50mm lens for K1 suggestion?

hadi · 12-17-2019, 12:21 PM

Hey folks,
so recently i'm wanting to fall back in love with a 50mm lens, yet its evident that i've been spoiled rotten with my collection of 31mm, 77, 85, 100, 135, and the 70-200 lenses that when i compare my SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4, i'm unable to use the images wide open.
Sure, i can stop it down to maybe 2.8 or 3.5 before the images get usable.
as per reviews online, on the pentax forum, people seem to love its sharpness, but on other online forums, its a common complaint regarding soft wide open. And aside from the new 50mm lens, it seems that pretty much ALL other pentax branded 50mm have that issue. (except maybe the 55mm 1.4?)

do you have any experience with third party autofocus lenses that are 50mm or thereabouts that can be shot at 1.4 and be usable?

i'm not looking for surgically sharp lenses. decent focus is fine by me. But if its super soft, then I cant really do much with that image.

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

also, i have the K1

PS: yes, i did search on the forum, but the latest updated threads are many years old now.

**othar** · 12-17-2019, 12:33 PM

Originally posted by hadi

Sure, i can stop it down to maybe 2.8 or 3.5 before the images get usable.

Isn't the AF-system only accurate for f2.8 or slower? In which case a manual focus lens for rare f1.4 applications would probably do in my opinion.

7.62lew · 12-17-2019, 12:38 PM

Not 1.4 but there is a Pentax-F 50mm 1.7 for $65 in the market place. I have owned one of these for years. Sharp at 1.7, camera allows a 1.8 stop which show a little improvement and super sharp by f2. If you can live with a little slower. Dof will be close between 1.4 and 1.7.

**othar** · 12-17-2019, 12:39 PM - **1 Like**

A used Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM might fit the bill.
Alternatively you could try the Samyang 50mm MF-lens (the review on PF is not that encouraging but Samyang has bad quality controll so he might had a lemon for the review)

**sergysergy** · 12-17-2019, 12:42 PM - **1 Like**

If you are looking for sharpness I would go with the F or FA 50 2.8 macro

Chris_K · 12-17-2019, 12:50 PM

Well, I recently bought Pentax-F 50/1.4 and initially, the results were quite disappointing, but after in-body AF correction, it is absolutely fine.
I also have Pentax-F 50/1,7 and I like the IQ wide open - photo below:

virusn3t · 12-17-2019, 12:57 PM - **2 Likes**

The DFA*50mm f1.4, while (very) expensive, along with the DFA*70-200, are (for me) the best modern lenses in the line-up

The fat fifty is great wide open, very fast to focus and heavy, you can knock down easily someone if needed

hadi · 12-17-2019, 01:10 PM

Yeah, the DFA50 does sound like a keeper, but i have a hard time justifying its price when considering all other lenses i have are significantly lower in price (used or new). I dont mind the size. Just the price is keeping me from it.

the sigma 50mm may be a contender. Though i'm also hearing that its autofocus is not reliable. It would randomly switch between front focus, back focus, and spot on. That somewhat seems consistent with my Sigma 85mm. Though a great lens, i unfortunately have no control when the random front/back focus would take place.

**pepperberry farm** · 12-17-2019, 01:26 PM - **2 Likes**

I currently have a Voigtlander Nokton 58/1.4 on my K-3 and it is a stunningly sharp lens....

stevebrot · 12-17-2019, 01:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by hadi

And aside from the new 50mm lens, it seems that pretty much ALL other pentax branded 50mm have that issue. (except maybe the 55mm 1.4?)

do you have any experience with third party autofocus lenses that are 50mm or thereabouts that can be shot at 1.4 and be usable?

The problem is that the FA 50/1.4, despite its long and storied heritage, is quite solidly a consumer-grade lens in regards to market segment. To truly go to the next level requires looking up a few notches price-wise. As noted above, the "fat fifty" D FA* 50/1.4 would be the obvious choice in K-mount. If AF is not required, the highly-regarded Zeiss ZK 50/1.4 Planar (available used or NOS) might fit the bill as might the Voigtlander SL/SLII Nokton 58/1.4 (again used or NOS).

Steve

peggers · 12-17-2019, 01:53 PM - **1 Like**

I saw a YouTube video recently about an older Takumar 50mm F1.4. The presenter purported that at the time, it was the best 50mm lens in the world. Might be worth a quick search to find it. More clues: the presenter seemed to be German and he was discussing the use of black and white film with this lens.

---------- Post added 12-18-19 at 08:07 AM ----------

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

I currently have a Voigtlander Nokton 58/1.4 on my K-3 and it is a stunningly sharp lens....

The photos look great. That lens is quite expensive from what I can gather. Looks like you get what you pay for.

Qman · 12-17-2019, 02:09 PM

I think you'll have a tough time finding an autofocus lens that's better than the FA50 1.4, other than the D FA*. I've found that the FA50 improves a lot with a hood. If you haven't tried it, then pick up a cheap rubber hood for it and see if that helps.

**pepperberry farm** · 12-17-2019, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by peggers

The photos look great. That lens is quite expensive from what I can gather. Looks like you get what you pay for.

thank you... and it's a lot less than the new D FA 50...

pschlute · 12-17-2019, 02:26 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by hadi

Hey folks,
so recently i'm wanting to fall back in love with a 50mm lens, yet its evident that i've been spoiled rotten with my collection of 31mm, 77, 85, 100, 135, and the 70-200 lenses that when i compare my SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4, i'm unable to use the images wide open.
Sure, i can stop it down to maybe 2.8 or 3.5 before the images get usable.
as per reviews online, on the pentax forum, people seem to love its sharpness, but on other online forums, its a common complaint regarding soft wide open. And aside from the new 50mm lens, it seems that pretty much ALL other pentax branded 50mm have that issue. (except maybe the 55mm 1.4?)

do you have any experience with third party autofocus lenses that are 50mm or thereabouts that can be shot at 1.4 and be usable?

i'm not looking for surgically sharp lenses. decent focus is fine by me. But if its super soft, then I cant really do much with that image.

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

also, i have the K1

PS: yes, i did search on the forum, but the latest updated threads are many years old now.

The problem is not the lens, but your reliance on AF. Either use LV magnified 10X or take the time to calibrate the AF for any 50mm lens that comes your way.

---------- Post added 12-17-19 at 09:30 PM ----------

Originally posted by stevebrot

The problem is that the FA 50/1.4, despite its long and storied heritage, is quite solidly a consumer-grade lens in regards to market segment.

I would be inclined to argue that it is better than that, but seriously the biggest problem with posts like these is that the folks complaining have not focussed properly, either manually or by adjusting the excellent AF/FA menu in camera.

---------- Post added 12-17-19 at 09:33 PM ----------

The FA 50mm 1.4 has a lovely rendering in my book.......the tiny sliver here that is in focus is nice and clear

[IMG]

[/IMG]

tokyoscape · 12-17-2019, 02:35 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by hadi

... aside from the new 50mm lens, it seems that pretty much ALL other pentax branded 50mm have that issue. (except maybe the 55mm 1.4?)

do you have any experience with third party autofocus lenses that are 50mm or thereabouts that can be shot at 1.4 and be usable?
.

DA*55 secondhand is not too expensive. As you know, it is an APSC lense.

If you are ok for VERY sharp non f1.4, the 3 siblings 50 macro f2.8 (F, FA, DFA) are very good wide-open.
DA 40ltd is another non f1.4 but surprisingly good on ff.

12-17-2019, 12:21 PM	#1
hadi Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Mississauga, Ontario Posts: 563	50mm lens for K1 suggestion? Hey folks, so recently i'm wanting to fall back in love with a 50mm lens, yet its evident that i've been spoiled rotten with my collection of 31mm, 77, 85, 100, 135, and the 70-200 lenses that when i compare my SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4, i'm unable to use the images wide open. Sure, i can stop it down to maybe 2.8 or 3.5 before the images get usable. as per reviews online, on the pentax forum, people seem to love its sharpness, but on other online forums, its a common complaint regarding soft wide open. And aside from the new 50mm lens, it seems that pretty much ALL other pentax branded 50mm have that issue. (except maybe the 55mm 1.4?) do you have any experience with third party autofocus lenses that are 50mm or thereabouts that can be shot at 1.4 and be usable? i'm not looking for surgically sharp lenses. decent focus is fine by me. But if its super soft, then I cant really do much with that image. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. also, i have the K1 PS: yes, i did search on the forum, but the latest updated threads are many years old now.

12-17-2019, 12:42 PM - 1 Like	#5
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,170	If you are looking for sharpness I would go with the F or FA 50 2.8 macro Last edited by sergysergy; 12-17-2019 at 02:02 PM.

12-17-2019, 01:53 PM - 1 Like	#11
peggers Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Endeavour Hills, Victoria, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 210	I saw a YouTube video recently about an older Takumar 50mm F1.4. The presenter purported that at the time, it was the best 50mm lens in the world. Might be worth a quick search to find it. More clues: the presenter seemed to be German and he was discussing the use of black and white film with this lens. ---------- Post added 12-18-19 at 08:07 AM ---------- Originally posted by pepperberry farm I currently have a Voigtlander Nokton 58/1.4 on my K-3 and it is a stunningly sharp lens.... The photos look great. That lens is quite expensive from what I can gather. Looks like you get what you pay for. Last edited by peggers; 12-17-2019 at 02:04 PM.

12-17-2019, 02:26 PM - 1 Like	#14
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,192	Originally posted by hadi Hey folks, so recently i'm wanting to fall back in love with a 50mm lens, yet its evident that i've been spoiled rotten with my collection of 31mm, 77, 85, 100, 135, and the 70-200 lenses that when i compare my SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4, i'm unable to use the images wide open. Sure, i can stop it down to maybe 2.8 or 3.5 before the images get usable. as per reviews online, on the pentax forum, people seem to love its sharpness, but on other online forums, its a common complaint regarding soft wide open. And aside from the new 50mm lens, it seems that pretty much ALL other pentax branded 50mm have that issue. (except maybe the 55mm 1.4?) do you have any experience with third party autofocus lenses that are 50mm or thereabouts that can be shot at 1.4 and be usable? i'm not looking for surgically sharp lenses. decent focus is fine by me. But if its super soft, then I cant really do much with that image. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. also, i have the K1 PS: yes, i did search on the forum, but the latest updated threads are many years old now. The problem is not the lens, but your reliance on AF. Either use LV magnified 10X or take the time to calibrate the AF for any 50mm lens that comes your way. ---------- Post added 12-17-19 at 09:30 PM ---------- Originally posted by stevebrot The problem is that the FA 50/1.4, despite its long and storied heritage, is quite solidly a consumer-grade lens in regards to market segment. I would be inclined to argue that it is better than that, but seriously the biggest problem with posts like these is that the folks complaining have not focussed properly, either manually or by adjusting the excellent AF/FA menu in camera. ---------- Post added 12-17-19 at 09:33 PM ---------- The FA 50mm 1.4 has a lovely rendering in my book.......the tiny sliver here that is in focus is nice and clear [IMG][/IMG] Last edited by pschlute; 12-17-2019 at 02:37 PM.

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12-17-2019, 12:33 PM	#2
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by hadi Sure, i can stop it down to maybe 2.8 or 3.5 before the images get usable. Isn't the AF-system only accurate for f2.8 or slower? In which case a manual focus lens for rare f1.4 applications would probably do in my opinion.

12-17-2019, 12:38 PM	#3
7.62lew Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,192	Not 1.4 but there is a Pentax-F 50mm 1.7 for $65 in the market place. I have owned one of these for years. Sharp at 1.7, camera allows a 1.8 stop which show a little improvement and super sharp by f2. If you can live with a little slower. Dof will be close between 1.4 and 1.7.

12-17-2019, 12:39 PM - 1 Like	#4
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	A used Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM might fit the bill. Alternatively you could try the Samyang 50mm MF-lens (the review on PF is not that encouraging but Samyang has bad quality controll so he might had a lemon for the review)

12-17-2019, 12:57 PM - 2 Likes	#7
virusn3t Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 676	The DFA50mm f1.4, while (very) expensive, along with the DFA70-200, are (for me) the best modern lenses in the line-up The fat fifty is great wide open, very fast to focus and heavy, you can knock down easily someone if needed

12-17-2019, 01:10 PM	#8
hadi Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Mississauga, Ontario Posts: 563 Original Poster	Yeah, the DFA50 does sound like a keeper, but i have a hard time justifying its price when considering all other lenses i have are significantly lower in price (used or new). I dont mind the size. Just the price is keeping me from it. the sigma 50mm may be a contender. Though i'm also hearing that its autofocus is not reliable. It would randomly switch between front focus, back focus, and spot on. That somewhat seems consistent with my Sigma 85mm. Though a great lens, i unfortunately have no control when the random front/back focus would take place.

12-17-2019, 01:26 PM - 2 Likes	#9
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,645	I currently have a Voigtlander Nokton 58/1.4 on my K-3 and it is a stunningly sharp lens....

12-17-2019, 01:37 PM - 1 Like	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by hadi And aside from the new 50mm lens, it seems that pretty much ALL other pentax branded 50mm have that issue. (except maybe the 55mm 1.4?) do you have any experience with third party autofocus lenses that are 50mm or thereabouts that can be shot at 1.4 and be usable? The problem is that the FA 50/1.4, despite its long and storied heritage, is quite solidly a consumer-grade lens in regards to market segment. To truly go to the next level requires looking up a few notches price-wise. As noted above, the "fat fifty" D FA* 50/1.4 would be the obvious choice in K-mount. If AF is not required, the highly-regarded Zeiss ZK 50/1.4 Planar (available used or NOS) might fit the bill as might the Voigtlander SL/SLII Nokton 58/1.4 (again used or NOS). Steve

12-17-2019, 02:09 PM	#12
Qman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 232	I think you'll have a tough time finding an autofocus lens that's better than the FA50 1.4, other than the D FA*. I've found that the FA50 improves a lot with a hood. If you haven't tried it, then pick up a cheap rubber hood for it and see if that helps.

12-17-2019, 02:15 PM	#13
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,645	Originally posted by peggers The photos look great. That lens is quite expensive from what I can gather. Looks like you get what you pay for. thank you... and it's a lot less than the new D FA 50...

12-17-2019, 02:35 PM - 1 Like	#15
tokyoscape Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,256	Originally posted by hadi ... aside from the new 50mm lens, it seems that pretty much ALL other pentax branded 50mm have that issue. (except maybe the 55mm 1.4?) do you have any experience with third party autofocus lenses that are 50mm or thereabouts that can be shot at 1.4 and be usable? . DA*55 secondhand is not too expensive. As you know, it is an APSC lense. If you are ok for VERY sharp non f1.4, the 3 siblings 50 macro f2.8 (F, FA, DFA) are very good wide-open. DA 40ltd is another non f1.4 but surprisingly good on ff.

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