'best' non-Pentax MF K mount prime lenses

**twilhelm** · 02-26-2023, 09:48 AM

So, my four favorite (not in any particular order)

Leica 50 F2
Leica 135 f2.8
*Adapted to K mount

Vivitar Seried 1 70-210
Tamron Adaptal 90 2.8 macro

ChristianRock · 02-26-2023, 11:00 AM

Of the ones I've had:
Manual focus - Rikenon P 50mm f1.4.
AF, APS-C - Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC HSM Art.

hcc · 02-26-2023, 02:23 PM

Originally posted by Digitalis

I'm presently awaiting my copy of the Legendary Voigtlander 125mm f/2.5 APO Lanthar, which I had in Nikon F mount - now I have switched to their Z Mirrorless system I'm getting the mount on the VL125 Lanthar changed from Nikon F to Pentax K. The lens technician I work with is making the mount change and is also able to take care of infinity focus adjustment.

I have the Voigtlander 125mm f/2.5 APO Lanthar with K-mount and it is an incredible macro lens. Yes, it is possibly my most "fascinating" lens, but I am not sure that I would define it as my "best" lens.

If I consider the usage of all my lenses, I would say that the Voigtlander Nokton 59 mm f1.4 is my "best" non-Pentax lens, by far in terms of usage:
FA31mm f1.8 vs VL Nokton 58mm f1.4 - PentaxForums.com

Food for thoughts....

**luftfluss** · 02-26-2023, 03:06 PM - **3 Likes**

So many of the Tamron Adaptall-2 SP lenses are very good.

My faves have been the 400/4 65B...

180/2.5 63B...

90/2.5 52BB...

**pres589** · 02-26-2023, 04:36 PM - **1 Like**

I like the Tamron 52B, the 90mm f2.5 Adaptall macro quite a lot when used on a film camera.

My Kiron 28mm f2 is pretty good as well as long as I remember that f2 is not where sharpness lives.

My Kalt 28mm f2.8 k-mount is fun to play with on digital but the aperture ring linkage that interfaces with the camera isn't designed properly and makes the camera think the lens is stopped down more than it actually is, causing over-exposure. I have wondered if this is another reason why this lens is so rare. I like the way it renders out of focus backgrounds and colors. I have yet to see mention anywhere of this lens in k-mount online. Only in M42 and even those are not at all common.

The Tamron 17mm Adaptall, the 51B, is nice on film within its limits. I like 17mm as an ultra-wide on a full-frame camera.

I will often shoot with my Sigma 28mm EX DG on my manual film bodies, and the focus feel is pretty decent for an AF lens, but this is not strictly what was asked for.

Aaron28 · 02-26-2023, 05:39 PM

slim pickens fer me as most MF glass i have is m42.....

reckon it would be bower 14/2.8, jc penney 28/2.8A, sears 135/2.8 macro

richfam · 02-26-2023, 10:41 PM - **1 Like**

For me, it's the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 -- one of my all-time favorite lenses to use. It creates superb images under any lighting conditions. Note that I don't shoot portraits, and I never shoot it wide open, which are the two things most photographers think about with such a lens. It's great for so much more than just bokeh portraits.

**Terry C** · 02-27-2023, 03:36 AM

Vivitar 24mm f2.8. Sharp and good contrast.

bdery · 02-27-2023, 06:05 AM - **1 Like**

Everyone is reporting and commenting about older lenses. That's fine, but...

to me the recent offerings by Irix and Laowa should be at the top of the list. The Irix 150 macro and Laowa 12mm are the two that jump to mind.

normhead · 02-27-2023, 06:17 AM

Originally posted by bdery

Everyone is reporting and commenting about older lenses. That's fine, but...

to me the recent offerings by Irix and Laowa should be at the top of the list. The Irix 150 macro and Laowa 12mm are the two that jump to mind.

To many, manual focus means living in the past. I wonder if anyone has ever done a comparison to show that any of the expensive older lenses actually deserve their reputations.

**luftfluss** · 02-27-2023, 09:04 AM

Originally posted by normhead

To many, manual focus means living in the past. I wonder if anyone has ever done a comparison to show that any of the expensive older lenses actually deserve their reputations.

In my case, I owned the Adaptall-2 90/2.5 (almost macro, does 1:2 ) at the same time as the Tamron 90/2.8 Macro. I used them only for macro and thus was shooting f/8 and beyond, and the sharpness between the two models seemed the same. The newer lens is probably sharper at wider apertures and has better flare resistance.

I wish I had the opportunity to compare the Adaptall-2 400/4 to a modern equivalent. Having used a bunch of the consumer 70-300 and 55-300 lenses, all I can say is the Adaptall impressed me with its sharpness beyond "it's sharp for an old lens".

normhead · 02-27-2023, 09:24 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by luftfluss

In my case, I owned the Adaptall-2 90/2.5 (almost macro, does 1:2 ) at the same time as the Tamron 90/2.8 Macro. I used them only for macro and thus was shooting f/8 and beyond, and the sharpness between the two models seemed the same. The newer lens is probably sharper at wider apertures and has better flare resistance.

I wish I had the opportunity to compare the Adaptall-2 400/4 to a modern equivalent. Having used a bunch of the consumer 70-300 and 55-300 lenses, all I can say is the Adaptall impressed me with its sharpness beyond "it's sharp for an old lens".

That Tamron AF 90 macro 2.8 is one of the mysteries of the universe. (No one know why this lens is so good, a rare example of a third party lens that's as good a OEM).I bought mine by accident from a guy selling Pentax gear and moving to Nikon. (His brother who used Nikon actually bought him a full introductory Nikon kit, so they'd be using the same system and could share lenses.)

In longer lenses my Tamron 300 2.8 is still the cream of my crop, easily comfortable being pushed to 510mm with the F 1.7x AF adapter. But it needs correction to be a modern lens. Much of the time it's excellent, but at times it's prone to purple fringing. But, I like its weight, so I probably wouldn't even buy an "Updated" version.

The MF on that lens is to die for. Little pinky one movement control of the whole focal plane. The focussing elements have a very short throw. Perfect for the F 1.7x. It makes up for what it lacks in control of purple fringing with rock solid results up to 1.7x on the K-3 and 2x on the K-1.

kypfer · 02-27-2023, 10:58 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bdery

Everyone is reporting and commenting about older lenses.

Interesting observation

Quote:

That's fine, but... to me the recent offerings by Irix and Laowa should be at the top of the list. The Irix 150 macro and Laowa 12mm are the two that jump to mind.

There's probably more of us with older lenses to comment on than those who have invested in the newer incarnations

normhead · 02-27-2023, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by kypfer

Interesting observation

There's probably more of us with older lenses to comment on than those who have invested in the newer incarnations

Fortunately, I own one, my Rokinon 14 2.8, and I bought it because an astro site rated it as the absolute best for astro-photography. In a world of AF, there are still MF bargains, and excellence. The mention of the Rokinon 85 1.4 is also of interest. Some lenses are just too expensive in AF. I won't buy a lens just because it's MF, but if MF is compatible with what I use it for, I'll be happy to purchase.

gifthorse · 02-27-2023, 01:31 PM - **2 Likes**

Hands down my favorite non-Pentax MF K mount prime lens (which meets the criteria) is the Vivitar (Komine made) 28mm f2 'close focusing' lens. I hunted for this lens for a number of years and finally found one for a reasonable price. I wanted it for night and low light but it's been a great all around lens.
Night/low light

General work

It's a very good close up lens

and it's my go to for stitched panoramas.

The blades on my copy are starting to get sticky, particularly in cold weather and I'm not about to take it apart and work on it myself.

02-27-2023, 06:17 AM	#25
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by bdery Everyone is reporting and commenting about older lenses. That's fine, but... to me the recent offerings by Irix and Laowa should be at the top of the list. The Irix 150 macro and Laowa 12mm are the two that jump to mind. To many, manual focus means living in the past. I wonder if anyone has ever done a comparison to show that any of the expensive older lenses actually deserve their reputations. Last edited by normhead; 02-27-2023 at 07:53 AM.

02-27-2023, 09:24 AM - 1 Like	#27
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by luftfluss In my case, I owned the Adaptall-2 90/2.5 (almost macro, does 1:2 ) at the same time as the Tamron 90/2.8 Macro. I used them only for macro and thus was shooting f/8 and beyond, and the sharpness between the two models seemed the same. The newer lens is probably sharper at wider apertures and has better flare resistance. I wish I had the opportunity to compare the Adaptall-2 400/4 to a modern equivalent. Having used a bunch of the consumer 70-300 and 55-300 lenses, all I can say is the Adaptall impressed me with its sharpness beyond "it's sharp for an old lens". That Tamron AF 90 macro 2.8 is one of the mysteries of the universe. (No one know why this lens is so good, a rare example of a third party lens that's as good a OEM).I bought mine by accident from a guy selling Pentax gear and moving to Nikon. (His brother who used Nikon actually bought him a full introductory Nikon kit, so they'd be using the same system and could share lenses.) In longer lenses my Tamron 300 2.8 is still the cream of my crop, easily comfortable being pushed to 510mm with the F 1.7x AF adapter. But it needs correction to be a modern lens. Much of the time it's excellent, but at times it's prone to purple fringing. But, I like its weight, so I probably wouldn't even buy an "Updated" version. The MF on that lens is to die for. Little pinky one movement control of the whole focal plane. The focussing elements have a very short throw. Perfect for the F 1.7x. It makes up for what it lacks in control of purple fringing with rock solid results up to 1.7x on the K-3 and 2x on the K-1. Last edited by normhead; 02-27-2023 at 12:13 PM.

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02-26-2023, 09:48 AM	#16
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	So, my four favorite (not in any particular order) Leica 50 F2 Leica 135 f2.8 *Adapted to K mount Vivitar Seried 1 70-210 Tamron Adaptal 90 2.8 macro

02-26-2023, 11:00 AM	#17
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Of the ones I've had: Manual focus - Rikenon P 50mm f1.4. AF, APS-C - Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC HSM Art.

02-26-2023, 02:23 PM	#18
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	Originally posted by Digitalis I'm presently awaiting my copy of the Legendary Voigtlander 125mm f/2.5 APO Lanthar, which I had in Nikon F mount - now I have switched to their Z Mirrorless system I'm getting the mount on the VL125 Lanthar changed from Nikon F to Pentax K. The lens technician I work with is making the mount change and is also able to take care of infinity focus adjustment. I have the Voigtlander 125mm f/2.5 APO Lanthar with K-mount and it is an incredible macro lens. Yes, it is possibly my most "fascinating" lens, but I am not sure that I would define it as my "best" lens. If I consider the usage of all my lenses, I would say that the Voigtlander Nokton 59 mm f1.4 is my "best" non-Pentax lens, by far in terms of usage: FA31mm f1.8 vs VL Nokton 58mm f1.4 - PentaxForums.com Food for thoughts....

02-26-2023, 03:06 PM - 3 Likes	#19
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	So many of the Tamron Adaptall-2 SP lenses are very good. My faves have been the 400/4 65B... 180/2.5 63B... 90/2.5 52BB...

02-26-2023, 04:36 PM - 1 Like	#20
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	I like the Tamron 52B, the 90mm f2.5 Adaptall macro quite a lot when used on a film camera. My Kiron 28mm f2 is pretty good as well as long as I remember that f2 is not where sharpness lives. My Kalt 28mm f2.8 k-mount is fun to play with on digital but the aperture ring linkage that interfaces with the camera isn't designed properly and makes the camera think the lens is stopped down more than it actually is, causing over-exposure. I have wondered if this is another reason why this lens is so rare. I like the way it renders out of focus backgrounds and colors. I have yet to see mention anywhere of this lens in k-mount online. Only in M42 and even those are not at all common. The Tamron 17mm Adaptall, the 51B, is nice on film within its limits. I like 17mm as an ultra-wide on a full-frame camera. I will often shoot with my Sigma 28mm EX DG on my manual film bodies, and the focus feel is pretty decent for an AF lens, but this is not strictly what was asked for.

02-26-2023, 05:39 PM	#21
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	slim pickens fer me as most MF glass i have is m42..... reckon it would be bower 14/2.8, jc penney 28/2.8A, sears 135/2.8 macro

02-26-2023, 10:41 PM - 1 Like	#22
richfam Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Lindsborg, Kansas Photos: Gallery Posts: 89	For me, it's the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 -- one of my all-time favorite lenses to use. It creates superb images under any lighting conditions. Note that I don't shoot portraits, and I never shoot it wide open, which are the two things most photographers think about with such a lens. It's great for so much more than just bokeh portraits.

02-27-2023, 03:36 AM	#23
Terry C Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: North west Tasmania. Photos: Gallery Posts: 609	Vivitar 24mm f2.8. Sharp and good contrast.

02-27-2023, 06:05 AM - 1 Like	#24
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Everyone is reporting and commenting about older lenses. That's fine, but... to me the recent offerings by Irix and Laowa should be at the top of the list. The Irix 150 macro and Laowa 12mm are the two that jump to mind.

02-27-2023, 09:04 AM	#26
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,619	Originally posted by normhead To many, manual focus means living in the past. I wonder if anyone has ever done a comparison to show that any of the expensive older lenses actually deserve their reputations. In my case, I owned the Adaptall-2 90/2.5 (almost macro, does 1:2 ) at the same time as the Tamron 90/2.8 Macro. I used them only for macro and thus was shooting f/8 and beyond, and the sharpness between the two models seemed the same. The newer lens is probably sharper at wider apertures and has better flare resistance. I wish I had the opportunity to compare the Adaptall-2 400/4 to a modern equivalent. Having used a bunch of the consumer 70-300 and 55-300 lenses, all I can say is the Adaptall impressed me with its sharpness beyond "it's sharp for an old lens".

02-27-2023, 10:58 AM - 1 Like	#28
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,593	Originally posted by bdery Everyone is reporting and commenting about older lenses. Interesting observation Quote: That's fine, but... to me the recent offerings by Irix and Laowa should be at the top of the list. The Irix 150 macro and Laowa 12mm are the two that jump to mind. There's probably more of us with older lenses to comment on than those who have invested in the newer incarnations

02-27-2023, 11:05 AM	#29
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by kypfer Interesting observation There's probably more of us with older lenses to comment on than those who have invested in the newer incarnations Fortunately, I own one, my Rokinon 14 2.8, and I bought it because an astro site rated it as the absolute best for astro-photography. In a world of AF, there are still MF bargains, and excellence. The mention of the Rokinon 85 1.4 is also of interest. Some lenses are just too expensive in AF. I won't buy a lens just because it's MF, but if MF is compatible with what I use it for, I'll be happy to purchase.

02-27-2023, 01:31 PM - 2 Likes	#30
gifthorse Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Nevada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,945	Hands down my favorite non-Pentax MF K mount prime lens (which meets the criteria) is the Vivitar (Komine made) 28mm f2 'close focusing' lens. I hunted for this lens for a number of years and finally found one for a reasonable price. I wanted it for night and low light but it's been a great all around lens. Night/low light General work It's a very good close up lens and it's my go to for stitched panoramas. The blades on my copy are starting to get sticky, particularly in cold weather and I'm not about to take it apart and work on it myself.