Looking for a portrait lens:)

Buddha Jones · 01-02-2009, 06:50 PM

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Heck, if we're gonna go budget, you can get the DA40LTD and a M/A 50 f/1.7 or a K55mm

OK, here is the definitive list...

40mm
http://cgi.ebay.com/SMC-PENTAX-M-40-MM-f2-8-PRIME-LENS-Pentax-PK_W0QQitemZ22...3A1%7C294%3A50
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pentax-40-F2-8-SMC-M-49-35MM-SLR_W0QQitemZ160307633721QQ...3A1%7C294%3A50

55mm
http://cgi.ebay.com/SMC-PENTAX-1-1-8-55-Prime-Lens-PENTAX-K-MOUNT-EXC-Japan_...3A1%7C294%3A50
http://cgi.ebay.com/SMC-pentax-1-1-8-55-lense_W0QQitemZ150318390355QQcmdZVie...3A1%7C294%3A50
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pentax-SMC-55mm-f-2-K-mount-lens-35mm-SMCP-55-f2_W0QQite...3A1%7C294%3A50

85mm
http://cgi.ebay.com/FAST-SMC-Pentax-M-1-2-85mm-portrait-lense-Bayonet-mount_...3A1%7C294%3A50

35-70mm Zoom
http://cgi.ebay.com/PENTAX-AF-ZOOM-LENS-SMC-F-1-3-5-4-5-37-70-MM_W0QQitemZ32...3A1%7C294%3A50

You have your low light options and your artsy options, your tight options and you fallback zoom option, and saving tons of money.

Last edited by Buddha Jones; 01-02-2009 at 07:03 PM.

nostatic · 01-02-2009, 07:20 PM

Originally posted by Michaelina2

...REALLY artsy... go DA 14 (oops over budget, new)?

...somewhat artsy... go FA 35 (a tiny bit over budget, new)?

...a little artsy... go DA 40 Ltd (US200-250, new)?

...kinda artsy... go FA 43 Ltd (oops... over budget, new)?

...not so artsy... go FA 50 (within budget, new)?

...conventional... go DA 70 Ltd (oops... over budget, new)?

Pick your poison... cheers....

You missed the first choice: 77ltd

Budget? Bah...save your money then buy a keeper.

**NaClH2O** · 01-02-2009, 07:23 PM

I've found my Tamron 90mm F2.8 macro makes a great head and shoulders portrait lens. Almost too good in fact as it might be considered "too sharp".

NaCl(most people don't want to see all their flaws in bright gorey detail)H2O

**Michaelina2** · 01-02-2009, 07:37 PM

Originally posted by nostatic

You missed the first choice: 77ltd

FA 77 Ltd ... much TOO conventional...

DYT?

Cheers...

Marc Sabatella · 01-02-2009, 07:53 PM

Originally posted by Aaron1971

I have the Vivitar 135/2.8. I am looking for maybe a shorter lens for candid portraits, etc. Would anybody recommend this lens....Pentax Macro 100mm f4 Lens w/ dental scale * K-mount, for $225?

I'm not sure what advantage it would have over the regular M100/2.8 for portraits. Macro capability, obviously, and might be sharper at most apertures, but the M100/2.8 is already sharp enough for portraiture at wide apertures, and has the advantage of f/2.8 for shallower DOF (not to mention better low light performance and easier handholdability) plus it's half the price. If you're attracted to 100mm, it's an obvious choice, I think. But 100mm *is* still on the long side for most portraiture.

nostatic · 01-02-2009, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by Michaelina2

FA 77 Ltd ... much TOO conventional...

DYT?

Cheers...

It is so conventional, that it comes full circle to be unconventional. It then moves beyond unconventional to disconventional, and finally rests and antidistestablishmenventional.

I believe DPR did a review of the 77ltd ademv lens awhile back. It rendered brick walls better than anything they'd ever seen. Made them look like rich Corinthian leather stretched over marble by virgins.

Buddha Jones · 01-02-2009, 08:27 PM

Originally posted by Buddha Jones

Heck, if we're gonna go budget, you can get the DA40LTD and a M/A 50 f/1.7 or a K55mm

OK, here is the definitive list...

40mm
SMC PENTAX-M 40 MM f2.8 PRIME LENS - Pentax PK - eBay (item 220336308454 end time Jan-04-09 16:53:24 PST)
Pentax 40 F2.8 SMC M (49) 35MM SLR - eBay (item 160307633721 end time Jan-08-09 08:19:37 PST)

55mm
SMC PENTAX 1:1.8/55 Prime Lens PENTAX K-MOUNT EXC Japan - eBay (item 130278851793 end time Jan-11-09 03:18:08 PST)
SMC pentax 1:1.8/55 lense - eBay (item 150318390355 end time Jan-05-09 03:17:41 PST)
Pentax SMC 55mm f/2 K-mount lens 35mm SMCP 55 f2 - eBay (item 150318937973 end time Jan-04-09 19:38:38 PST)

85mm
FAST SMC Pentax M 1:2 85mm portrait lense Bayonet mount - eBay (item 400020815179 end time Jan-03-09 13:31:37 PST)

35-70mm Zoom
PENTAX AF ZOOM LENS SMC -F 1:3.5-4.5 37-70 MM - eBay (item 320328939697 end time Jan-07-09 18:00:00 PST)

You have your low light options and your artsy options, your tight options and you fallback zoom option, and saving tons of money.

That 85mm f/2 kinda has me intrigued....

jsherman999 · 01-02-2009, 08:52 PM

Originally posted by Buddha Jones

That 85mm f/2 kinda has me intrigued....

It should! It's one of my favorite lenses.

There were some so-so reviews early on, followed by some 'holy crap, it's
actually great' reviews. I'm solidly in the 'holy crap' crowd.

Igilligan · 01-02-2009, 09:05 PM

Originally posted by jsherman999

It should! It's one of my favorite lenses.

There were some so-so reviews early on, followed by some 'holy crap, it's
actually great' reviews. I'm solidly in the 'holy crap' crowd.

Holy Crap... I just joined the 'holy crap' crowd... beautiful shot Jay

jsherman999 · 01-02-2009, 09:07 PM

Originally posted by Igilligan

Holy Crap... I just joined the 'holy crap' crowd... beautiful shot Jay

Adorama has one in E- condition for $179 measly USD!

(Although your J-9 can run with the M85 f/2 also.)

**monochrome** · 01-02-2009, 09:43 PM

Originally posted by Buddha Jones

That 85mm f/2 kinda has me intrigued....

Note the seller reveals in the fine print that the "dust between the glasses might be a fungus." Look at the rear element.

(I cheated on the "no ebay" pledge yesterday and viewed that lens)

roentarre · 01-03-2009, 01:06 AM

I would stick to Fa 77mm ltd for the protraits since no one is mentioning it :P

Igilligan · 01-03-2009, 01:15 AM

I think the OP had a 300 dollar limit... and if on the off chance you are offering up your FA 77 for that much... I got dibs ;^)

Idanz0r · 01-03-2009, 04:12 AM

As Igilligan said, i have budget limit, but can you link me to the 85mm f/2? (btw great shot)

Buddha, i prefer buying new lenses because of warranty issues. so i still stick with 50 mm option. I'll have to go to some shops and check the 50mm myself before i buy it.
btw, the 77mm is too expensive for me , 600+$

(

Michaelina2 , i think only the 50+mm would be options because others lenses wouldn't fulfill the portrait part.

does the 50mm has the "artsy" thingy ?

jsherman999 · 01-03-2009, 06:27 AM

Originally posted by Idanz0r

As Igilligan said, i have budget limit, but can you link me to the 85mm f/2? (btw great shot)

Buddha, i prefer buying new lenses because of warranty issues. so i still stick with 50 mm option. I'll have to go to some shops and check the 50mm myself before i buy it.
btw, the 77mm is too expensive for me , 600+$

(

Michaelina2 , i think only the 50+mm would be options because others lenses wouldn't fulfill the portrait part.

does the 50mm has the "artsy" thingy ?

Here's the Adorama 85 f/2. I think I'd skip that ebay fungally-challenged 85, although you may be able to get it cheaply and have Eric clean it, ending up with a cheap usable lens, but I'd go with the adorama. The have one at E- and one at E for $30 more.

However, all manual - no AF or even A setting - you have to be willing to green-button it and MF.

.

01-02-2009, 07:37 PM	#19
Michaelina2 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SE Michigan USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,300	Easy pick, the... Originally posted by nostatic You missed the first choice: 77ltd FA 77 Ltd ... much TOO conventional... DYT? Cheers...

01-03-2009, 04:12 AM	#29
Idanz0r Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 39 Original Poster	As Igilligan said, i have budget limit, but can you link me to the 85mm f/2? (btw great shot) Buddha, i prefer buying new lenses because of warranty issues. so i still stick with 50 mm option. I'll have to go to some shops and check the 50mm myself before i buy it. btw, the 77mm is too expensive for me , 600+$ ( Michaelina2 , i think only the 50+mm would be options because others lenses wouldn't fulfill the portrait part. does the 50mm has the "artsy" thingy ? Last edited by Idanz0r; 01-03-2009 at 04:38 AM.

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01-02-2009, 06:50 PM	#16
Buddha Jones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,587	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Heck, if we're gonna go budget, you can get the DA40LTD and a M/A 50 f/1.7 or a K55mm OK, here is the definitive list... 40mm http://cgi.ebay.com/SMC-PENTAX-M-40-MM-f2-8-PRIME-LENS-Pentax-PK_W0QQitemZ22...3A1%7C294%3A50 http://cgi.ebay.com/Pentax-40-F2-8-SMC-M-49-35MM-SLR_W0QQitemZ160307633721QQ...3A1%7C294%3A50 55mm http://cgi.ebay.com/SMC-PENTAX-1-1-8-55-Prime-Lens-PENTAX-K-MOUNT-EXC-Japan_...3A1%7C294%3A50 http://cgi.ebay.com/SMC-pentax-1-1-8-55-lense_W0QQitemZ150318390355QQcmdZVie...3A1%7C294%3A50 http://cgi.ebay.com/Pentax-SMC-55mm-f-2-K-mount-lens-35mm-SMCP-55-f2_W0QQite...3A1%7C294%3A50 85mm http://cgi.ebay.com/FAST-SMC-Pentax-M-1-2-85mm-portrait-lense-Bayonet-mount_...3A1%7C294%3A50 35-70mm Zoom http://cgi.ebay.com/PENTAX-AF-ZOOM-LENS-SMC-F-1-3-5-4-5-37-70-MM_W0QQitemZ32...3A1%7C294%3A50 You have your low light options and your artsy options, your tight options and you fallback zoom option, and saving tons of money. Last edited by Buddha Jones; 01-02-2009 at 07:03 PM.

01-02-2009, 07:20 PM	#17
nostatic Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: socal Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,575	Originally posted by Michaelina2 ...REALLY artsy... go DA 14 (oops over budget, new)? ...somewhat artsy... go FA 35 (a tiny bit over budget, new)? ...a little artsy... go DA 40 Ltd (US200-250, new)? ...kinda artsy... go FA 43 Ltd (oops... over budget, new)? ...not so artsy... go FA 50 (within budget, new)? ...conventional... go DA 70 Ltd (oops... over budget, new)? Pick your poison... cheers.... You missed the first choice: 77ltd Budget? Bah...save your money then buy a keeper.

01-02-2009, 07:23 PM	#18
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	I've found my Tamron 90mm F2.8 macro makes a great head and shoulders portrait lens. Almost too good in fact as it might be considered "too sharp". NaCl(most people don't want to see all their flaws in bright gorey detail)H2O

01-02-2009, 07:53 PM	#20
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Originally posted by Aaron1971 I have the Vivitar 135/2.8. I am looking for maybe a shorter lens for candid portraits, etc. Would anybody recommend this lens....Pentax Macro 100mm f4 Lens w/ dental scale * K-mount, for $225? I'm not sure what advantage it would have over the regular M100/2.8 for portraits. Macro capability, obviously, and might be sharper at most apertures, but the M100/2.8 is already sharp enough for portraiture at wide apertures, and has the advantage of f/2.8 for shallower DOF (not to mention better low light performance and easier handholdability) plus it's half the price. If you're attracted to 100mm, it's an obvious choice, I think. But 100mm is still on the long side for most portraiture.

01-02-2009, 08:09 PM	#21
nostatic Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: socal Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,575	Originally posted by Michaelina2 FA 77 Ltd ... much TOO conventional... DYT? Cheers... It is so conventional, that it comes full circle to be unconventional. It then moves beyond unconventional to disconventional, and finally rests and antidistestablishmenventional. I believe DPR did a review of the 77ltd ademv lens awhile back. It rendered brick walls better than anything they'd ever seen. Made them look like rich Corinthian leather stretched over marble by virgins.

01-02-2009, 08:27 PM	#22
Buddha Jones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,587	Originally posted by Buddha Jones Heck, if we're gonna go budget, you can get the DA40LTD and a M/A 50 f/1.7 or a K55mm OK, here is the definitive list... 40mm SMC PENTAX-M 40 MM f2.8 PRIME LENS - Pentax PK - eBay (item 220336308454 end time Jan-04-09 16:53:24 PST) Pentax 40 F2.8 SMC M (49) 35MM SLR - eBay (item 160307633721 end time Jan-08-09 08:19:37 PST) 55mm SMC PENTAX 1:1.8/55 Prime Lens PENTAX K-MOUNT EXC Japan - eBay (item 130278851793 end time Jan-11-09 03:18:08 PST) SMC pentax 1:1.8/55 lense - eBay (item 150318390355 end time Jan-05-09 03:17:41 PST) Pentax SMC 55mm f/2 K-mount lens 35mm SMCP 55 f2 - eBay (item 150318937973 end time Jan-04-09 19:38:38 PST) 85mm FAST SMC Pentax M 1:2 85mm portrait lense Bayonet mount - eBay (item 400020815179 end time Jan-03-09 13:31:37 PST) 35-70mm Zoom PENTAX AF ZOOM LENS SMC -F 1:3.5-4.5 37-70 MM - eBay (item 320328939697 end time Jan-07-09 18:00:00 PST) You have your low light options and your artsy options, your tight options and you fallback zoom option, and saving tons of money. That 85mm f/2 kinda has me intrigued....

01-02-2009, 08:52 PM	#23
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by Buddha Jones That 85mm f/2 kinda has me intrigued.... It should! It's one of my favorite lenses. There were some so-so reviews early on, followed by some 'holy crap, it's actually great' reviews. I'm solidly in the 'holy crap' crowd.

01-02-2009, 09:05 PM	#24
Igilligan Guest	Originally posted by jsherman999 It should! It's one of my favorite lenses. There were some so-so reviews early on, followed by some 'holy crap, it's actually great' reviews. I'm solidly in the 'holy crap' crowd. Holy Crap... I just joined the 'holy crap' crowd... beautiful shot Jay

01-02-2009, 09:07 PM	#25
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by Igilligan Holy Crap... I just joined the 'holy crap' crowd... beautiful shot Jay Adorama has one in E- condition for $179 measly USD! (Although your J-9 can run with the M85 f/2 also.)

01-02-2009, 09:43 PM	#26
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Buddha Jones That 85mm f/2 kinda has me intrigued.... Note the seller reveals in the fine print that the "dust between the glasses might be a fungus." Look at the rear element. (I cheated on the "no ebay" pledge yesterday and viewed that lens)

01-03-2009, 01:06 AM	#27
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	I would stick to Fa 77mm ltd for the protraits since no one is mentioning it :P

01-03-2009, 01:15 AM	#28
Igilligan Guest	I think the OP had a 300 dollar limit... and if on the off chance you are offering up your FA 77 for that much... I got dibs ;^)

01-03-2009, 06:27 AM	#30
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by Idanz0r As Igilligan said, i have budget limit, but can you link me to the 85mm f/2? (btw great shot) Buddha, i prefer buying new lenses because of warranty issues. so i still stick with 50 mm option. I'll have to go to some shops and check the 50mm myself before i buy it. btw, the 77mm is too expensive for me , 600+$ ( Michaelina2 , i think only the 50+mm would be options because others lenses wouldn't fulfill the portrait part. does the 50mm has the "artsy" thingy ? Here's the Adorama 85 f/2. I think I'd skip that ebay fungally-challenged 85, although you may be able to get it cheaply and have Eric clean it, ending up with a cheap usable lens, but I'd go with the adorama. The have one at E- and one at E for $30 more. However, all manual - no AF or even A setting - you have to be willing to green-button it and MF. .