Best manual focus 50-ish mm lens at around f/8 or f/11

motorhead9999 · 10-30-2019, 02:45 PM

I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choices for 50mm in the pentax line, and I was wondering if you all could help. I'm looking for a manual focus k mount lens in the 50mm range (so somewhere between 43 and 58 lets say). My only real requirement is that it's nice crisp and sharp at f/8 and f/11. Cost is somewhat of a restriction (I've heard great things about the 43mm limited, but I'm not sure if I want to spend 500ish dollars on one).

Thoughts would be appreciated!

**Just1MoreDave** · 10-30-2019, 02:54 PM - **1 Like**

The Pentax-M 50mm f1.7 is a good baseline. They are readily available, inexpensive and well-built. If you want some extra features, the A version is optically fine but mechanically a little iffy. The DA 50/1.8 is hard to beat for price if you want AF.

aaacb · 10-30-2019, 02:54 PM

A cheap 50mm f2 lens from the m or k series should fit that bill. With a bit of brassing but otherwise in nice shape it should cost you around $30, unless used prices have changed. I have one, they're nice and compact, softer wide open and flare easily, but I like it. Another option that's slightly more expensive but also much sharper wide open is the K 55/f2, or f1.8 for more $.

johnha · 10-30-2019, 02:58 PM - **1 Like**

The 43 is an AF lens, the focus ring is not well damped for manual focussing. Apart from that, there's not likely to be much difference at f/8 or f/11 with most of the other 50s. It may depend more on the cameras you're planning to use it on.

**richard0170** · 10-30-2019, 03:06 PM

At f8 or 11 you are unlikely to see any difference in quality, between any 50mm ish lens So go for something good and cheap say an M 50/K 55 or try something a bit more expensive, but still reasonable like a M 50mm f4 Macro, which will give you a useful close focus capability.
Although many standard lenses have near identical IQ at the apertures you are considering, they can each have their own unique character in terms of colour rendition. Some giving warmer tones and others cooler ones. I better shut up now though as I may be encouraging you to go on an expensive journey into the world of LAS!

**Serkevan** · 10-30-2019, 03:16 PM

I can vouch for the M50/1.7. What camera are planning to use it on, by the way? f/11 is already close to diffraction on full frame and clearly beyond optimal values in APS-C.

pschlute · 10-30-2019, 03:21 PM - **2 Likes**

I have always said Pentax never made a bad 50mm. If you want manual focus stick to the "K" (SMC) or M series. The long smooth focus throw is so much better than the later A/F models. The M will be cheaper. M series 50mm 1.7 was the Kit lens in the 1980's. I still have mine and it still delivers.

motorhead9999 · 10-30-2019, 03:23 PM

Originally posted by Serkevan

I can vouch for the M50/1.7. What camera are planning to use it on, by the way? f/11 is already close to diffraction on full frame and clearly beyond optimal values in APS-C.

I probably should have mentioned that. I'll be using this on a full frame K1.

And I should probably restate something a bit better...I'm fine if it does happen to have autofocus. Its just not a necessity, as i'll mostly be using the lens in manual focus mode. I also know that autofocus lenses (especially the newer ones) tend to be more expensive.

**Kerrowdown** · 10-30-2019, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by motorhead9999

Best manual focus 50-ish mm lens at around f/8 or f/11

To be honest the sharpest "Lady" in the Harem is my “Femme Fatale” (Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro)... but don't tell the others as it can get quite bitchy.

7.62lew · 10-30-2019, 03:48 PM

You will have many 50's before it is over, trust me on this one.

I agree with Richard0170 between f8 and f11 not a lot of difference with the older manual focus Pentax lenses. The 50mm Pentax K or M series f4 macro is super sharp at those apertures and at f4 is good for portraits as it has smooth bokeh(no aperture blades wide open) and has decent depth of field.

For small size and cheap price the Pentax-M 50 f1.7 or a little larger the K series 55mm f1.8 or f2. Both can be had for under $40 with diligence here or on ebay. Or you could get the DA 50mm 1.8 for around 60 used. Modern coatings and auto focus.

---------- Post added 10-30-2019 at 06:53 PM ----------

You should go through this thread and take a look
The 50mm Lens Club - PentaxForums.com

johnyates · 10-30-2019, 04:13 PM

As others have mentioned, they are all going to be excellent between f8/11. FWIW, the one in my camera bag is the K55/1.8. When I tested it against an A 50/1.7, I thought it a teeny-tiny bit better in the corners.

**boriscleto** · 10-30-2019, 04:20 PM

Originally posted by 7.62lew

You will have many 50's before it is over, trust me on this one.

Probably 5 or more.

**mikesbike** · 10-30-2019, 04:27 PM

What camera body are you using? FF K-1, APS-C, or 35mm film? And why specifically manual focus? Perhaps for a MF 35mm film body? If going for a manual focus lens, I think seeking an "A" version is best. You will get so much more functionally if mounted on AF bodies, or on a full Program MF film body, even though focusing manually.

Otherwise, since you brought it up, the FA 43mm f/1.9 is an exceptionally nice lens. Having that extra width in the frame makes it more versatile. You might find a used one top condition at a good price.

Sandy Hancock · 10-30-2019, 04:45 PM - **1 Like**

Do you have a specific project in mind? Is a flat focal plane going to be an important consideration? How much are you willing to spend?

motorhead9999 · 10-30-2019, 05:00 PM

Originally posted by mikesbike

What camera body are you using? FF K-1, APS-C, or 35mm film? And why specifically manual focus? Perhaps for a MF 35mm film body? If going for a manual focus lens, I think seeking an "A" version is best. You will get so much more functionally if mounted on AF bodies, or on a full Program MF film body, even though focusing manually.

Otherwise, since you brought it up, the FA 43mm f/1.9 is an exceptionally nice lens. Having that extra width in the frame makes it more versatile. You might find a used one top condition at a good price.

FF K-1. I was going with manual focus more because I figured it would be a cheaper option than having one with autofocus. It's not a dealbreaker if it is.

The limited does seem nice, but it's still 4-500ish bucks.

---------- Post added 10-30-19 at 05:01 PM ----------

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Do you have a specific project in mind? Is a flat focal plane going to be an important consideration? How much are you willing to spend?

This would mostly be for a landscape situation, rather than say portraiture.

10-30-2019, 02:45 PM	#1
motorhead9999 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Photos: Albums Posts: 114	Best manual focus 50-ish mm lens at around f/8 or f/11 I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choices for 50mm in the pentax line, and I was wondering if you all could help. I'm looking for a manual focus k mount lens in the 50mm range (so somewhere between 43 and 58 lets say). My only real requirement is that it's nice crisp and sharp at f/8 and f/11. Cost is somewhat of a restriction (I've heard great things about the 43mm limited, but I'm not sure if I want to spend 500ish dollars on one). Thoughts would be appreciated!

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10-30-2019, 02:54 PM - 1 Like	#2
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	The Pentax-M 50mm f1.7 is a good baseline. They are readily available, inexpensive and well-built. If you want some extra features, the A version is optically fine but mechanically a little iffy. The DA 50/1.8 is hard to beat for price if you want AF.

10-30-2019, 02:54 PM	#3
aaacb Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,725	A cheap 50mm f2 lens from the m or k series should fit that bill. With a bit of brassing but otherwise in nice shape it should cost you around $30, unless used prices have changed. I have one, they're nice and compact, softer wide open and flare easily, but I like it. Another option that's slightly more expensive but also much sharper wide open is the K 55/f2, or f1.8 for more $.

10-30-2019, 02:58 PM - 1 Like	#4
johnha Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Lancashire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,155	The 43 is an AF lens, the focus ring is not well damped for manual focussing. Apart from that, there's not likely to be much difference at f/8 or f/11 with most of the other 50s. It may depend more on the cameras you're planning to use it on.

10-30-2019, 03:06 PM	#5
richard0170 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,032	At f8 or 11 you are unlikely to see any difference in quality, between any 50mm ish lens So go for something good and cheap say an M 50/K 55 or try something a bit more expensive, but still reasonable like a M 50mm f4 Macro, which will give you a useful close focus capability. Although many standard lenses have near identical IQ at the apertures you are considering, they can each have their own unique character in terms of colour rendition. Some giving warmer tones and others cooler ones. I better shut up now though as I may be encouraging you to go on an expensive journey into the world of LAS!

10-30-2019, 03:16 PM	#6
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	I can vouch for the M50/1.7. What camera are planning to use it on, by the way? f/11 is already close to diffraction on full frame and clearly beyond optimal values in APS-C.

10-30-2019, 03:21 PM - 2 Likes	#7
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	I have always said Pentax never made a bad 50mm. If you want manual focus stick to the "K" (SMC) or M series. The long smooth focus throw is so much better than the later A/F models. The M will be cheaper. M series 50mm 1.7 was the Kit lens in the 1980's. I still have mine and it still delivers.

10-30-2019, 03:23 PM	#8
motorhead9999 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Photos: Albums Posts: 114 Original Poster	Originally posted by Serkevan I can vouch for the M50/1.7. What camera are planning to use it on, by the way? f/11 is already close to diffraction on full frame and clearly beyond optimal values in APS-C. I probably should have mentioned that. I'll be using this on a full frame K1. And I should probably restate something a bit better...I'm fine if it does happen to have autofocus. Its just not a necessity, as i'll mostly be using the lens in manual focus mode. I also know that autofocus lenses (especially the newer ones) tend to be more expensive.

10-30-2019, 03:47 PM	#9
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,819	Originally posted by motorhead9999 Best manual focus 50-ish mm lens at around f/8 or f/11 To be honest the sharpest "Lady" in the Harem is my “Femme Fatale” (Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro)... but don't tell the others as it can get quite bitchy.

10-30-2019, 03:48 PM	#10
7.62lew Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,192	You will have many 50's before it is over, trust me on this one. I agree with Richard0170 between f8 and f11 not a lot of difference with the older manual focus Pentax lenses. The 50mm Pentax K or M series f4 macro is super sharp at those apertures and at f4 is good for portraits as it has smooth bokeh(no aperture blades wide open) and has decent depth of field. For small size and cheap price the Pentax-M 50 f1.7 or a little larger the K series 55mm f1.8 or f2. Both can be had for under $40 with diligence here or on ebay. Or you could get the DA 50mm 1.8 for around 60 used. Modern coatings and auto focus. ---------- Post added 10-30-2019 at 06:53 PM ---------- You should go through this thread and take a look The 50mm Lens Club - PentaxForums.com

10-30-2019, 04:13 PM	#11
johnyates Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Saskatoon, SK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,345	As others have mentioned, they are all going to be excellent between f8/11. FWIW, the one in my camera bag is the K55/1.8. When I tested it against an A 50/1.7, I thought it a teeny-tiny bit better in the corners.

10-30-2019, 04:20 PM	#12
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by 7.62lew You will have many 50's before it is over, trust me on this one. Probably 5 or more.

10-30-2019, 04:27 PM	#13
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,551	What camera body are you using? FF K-1, APS-C, or 35mm film? And why specifically manual focus? Perhaps for a MF 35mm film body? If going for a manual focus lens, I think seeking an "A" version is best. You will get so much more functionally if mounted on AF bodies, or on a full Program MF film body, even though focusing manually. Otherwise, since you brought it up, the FA 43mm f/1.9 is an exceptionally nice lens. Having that extra width in the frame makes it more versatile. You might find a used one top condition at a good price.

10-30-2019, 04:45 PM - 1 Like	#14
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Do you have a specific project in mind? Is a flat focal plane going to be an important consideration? How much are you willing to spend?

10-30-2019, 05:00 PM	#15
motorhead9999 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Photos: Albums Posts: 114 Original Poster	Originally posted by mikesbike What camera body are you using? FF K-1, APS-C, or 35mm film? And why specifically manual focus? Perhaps for a MF 35mm film body? If going for a manual focus lens, I think seeking an "A" version is best. You will get so much more functionally if mounted on AF bodies, or on a full Program MF film body, even though focusing manually. Otherwise, since you brought it up, the FA 43mm f/1.9 is an exceptionally nice lens. Having that extra width in the frame makes it more versatile. You might find a used one top condition at a good price. FF K-1. I was going with manual focus more because I figured it would be a cheaper option than having one with autofocus. It's not a dealbreaker if it is. The limited does seem nice, but it's still 4-500ish bucks. ---------- Post added 10-30-19 at 05:01 PM ---------- Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Do you have a specific project in mind? Is a flat focal plane going to be an important consideration? How much are you willing to spend? This would mostly be for a landscape situation, rather than say portraiture.