What is your forever lens?

brofkand · 08-22-2022, 11:32 AM - **3 Likes**

I don't know if I have a forever lens. Right now my favorite is the FA 35mm f/2...actually my FA 35mm is probably a forever lens because I dropped it and the damage has made it not worth selling.

Attached Images

Last edited by brofkand; 08-22-2022 at 12:27 PM.

Lloyd_Christmas · 08-22-2022, 01:40 PM

I would say the DA* 16-50 PLM is my favorite right now.
Since I got it, my former favorite which was the 16-85 has been collecting dust!

**JoelA** · 08-22-2022, 02:00 PM - **2 Likes**

I'm of simple means!!!

It'd be the lens I've had forever.

Literally.

SMC-M 50mm f/1.7 Like a great pair of dress boots. Never wears out. Never goes out of style. Always comfortable. Totally predictable, in a good way.

Close second SMC-M 20mm f/4.0

Then blessed with a lovely array beyond that which as hobby photographer is an amazing thing.

**pepperberry farm** · 08-22-2022, 03:27 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by jumbleview

Please share your experience. Which 24mm lens (used on Pentax) is the best?

24mm is one of my favorite focal lengths - I've been through quite a few of them to find ones that sing to me.....

Sigma Super Wide 24/2.8 - both the MF and the AF versions - both are solid lenses, but too many aberrations/flare for me....

Vivitar Komine/Kino-built 24's, which include the OP's RL edition - solid lenses, but still too many aberrations for me...

Pentax SMC/M/A 24/2.8 - amazing jewels; I have the A version currently and it is spectacular all around....

Tamron Adaptall-2 01B/BB 24/2.5 - love these well-built lenses, great colors and nice bokeh - and cheap!

Sigma EX DG 24/1.4 - monstrous lens, amazing color, but truly an unwieldy lens...

if you're willing to move out just one millimeter, my current favorite is the Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8 ZK T* - not cheap and not easy to find, but close-focusing and just stupendous IQ....

there are tons more on other mounts, these are my experiences with k-mount.....

Wheatfield · 08-22-2022, 04:25 PM - **3 Likes**

If I literally had to decide on only one lens to use for the rest of my days, it would be the DFA*85/1.4.
There are a lot of lenses that are more useful but there aren't any lenses that I like to use more.

---------- Post added Aug 22nd, 2022 at 05:33 PM ----------

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

Pentax SMC/M/A 24/2.8 - amazing jewels; I have the A version currently and it is spectacular all around....

Agreed about the A24/2.8. I have both it and the FA*24/2. I much prefer the A lens. The advantage the FA* lens has is the potential for shallower depth of field for those get close with a wide angle moments, and it is a nice enough lens, but pictures from the A lens have a je ne sais quoi to them.

**pepperberry farm** · 08-22-2022, 06:12 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Wheatfield

Agreed about the A24/2.8. I have both it and the FA*24/2. I much prefer the A lens. The advantage the FA* lens has is the potential for shallower depth of field for those get close with a wide angle moments, and it is a nice enough lens, but pictures from the A lens have a je ne sais quoi to them.

there's no way to physically get all that pixie dust inside 'em....

pearl.ish · 08-22-2022, 06:30 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by brofkand

I don't know if I have a forever lens. Right now my favorite is the FA 35mm f/2...actually my FA 35mm is probably a forever lens because I dropped it and the damage has made it not worth selling.

I miss Amsterdam so much. (Is that Amsterdam?)

Best choice for forever lens so far...

---------- Post added 08-22-22 at 06:32 PM ----------

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

24mm is one of my favorite focal lengths - I've been through quite a few of them to find ones that sing to me.....

Sigma Super Wide 24/2.8 - both the MF and the AF versions - both are solid lenses, but too many aberrations/flare for me....

Vivitar Komine/Kino-built 24's, which include the OP's RL edition - solid lenses, but still too many aberrations for me...

Pentax SMC/M/A 24/2.8 - amazing jewels; I have the A version currently and it is spectacular all around....

Tamron Adaptall-2 01B/BB 24/2.5 - love these well-built lenses, great colors and nice bokeh - and cheap!

Sigma EX DG 24/1.4 - monstrous lens, amazing color, but truly an unwieldy lens...

if you're willing to move out just one millimeter, my current favorite is the Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8 ZK T* - not cheap and not easy to find, but close-focusing and just stupendous IQ....

there are tons more on other mounts, these are my experiences with k-mount.....

Maybe it is my copy, maybe it is because I am using it on the K3 mostly (but it seems solid on my A7R3 also), but my RL Edition is substantially better than the SMC Pentax 24mm f2.8 (which is very close to the A and the M in design).

---------- Post added 08-22-22 at 06:36 PM ----------

Originally posted by JoelA

I'm of simple means!!!

It'd be the lens I've had forever.

Literally.

SMC-M 50mm f/1.7 Like a great pair of dress boots. Never wears out. Never goes out of style. Always comfortable. Totally predictable, in a good way.

Close second SMC-M 20mm f/4.0

Then blessed with a lovely array beyond that which as hobby photographer is an amazing thing.

There is an elusive Pentax-M 20mm f4 on Kijiji up in Whitehorse, Yukon (Canada) if anyone wants to message the seller... I can't afford it but I will be very jelly of whoever buys that puppy.

Here is the link: smc PENTAX-M 20mm F4 | Cameras & Camcorders | Whitehorse | Kijiji

---------- Post added 08-22-22 at 06:38 PM ----------

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

24mm is one of my favorite focal lengths - I've been through quite a few of them to find ones that sing to me.....

Sigma Super Wide 24/2.8 - both the MF and the AF versions - both are solid lenses, but too many aberrations/flare for me....

Vivitar Komine/Kino-built 24's, which include the OP's RL edition - solid lenses, but still too many aberrations for me...

Pentax SMC/M/A 24/2.8 - amazing jewels; I have the A version currently and it is spectacular all around....

Tamron Adaptall-2 01B/BB 24/2.5 - love these well-built lenses, great colors and nice bokeh - and cheap!

Sigma EX DG 24/1.4 - monstrous lens, amazing color, but truly an unwieldy lens...

if you're willing to move out just one millimeter, my current favorite is the Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8 ZK T* - not cheap and not easy to find, but close-focusing and just stupendous IQ....

there are tons more on other mounts, these are my experiences with k-mount.....

I thought I had a wide angle lens hoarding problem... Haha JK ... We all do. That's why we're here.

jcdoss · 08-23-2022, 02:17 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

Pentax SMC/M/A 24/2.8 - amazing jewels; I have the A version currently and it is spectacular all around....

I see people malign these lenses sometimes and I wonder what they're talking about, or what their expectations are. I have a K24f2.8 and am persistently amazed by it. I've never had another 24mm lens and don't yearn for one.

**pepperberry farm** · 08-23-2022, 03:43 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jcdoss

I see people malign these lenses sometimes and I wonder what they're talking about, or what their expectations are. I have a K24f2.8 and am persistently amazed by it. I've never had another 24mm lens and don't yearn for one.

exactly - they are an exquisite line.....

**pepperberry farm** · 08-23-2022, 03:43 AM

Originally posted by pearl.ish

I thought I had a wide angle lens hoarding problem... Haha JK ... We all do. That's why we're here.

take a look at this thread if you're looking for hoarding....

How many lenses do you have? - PentaxForums.com

brofkand · 08-23-2022, 05:16 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pearl.ish

I miss Amsterdam so much. (Is that Amsterdam?)

Best choice for forever lens so far...

It is the Queen Emma Bridge in Willemstad Curaçao. Which is in the Dutch Caribbean so you are forgiven for thinking it is Amsterdam!

pearl.ish · 08-23-2022, 05:21 AM

Originally posted by brofkand

It is the Queen Emma Bridge in Willemstad Curaçao. Which is in the Dutch Caribbean so you are forgiven for thinking it is Amsterdam!

Way off.

SPLewis · 08-23-2022, 07:34 AM

It may not be my favorite lens to shoot, but it has made 90% of my freelance income as a product photographer in the last five years.

corvin · 08-23-2022, 07:39 AM

Originally posted by garywakeling

Wow that is a question, my answer is the magical F* 300mm 4.5, small , sharp and just fits nicely with my vision of photo making, added bonus is that every time I look at it I get reminded of Star Wars.......

Amen, amen, and amen.

Also, the modern 4.0 isn't even close.

Pete R · 08-23-2022, 07:40 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Lloyd_Christmas

I would say the DA* 16-50 PLM is my favorite right now.
Since I got it, my former favorite which was the 16-85 has been collecting dust!

Yes, me too. The 16-85 was the one on my camera for most of the past few years, but the DA* 16-50 PLM is the one that's been there all the time for the past few months.

08-23-2022, 03:43 AM - 1 Like	#54
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,660	Originally posted by jcdoss I see people malign these lenses sometimes and I wonder what they're talking about, or what their expectations are. I have a K24f2.8 and am persistently amazed by it. I've never had another 24mm lens and don't yearn for one. exactly - they are an exquisite line..... Last edited by pepperberry farm; 08-23-2022 at 03:48 AM.

08-23-2022, 07:34 AM	#58
SPLewis Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Photos: Gallery Posts: 50	Fave lens: Pentax 100mm 2.8 macro It may not be my favorite lens to shoot, but it has made 90% of my freelance income as a product photographer in the last five years.

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08-22-2022, 11:32 AM - 3 Likes	#46
brofkand Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 836	I don't know if I have a forever lens. Right now my favorite is the FA 35mm f/2...actually my FA 35mm is probably a forever lens because I dropped it and the damage has made it not worth selling. Attached Images Last edited by brofkand; 08-22-2022 at 12:27 PM.

08-22-2022, 01:40 PM	#47
Lloyd_Christmas Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 458	I would say the DA* 16-50 PLM is my favorite right now. Since I got it, my former favorite which was the 16-85 has been collecting dust!

08-22-2022, 02:00 PM - 2 Likes	#48
JoelA Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 187	I'm of simple means!!! It'd be the lens I've had forever. Literally. SMC-M 50mm f/1.7 Like a great pair of dress boots. Never wears out. Never goes out of style. Always comfortable. Totally predictable, in a good way. Close second SMC-M 20mm f/4.0 Then blessed with a lovely array beyond that which as hobby photographer is an amazing thing.

08-22-2022, 03:27 PM - 3 Likes	#49
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,660	Originally posted by jumbleview Please share your experience. Which 24mm lens (used on Pentax) is the best? 24mm is one of my favorite focal lengths - I've been through quite a few of them to find ones that sing to me..... Sigma Super Wide 24/2.8 - both the MF and the AF versions - both are solid lenses, but too many aberrations/flare for me.... Vivitar Komine/Kino-built 24's, which include the OP's RL edition - solid lenses, but still too many aberrations for me... Pentax SMC/M/A 24/2.8 - amazing jewels; I have the A version currently and it is spectacular all around.... Tamron Adaptall-2 01B/BB 24/2.5 - love these well-built lenses, great colors and nice bokeh - and cheap! Sigma EX DG 24/1.4 - monstrous lens, amazing color, but truly an unwieldy lens... if you're willing to move out just one millimeter, my current favorite is the Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8 ZK T* - not cheap and not easy to find, but close-focusing and just stupendous IQ.... there are tons more on other mounts, these are my experiences with k-mount.....

08-22-2022, 04:25 PM - 3 Likes	#50
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	If I literally had to decide on only one lens to use for the rest of my days, it would be the DFA85/1.4. There are a lot of lenses that are more useful but there aren't any lenses that I like to use more. ---------- Post added Aug 22nd, 2022 at 05:33 PM ---------- Originally posted by pepperberry farm Pentax SMC/M/A 24/2.8 - amazing jewels; I have the A version currently and it is spectacular all around.... Agreed about the A24/2.8. I have both it and the FA24/2. I much prefer the A lens. The advantage the FA* lens has is the potential for shallower depth of field for those get close with a wide angle moments, and it is a nice enough lens, but pictures from the A lens have a je ne sais quoi to them.

08-22-2022, 06:12 PM - 2 Likes	#51
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,660	Originally posted by Wheatfield Agreed about the A24/2.8. I have both it and the FA24/2. I much prefer the A lens. The advantage the FA lens has is the potential for shallower depth of field for those get close with a wide angle moments, and it is a nice enough lens, but pictures from the A lens have a je ne sais quoi to them. there's no way to physically get all that pixie dust inside 'em....

08-22-2022, 06:30 PM - 1 Like	#52
pearl.ish Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2022 Posts: 43 Original Poster	Originally posted by brofkand I don't know if I have a forever lens. Right now my favorite is the FA 35mm f/2...actually my FA 35mm is probably a forever lens because I dropped it and the damage has made it not worth selling. I miss Amsterdam so much. (Is that Amsterdam?) Best choice for forever lens so far... ---------- Post added 08-22-22 at 06:32 PM ---------- Originally posted by pepperberry farm 24mm is one of my favorite focal lengths - I've been through quite a few of them to find ones that sing to me..... Sigma Super Wide 24/2.8 - both the MF and the AF versions - both are solid lenses, but too many aberrations/flare for me.... Vivitar Komine/Kino-built 24's, which include the OP's RL edition - solid lenses, but still too many aberrations for me... Pentax SMC/M/A 24/2.8 - amazing jewels; I have the A version currently and it is spectacular all around.... Tamron Adaptall-2 01B/BB 24/2.5 - love these well-built lenses, great colors and nice bokeh - and cheap! Sigma EX DG 24/1.4 - monstrous lens, amazing color, but truly an unwieldy lens... if you're willing to move out just one millimeter, my current favorite is the Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8 ZK T* - not cheap and not easy to find, but close-focusing and just stupendous IQ.... there are tons more on other mounts, these are my experiences with k-mount..... Maybe it is my copy, maybe it is because I am using it on the K3 mostly (but it seems solid on my A7R3 also), but my RL Edition is substantially better than the SMC Pentax 24mm f2.8 (which is very close to the A and the M in design). ---------- Post added 08-22-22 at 06:36 PM ---------- Originally posted by JoelA I'm of simple means!!! It'd be the lens I've had forever. Literally. SMC-M 50mm f/1.7 Like a great pair of dress boots. Never wears out. Never goes out of style. Always comfortable. Totally predictable, in a good way. Close second SMC-M 20mm f/4.0 Then blessed with a lovely array beyond that which as hobby photographer is an amazing thing. There is an elusive Pentax-M 20mm f4 on Kijiji up in Whitehorse, Yukon (Canada) if anyone wants to message the seller... I can't afford it but I will be very jelly of whoever buys that puppy. Here is the link: smc PENTAX-M 20mm F4 \| Cameras & Camcorders \| Whitehorse \| Kijiji ---------- Post added 08-22-22 at 06:38 PM ---------- Originally posted by pepperberry farm 24mm is one of my favorite focal lengths - I've been through quite a few of them to find ones that sing to me..... Sigma Super Wide 24/2.8 - both the MF and the AF versions - both are solid lenses, but too many aberrations/flare for me.... Vivitar Komine/Kino-built 24's, which include the OP's RL edition - solid lenses, but still too many aberrations for me... Pentax SMC/M/A 24/2.8 - amazing jewels; I have the A version currently and it is spectacular all around.... Tamron Adaptall-2 01B/BB 24/2.5 - love these well-built lenses, great colors and nice bokeh - and cheap! Sigma EX DG 24/1.4 - monstrous lens, amazing color, but truly an unwieldy lens... if you're willing to move out just one millimeter, my current favorite is the Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8 ZK T* - not cheap and not easy to find, but close-focusing and just stupendous IQ.... there are tons more on other mounts, these are my experiences with k-mount..... I thought I had a wide angle lens hoarding problem... Haha JK ... We all do. That's why we're here.

08-23-2022, 02:17 AM - 1 Like	#53
jcdoss Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,768	Originally posted by pepperberry farm Pentax SMC/M/A 24/2.8 - amazing jewels; I have the A version currently and it is spectacular all around.... I see people malign these lenses sometimes and I wonder what they're talking about, or what their expectations are. I have a K24f2.8 and am persistently amazed by it. I've never had another 24mm lens and don't yearn for one.

08-23-2022, 03:43 AM	#55
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,660	Originally posted by pearl.ish I thought I had a wide angle lens hoarding problem... Haha JK ... We all do. That's why we're here. take a look at this thread if you're looking for hoarding.... How many lenses do you have? - PentaxForums.com

08-23-2022, 05:16 AM - 1 Like	#56
brofkand Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 836	Originally posted by pearl.ish I miss Amsterdam so much. (Is that Amsterdam?) Best choice for forever lens so far... It is the Queen Emma Bridge in Willemstad Curaçao. Which is in the Dutch Caribbean so you are forgiven for thinking it is Amsterdam!

08-23-2022, 05:21 AM	#57
pearl.ish Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2022 Posts: 43 Original Poster	Originally posted by brofkand It is the Queen Emma Bridge in Willemstad Curaçao. Which is in the Dutch Caribbean so you are forgiven for thinking it is Amsterdam! Way off.

08-23-2022, 07:39 AM	#59
corvin Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59	Originally posted by garywakeling Wow that is a question, my answer is the magical F* 300mm 4.5, small , sharp and just fits nicely with my vision of photo making, added bonus is that every time I look at it I get reminded of Star Wars....... Amen, amen, and amen. Also, the modern 4.0 isn't even close.

08-23-2022, 07:40 AM - 1 Like	#60
Pete R Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 50	Originally posted by Lloyd_Christmas I would say the DA* 16-50 PLM is my favorite right now. Since I got it, my former favorite which was the 16-85 has been collecting dust! Yes, me too. The 16-85 was the one on my camera for most of the past few years, but the DA* 16-50 PLM is the one that's been there all the time for the past few months.