What manual focus lenses are a must have

Unregistered User · 08-31-2022, 05:55 AM

Originally posted by redpit

I have many examples but have no more space to post here. I have to find a way to overcome this restriction and show you samples.

You have a Flickr account you can use to post here.

robert · 08-31-2022, 06:26 AM

After reading reviews I purchased a SMC M 35-70 2.8-3.5. I found it a bit difficult to focus on my K01 using focus peak
but it does really well using focus trap on my K5IIS. So far I'm impressed

**GordZ** · 08-31-2022, 06:49 AM - **1 Like**

Have you tried a Pentax 35-105 f3.5 SMC A Zoom takes tack sharp pictures and it's one of my Pentax favorite lenses. It may be manual focus but the tack sharp pic's are worth it. Check out the review.

SportsDudeJeff · 09-02-2022, 03:45 PM

No one else said, so I will.
I have been impressed with the less-expensive Samyang/Rokinon lenses.
My 135mm f/2.0 is shockingly sharp. The 85mm f/1.4 is fast and gets sharp once you stop it down a little.

Jonathan Mac · 09-13-2022, 07:52 AM

I should maybe mention that my favourite manual focus Pentax to date is the M 35mm f/2. I'm not sure it qualifies as a "must-have" as it's not that common but it makes a great standard prime on an APS-C camera.

Vying for it's crown is the K 28mm f/2 but they're even harder to find and usually much more expensive so also perhaps not a "must-have".

slava · 09-13-2022, 08:43 AM - **1 Like**

I would definitely recommend M 75-150mm f/4. It's ridiculously cheap and in my opinion (based on hundreds of photos seen on Flickr) it renders better than all Pentax 55-300 lenses. Of course, due to MF, it is not for birding but for me, a landscape photographer, it is a perfect companion.

ZombieArmy · 09-13-2022, 09:12 AM

Originally posted by slava

I would definitely recommend M 75-150mm f/4. It's ridiculously cheap and in my opinion (based on hundreds of photos seen on Flickr) it renders better than all Pentax 55-300 lenses. Of course, due to MF, it is not for birding but for me, a landscape photographer, it is a perfect companion.

To me it's the M lens that's closest to a limited that I've tried. It really needs a refresh. DFA 75-150 f3.8 AW Limited

house · 09-13-2022, 10:49 AM

SMC Pentax (K) 28mm f3.5

**clackers** · 09-13-2022, 06:57 PM

I sometimes head out with the K-1 (or Sony A7 if riding a bike) and the K28 f3.5, K55 f1.8 and M85 f2. I would've preferred the K85 f1.8 to make it a superb trio to shoot with all day, but scarcity (and hence cost) meant that didn't happen. You may be luckier or have deeper pockets.

Sportsdude Jeff points out that if you don't mind a different philosophy - large, heavy and very sharp - the Samyangs are available from 14mm all the way up to 135mm. They do have hit and miss quality control, so always purchase from a vendor that accepts returns without fuss if your copy is not up to spec.

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08-31-2022, 05:55 AM	#46
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by redpit I have many examples but have no more space to post here. I have to find a way to overcome this restriction and show you samples. You have a Flickr account you can use to post here.

08-31-2022, 06:26 AM	#47
robert Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 336 Original Poster	After reading reviews I purchased a SMC M 35-70 2.8-3.5. I found it a bit difficult to focus on my K01 using focus peak but it does really well using focus trap on my K5IIS. So far I'm impressed

08-31-2022, 06:49 AM - 1 Like	#48
GordZ Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bobcaygeon, On Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 82	Have you tried a Pentax 35-105 f3.5 SMC A Zoom takes tack sharp pictures and it's one of my Pentax favorite lenses. It may be manual focus but the tack sharp pic's are worth it. Check out the review.

09-02-2022, 03:45 PM	#49
SportsDudeJeff New Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 14	No one else said, so I will. I have been impressed with the less-expensive Samyang/Rokinon lenses. My 135mm f/2.0 is shockingly sharp. The 85mm f/1.4 is fast and gets sharp once you stop it down a little.

09-13-2022, 07:52 AM	#50
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,897	I should maybe mention that my favourite manual focus Pentax to date is the M 35mm f/2. I'm not sure it qualifies as a "must-have" as it's not that common but it makes a great standard prime on an APS-C camera. Vying for it's crown is the K 28mm f/2 but they're even harder to find and usually much more expensive so also perhaps not a "must-have".

09-13-2022, 08:43 AM - 1 Like	#51
slava New Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 7	I would definitely recommend M 75-150mm f/4. It's ridiculously cheap and in my opinion (based on hundreds of photos seen on Flickr) it renders better than all Pentax 55-300 lenses. Of course, due to MF, it is not for birding but for me, a landscape photographer, it is a perfect companion.

09-13-2022, 09:12 AM	#52
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	Originally posted by slava I would definitely recommend M 75-150mm f/4. It's ridiculously cheap and in my opinion (based on hundreds of photos seen on Flickr) it renders better than all Pentax 55-300 lenses. Of course, due to MF, it is not for birding but for me, a landscape photographer, it is a perfect companion. To me it's the M lens that's closest to a limited that I've tried. It really needs a refresh. DFA 75-150 f3.8 AW Limited

09-13-2022, 10:49 AM	#53
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	SMC Pentax (K) 28mm f3.5

09-13-2022, 06:57 PM	#54
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	I sometimes head out with the K-1 (or Sony A7 if riding a bike) and the K28 f3.5, K55 f1.8 and M85 f2. I would've preferred the K85 f1.8 to make it a superb trio to shoot with all day, but scarcity (and hence cost) meant that didn't happen. You may be luckier or have deeper pockets. Sportsdude Jeff points out that if you don't mind a different philosophy - large, heavy and very sharp - the Samyangs are available from 14mm all the way up to 135mm. They do have hit and miss quality control, so always purchase from a vendor that accepts returns without fuss if your copy is not up to spec.