[PHOTOCOP]

Whats the best prime lens for everyday use (dslr)?

[jeremy_c]

I just asked almost the same question. Maybe a starting point would be to read some responses in the thread "https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/44262-best-macro-lens-start.html"

Jeremy

[SpecialK]

Questions like this will get every answer. Think, man :-)

[Marc Sabatella]

Whats the best prime lens for everyday use (dslr)?

You'll have to be way more specific than "everyday use". That might imply one lesn to use most of the time, and if so, most people would recommend a zoom over a prime. But if you do want to go around with just one prime, then you need to figure out first what focal length you'd want. Somewhere in the 30-40 range probably makes most sense, so FA35, DA35, and DA40 are all strong candidates. But you'd better know what you're getting yourself into if you want to walk around with a prime as your "every day" lens - it's of course MUCH more limiting than a zoom 9and I say this as someone who shoots mainly primes - but i carry a set of them with me, different focal lengths for different purposes).

[Wheatfield]

Whats the best prime lens for everyday use (dslr)?

For me, the 31mm LTD.
Second choice, pretty much any lens in the 28-35mm range.
I'm not that picky, but I find more often than not, I have something close to a normal lens on.

[Mountain Vision]

Bad question, well, not specific enough.

However, one would assume an every day lens is something in the "normal range".

So I'd recommend the 35mm FA, the 43mm FA, or a 28mm FA. If you don't mind manual focus you can go with the A version of the 28mm or a 35mm A (not easy to find).

In terms of the "normal" range the 28mm is oddly exactly "normal". The 35mm is pretty close to your standard 50mm lens on film, and the 43mm is slightly longer but still nice for cross table head and shoulders photos as family gatherings, head and shoulders potraits, and general use.

You could get a bit wider with he 24mm which is still in the wide "normal" range at 35mm. I personally always preferred a bit wider on film, so 28mm or 35mm were my walk around lenses. The 50mm field of view on film never really worked for me.

Personally, I think 28 or 35mm is ideal, and if you can wait a few months to a year, the 30mm DA* is coming out which is pretty much an ideal normal lens.It will be weather sealed, and designed for digital. Probably your best bet!

[ryan s]

For me, the 31mm LTD.
Second choice, pretty much any lens in the 28-35mm range.
I'm not that picky, but I find more often than not, I have something close to a normal lens on.

FA31 for me too (although I can't afford one yet). A 24-35 is just perfect for me.

So the answer to the original question is: FA 31

[Mountain Vision]

FA31 for me too (although I can't afford one yet). A 24-35 is just perfect for me.

So the answer to the original question is: FA 31

I don't have a FA 31mm and HAVE NOT shot one , although I have shot ALL the other limiteds, and FA lenses in the 21-35mm range, so unless the 31mm is truly magic in some way ... based on the test, the FA 31 seems like a great lens on film, and a very good lens on digital.

For the money, the FA 35 is simply a better lens (half the price brand new vs. a used FA 31).

The 31mm is slightly faster, but not any sharper wide open.

The 31mm seems to suffer more fringing/CA.

The 31mm is bigger.

The 31mm is better built (but at 3X the price new, and 2X the price used in a bad economy!!).

The 31mm is a bit better FL on digital at 47mm vs. 52mm.

So now the question is, will the 30mm DA be faster, smaller and reduce the flaws of the FA31mm? If so will it sell for less than the used FA 31mm?

Or, am I just trying to spread enough doubt to lower the price of the 31mm Limited? (answer, I do want a 31mm Limited, but more for film use, and since I shoot not much film these days, I'd have to say there is very little chance of me buying one in the short term, coupled with the weather sealed DA* 30mm on the road map even less chance, so the answer is NO!...the 15mm DA is the next lens on the radar).


BTW, how do you like the SMC-A 24-50? I got it last year off this board, and finally have begun really using it the last few weekends. Not too many photos but along with a few shots from last year, I really like it. It's again, a better lens on film, but a 24-50 paired with the 21mm and a 70/77/90/135mm (depending on your preference on the long end) make for a nice 3 lens kit!

[axl]

depends on what are the main subjects of your interest/shots. Can be anything form Zenitar 16 to DA*300 ... or whatever else

[Mike Cash]

Whats the best prime lens for everyday use (dslr)?

There is no single answer to that. It will depend entirely on how you use the lens.

When I am at work, it is either the Super Takumar 85/1.9 or the S-M-C Takumar 105/2.8. When I am afoot it is the S-M-C Takumar 35/2 and the SMC Takumar 55/1.8.

[AnoLife]

The FA* 24! It is an GREAT lens!

[Kerrowdown]

I guess the answer is whatever is right for you.

[heatherslightbox]

Depending on what your field of vision is, either the DA35 or the FA43 would fit the bill nicely. The DA35 is a macro, so you can get up close and personal with your subject if you need to.

Heather

[nostatic]

if I could only have one lens, probably 35ltd as it is a good walkaround and can also do macro. I find the 43ltd to be the most "normal" to me (ignoring the math and going by my eye), and it is an amazing lens but not as sharp as the 35ltd wide open. I may buy a 31ltd today just because I often need the extra stops (compared to the 2.8 35ltd) and it just seems like a lens I should have and keep...though dollars to donuts if Pentax does make a FF camera they'll manage to somehow not have the FA ltds work on them.

[Just1MoreDave]

I had a scientific approach to answer this question for myself. I collected all the lenses I could afford, and kept all the ones I couldn't decide to sell. Results in my signature. Right at the end, I got the FA 35mm f2.0, which would have been good at the start.