[Mike Cash]

I take strong exception to the characterization of the SMC Takumar 55/1.8 as "mediocre".

[Deiberson]

That lens is certainly an exception on his list.

[amorificus]

That lens is certainly an exception on his list.

What about tamron?! it's a legend too. Some say it's the best 35-80 tamron ever made.

[amorificus]

K here's the FINAL list of my lenses (already ordered them all) and I'm not going to buy anymore for now.

• Rokinon 14mm
• Pentax da 35mm 2.4
• Takumar 55mm 1.8
• Kamero 35mm 2.8(couldn't return it)
  
• 18-55wr
• 55-300
• tamron sp 35-80 f2.8-3.8

Now i need to stop thinking about lenses and start taking pictures

Thanks everyone for your replies.

[Mike Cash]

You are aware of the need for an M42 adapter for the 55/1.8, aren't you?

[amorificus]

You are aware of the need for an M42 adapter for the 55/1.8, aren't you?

Yes, I will have that tomorrow and I will have one for the tamron as well.

[RioRico]

New Lenses:

Pentax da 17-70
Rokinon (Samyang) 14mm f2.8

Used Lenses:

Hannimex 28mm f2.8
Super Albinar Auto 28mm f2.8
Kamero auto 35mm f2.8
smc pentax 50mm 1:2
Takumar-A 70-200mm macro
Takumar-F 70-200mm
Tamron SP 35-80mm f2.8-3.8

The DA17-70 and the Samyang 14 will keep you busy. The Tamron SP and Takumar-F should be pretty decent. The others are rather pedestrian -- not bad, not great, maybe worth about US$10-$20 each for those. My Takumar-A cost me US$9 shipped. My two Hanimex 28s (one each screwmount and bayonet) cost me US$8 total for both, shipped. I overpaid at US$27 each for my M50/2s and they're not worth selling yet. I can't comment on the Kamero 35 except that it doesn't have a bad reputation

Be aware that Hanimex and Albinar were marketing brands who sold lenses from many many makers. I know of at least 10 different versions of 28/2.8s from each brand. They were not renowned for packaging the best optics. Some are quite decent; many are just so-so; some suck outright. It's pretty hard to make a 28 or 35 or 50 that sucks. They really had to work at it.

My advice: Don't spend more money on lenses now. (Except screwmount Takumars!) Shoot with all this stuff. See what you like. Learn the lenses' strengths (if any) and weaknesses (which should be obvious pretty quickly). After a few months, ask yourself: What do I want to do that I can't do with what I have? The answer(s) will inform your future purchases. If you want to root around for used lenses, see this: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-lens-articles/59245-pawnshop-lense...ers-guide.html. Good luck!

---

Last edited by RioRico; 01-27-2012 at 02:45 AM.

[amorificus]

Oh Rico, I returned and cancelled all those lenses except for kamero 35 and tamron sp and bought new lenses

K here's the FINAL list of my lenses (already ordered them all) and I'm not going to buy anymore for now.

• Rokinon 14mm
• Pentax da 35mm 2.4
• Takumar 55mm 1.8
• Kamero 35mm 2.8(couldn't return it)
  
• 18-55wr
• 55-300
• tamron sp 35-80 f2.8-3.8

Now i need to stop thinking about lenses and start taking pictures

Thanks everyone for your replies.

[RioRico]

K here's the FINAL list of my lenses (already ordered them all) and I'm not going to buy anymore for now.

Rokinon 14mm
Pentax da 35mm 2.4
Takumar 55mm 1.8
Kamero 35mm 2.8(couldn't return it)
18-55wr
55-300
tamron sp 35-80 f2.8-3.8

That is an EXCELLENT selection! Some additional comments: The DA35/2.4 is a low-cost winner. The Takumar 55/1.8 is a superior lens, one of the best. The Kamero may be surprisingly good. The DA18-55WR will entice you to crawl in mud. And the DA55-300 is much esteemed as a fine budget tele. Have fun!

[amorificus]

Thanks Rico.

I'm loving my k-5. It's so awesome. Amazing in low light.

Here are some test shots: Pentax k5 tests - a set on Flickr