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06-11-2009, 09:10 PM   #1
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Recommended lens(es) for K20d

I'm planning on getting a K20d fairly soon and would be intersted in opinions on lenses to go with it. I have inherited a 55/1.8 super Takumar lens from an old Spotmatic, plus a 135/3.5Hanimex . I was thinking of something like a 18-55 zoom. I am expecting to stick with Pentax for a long time so would like to build a good system from the start. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

06-11-2009, 09:20 PM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by bessa66 Quote
I'm planning on getting a K20d fairly soon and would be intersted in opinions on lenses to go with it. I have inherited a 55/1.8 super Takumar lens from an old Spotmatic, plus a 135/3.5Hanimex . I was thinking of something like a 18-55 zoom. I am expecting to stick with Pentax for a long time so would like to build a good system from the start. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.
The 18-55 kit lens is decent but if money is no object, go for the Pentax *DA 16-50f/2.8.

If that is too expensive, Sigma and Tamron make an 18-50 f/2.8 and 17-50 f/2.8 repectively. Both are good zooms and cosiderably less expensive.

Last but not least, is the Pentax DA 16-45 f/4. It is not as fast nor as long zoom wise, as the three metioned above, but is an excellent lens nonetheless and easier on the pocketbook .

Welcome to the forum!
06-11-2009, 09:34 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by bessa66 Quote
I have inherited a 55/1.8 super Takumar lens from an old Spotmatic, plus a 135/3.5Hanimex .
Buy the Pentax m42 to k mount adapter.

PentaxWebstore Mount Adapter B (35mm Screwmount to Bayonet)
06-11-2009, 09:55 PM   #4
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Welcome bessa. Let me preface the following with I am no god of ground glass and only presenting options.

The current Pentax lineup looks like this:
+ The DA18-55 AL (or AL II) kit lens. It's no slouch. Possibly the best quality "kit" lens in the industry. That's your least expensive option.
+ Next up in price would be the DA 16-45mm f/4.0 which I have not owned but have used and/or handled raw files from to say it renders very nicely.
+ Next comes the DA 17-70 f/4.0. I can not attest to its virtues but haven't seen a lynch mob coming after its designers either. It will run you around $500 and provides you with SDM (silent focus motor) and a bit more range.
+ The DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3. This is a "super-zoom" or "utility zoom". It has massive range, and very good image quality if you take into account its inherent limitations. I had a copy and loved it - actually somewhat regret letting it go. There is some barrel distortion at the long end and some light vignetting at the wide end. But it is a great lens nonetheless.
+ Finally is the DA* 16-50mm 2.8. This is the top-of-the-line short zoom. Better optics, it's fast (f/2.8), SDM AF motor and weather sealed. It comes with a matching sticker price.

For 3rd party offerings there are, for me, two hands down best choices:
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 & Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. I own the Tamron 17-50 and in my opinion as far as image rendering is concerned it's as good as the DA*16-50 and about $300 less expensive. I am finding for my day-to-day shooting I run up against that 50mm mark too often with both my 17-50 and DA*50-135 and am planning to "fix that problem" by adding the Tamron 28-75/2.8 to my bag.

So there are a bunch of options. I'm not going to attempt to sell you one way or the other - they are all good lenses in their own respects. But... keep that old glass too!

06-11-2009, 10:06 PM   #5
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Go With Some Limiteds

QuoteOriginally posted by bessa66 Quote
I'm planning on getting a K20d fairly soon and would be intersted in opinions on lenses to go with it. I have inherited a 55/1.8 super Takumar lens from an old Spotmatic, plus a 135/3.5Hanimex . I was thinking of something like a 18-55 zoom. I am expecting to stick with Pentax for a long time so would like to build a good system from the start. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.
Get the kit lens (DA 18-55mm). It is a good lens at great price. If I were to do it all again, I would then go straight to the DA21 Limited, DA40 Limited and DA70 Limited. I don't have the DA40, FA50 instead, but the other 2 are so good that I will get the DA40 at some point.
A little more about your shooting style would help with suggestions. Once I started again with prime lenses, I almost never have a zoom on my camera.
06-12-2009, 12:39 AM   #6
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Thanks for thoughts so far. Shooting is varied from, travel, landscapes, buildings and kids.
06-13-2009, 01:34 PM   #7
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The Tak will be a great lens for you but no auto focus and you'll need a M42adapter(buy the real deal Pentax!). You'll also have to learn to work with stop down metering.My opinion for whatever it's worth is to take a short step up price wise from the 18-55 and get a DA 16-45 which will allow you to use all the auto features of the camera while you are getting used to it. Later you can expand your horizons.

06-13-2009, 02:04 PM   #8
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G'day mate.
Suggestions so far are good - agree with them all.

Travel & landscapes - 16-45 or 16-50 are great - anything wider (esp. for buildings/architecture) requires something like a 12-24 or Sigma 10-20.

Kids - something fast, like an FA 50/1.4 (just 'cause it's AF) or if you have the funds, the 50-135 (your kids are worth it! - just a subtle plug for Pentax!). Though the newer 50-150 offering by Sigma would probably match the 50-135 (don't know about its price though).

Best of luck with the Mrs on getting this expensive glassware! (call it china for a better reaction)
06-13-2009, 03:05 PM   #9
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When you want to go wide, the 12-24 is very handy.
06-13-2009, 03:32 PM   #10
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A decent tele zoom to consider is the DA 55-300. Also don't pension off the M42 mount lenses and get a genuine Pentax adapter for them. The 55mm f1.8 used manually will provide rather pleasing results.
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