. I would also add that I like it for sunsets too. I will wait...

Wheatfield · 02-24-2019, 01:36 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by zburatoru

"My kit it's enough!" Say it: "My kit it's enough!" Another case of lba!

Right, like that will ever happen.

zburatoru · 02-24-2019, 10:37 PM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

Right, like that will ever happen.

You're very optimistic!��

Sandy Hancock · 02-25-2019, 12:59 AM

For what it's worth, these are my thoughts:

DA15 - keeper (flare resistance, starbursts)
FA31 - keeper (perfect fast normal on crop)
A50/1.7 - ditch it
F50/1.7 - ditch it
DA*55 - keeper (perfect portrait lens on crop)
Helios 44-k - keeper (uniquely quirky rendering)
Samyang 85/1.4 - personally, I'd look at the FA77 or DA70 instead (85 is a bit long on crop IMHO)
Sigma 105mm f2.8 ex dg macro - keeper
DA18-55WR and Tamron 17-50/2.8 - I'd get the DA*16-50 or DA16-85 to replace both
HD55-300WR - keeper

As others have said, a top-notch telephoto would be the only other consideration. The DA*300 would be my suggestion.
And the DA10-17. Even if you don't like fisheyes

02-23-2019, 10:13 PM - 1 Like	#35
zburatoru Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 258 Original Poster	Originally posted by mikesbike Don't know what camera you are using, but I would consider getting rid of your 18-55mm kit lens and go for the DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 WR Limited. That would fill in a gap you have without having to deal with more primes and lens-changing, yet have a high quality upgrade. I'm more than satisfied with my Tamron 17-50mm. Really, really excellent lens! ---------- Post added 02-23-2019 at 10:15 PM ---------- Originally posted by monochrome In good light using Spot AF on K-1 or KP the original SMC DA55~300 is fast enough to focus and locks just fine. Additionally it produces images with rich, bright, deep colors, especially blues. I still use mine for light hiking when I don’t want to carry a big, heavy lens. Yes, a very good lens, sharp at every focal and aperture and for me a very good landscape lens, too! ---------- Post added 02-23-2019 at 10:21 PM ---------- Originally posted by Alex645 Guaranteed. But you gotta think of it like life. It's not a destination; it's the journey, the process. You just don't want to replace something better with something different. Technically, the Zeiss or the Leica have less "flaws" but IMO less character. And for what I do with my photos, FF and MF take it to another level. That's not LBA, it's ZEN. Good point! "No character!" My lenses and my camera have character! A big one!!! Let's see what I've had if I remember: Smc Pentax m 50mm f1.7, Vivitar 28mm f2.8 close focus, Pentacon 50mm f1.8, Fujinon 55mm f2.2 ( Maybe the best colors I have seen in a lens), Sigma 30mm f1.4 first version (strange rendering but very smooth bokeh), Sigma art 30mm f1.4 (didn't like the rendering, muted colors, very bad CA), Tamron 28-200mm (very good colors, contrast but pretty unsharp), Rikenon 50mm f2, Smc Pentax 55-300mm (little fungus), Samyang 85mm as if (little fungus)... What I have and what Iike about them: 15mm limited - great colors, contrast, sharpness 31mm limited - not a big love for the moment, but one of the best bokeh I have seen, 3d pop sometimes Smc f 50mm f1.7 - my precious, best lens for flowers, Christmas lights, bright image and fa limited feeling... Smc A 50mm f1.7 - cover for f version Pentax da 55mm sdm - best colors and contrast, on par with my Sigma 105mm macro, vintage defined edges bokeh until f2, smooth bokeh above Helios 58mm f2 - unique bokeh Samyang 85mm f1.4 - one of the smoothest bokeh and I think that on this chapter only it's better than 77mm limited! Sigma 105 macro - crazy colors and contrast, very smooth bokeh Smc pentax 18-55mm - not very sharp but unique rendering, don't know how to describe, great lens for black and white photography! Tamron 17-50mm - a prime sharpness, great colors, contrast, it can't do bad pictures! Hd Pentax da 55-300mm - my go to lens for birds and other animals, surprisingly good for macro and a very good landscape lens! So, I don't need anything else! Say it! Last edited by zburatoru; 02-23-2019 at 11:13 PM.

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02-23-2019, 12:52 PM	#31
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,431	I'm as bad.

02-23-2019, 02:58 PM	#32
mikesbike Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 2,979	Don't know what camera you are using, but I would consider getting rid of your 18-55mm kit lens and go for the DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 WR Limited. That would fill in a gap you have without having to deal with more primes and lens-changing, yet have a high quality upgrade.

02-23-2019, 06:17 PM	#33
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,256	Originally posted by ThorSanchez Take an old screwdrive 55-300, point at bird in the sky, then hit autofocus. WWWHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. And it never focuses on anything. The PLM mightn't focus on anything either, but at least it's fast and it keeps it to itself. And mine has nicer out-of-focus areas. The old screwdrive versions are fine if you really, truly have a budget capped at $150. But if you can scrape and scrounge $350 the PLM is a joy. In good light using Spot AF on K-1 or KP the original SMC DA55~300 is fast enough to focus and locks just fine. Additionally it produces images with rich, bright, deep colors, especially blues. I still use mine for light hiking when I don’t want to carry a big, heavy lens.

02-23-2019, 10:00 PM	#34
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,076	Originally posted by zburatoru I know if I change those lenses will have other inner voices: get leica or zeiss, get a k1 or even a 645z... Guaranteed. But you gotta think of it like life. It's not a destination; it's the journey, the process. You just don't want to replace something better with something different. Technically, the Zeiss or the Leica have less "flaws" but IMO less character. And for what I do with my photos, FF and MF take it to another level. That's not LBA, it's ZEN.

02-24-2019, 02:28 AM - 1 Like	#36
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 5,751	YOU DON'T NEED ANYTHING ELSE but what about................................... whoops Dave

02-24-2019, 03:49 AM	#37
zburatoru Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 258 Original Poster	Originally posted by dbs YOU DON'T NEED ANYTHING ELSE but what about................................... whoops Dave ) Will always be something but the photographic eye and the style will remain so either lens will deliver...

02-24-2019, 04:30 AM - 1 Like	#38
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 2,414	Originally posted by zburatoru My inner voices: "You should buy a 43mm limited instead of 55mm sdm" " I wouldn't. The 55mm SDM is great and a better portrait lens than the 43mm. If you want to play with something at 40ish I'd get the cheap little 40mm XS which can be had for 70-90 used. Something I'd immediately sell in your list is the A 50mm 1.7 because you already have the F version.

02-24-2019, 05:56 AM	#39
zburatoru Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 258 Original Poster	Originally posted by ZombieArmy I wouldn't. The 55mm SDM is great and a better portrait lens than the 43mm. If you want to play with something at 40ish I'd get the cheap little 40mm XS which can be had for 70-90 used. Something I'd immediately sell in your list is the A 50mm 1.7 because you already have the F version. Well, I'm thinking to a 40mm variant because I love the contrasy images you can get... I don't think I will change my 55 sdm, it's a great lens the only silent af lens that I have... My a 50mm it's my backup and it ain't got a very good value on the market...

02-24-2019, 06:02 AM	#40
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 2,414	Originally posted by zburatoru Well, I'm thinking to a 40mm variant because I love the contrasy images you can get... The 43s contrast isn't very good compared to the DA/XS 40mm.

02-24-2019, 06:13 AM	#41
zburatoru Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 258 Original Poster	Originally posted by ZombieArmy The 43s contrast isn't very good compared to the DA/XS 40mm. Yes, I know, that's why I like the rendering better on 40mm. I already have a fa 31mm limited, so a 43 won't be necessary...

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02-24-2019, 06:39 AM	#42
Caribe Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 82	Originally posted by monochrome In good light using Spot AF on K-1 or KP the original SMC DA55~300 is fast enough to focus and locks just fine. Additionally it produces images with rich, bright, deep colors, especially blues. I still use mine for light hiking when I don’t want to carry a big, heavy lens. Just in time to relieve the pressure off the Plm version! My old da 55-300 did fine even with the k3 during the last air show. Now with the kp it's a bit faster but it also has better first time accuracy. I would also add that I like it for sunsets too. I will wait...

02-24-2019, 01:36 PM - 1 Like	#43
Wheatfield Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 12,595	Originally posted by zburatoru "My kit it's enough!" Say it: "My kit it's enough!" Another case of lba! Right, like that will ever happen.

02-24-2019, 10:37 PM	#44
zburatoru Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 258 Original Poster	Originally posted by Wheatfield Right, like that will ever happen. You're very optimistic!��

02-25-2019, 12:59 AM	#45
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,481	For what it's worth, these are my thoughts: DA15 - keeper (flare resistance, starbursts) FA31 - keeper (perfect fast normal on crop) A50/1.7 - ditch it F50/1.7 - ditch it DA55 - keeper (perfect portrait lens on crop) Helios 44-k - keeper (uniquely quirky rendering) Samyang 85/1.4 - personally, I'd look at the FA77 or DA70 instead (85 is a bit long on crop IMHO) Sigma 105mm f2.8 ex dg macro - keeper DA18-55WR and Tamron 17-50/2.8 - I'd get the DA16-50 or DA16-85 to replace both HD55-300WR - keeper As others have said, a top-notch telephoto would be the only other consideration. The DA*300 would be my suggestion. And the DA10-17. Even if you don't like fisheyes