[timstone]

I'm all over the place as far as things I like to take pictures of. I do portrait stuff, just for fun stuff, landscapes and would like to eventually get into maybe doing some car work.

I only have the kit lens for my K-x and will almost definitely get some version of the 50mm from a K mount for indoor portraits.

What I'm looking for is something that is decent in low light...sharp...and of course good quality. I'm not sure what I'm willing to spend...so maybe just throw out some ideas and I'll look around.

[RioRico]

Helios-44 58/2. Cheap and sharp.

PS: This thread will probably get moved to the LENS area pretty soon.

[Wheatfield]

Any of the Pentax 50mm lenses are an excellent choice. My favourite is the A50/1.4 if you aren't into brand new.
Also look at any of the 50/1.7 lenses. The A is excellent, the F is very good as well.
The bottom line is that you can't go wrong with any Pentax 50mm lens.
If you want to spend money, then the DA*55/1.4 is a gem, but $$$$.
I had a Nokton 58/1.4 for quite a while. I did sell it, but sometimes regret the decision to let it go. It's a little flarier than the Pentax lenses, but was very nice in every other regard.

[timstone]

Helios-44 58/2. Cheap and sharp.

PS: This thread will probably get moved to the LENS area pretty soon.

I would need the screwmount>M42 adapter to use that lens...correct?

[RioRico]

I would need the screwmount>M42 adapter to use that lens...correct?

Correct. That's no big deal. It's a M42-to-PK adapter, where M42 is the screwmount, and PK means Pentax K-mount (their patented bayonet design). Even with an Official Pentax adapter at the current inflated price, a Helios-44 and adapter package will cost well under US$100. And the adapter can be used with other M42 lenses, which are often insanely cheap and sharp. You can find lenses like 28/2.8, 35/2.8, 50/1.4 to 55/1.8, 135/2.8, and 200/4, made by Pentax (Takumar) or Mamiya or Vivitar or various Russians, all in the range of US$10-$60 each. Some of my best lenses cost under US$10; most were under $30. There are various tricks for using them; hang around here, and learn. Have fun!

[Itai]

DA* 16-50mm F2.8 - I do over 80% of my photography with this one lens. The range covers from very wide (24mm equivalent) to moderate (75mm equivalent). It is an excellent lens which will let you finally get rid of that kit-lens.

- Itai
Neoluminance | Fine Art Photography by Itai Danan

[timstone]

Are there some really good lenses that would be versatile for my needs around $200-250??? I'd like to keep a little extra because I think the 50mm will run me around $100 or so and I don't think I'll have much to spend...maybe $400 on the far end.

[nulla]

DA* 16-50mm F2.8 - I do over 80% of my photography with this one lens. The range covers from very wide (24mm equivalent) to moderate (75mm equivalent). It is an excellent lens which will let you finally get rid of that kit-lens.

- Itai
Neoluminance | Fine Art Photography by Itai Danan

I agree that when it comes to zooms this too is my most used and loved lens... a stellar performer with brilliant results


Neil

[wlank]

I only have the kit lens for my K-x and will almost definitely get some version of the 50mm from a K mount for indoor portraits.

What I'm looking for is something that is decent in low light...sharp...and of course good quality. I'm not sure what I'm willing to spend...so maybe just throw out some ideas and I'll look around.

If funds were no object, Zeiss Planar T* 1,4/50. It comes in both K-mount and M42. I would buy the M42. Of course you can see by my sig. that I have an M42 camera body. But who knows, you might loose your head some day and get one yourself. Stranger things have happened.

[Recercare]

Are there some really good lenses that would be versatile for my needs around $200-250??? I'd like to keep a little extra because I think the 50mm will run me around $100 or so and I don't think I'll have much to spend...maybe $400 on the far end.

If you're lucky you can get the F 50mm F1.7 or the FA 50mm F1.4 for $250 USD. They are both fast and very good.

If you can cope with manual focus and exposure then get the M 50mm F1.7 (approx $50-75 USD) and the M 135mm F3.5 (approx $80-100 USD). These two lenses are real gems.

Update: I forgot another gem....the M 100mm F2.8.

Kind regards
.lars

[ll_coffee_lP]

M 50mm f/1.7 if you dig manual focus.

FA 50mm f/1.4 if you dig auto focus.

c[_]

[tokyoso]

If funds were no object, Zeiss Planar T* 1,4/50. It comes in both K-mount and M42. I would buy the M42. Of course you can see by my sig. that I have an M42 camera body. But who knows, you might loose your head some day and get one yourself. Stranger things have happened.

+1,,, i thought the Zeiss ZK mounts work like Pentax A* lenses?

but then you have less versatility to switch mounts.....?

[StephenMerola]

You can get the Helios 58mm in a K mount. I have one. They appear on ebay occasionally. Great lens.

I would just save for limiteds....because you know you are gonna want them eventually. I sure do.

[Pentaxor]

if you dont mind shooting manual >>> K55/1.8 . you'll love this one.

[MrApollinax]

When I was starting out and I started researching lenses what i took away from a lot of the forums is this:

1. Get a Normal Prime (50mm)
2. Have a dedicated Macro if you are going to do macro
3. Have a wide angle lens

So far I have the first two and and I'm using my 18-250 (which replaced my kit + 70-300) for wide angle. Good luck with your search!