What lens do you use most often with the K-01 ?

yellowbrick · 06-03-2013, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by Biro

Of those, the DA 21 and 40 account for 80-90 percent usage.

Same here!

Originally posted by Biro

But something a bit smaller and lighter, like the DA L 18-55 or the DA 18-55 II would be a better match.

Hmm, interesting. I hadn't thought about the kit lens as a good zoom for the K-01. I'm searching for a quiet focusing "normal-range" zoom lens to use with my K-01 and have narrowed it down to either DA 18-135 or Sigma 17-70 (newest "Contemporary" version). But maybe I should think about the DA 18-55 because it's so light and compact, even if it's not exactly quiet when it focuses...

audiobomber · 06-03-2013, 01:36 PM

I have a white DA L 18-55 that I was intending to use on my K-01. I did try it for one day of shooting, but the results were disappointing. I'm not a fan of the 18-55, it needs to be stopped down a full stop for any sharpness. For a zoom, I much prefer the 16-45 or 18-135 which I also own. Mostly I use primes with the K-01.

Biro · 06-03-2013, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by yellowbrick

Same here!

Hmm, interesting. I hadn't thought about the kit lens as a good zoom for the K-01. I'm searching for a quiet focusing "normal-range" zoom lens to use with my K-01 and have narrowed it down to either DA 18-135 or Sigma 17-70 (newest "Contemporary" version). But maybe I should think about the DA 18-55 because it's so light and compact, even if it's not exactly quiet when it focuses...

That's exactly it. The 18-55 would be more balanced on the K-01 to my way of thinking. The 18-135 is a great walk-around lens and I'm sure it would give fine results on the K-01. But I just think it might be a bit to long and heavy to feel right. I'm talking about hand-held work here. With a tripod, virtually anything with a K-mount will work. The great thing with the 18-55 is that you don't need to search and pay for a WR version. Either the regular Mark II version or the even less-expensive plastic-mount DA-L version will be fine - and look good on a K-01.

Biro · 06-03-2013, 02:11 PM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I have a white DA L 18-55 that I was intending to use on my K-01. I did try it for one day of shooting, but the results were disappointing. I'm not a fan of the 18-55, it needs to be stopped down a full stop for any sharpness. For a zoom, I much prefer the 16-45 or 18-135 which I also own. Mostly I use primes with the K-01.

Interesting. Perhaps you're right or maybe there is sample variation involved. But here's the good part: It doesn't cost very much to pick up a non-WR 18-55 and give it a try. I usually use primes on the K-01 as well. For me, the 16-45 and 18-135 are a bit too big and heavy on that particular camera. But maybe that's just me.

yellowbrick · 06-03-2013, 05:22 PM

Originally posted by Biro

For me, the 16-45 and 18-135 are a bit too big and heavy on that particular camera. But maybe that's just me.

Hmm. something to consider. Especially because the K-01 doesn't have a good grip so the balance might be way too heavily tilted toward the lens with these zooms. Thanks for these opinions, much appreciated!

devorama · 06-05-2013, 02:33 PM

If I'm shooting an event, I'll shoot the K-01 with the DA70 and carry my Sony RX-100 for the wide shots.

pdirestajr · 06-06-2013, 11:22 AM

I love the unique 35mm f/2.8 macro Limited- with manual focus (peaking).

ChopperCharles · 06-07-2013, 02:06 PM

The lens I have attached more than any other... at least 80% of the time, is the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 (continuous).

It's just an amazing lens, and it autofocuses so much better on the K-01 than it does on my K-x. It's 100% accurate on the K-01, and if I need to use manual focus for macro work that's a breeze too. (9" minimum focus distance). It's a little heavy, but I get a great zoom range for portraiture and street shooting, super sharp images, and a fast f2.8 when I need some serious bokeh or the light starts fading.

Most of the rest of the time, it has a 50mm f1.7 on it. I have barely touched the 40mm XS lens. Every now and then I'll toss the 55-300 or a superzoom on if I know I'm going someplace I need telephoto, but that's rare. The combination of the Tamron and the K-01 just roxx my soxx. I just smile whenever I pick up that camera.

Charles.

Math-Geek · 06-07-2013, 03:27 PM

Nice outfit! Where did you get that camera strap?

NitroDC · 06-09-2013, 05:24 AM

I basically exclusively use primes on my K-01. I don't have many but I mainly use my DA15 and F50/1.7. Anything bigger is awkward to use, especially zooms. I don't know why but I can't stand zooming in live view.

bradsarno · 06-10-2013, 09:02 AM

I'm finding these 4 to be in top rotation:

#1 - 40mm f2.8 DA XS pancake (fact: this is a VERY serious lens, not to be underestimated)
#2 - Pentax-F 35-70mm (best bang for the buck AF zoom with prime lens image quality. It likes to have a hood.)
#3 - Pentax-A 50mm f1.7 (works in auto, outrageous optical quality - the best IQ of the bunch)
#4 - Pentax DA AL 18-55mm II (version II is an excellent lens, great zoom range and very good IQ, first choice for casual walk-around use)

aussy · 06-23-2013, 04:31 PM

I've been using a 50mm 1.4 FA for low light concert photography, working out great! Though, I set everything to manual half the time and make use of the camera's peaking.

Tonto · 06-23-2013, 10:03 PM

The FA31 is glued to my K01 they were made for each other it seems.
The only bugbear is the FA31 is large so I would love the pancake trio 21/40/70 for when I want to stay super no-descript.

Tonto · 06-23-2013, 10:04 PM

Originally posted by bradsarno

I'm finding these 4 to be in top rotation:

#1 - 40mm f2.8 DA XS pancake (fact: this is a VERY serious lens, not to be underestimated)
#2 - Pentax-F 35-70mm (best bang for the buck AF zoom with prime lens image quality. It likes to have a hood.)
#3 - Pentax-A 50mm f1.7 (works in auto, outrageous optical quality - the best IQ of the bunch)
#4 - Pentax DA AL 18-55mm II (version II is an excellent lens, great zoom range and very good IQ, first choice for casual walk-around use)

How is the AF of your 35-70? Mine is atrocious on the K01 which is a huge shame as it is so tiny and light!

fotogen · 06-25-2013, 12:12 PM

It was:
My DA 18-55 kit lens until it fell out of my camera bag and the autofocus stopped working.
Then it was my Vivitar Series 1 28mm F1.9 but I sold it.
Now probably the DA 40 kit lens that came with my K-01.

I am looking for a new walkaround lens, leaning towards the Tamron 17-50.

fotogen

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06-03-2013, 01:27 PM	#76
yellowbrick Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 110	Originally posted by Biro Of those, the DA 21 and 40 account for 80-90 percent usage. Same here! Originally posted by Biro But something a bit smaller and lighter, like the DA L 18-55 or the DA 18-55 II would be a better match. Hmm, interesting. I hadn't thought about the kit lens as a good zoom for the K-01. I'm searching for a quiet focusing "normal-range" zoom lens to use with my K-01 and have narrowed it down to either DA 18-135 or Sigma 17-70 (newest "Contemporary" version). But maybe I should think about the DA 18-55 because it's so light and compact, even if it's not exactly quiet when it focuses...

06-03-2013, 01:36 PM	#77
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I have a white DA L 18-55 that I was intending to use on my K-01. I did try it for one day of shooting, but the results were disappointing. I'm not a fan of the 18-55, it needs to be stopped down a full stop for any sharpness. For a zoom, I much prefer the 16-45 or 18-135 which I also own. Mostly I use primes with the K-01.

06-03-2013, 01:37 PM	#78
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	Originally posted by yellowbrick Same here! Hmm, interesting. I hadn't thought about the kit lens as a good zoom for the K-01. I'm searching for a quiet focusing "normal-range" zoom lens to use with my K-01 and have narrowed it down to either DA 18-135 or Sigma 17-70 (newest "Contemporary" version). But maybe I should think about the DA 18-55 because it's so light and compact, even if it's not exactly quiet when it focuses... That's exactly it. The 18-55 would be more balanced on the K-01 to my way of thinking. The 18-135 is a great walk-around lens and I'm sure it would give fine results on the K-01. But I just think it might be a bit to long and heavy to feel right. I'm talking about hand-held work here. With a tripod, virtually anything with a K-mount will work. The great thing with the 18-55 is that you don't need to search and pay for a WR version. Either the regular Mark II version or the even less-expensive plastic-mount DA-L version will be fine - and look good on a K-01.

06-03-2013, 02:11 PM	#79
Biro Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,200	Originally posted by audiobomber I have a white DA L 18-55 that I was intending to use on my K-01. I did try it for one day of shooting, but the results were disappointing. I'm not a fan of the 18-55, it needs to be stopped down a full stop for any sharpness. For a zoom, I much prefer the 16-45 or 18-135 which I also own. Mostly I use primes with the K-01. Interesting. Perhaps you're right or maybe there is sample variation involved. But here's the good part: It doesn't cost very much to pick up a non-WR 18-55 and give it a try. I usually use primes on the K-01 as well. For me, the 16-45 and 18-135 are a bit too big and heavy on that particular camera. But maybe that's just me.

06-03-2013, 05:22 PM	#80
yellowbrick Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 110	Originally posted by Biro For me, the 16-45 and 18-135 are a bit too big and heavy on that particular camera. But maybe that's just me. Hmm. something to consider. Especially because the K-01 doesn't have a good grip so the balance might be way too heavily tilted toward the lens with these zooms. Thanks for these opinions, much appreciated!

06-05-2013, 02:33 PM	#81
devorama Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 638	If I'm shooting an event, I'll shoot the K-01 with the DA70 and carry my Sony RX-100 for the wide shots.

06-06-2013, 11:22 AM	#82
pdirestajr New Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 10	I love the unique 35mm f/2.8 macro Limited- with manual focus (peaking).

06-07-2013, 02:06 PM	#83
ChopperCharles Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Durham, nc Photos: Albums Posts: 958	The lens I have attached more than any other... at least 80% of the time, is the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 (continuous). It's just an amazing lens, and it autofocuses so much better on the K-01 than it does on my K-x. It's 100% accurate on the K-01, and if I need to use manual focus for macro work that's a breeze too. (9" minimum focus distance). It's a little heavy, but I get a great zoom range for portraiture and street shooting, super sharp images, and a fast f2.8 when I need some serious bokeh or the light starts fading. Most of the rest of the time, it has a 50mm f1.7 on it. I have barely touched the 40mm XS lens. Every now and then I'll toss the 55-300 or a superzoom on if I know I'm going someplace I need telephoto, but that's rare. The combination of the Tamron and the K-01 just roxx my soxx. I just smile whenever I pick up that camera. Charles.

06-07-2013, 03:27 PM	#84
Math-Geek New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 4	Nice outfit! Where did you get that camera strap?

06-09-2013, 05:24 AM	#85
NitroDC Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 342	I basically exclusively use primes on my K-01. I don't have many but I mainly use my DA15 and F50/1.7. Anything bigger is awkward to use, especially zooms. I don't know why but I can't stand zooming in live view.

06-10-2013, 09:02 AM	#86
bradsarno Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: St. Louis, MO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 114	I'm finding these 4 to be in top rotation: #1 - 40mm f2.8 DA XS pancake (fact: this is a VERY serious lens, not to be underestimated) #2 - Pentax-F 35-70mm (best bang for the buck AF zoom with prime lens image quality. It likes to have a hood.) #3 - Pentax-A 50mm f1.7 (works in auto, outrageous optical quality - the best IQ of the bunch) #4 - Pentax DA AL 18-55mm II (version II is an excellent lens, great zoom range and very good IQ, first choice for casual walk-around use)

06-23-2013, 04:31 PM	#87
aussy New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2	I've been using a 50mm 1.4 FA for low light concert photography, working out great! Though, I set everything to manual half the time and make use of the camera's peaking.

06-23-2013, 10:03 PM	#88
Tonto Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wellington Posts: 969	The FA31 is glued to my K01 they were made for each other it seems. The only bugbear is the FA31 is large so I would love the pancake trio 21/40/70 for when I want to stay super no-descript.

06-23-2013, 10:04 PM	#89
Tonto Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wellington Posts: 969	Originally posted by bradsarno I'm finding these 4 to be in top rotation: #1 - 40mm f2.8 DA XS pancake (fact: this is a VERY serious lens, not to be underestimated) #2 - Pentax-F 35-70mm (best bang for the buck AF zoom with prime lens image quality. It likes to have a hood.) #3 - Pentax-A 50mm f1.7 (works in auto, outrageous optical quality - the best IQ of the bunch) #4 - Pentax DA AL 18-55mm II (version II is an excellent lens, great zoom range and very good IQ, first choice for casual walk-around use) How is the AF of your 35-70? Mine is atrocious on the K01 which is a huge shame as it is so tiny and light!

06-25-2013, 12:12 PM	#90
fotogen New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 6	It was: My DA 18-55 kit lens until it fell out of my camera bag and the autofocus stopped working. Then it was my Vivitar Series 1 28mm F1.9 but I sold it. Now probably the DA 40 kit lens that came with my K-01. I am looking for a new walkaround lens, leaning towards the Tamron 17-50. fotogen