Good zoom lens for the K-1

norwegianoutdoors · 10-07-2020, 01:18 AM

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Hey guys!

I have almost 20 lenses for my K-1. Some new, some old.

Mostly I use primes, or the 70-200 DFA.

But, it would be nice to have a general zoom lens that is mostly sharp all the way. It can be a benefit if it's a f/2.8 for those close shots.

I hike a lot, both in the forest and in mountain areas.

Especially the forest has poor light. I know the Pentax DFA 28-105 has a good record, but to me I find it a bit too soft, except from f/8. But I cant always stop down that much. If I do, we're talking ISO 3200 or carry a tripod everywhere. I don't love neither. To me the 28-105 looks "mushy" even at f/4 and f/5.

So I bought a Tokina 28-75 f/2.8 which arrived yesterday. But the AF is not working

Any recommendations? I have the 15-30mm f/2,8 from Pentax, but it's freaking huge and too wide mostly for my needs.

**robgski** · 10-07-2020, 01:46 AM - **1 Like**

There is no reason you cannot use ISO 3200 or even ISO 6400 on the K-1 in low light conditions, and the 28-105 is WR, give it another chance.

**Serkevan** · 10-07-2020, 02:24 AM - **3 Likes**

The 28-105 looks mushy to you? Please post some images... either your standards are way higher than mine or your copy may not be all that good

.

If you would really prefer f/2.8 the FA* 28-70/2.8 is supposed to be a very good option but in Europe we don't see those a lot. I know because I haven't found one at a decent price yet

.

EDIT: https://www.ebay.de/itm/SMC-Pentax-FA-28-70mm-F-4-Autofocus-PK-Mount-Zoom-Le...cAAOSw8A1eVAOe There are several copies of the FA 28-70/4 for ~50-80€. Reviews seem to be a toss up, but generally quite positive? Of course, if corner-to-corner sharpness is needed I doubt this one's the ticket...

norwegianoutdoors · 10-07-2020, 02:56 AM

Sorry, guys, appreciate your input, but could we please forget about the 28-105 for a bit?

If you have any suggestions for good zoom lenses around the same area, I would be both happy and grateful to hear it.

I have looked at the DFA 24-70, it's a good suggestion. But not the cheapest one. And I wonder how much better is it than the Tamon lenses made for Pentax just a few years before this one was released? I have never tried it but am curious to know

**Serkevan** · 10-07-2020, 03:22 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by norwegianoutdoors

I have looked at the DFA 24-70, it's a good suggestion. But not the cheapest one. And I wonder how much better is it than the Tamon lenses made for Pentax just a few years before this one was released? I have never tried it but am curious to know

The 24-70 is less sharp than the 28-105 (or, at times, *slightly* sharper in the corners) so that won't satisfy you. The old Tamron 28-75/2.8 seems to be well regarded but sharpness really doesn't look out of this world unless you go f/8...

**pepperberry farm** · 10-07-2020, 03:44 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by norwegianoutdoors

Sorry, guys, appreciate your input, but could we please forget about the 28-105 for a bit?

so... you'd rather just throw money at the problem rather than determine if the 28-105 zoom is really your best option?

norwegianoutdoors · 10-07-2020, 03:52 AM - **1 Like**

Ok, never mind! I'll search on my own!

Thanks!

---------- Post added 10-07-20 at 03:54 AM ----------

Originally posted by Serkevan

The 24-70 is less sharp than the 28-105 (or, at times, *slightly* sharper in the corners) so that won't satisfy you. The old Tamron 28-75/2.8 seems to be well regarded but sharpness really doesn't look out of this world unless you go f/8...

Ah, ok. Thanks for the feedback!

Spock · 10-07-2020, 04:10 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by norwegianoutdoors

So I bought a Tokina 28-75 f/2.8 which arrived yesterday.

Which Tokina do you have?
If it's the AT-X Pro 28-70mm, that is an excellent lens. I have this lens and the FA* 28-70/2.8, and they are very similar in IQ.
The Tokina has a push-pull focus ring with a clutch to change from AF to manual focus - maybe that's why it won't autofocus?

norwegianoutdoors · 10-07-2020, 04:14 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Spock

Which Tokina do you have?
If it's the AT-X Pro 28-70mm, that is an excellent lens.
This lens has a push-pull focus ring with a clutch to change from AF to manual focus.

Hey, Spock! It's AT-C Pro SV! Yes, the clutch mechanism works. And to use manual focus I have to put the camera on MF as well as the clutch has to be pulled against the camera. Maybe I'll test it out in MF. But I don't love MF for zoom lenses generally, because you have to "administrate" 2 wheels.

Spock · 10-07-2020, 04:39 AM - **1 Like**

That's a shame it doesn't work in AF.
Here is some info about the Tokina AT-X zooms you may find interesting:
The four Tokina 28-70 AF lenses and their Angenieux roots – CamerAgX – a new life for old gear

norwegianoutdoors · 10-07-2020, 05:03 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Spock

That's a shame it doesn't work in AF.
Here is some info about the Tokina AT-X zooms you may find interesting:
The four Tokina 28-70 AF lenses and their Angenieux roots – CamerAgX – a new life for old gear

Yes, I was so disappointed

Arrived yesterday

Thanks for that link! Very interesting read!

**jatrax** · 10-07-2020, 08:16 AM - **2 Likes**

Have you tried the DFA 24-70? I find mine to be quite good. I have the DFA 28-105 and the DFA 24-70. To me the 24-70 is noticeably sharper, particularly in the corners than the 28-105. That's not to say the 28-105 is bad, it is actually quite good but the 24-70 is better. At least that is what I see with my two copies. And there are variables here that must be considered. Copy variation for one and the other is whether AF fine tuning was done properly on each lens. And sometimes what the individual is looking for in an image.

I know you have written off the DFA 28-105 and that's fine but I would like to ask out of curiosity if you did the AF fine tune on that lens?

My only complaint on the 24-70 is that it is quite heavy, which is why I use the 28-105 on hikes. But for most work the DFA 24-70 is my go to.

tryphon4 · 10-07-2020, 09:27 AM - **1 Like**

I own one Tokina 28-70 AT-X (non-PRO).

It is soft wide open but fine from F/4 (looks like spherical aberration).
However, it is a bargain because few people seem interested by this non-PRO lens.

So there are three drawbacks:
The AF sound can be a problem
It has a "vintage" look
It is soft wide open (but I may own a bad copy).

Here is an example @ 70mm F/2.8:

The TAMRON 28-75mm 2,8 XR seems to be a good lens too.

SSGGeezer · 10-07-2020, 09:44 AM - **1 Like**

Look for this lens. Cheaper than the DFA And still quite good, even though it is screw drive. Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Unregistered User · 10-07-2020, 11:53 AM - **1 Like**

I ask my self how you would define a "general zoom lens". I would define it as a zoom with a zoomrange from 18 to 250mm. It also means that you will have general sharpness. But I do not think it would be F2.8, because that is not general. I think that the FA 28-70 F4 is a great general zoomlens. Pentax called it a "standard" zoom lens back then. I own one and it is actually a great lens. It is sharp enough but it is a film era product. Would it work well on you K-1? I used it mostly on a MZ-5 for which line of camera's it was actually made.

10-07-2020, 01:18 AM	#1
norwegianoutdoors Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Telemark Posts: 86	Good zoom lens for the K-1 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. Hey guys! I have almost 20 lenses for my K-1. Some new, some old. Mostly I use primes, or the 70-200 DFA. But, it would be nice to have a general zoom lens that is mostly sharp all the way. It can be a benefit if it's a f/2.8 for those close shots. I hike a lot, both in the forest and in mountain areas. Especially the forest has poor light. I know the Pentax DFA 28-105 has a good record, but to me I find it a bit too soft, except from f/8. But I cant always stop down that much. If I do, we're talking ISO 3200 or carry a tripod everywhere. I don't love neither. To me the 28-105 looks "mushy" even at f/4 and f/5. So I bought a Tokina 28-75 f/2.8 which arrived yesterday. But the AF is not working Any recommendations? I have the 15-30mm f/2,8 from Pentax, but it's freaking huge and too wide mostly for my needs.

10-07-2020, 02:24 AM - 3 Likes	#3
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	The 28-105 looks mushy to you? Please post some images... either your standards are way higher than mine or your copy may not be all that good . If you would really prefer f/2.8 the FA* 28-70/2.8 is supposed to be a very good option but in Europe we don't see those a lot. I know because I haven't found one at a decent price yet . EDIT: https://www.ebay.de/itm/SMC-Pentax-FA-28-70mm-F-4-Autofocus-PK-Mount-Zoom-Le...cAAOSw8A1eVAOe There are several copies of the FA 28-70/4 for ~50-80€. Reviews seem to be a toss up, but generally quite positive? Of course, if corner-to-corner sharpness is needed I doubt this one's the ticket... Last edited by Serkevan; 10-07-2020 at 02:31 AM.

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10-07-2020, 01:46 AM - 1 Like	#2
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,799	There is no reason you cannot use ISO 3200 or even ISO 6400 on the K-1 in low light conditions, and the 28-105 is WR, give it another chance.

10-07-2020, 02:56 AM	#4
norwegianoutdoors Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Telemark Posts: 86 Original Poster	Sorry, guys, appreciate your input, but could we please forget about the 28-105 for a bit? If you have any suggestions for good zoom lenses around the same area, I would be both happy and grateful to hear it. I have looked at the DFA 24-70, it's a good suggestion. But not the cheapest one. And I wonder how much better is it than the Tamon lenses made for Pentax just a few years before this one was released? I have never tried it but am curious to know

10-07-2020, 03:22 AM - 1 Like	#5
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by norwegianoutdoors I have looked at the DFA 24-70, it's a good suggestion. But not the cheapest one. And I wonder how much better is it than the Tamon lenses made for Pentax just a few years before this one was released? I have never tried it but am curious to know The 24-70 is less sharp than the 28-105 (or, at times, slightly sharper in the corners) so that won't satisfy you. The old Tamron 28-75/2.8 seems to be well regarded but sharpness really doesn't look out of this world unless you go f/8...

10-07-2020, 03:44 AM - 1 Like	#6
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,678	Originally posted by norwegianoutdoors Sorry, guys, appreciate your input, but could we please forget about the 28-105 for a bit? so... you'd rather just throw money at the problem rather than determine if the 28-105 zoom is really your best option?

10-07-2020, 03:52 AM - 1 Like	#7
norwegianoutdoors Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Telemark Posts: 86 Original Poster	Ok, never mind! I'll search on my own! Thanks! ---------- Post added 10-07-20 at 03:54 AM ---------- Originally posted by Serkevan The 24-70 is less sharp than the 28-105 (or, at times, slightly sharper in the corners) so that won't satisfy you. The old Tamron 28-75/2.8 seems to be well regarded but sharpness really doesn't look out of this world unless you go f/8... Ah, ok. Thanks for the feedback!

10-07-2020, 04:10 AM - 1 Like	#8
Spock Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 674	Originally posted by norwegianoutdoors So I bought a Tokina 28-75 f/2.8 which arrived yesterday. Which Tokina do you have? If it's the AT-X Pro 28-70mm, that is an excellent lens. I have this lens and the FA* 28-70/2.8, and they are very similar in IQ. The Tokina has a push-pull focus ring with a clutch to change from AF to manual focus - maybe that's why it won't autofocus?

10-07-2020, 04:14 AM - 1 Like	#9
norwegianoutdoors Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Telemark Posts: 86 Original Poster	Originally posted by Spock Which Tokina do you have? If it's the AT-X Pro 28-70mm, that is an excellent lens. This lens has a push-pull focus ring with a clutch to change from AF to manual focus. Hey, Spock! It's AT-C Pro SV! Yes, the clutch mechanism works. And to use manual focus I have to put the camera on MF as well as the clutch has to be pulled against the camera. Maybe I'll test it out in MF. But I don't love MF for zoom lenses generally, because you have to "administrate" 2 wheels.

10-07-2020, 04:39 AM - 1 Like	#10
Spock Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 674	That's a shame it doesn't work in AF. Here is some info about the Tokina AT-X zooms you may find interesting: The four Tokina 28-70 AF lenses and their Angenieux roots – CamerAgX – a new life for old gear

10-07-2020, 05:03 AM - 1 Like	#11
norwegianoutdoors Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Telemark Posts: 86 Original Poster	Originally posted by Spock That's a shame it doesn't work in AF. Here is some info about the Tokina AT-X zooms you may find interesting: The four Tokina 28-70 AF lenses and their Angenieux roots – CamerAgX – a new life for old gear Yes, I was so disappointed Arrived yesterday Thanks for that link! Very interesting read!

10-07-2020, 08:16 AM - 2 Likes	#12
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Have you tried the DFA 24-70? I find mine to be quite good. I have the DFA 28-105 and the DFA 24-70. To me the 24-70 is noticeably sharper, particularly in the corners than the 28-105. That's not to say the 28-105 is bad, it is actually quite good but the 24-70 is better. At least that is what I see with my two copies. And there are variables here that must be considered. Copy variation for one and the other is whether AF fine tuning was done properly on each lens. And sometimes what the individual is looking for in an image. I know you have written off the DFA 28-105 and that's fine but I would like to ask out of curiosity if you did the AF fine tune on that lens? My only complaint on the 24-70 is that it is quite heavy, which is why I use the 28-105 on hikes. But for most work the DFA 24-70 is my go to.

10-07-2020, 09:27 AM - 1 Like	#13
tryphon4 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Drome, France Posts: 304	I own one Tokina 28-70 AT-X (non-PRO). It is soft wide open but fine from F/4 (looks like spherical aberration). However, it is a bargain because few people seem interested by this non-PRO lens. So there are three drawbacks: The AF sound can be a problem It has a "vintage" look It is soft wide open (but I may own a bad copy). Here is an example @ 70mm F/2.8: The TAMRON 28-75mm 2,8 XR seems to be a good lens too.

10-07-2020, 09:44 AM - 1 Like	#14
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Look for this lens. Cheaper than the DFA And still quite good, even though it is screw drive. Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

10-07-2020, 11:53 AM - 1 Like	#15
Unregistered User Guest	I ask my self how you would define a "general zoom lens". I would define it as a zoom with a zoomrange from 18 to 250mm. It also means that you will have general sharpness. But I do not think it would be F2.8, because that is not general. I think that the FA 28-70 F4 is a great general zoomlens. Pentax called it a "standard" zoom lens back then. I own one and it is actually a great lens. It is sharp enough but it is a film era product. Would it work well on you K-1? I used it mostly on a MZ-5 for which line of camera's it was actually made.