Two Lens Kit for a K1 MkII

**dhodgeh** · 07-25-2021, 09:29 AM

I have been out of touch with photography for a couple of years, and have decided to blow the dust off my K1 MkII

Been primarily a prime shooter, but had grown weary of lugging around a large assortment of lenses.

So, I'm thinking of getting a couple of high quality zooms to cover say 20/24 up to 200 mm. I prefer fixed, large aperture lens.

I am partial to Pentax glass, but I'm looking to minimize what I carry, but maintain superb image quality, so I'm open to any suggestions other than Pentax.

Any and all comments are welcome.

D

**Kevin B123** · 07-25-2021, 09:46 AM

Your on brand choices are here:
Pentax D FA Zoom Lenses - Reviews and Specifications - SLR and Interchangeable Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Also there is used: Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 Di LD IF Macro, these are not available new anymore.

If 24 mm is a must have the least kit would be the D FA 24-70 F2.8 & 70-210 F4

**jatrax** · 07-25-2021, 10:04 AM - **3 Likes**

3 lens kit @ f/2.8 = DFA 15-30, DFA 24-70 and DFA 70-200 (all f/2.8 best image quality but heavy)

3 lens kit @ f/4ish = FA 20-35, DFA 28-105, DFA 70-210 (slower but a lot less weight, image quality still very good)

2 lens kit @ f/2.8 = DFA 24-70 and DFA 70-200 (if you can work with 24mm instead of 20mm then this works, but still heavy)

My kit = DFA 15-30, DFA 28-105 and DFA 70-210 (and I usually carry the FA 50mm f/1.4 as well, best compromise I can find for image quality versus weight)

3 lens kit alternate = FA 20mm, DFA 28-105 and DFA 70-210 (28 to 200 covered plus the 20mm for UWA)

lesmore49 · 07-25-2021, 10:31 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jatrax

3 lens kit @ f/2.8 = DFA 15-30, DFA 24-70 and DFA 70-200 (all f/2.8 best image quality but heavy)

3 lens kit @ f/4ish = FA 20-35, DFA 28-105, DFA 70-210 (slower but a lot less weight, image quality still very good)

2 lens kit @ f/2.8 = DFA 24-70 and DFA 70-200 (if you can work with 24mm instead of 20mm then this works, but still heavy)

My kit = DFA 15-30, DFA 28-105 and DFA 70-210 (and I usually carry the FA 50mm f/1.4 as well, best compromise I can find for image quality versus weight)

3 lens kit alternate = FA 20mm, DFA 28-105 and DFA 70-210 (28 to 200 covered plus the 20mm for UWA)

Good option list .

pschlute · 07-25-2021, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by dhodgeh

so I'm open to any suggestions other than Pentax

Just curious as to why you dont want Pentax lenses ?

Roadboat24 · 07-25-2021, 11:35 AM

My current two lens in the K1 bag is the DFA24-70 and the DFA150-450. Yep, it's heavy, but, I don't hike.

**dhodgeh** · 07-25-2021, 11:37 AM - **1 Like**

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Originally posted by pschlute

Just curious as to why you dont want Pentax lenses ?

Not that I don't want any Pentax lenses - heck I have about 20 lenses, mostly all Pentax of various vintage.

I am just opening up to other possibilities.

aaacb · 07-25-2021, 11:53 AM

I usually bring two, at most three, of the about 14 K mount lenses I have for the k1ii; with a couple exceptions they're all film era and most of those manual primes. I'm not going for covering all possible situations, just what I'm expecting to find, and I adapt from there. I've found it too much to carry and worry about otherwise. So based on your signature, if you're used to small primes (I have a couple the smc 24, fa 135, m 135 myself), make sure you're ok carrying those big zooms, maybe rent first? That being said, I like the 28-105 kit quite a lot, and it's quite compact and affordable

AfterPentax Mark II · 07-25-2021, 12:12 PM

Originally posted by dhodgeh

I have been out of touch with photography for a couple of years, and have decided to blow the dust off my K1 MkII

Been primarily a prime shooter, but had grown weary of lugging around a large assortment of lenses.

So, I'm thinking of getting a couple of high quality zooms to cover say 20/24 up to 200 mm. I prefer fixed, large aperture lens.

I am partial to Pentax glass, but I'm looking to minimize what I carry, but maintain superb image quality, so I'm open to any suggestions other than Pentax.

Any and all comments are welcome.

D

If I were you, or rather if you were me you would choose just one out of the collection that you own and adapt the picture taking to what you have with you, it is really a challenge. In days of old I always lugged a 50mm and a 135mm, and I never missed anything wider or larger (apart from the fact that I could not afford it). Zooms, although I like them are a bit of the easy way out. But, I like the F70-210 and the Japan version of the FA 28-70 F4. I can not recommend a non Pentax lens, because I always used Pentax lenses and did not stray from the brand when buying one.

biz-engineer · 07-25-2021, 12:16 PM

Pentax 15-30, Pentax 70-210, between 30 and 70, crop the 15-30 at 30 or stitch the 70-210 at 70, or add a D-FA 50 macro, or FA 50 or HD FA 43, or D-FA *50.
If ultra wide isn't important, then Pentax D-FA 28-105 and Pentax D-FA 70-210. Don't think too much of stitching the 28-105 @ 28 to create wider angle views because wide exposures tend to not stitch well.

garywakeling · 07-25-2021, 01:06 PM

Hmm FA 20mm DFA 28-105 F 70-210, compact light and wide ranging

**kiwi_jono** · 07-25-2021, 01:12 PM

The issue here is the ultra wide end. As far as modern zooms go the DFA 15-30 covers that but its relatively big and heavy (if you are used carrying small primes around say).
The DFA 24-70 maybe a compromise option, but its not particularly small or light itself.

One option is the DFA28-105 (capable lens although not fast) and 2 primes to get a fast lens. I say 2 because it sounds like you want something wide as well.

At the moment (it changes from time to time), I am mostly carrying around FA*24 (for my widest), FA 43 and FA 77. Its a pretty small and relatively light kit. Sometimes I take a cheap (and light!) Sigma 70-300 instead of the 77 - all depends on what I'm shooting. Also sometimes take the A 50 f1.2 instead of the FA 43.

lesmore49 · 07-25-2021, 01:19 PM

I have the 24-70 F 2.8 and 28-105. In some ways I prefer the 28-105...lighter, excellent images...to the 24-70....heavy, big, excellent images, fast @ F 2.8. I wonder about some of the Korean made wider primes..not AF, but generally fast and from what I understand decent image takers. I don't know how much they weigh.

dave_roe · 07-25-2021, 01:47 PM

Once I acquired the K1MII I did a little adapting on lens use.

I use a three lens package is the HD Pentax-FA 31mm Limited F1.8, the D FA 28-105mm and the Tamron 70-200mm.

Would like to add a wider lens in the future but really like the 31mm and the results it produces.

ChatMechant · 07-25-2021, 01:54 PM

Dfa 24-70 and fa*80-200. Easy and very good iq. Or if the 80-200 is too big then swap it for the f/fa 135 2.8.

07-25-2021, 09:29 AM	#1
dhodgeh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: FLA-USA Photos: Albums Posts: 214	Two Lens Kit for a K1 MkII I have been out of touch with photography for a couple of years, and have decided to blow the dust off my K1 MkII Been primarily a prime shooter, but had grown weary of lugging around a large assortment of lenses. So, I'm thinking of getting a couple of high quality zooms to cover say 20/24 up to 200 mm. I prefer fixed, large aperture lens. I am partial to Pentax glass, but I'm looking to minimize what I carry, but maintain superb image quality, so I'm open to any suggestions other than Pentax. Any and all comments are welcome. D

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07-25-2021, 09:46 AM	#2
Kevin B123 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,175	Your on brand choices are here: Pentax D FA Zoom Lenses - Reviews and Specifications - SLR and Interchangeable Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Also there is used: Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 Di LD IF Macro, these are not available new anymore. If 24 mm is a must have the least kit would be the D FA 24-70 F2.8 & 70-210 F4

07-25-2021, 10:04 AM - 3 Likes	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	3 lens kit @ f/2.8 = DFA 15-30, DFA 24-70 and DFA 70-200 (all f/2.8 best image quality but heavy) 3 lens kit @ f/4ish = FA 20-35, DFA 28-105, DFA 70-210 (slower but a lot less weight, image quality still very good) 2 lens kit @ f/2.8 = DFA 24-70 and DFA 70-200 (if you can work with 24mm instead of 20mm then this works, but still heavy) My kit = DFA 15-30, DFA 28-105 and DFA 70-210 (and I usually carry the FA 50mm f/1.4 as well, best compromise I can find for image quality versus weight) 3 lens kit alternate = FA 20mm, DFA 28-105 and DFA 70-210 (28 to 200 covered plus the 20mm for UWA)

07-25-2021, 10:31 AM - 1 Like	#4
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,325	Originally posted by jatrax 3 lens kit @ f/2.8 = DFA 15-30, DFA 24-70 and DFA 70-200 (all f/2.8 best image quality but heavy) 3 lens kit @ f/4ish = FA 20-35, DFA 28-105, DFA 70-210 (slower but a lot less weight, image quality still very good) 2 lens kit @ f/2.8 = DFA 24-70 and DFA 70-200 (if you can work with 24mm instead of 20mm then this works, but still heavy) My kit = DFA 15-30, DFA 28-105 and DFA 70-210 (and I usually carry the FA 50mm f/1.4 as well, best compromise I can find for image quality versus weight) 3 lens kit alternate = FA 20mm, DFA 28-105 and DFA 70-210 (28 to 200 covered plus the 20mm for UWA) Good option list .

07-25-2021, 11:28 AM	#5
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,182	Originally posted by dhodgeh so I'm open to any suggestions other than Pentax Just curious as to why you dont want Pentax lenses ?

07-25-2021, 11:35 AM	#6
Roadboat24 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 486	My current two lens in the K1 bag is the DFA24-70 and the DFA150-450. Yep, it's heavy, but, I don't hike.

07-25-2021, 11:37 AM - 1 Like	#7
dhodgeh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: FLA-USA Photos: Albums Posts: 214 Original Poster	Thanks for the suggestions so far. Originally posted by pschlute Just curious as to why you dont want Pentax lenses ? Not that I don't want any Pentax lenses - heck I have about 20 lenses, mostly all Pentax of various vintage. I am just opening up to other possibilities.

07-25-2021, 11:53 AM	#8
aaacb Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,723	I usually bring two, at most three, of the about 14 K mount lenses I have for the k1ii; with a couple exceptions they're all film era and most of those manual primes. I'm not going for covering all possible situations, just what I'm expecting to find, and I adapt from there. I've found it too much to carry and worry about otherwise. So based on your signature, if you're used to small primes (I have a couple the smc 24, fa 135, m 135 myself), make sure you're ok carrying those big zooms, maybe rent first? That being said, I like the 28-105 kit quite a lot, and it's quite compact and affordable

07-25-2021, 12:12 PM	#9
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,458	Originally posted by dhodgeh I have been out of touch with photography for a couple of years, and have decided to blow the dust off my K1 MkII Been primarily a prime shooter, but had grown weary of lugging around a large assortment of lenses. So, I'm thinking of getting a couple of high quality zooms to cover say 20/24 up to 200 mm. I prefer fixed, large aperture lens. I am partial to Pentax glass, but I'm looking to minimize what I carry, but maintain superb image quality, so I'm open to any suggestions other than Pentax. Any and all comments are welcome. D If I were you, or rather if you were me you would choose just one out of the collection that you own and adapt the picture taking to what you have with you, it is really a challenge. In days of old I always lugged a 50mm and a 135mm, and I never missed anything wider or larger (apart from the fact that I could not afford it). Zooms, although I like them are a bit of the easy way out. But, I like the F70-210 and the Japan version of the FA 28-70 F4. I can not recommend a non Pentax lens, because I always used Pentax lenses and did not stray from the brand when buying one.

07-25-2021, 12:16 PM	#10
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,223	Pentax 15-30, Pentax 70-210, between 30 and 70, crop the 15-30 at 30 or stitch the 70-210 at 70, or add a D-FA 50 macro, or FA 50 or HD FA 43, or D-FA *50. If ultra wide isn't important, then Pentax D-FA 28-105 and Pentax D-FA 70-210. Don't think too much of stitching the 28-105 @ 28 to create wider angle views because wide exposures tend to not stitch well.

07-25-2021, 01:06 PM	#11
garywakeling Moderator Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,755	Hmm FA 20mm DFA 28-105 F 70-210, compact light and wide ranging

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07-25-2021, 01:12 PM	#12
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	The issue here is the ultra wide end. As far as modern zooms go the DFA 15-30 covers that but its relatively big and heavy (if you are used carrying small primes around say). The DFA 24-70 maybe a compromise option, but its not particularly small or light itself. One option is the DFA28-105 (capable lens although not fast) and 2 primes to get a fast lens. I say 2 because it sounds like you want something wide as well. At the moment (it changes from time to time), I am mostly carrying around FA*24 (for my widest), FA 43 and FA 77. Its a pretty small and relatively light kit. Sometimes I take a cheap (and light!) Sigma 70-300 instead of the 77 - all depends on what I'm shooting. Also sometimes take the A 50 f1.2 instead of the FA 43.

07-25-2021, 01:19 PM	#13
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,325	I have the 24-70 F 2.8 and 28-105. In some ways I prefer the 28-105...lighter, excellent images...to the 24-70....heavy, big, excellent images, fast @ F 2.8. I wonder about some of the Korean made wider primes..not AF, but generally fast and from what I understand decent image takers. I don't know how much they weigh.

07-25-2021, 01:47 PM	#14
dave_roe Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rome, Italy Photos: Albums Posts: 584	Once I acquired the K1MII I did a little adapting on lens use. I use a three lens package is the HD Pentax-FA 31mm Limited F1.8, the D FA 28-105mm and the Tamron 70-200mm. Would like to add a wider lens in the future but really like the 31mm and the results it produces.

07-25-2021, 01:54 PM	#15
ChatMechant Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Matsuyama Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,284	Dfa 24-70 and fa*80-200. Easy and very good iq. Or if the 80-200 is too big then swap it for the f/fa 135 2.8.