Originally posted by mr. jef Dear Pentax Friends,
I'm considering buying something in the 65 to 90 mm range to replace my 135 mm (which i find hard to use on my k20). I want a lens that does not go over 150 euros, has nice bokeh and would be good for (as a start) concert photography and portraits. And with an acceptable short focus distance (the 1.70 meter of the M 135 is a bit nasty).
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So i'm obviously very much drawn to the Jupiter 85mm. Are there different versions out there and is there one to recommend? And how much of a pain in the ass is the preset diaphragm (i have a high pain threshold). And are there any good competitors within the same limits? Thanks for your response!
Here is a good place to start:
PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - MC 85mm f/2 M-42
There are multiple versions of the J-9 in multiple mounts. Your best bet (IMHO) is to get the black version in M42 mount (MC preferred), made by LZOS (triangle/circle makers mark). The first two digits of the serial number is the year of manufacture.
The preset aperture is not too much of a pain. At least it is no worse than any other M42 lens on a Pentax dSLR. Use Av mode and use the pre-set ring to dial in your desired shutter speed. Apply 1.5-2 stops exposure compensation at the wide end.
As for competition in the same focal length range and similar price point...that is a tall order. Pentax-M 85/2? The Pentax has a good reputation and can sometimes be had for not too much more than a new J-9. Another good bet might be any of the Tamron SP 90/2.8 macro. The Adaptal-2 versions with 1:2 macro are not too much money and have excellent image quality.
Steve