Thomas Heaton Pentax lens kit...

Ronald Oakes · 10-24-2019, 06:24 PM

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Originally posted by caliscouser

Good to see you back on here Ed.

The old F70-200 / F70-210 are quite good. I compared mine directly against the 60-250 and it held up well throughout the zoom range.
It's cheap, light, and copies are available all day long. <snip>

Not a bad choice if you can ignore the noise and torque !

northcoastgreg · 10-24-2019, 07:25 PM

Originally posted by travelswsage

I'd have to second UncleVanya's suggestion above to consider the DFA 28-105mm in place of the 24-70.

I'll third the suggestion. For landscapes, it's virtually indistinguishable from the DFA 24-70, provides greater range and is lighter and more compact. In fact, with the size and weight loss of the DFA 28-105, that makes the DFA 15-30 more manageable. I personally could not manage the weight and size of the DFA 15-30 if I paired it with the DFA 24-70. If the DFA 15-30 is still a pound too far, the FA 20-35, which weighs only a quarter of the 15-30 (and less than half want the Canon 16-35 weighs) is probably the next best option.

It is likely that sometime in the next year Pentax will release a DFA 70-200 f4. If you can't wait that long the DA* 60-250 is the next best option. Or you could try to make do with one of the better legacy (but very inexpensive) telephoto zooms, such as the A 70-210 f4, until Pentax finally releases the DFA 70-200/4.

biz-engineer · 10-24-2019, 11:55 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by northcoastgreg

until Pentax finally releases the DFA 70-200/4.

I wouldn't base choices of camera based on future releases of lenses. Ricoh already have a hard time releasing a new flagship camera when the previous flagship model has already been discontinued for quite a long time. Since not everyone owning a camera body also purchase all models of lenses available, it is even harder to break even on lenses, explains why we haven't seen any new full frame lens since the D-FA*50 (shared with Tokina). In order to make a D-FA 70-200 f4 viable, Pentax would need to find another partner such as Tonkina so that to be able to break even on that new lens.

**Rondec** · 10-25-2019, 02:26 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

I wouldn't base choices of camera based on future releases of lenses. Ricoh already have a hard time releasing a new flagship camera when the previous flagship model has already been discontinued for quite a long time. Since not everyone owning a camera body also purchase all models of lenses available, it is even harder to break even on lenses, explains why we haven't seen any new full frame lens since the D-FA*50 (shared with Tokina). In order to make a D-FA 70-200 f4 viable, Pentax would need to find another partner such as Tonkina so that to be able to break even on that new lens.

I thought Ed already owned a K-1, but maybe not.

SSGGeezer · 10-25-2019, 06:23 AM

I tried to pick up a 28-105 even before I had a K-1 but it had sold previously. That would definitely be lighter than my FA* 28-70.

Qwntm · 10-25-2019, 08:54 AM - **8 Likes**

Originally posted by Rondec

I thought Ed already owned a K-1, but maybe not.

I had a K1 around 2016 I think. It's a long story, but we bought a house in Idaho and every time I bought a FF camera something stupid would happen financially and money got tight. (And I mean like a week after I bought it!) The idea of not making a mortgage payment was not a happy one! The place we have in Oregon doesn't have a mortgage, so I finally thought it was safe to try FF again.

I see FF as my film era medium format camera. Big, heavy and expensive, but IQ that's easy on the eyes. It's a nice to have thing, not a need to have thing these days. For all my social work I've been using M43 and it's been great.

---------- Post added 10-25-19 at 09:06 AM ----------

Originally posted by northcoastgreg

I'll third the suggestion. For landscapes, it's virtually indistinguishable from the DFA 24-70, provides greater range and is lighter and more compact. In fact, with the size and weight loss of the DFA 28-105, that makes the DFA 15-30 more manageable. I personally could not manage the weight and size of the DFA 15-30 if I paired it with the DFA 24-70. If the DFA 15-30 is still a pound too far, the FA 20-35, which weighs only a quarter of the 15-30 (and less than half want the Canon 16-35 weighs) is probably the next best option.

It is likely that sometime in the next year Pentax will release a DFA 70-200 f4. If you can't wait that long the DA* 60-250 is the next best option. Or you could try to make do with one of the better legacy (but very inexpensive) telephoto zooms, such as the A 70-210 f4, until Pentax finally releases the DFA 70-200/4.

Hi Greg, I really like your work!

I agree the 28-105 is a great lens. Sharp and portable. And the weight savings can be passed down to the 15-30.

On the 15-30 what have you done for filtration? I could go for the 15-30/28-105, but the hassle of PL and ND filters is whats holding me back and why I'm going to try the Rokinon 20mm and/or the Pentax 12-24.

I think I can wait and see what happens with the 70-200 F4. I have the 55-300 HD WR and I can always use crop for my tele shots, a solid 20mm with filters is much more of a priority for my style of shooting...

Leumas · 10-25-2019, 09:25 AM

I'm wanting a wide for my K1 too, but was leaning to the 14mm rokinon.....20mm better?

Qwntm · 10-25-2019, 10:33 AM

Originally posted by Leumas

I'm wanting a wide for my K1 too, but was leaning to the 14mm rokinon.....20mm better?

14mm on FF is pretty wide. 20mm is kind of like a general purpose wide angle. I kinda think of a 14mm as a specialist situation lens, almost like a fish eye. (Though the 14mm doesn't have the distortion.)

Or to put it another way, 14mm is an ultra wide and 20 is the bottom end of just wide. But that's more of an opinion than a rule. Some might say 18mm or 16mm is just wide, not ultra. Though I would think anything 15mm and under is an ultra wide.

northcoastgreg · 10-25-2019, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by Qwntm

On the 15-30 what have you done for filtration?

I haven't used any filters on the 15-30. Most of the time, I don't need them — and on the rare occasions when I do, I have an FA 20-35 that works great with filters (58mm).

I'm not generally a big fan of f2.8 zooms for landscape, because of their weight, size and cost. But I wanted to do some astrophotography and for that the f2.8 of the 15-30 made sense (and the FA 20-35, nice as it may be, is not up to the demands of astrophotography). For those comfortable using a 20mm prime for their ultra-wide needs, there's no need to get the 15-30, which is a beast of a lens and pricey.

angerdan · 10-26-2019, 02:40 AM

Originally posted by Qwntm

So Thomas Heaton shoots a Canon 5D Mark IV with a Canon 16-35 F4, Canon 24-70 F2.8 and a Canon 70-200 F4 for his landscape work and it's a solid kit based on solid choices.
I have been pondering how to put together a K1 Mark II kit with somewhat equivalent lenses.
So any ideas or thoughts regarding these three, and specifically a 70-200 F4 FF Pentax lens equal? (Currently produced would be a bonus!)

16-35 4.0...-> 20-35 4.0 (legacy)
24-70 2.8.. -> 24-70 2.8
70-200 4.0 -> 70-200 4.0 (2020 roadmap)

Why would it be a bonus if currently in production?

Qwntm · 10-26-2019, 09:07 AM

Originally posted by angerdan

Why would it be a bonus if currently in production?

If in current production you can just go up to B&H and order one and get it in a few days. No searching for a used one or waiting for Pentax to finally actually make it.

angerdan · 10-26-2019, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by Qwntm

If in current production you can just go up to B&H and order one and get it in a few days.

Same with a used 20-35...
Pentax FA 20-35mm F4 AL Wide Angle Zoom lens in box | eBay

**pres589** · 10-26-2019, 10:15 AM

Both Sigma and Tamron had 17-35mm variable aperture zooms available in k-mount, with AF, for a time. I never see them discussed. I believe they review decently. Might be worth considering.

The Pentax M 20 f4 is quite nice to use for landscapes. Northcoast Greg gets some amazing shots with his on his K-1.

Qwntm · 10-26-2019, 10:26 AM

Originally posted by angerdan

Same with a used 20-35...
Pentax FA 20-35mm F4 AL Wide Angle Zoom lens in box | eBay

Not really the "same" is it.

No warranty, dodgy return privileges, and no guarantee that a month from now you will be able to order another one with overnight shipping when your on a job in New Mexico and you drop your copy in a river.

It's 30 years as a working pro makes me think this way and it's why Canon and Nikon will overnight you gear if you're a Pro services member and know the right people.

Now, how important is it really these days? Not much!

(But it's still not the same thing.

)

**UncleVanya** · 10-26-2019, 03:45 PM

Originally posted by Qwntm

Not really the "same" is it.

No warranty, dodgy return privileges, and no guarantee that a month from now you will be able to order another one with overnight shipping when your on a job in New Mexico and you drop your copy in a river.

It's 30 years as a working pro makes me think this way and it's why Canon and Nikon will overnight you gear if you're a Pro services member and know the right people.

Now, how important is it really these days? Not much!

(But it's still not the same thing.

)

Or you buy spares.

I think you are overthinking the value of new. Third party gear insurance and spares goes a long way.

10-24-2019, 11:55 PM - 1 Like	#33
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by northcoastgreg until Pentax finally releases the DFA 70-200/4. I wouldn't base choices of camera based on future releases of lenses. Ricoh already have a hard time releasing a new flagship camera when the previous flagship model has already been discontinued for quite a long time. Since not everyone owning a camera body also purchase all models of lenses available, it is even harder to break even on lenses, explains why we haven't seen any new full frame lens since the D-FA50 (shared with Tokina). In order to make a D-FA 70-200 f4 viable, Pentax would need to find another partner such as Tonkina so that to be able to break even on that new lens. Last edited by biz-engineer; 10-25-2019 at 12:59 AM.*

10-25-2019, 08:54 AM - 8 Likes	#36
Qwntm Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 856 Original Poster	Originally posted by Rondec I thought Ed already owned a K-1, but maybe not. I had a K1 around 2016 I think. It's a long story, but we bought a house in Idaho and every time I bought a FF camera something stupid would happen financially and money got tight. (And I mean like a week after I bought it!) The idea of not making a mortgage payment was not a happy one! The place we have in Oregon doesn't have a mortgage, so I finally thought it was safe to try FF again. I see FF as my film era medium format camera. Big, heavy and expensive, but IQ that's easy on the eyes. It's a nice to have thing, not a need to have thing these days. For all my social work I've been using M43 and it's been great. ---------- Post added 10-25-19 at 09:06 AM ---------- Originally posted by northcoastgreg I'll third the suggestion. For landscapes, it's virtually indistinguishable from the DFA 24-70, provides greater range and is lighter and more compact. In fact, with the size and weight loss of the DFA 28-105, that makes the DFA 15-30 more manageable. I personally could not manage the weight and size of the DFA 15-30 if I paired it with the DFA 24-70. If the DFA 15-30 is still a pound too far, the FA 20-35, which weighs only a quarter of the 15-30 (and less than half want the Canon 16-35 weighs) is probably the next best option. It is likely that sometime in the next year Pentax will release a DFA 70-200 f4. If you can't wait that long the DA* 60-250 is the next best option. Or you could try to make do with one of the better legacy (but very inexpensive) telephoto zooms, such as the A 70-210 f4, until Pentax finally releases the DFA 70-200/4. Hi Greg, I really like your work! I agree the 28-105 is a great lens. Sharp and portable. And the weight savings can be passed down to the 15-30. On the 15-30 what have you done for filtration? I could go for the 15-30/28-105, but the hassle of PL and ND filters is whats holding me back and why I'm going to try the Rokinon 20mm and/or the Pentax 12-24. I think I can wait and see what happens with the 70-200 F4. I have the 55-300 HD WR and I can always use crop for my tele shots, a solid 20mm with filters is much more of a priority for my style of shooting... Last edited by Qwntm; 10-25-2019 at 09:12 AM.

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10-24-2019, 06:24 PM	#31
Ronald Oakes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,582	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by caliscouser Good to see you back on here Ed. The old F70-200 / F70-210 are quite good. I compared mine directly against the 60-250 and it held up well throughout the zoom range. It's cheap, light, and copies are available all day long. <snip> Not a bad choice if you can ignore the noise and torque !

10-24-2019, 07:25 PM	#32
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,173	Originally posted by travelswsage I'd have to second UncleVanya's suggestion above to consider the DFA 28-105mm in place of the 24-70. I'll third the suggestion. For landscapes, it's virtually indistinguishable from the DFA 24-70, provides greater range and is lighter and more compact. In fact, with the size and weight loss of the DFA 28-105, that makes the DFA 15-30 more manageable. I personally could not manage the weight and size of the DFA 15-30 if I paired it with the DFA 24-70. If the DFA 15-30 is still a pound too far, the FA 20-35, which weighs only a quarter of the 15-30 (and less than half want the Canon 16-35 weighs) is probably the next best option. It is likely that sometime in the next year Pentax will release a DFA 70-200 f4. If you can't wait that long the DA* 60-250 is the next best option. Or you could try to make do with one of the better legacy (but very inexpensive) telephoto zooms, such as the A 70-210 f4, until Pentax finally releases the DFA 70-200/4.

10-25-2019, 02:26 AM	#34
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,652	Originally posted by biz-engineer I wouldn't base choices of camera based on future releases of lenses. Ricoh already have a hard time releasing a new flagship camera when the previous flagship model has already been discontinued for quite a long time. Since not everyone owning a camera body also purchase all models of lenses available, it is even harder to break even on lenses, explains why we haven't seen any new full frame lens since the D-FA*50 (shared with Tokina). In order to make a D-FA 70-200 f4 viable, Pentax would need to find another partner such as Tonkina so that to be able to break even on that new lens. I thought Ed already owned a K-1, but maybe not.

10-25-2019, 06:23 AM	#35
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	I tried to pick up a 28-105 even before I had a K-1 but it had sold previously. That would definitely be lighter than my FA* 28-70.

10-25-2019, 09:25 AM	#37
Leumas Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 454	I'm wanting a wide for my K1 too, but was leaning to the 14mm rokinon.....20mm better?

10-25-2019, 10:33 AM	#38
Qwntm Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 856 Original Poster	Originally posted by Leumas I'm wanting a wide for my K1 too, but was leaning to the 14mm rokinon.....20mm better? 14mm on FF is pretty wide. 20mm is kind of like a general purpose wide angle. I kinda think of a 14mm as a specialist situation lens, almost like a fish eye. (Though the 14mm doesn't have the distortion.) Or to put it another way, 14mm is an ultra wide and 20 is the bottom end of just wide. But that's more of an opinion than a rule. Some might say 18mm or 16mm is just wide, not ultra. Though I would think anything 15mm and under is an ultra wide.

10-25-2019, 02:27 PM	#39
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,173	Originally posted by Qwntm On the 15-30 what have you done for filtration? I haven't used any filters on the 15-30. Most of the time, I don't need them — and on the rare occasions when I do, I have an FA 20-35 that works great with filters (58mm). I'm not generally a big fan of f2.8 zooms for landscape, because of their weight, size and cost. But I wanted to do some astrophotography and for that the f2.8 of the 15-30 made sense (and the FA 20-35, nice as it may be, is not up to the demands of astrophotography). For those comfortable using a 20mm prime for their ultra-wide needs, there's no need to get the 15-30, which is a beast of a lens and pricey.

10-26-2019, 02:40 AM	#40
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,639	Originally posted by Qwntm So Thomas Heaton shoots a Canon 5D Mark IV with a Canon 16-35 F4, Canon 24-70 F2.8 and a Canon 70-200 F4 for his landscape work and it's a solid kit based on solid choices. I have been pondering how to put together a K1 Mark II kit with somewhat equivalent lenses. So any ideas or thoughts regarding these three, and specifically a 70-200 F4 FF Pentax lens equal? (Currently produced would be a bonus!) 16-35 4.0...-> 20-35 4.0 (legacy) 24-70 2.8.. -> 24-70 2.8 70-200 4.0 -> 70-200 4.0 (2020 roadmap) Why would it be a bonus if currently in production?

10-26-2019, 09:07 AM	#41
Qwntm Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 856 Original Poster	Originally posted by angerdan Why would it be a bonus if currently in production? If in current production you can just go up to B&H and order one and get it in a few days. No searching for a used one or waiting for Pentax to finally actually make it.

10-26-2019, 09:48 AM	#42
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,639	Originally posted by Qwntm If in current production you can just go up to B&H and order one and get it in a few days. Same with a used 20-35... Pentax FA 20-35mm F4 AL Wide Angle Zoom lens in box \| eBay

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10-26-2019, 10:15 AM	#43
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	Both Sigma and Tamron had 17-35mm variable aperture zooms available in k-mount, with AF, for a time. I never see them discussed. I believe they review decently. Might be worth considering. The Pentax M 20 f4 is quite nice to use for landscapes. Northcoast Greg gets some amazing shots with his on his K-1.

10-26-2019, 10:26 AM	#44
Qwntm Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 856 Original Poster	Originally posted by angerdan Same with a used 20-35... Pentax FA 20-35mm F4 AL Wide Angle Zoom lens in box \| eBay Not really the "same" is it. No warranty, dodgy return privileges, and no guarantee that a month from now you will be able to order another one with overnight shipping when your on a job in New Mexico and you drop your copy in a river. It's 30 years as a working pro makes me think this way and it's why Canon and Nikon will overnight you gear if you're a Pro services member and know the right people. Now, how important is it really these days? Not much! (But it's still not the same thing. )

10-26-2019, 03:45 PM	#45
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,398	Originally posted by Qwntm Not really the "same" is it. No warranty, dodgy return privileges, and no guarantee that a month from now you will be able to order another one with overnight shipping when your on a job in New Mexico and you drop your copy in a river. It's 30 years as a working pro makes me think this way and it's why Canon and Nikon will overnight you gear if you're a Pro services member and know the right people. Now, how important is it really these days? Not much! (But it's still not the same thing. ) Or you buy spares. I think you are overthinking the value of new. Third party gear insurance and spares goes a long way.