[steamloco76]

I’ve been a member here for a few years and frequently buy and sell on the Marketplace. A number of lenses with good reviews seem to be purchased by a majority of us only to be listed for sale at a later date. Some of the frequent fliers are:
1. DA 35/2.4 “Plastic Fantastic”
2. DA 50/1.8
3. DA 18-135 WR
4. DA 50-200
5. DA 55-300 WR
6. FA 50/1.4
7. DA* 16-50/2.8
8. Tamron 17-50/2.8 Di
9. Sigma 80-200/2.8
10. DFA 100/2.8 WR

I have sold a DA 50-200, DA 55-300 WR , DA*16-50/2.8, and Tamron 17-50/2.8. I have the DA 35/2.4 and DFA 100/2.8, those aren’t going anywhere. Not sure why so many buy and then sell these two. Then there is the DA 18-135WR. I’ve listed mine three times. Every time I do, at least three others pop up for sale and none of them move. Check the listings, normally three are several of this overrated lens up for sale. I also, unfortunately, own the FA 50/1.4 which I purchased new. These only sell for around $200
in like new condition, well under half what it cost new. Everybody says “It’s a great lens”, and yet it isn’t.

Let’s see what other “bought it, tried it, sold it” class members others have noticed moving around frequently.

---

Last edited by SharkyCA; 10-06-2020 at 01:39 AM. Reason: Edit Title

[UncleVanya]

1. DA 35/2.4 “Plastic Fantastic”
2. DA 50/1.8
3. DA 18-135 WR
4. DA 50-200
5. DA 55-300 WR
6. FA 50/1.4
7. DA* 16-50/2.8
8. Tamron 17-50/2.8 Di
9. Sigma 80-200/2.8
10. DFA 100/2.8 WR

Of these I have purchased and sold #1. Which ironically you say that you kept. The FA 35 f2 I found more satisfying.
I also sold off my copy of #4. It was purchased in a kit with a K100d super and an 18-55. Both lenses are long gone. But they served me well when I first got back into digital.

I still own and have no plans to sell #3,#5,#6,#7,#10. Technically my #5 isn't the same, mines the older DA55-300 without HD or WR.

If you're not getting good shots from the 18-135 I'm not sure why, there's an entire thread on this lens that shows how versatile it is.

As for the 55-300, that's a good albeit slow and noisy lens. Every version is pretty good. The alternatives are expensive and most have limitations (Size, cost, focus speed)...

The FA 50 is an interesting lens, once stopped down to f2.8 it is very good, before that it can be used for special needs. Wide open it is very soft which can be useful but is mostly annoying. Still it is small and can go into dark scenes with a lot more light than many lenses.

The DA* 16-50 shows some age on the wide end. It isn't bad, just isn't as great as the rest of the range. Plus sdm issues and it gets moved more often. My copy is screw drive and was obtained cheap.

The DFA 100 is a great lens, but it has two glaring issues. 1) no focus limiter... This makes using af a real pain in some situations. Coming from there F100 macro that was sorely missed. 2) no aperture ring (the non WR version haas this at least). Not having an aperture ring limits the use of this lens with bellows and stacking or reversing. Some would also bemoan a lack of a focus clamp but that never bothered me.

I rarely use my FA 50 since I own the DA* 55 F1.4 and F 50 F1.7.

The prices on some of these like the DA 55-300 have crashed in recent years due to changes in the market. The highly desired 55-300 PLM has driven down the price to the point it isn't worth selling for me.

[7.62lew]

Some lenses I have bought and sold more than once...I have owned the DA 12-24 twice (not because its not a good lens, it's a great lens) and I will probably own it again if I run across a good deal. I have owned all three versions of the DA 40, currently the green one. I am on my second version of the SMC 28mm 3.5. I have owned at least 4 copies of the Pentax-F 50mm 1.7 and will probably keep the one I have because they are so good. I am on my second Tak 50 (still have both) and a second tak 35 3.5. I have owned multiple copies of the Pentax-A 50mm 1.7. A pentax-m 50mm 1.7(which I gave away here) as well as a pentax-m 50mm 1.4 which I gave to a co-worker.

Ones I have sold and have not re-purchased, the DA50mm 1.8 and DA35 2.4, DA55-300, a 16-45mm that I gave to one of my kids, Pentax-F 28mm. And a bunch of third party lenses.

I am down to all primes now except for my DA* 50-135, which is as good as any prime I have used. Most of my selling is to fund other purchases or when I buy something as a lot to get one lens (not as common for me anymore).

*for the price new or used, really can't go wrong with the 50mm 1.8 or the 35mm 2.4. And I can't say I won't own them again...

[thazooo]

D FA 15-30 f2.8
I've seen several of these come up for sale. I don't understand it because it looks like a fine lens.
The rest always change hands.

Almost all lenses I have bought I still own. Your numbers #1 to #4 I still own and the first two I bought recently. They do amaze me so I will not let them go. Of the #4 I have the initial version although it is the Samsung D-Xenon version. I have only lens that I want to get rid of and that is the DA 40 Ltd. I really do not like it and that is all I can say about it. The only one I "sold" or better traded in was an A 28-80mm for the A 35-105mm F 3.5. With each lens there is something I like about it and therefor will not get rid of them. Most of the lenses and camera's I own are worth zero or to do me a favour they offer € 25,00. I put them back in their boxes and bags and put them in my "museum". And the 35-105 mentioned before I share a lot of memories with and that is why I keep it.

[ChristianRock]

I think I respectfully disagree with the premise of this article.

The reason you see so many of these lenses for sale is that they are the cheaper models and a lot of times they are the kit lenses. People buy them and then those who move to a higher end lens will sell the cheaper lenses. Simple as that.

A lot of us do keep some of these cheaper lenses. I have the DA 35 Limited now but I might sell it or trade it and keep just the DA 35 f2.4 that I still own, if I get a longer macro lens. A lot of people also keep their 55-300, 18-135s even after they buy higher end lenses because these higher end lenses don't cover as much focal length ranges.

In summary, the reason you see so many of those for sale is because so many were bought in the first place. Not "everybody" is selling them.

[stevebrot]

What is this word, "sell"? "Buy", I know...

Back to seriousness, I agree with the list, but only own one of the frequently traded items and it is probably not going anywhere soon.


Steve

[stevebrot]

The reason you see so many of these lenses for sale is that they are the cheaper models and a lot of times they are the kit lenses.

Looking down the list, there are several inexpensive models, but only three that might be considered cheap or "kit". The rest were sold as premium or at least high quality offerings.


Steve

[Just1MoreDave]

The DA35/2.4 and DA 50/1.8 are commonly recommended as cheap ways to experiment with prime lenses. There are lots of alternatives for those if someone gets enthusiastic about primes, or maybe the prime thing just doesn't work. I can see why they are commonly for sale. Maybe the prospective buyers aren't 100% comfortable yet with buying used lenses when a new lens is not much more.

At times the FA 50/1.4 has been $180-200 new. Then there was a shortage and price spike.

About half the lenses on your list can come with a new camera as a package, and that always drives prices lower.

[ChristianRock]

Looking down the list, there are several inexpensive models, but only three that might be considered cheap or "kit". The rest were sold as premium or at least high quality offerings.


Steve

The first 5 on the list have been sold as kit lenses. The rest, especially #s 7 and 8 were more of an upgrade lens but the truth is that most people that used premium APS-C lenses have moved on to full frame. Hence these come up for sale often and are quite cheap nowadays. #10 (DFA 100 Macro WR), I don't even understand why it's in this list. It's full frame and if you look at the "club" threads and "post your photos" threads - a lot of people use them on a daily basis, and the used prices are about what you expect, they're not super-cheap compared to what they sell new.

[luftfluss]

I’ve been a member here for a few years and frequently buy and sell on the Marketplace. A number of lenses with good reviews seem to be purchased by a majority of us only to be listed for sale at a later date. Some of the frequent fliers are:
1. DA 35/2.4 “Plastic Fantastic”
2. DA 50/1.8
3. DA 18-135 WR
4. DA 50-200
5. DA 55-300 WR
6. FA 50/1.4
7. DA* 16-50/2.8
8. Tamron 17-50/2.8 Di
9. Sigma 80-200/2.8
10. DFA 100/2.8 WR

I have sold a DA 50-200, DA 55-300 WR , DA*16-50/2.8, and Tamron 17-50/2.8. I have the DA 35/2.4 and DFA 100/2.8, those aren’t going anywhere. Not sure why so many buy and then sell these two. Then there is the DA 18-135WR. I’ve listed mine three times. Every time I do, at least three others pop up for sale and none of them move. Check the listings, normally three are several of this overrated lens up for sale. I also, unfortunately, own the FA 50/1.4 which I purchased new. These only sell for around $200
in like new condition, well under half what it cost new. Everybody says “It’s a great lens”, and yet it isn’t.

Let’s see what other “bought it, tried it, sold it” class members others have noticed moving around frequently.

Well, you're not wrong

1. Had it, traded it when my brother unexpectedly gifted me the DA35 Ltd.
2. Came with a small lot, sold it.
3. Never had.
4. Bought, used briefly, sold.
5. Haven't owned the WR, but bought and sold the DA and DA-L.
6. Owned some 10+ years ago, very good lens IMO, had focus accuracy issues with my K100D, and possibly my own ineptitude. Sold it.
7. Never had.
8. Owned it for a couple years, barely used it. Another very good lens, but I just never bonded with it. Sold.
9 & 10. Never owned, surprised the DFA 100 WR is on the list. Maybe people buy it to try macro, decide they aren't engaged in the genre and move on.

I think it's simply in our natures to try lenses and move on. With the Marketplace, auction sites, etc. it is easy to go through gear.

[boriscleto]

I'm probably going to sell the 55-300 WR only because I won the PLM in the giveaway last year.

[FozzFoster]

1. DA 35/2.4 “Plastic Fantastic”
2. DA 50/1.8
3. DA 18-135 WR
4. DA 50-200
5. DA 55-300 WR
6. FA 50/1.4
7. DA* 16-50/2.8
8. Tamron 17-50/2.8 Di
9. Sigma 80-200/2.8
10. DFA 100/2.8 WR

1. Never owned it.
2. Never owned it
3. Still part on my main kit, it's versatile and a huge step up from the 18-55 lens...
4. I've owned and sold about 3 of these. Never actually to be used in my main kit...
5. Never owned it. I do own the PLM version though.
6. Maybe check your copy, mines fantastic, especially for the low cost.
7. Never owned it.
8. Never owned it.
9. Never owned it.
10. Still part of my main kit. No clue how this lens made it in your list. It definitely performs.

A bit about me: I buy lots of gear and sell lots of gear (locally).

[Cerebum]

1. DA 35/2.4 “Plastic Fantastic”
2. DA 50/1.8
3. DA 18-135 WR
4. DA 50-200
5. DA 55-300 WR
6. FA 50/1.4
7. DA* 16-50/2.8
8. Tamron 17-50/2.8 Di
9. Sigma 80-200/2.8
10. DFA 100/2.8 WR

1. Sold it when I bought the 35mm f2.8 limited
2. Never owned but would like
3. I love mine and would only sell if I went FF
4. When you calibrate this lens it is brilliant! I just finished the sic. with mine. Its light, wr and so cheap it isn't worth selling, so I am keeping it forever!
5. If I can get the PLM I will trade my HD in, but that's the only reason it will go! Yeah its slow and noisy but you can make it sing with a little work

Not had any of the others

[leekil]

1. DA 35/2.4 “Plastic Fantastic”
2. DA 50/1.8
3. DA 18-135 WR
4. DA 50-200
5. DA 55-300 WR
6. FA 50/1.4
7. DA* 16-50/2.8
8. Tamron 17-50/2.8 Di
9. Sigma 80-200/2.8
10. DFA 100/2.8 WR

I bought the DA35 because it was being sold secondhand, cheap. I still have it, and don't use it a ton, but often take it when I am explicitly trying to carry a lighter camera.

I have the FA50/1.4 still, as it is a small, fast lens and it works on film cameras as well. Using it wide open is good for that effect. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The 16-50 is a PITA due to the SDM issues, but I still have it.

The others I have never had. I agree with the assessment of these being common lenses, so they show up more often.