Best single lens for K-50

Adam · 02-25-2015, 05:49 PM

Originally posted by Imp

Adam, why are you usually recommending the 17-70 over the 17-50? Just curious.

It's more of an everyday, multi-purpose lens. I think it's perfect as an all-in-one lens, whereas the 17-50's are a little bit shorter and don't have the same close-up capabilities. Both are great optically, though, no question about that.

Adam
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**ramseybuckeye** · 02-25-2015, 05:57 PM

Originally posted by Adam

It would be the 17-70mm F2.8-4 "C" for me if I wanted a zoom, the FA 31mm if I wanted a prime, or the Sigma 35mm F1.4 if size is not issue.

Plus one, or trade it for a GR.

Anthen · 02-25-2015, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by Adam

It would be the 17-70mm F2.8-4 "C" for me if I wanted a zoom, the FA 31mm if I wanted a prime, or the Sigma 35mm F1.4 if size is not issue.

Out of interest, why the 17-70 and not a 17-50?

Edit: Sorry, I didn't see the reply above, only after I refreshed.

old4570 · 02-25-2015, 09:24 PM

Is there a decent 18-200 ?

**clackers** · 02-25-2015, 10:10 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by old4570

Is there a decent 18-200 ?

TBH, it would be hard for lens designers to cope much beyond a 3x zoom without lotsa compromises, Old4570!

Tamron seem to keep trying.

VoiceOfReason · 02-25-2015, 10:17 PM - **1 Like**

Heh, the sigma 18-300.

DSims · 02-25-2015, 11:02 PM - **1 Like**

FA*24. Better focal length most of the time - particularly outdoors. Sold my FA31; kept it.

Save yourself some money - 23-24mm (on APS-C) or 35mm (on FF - same angle of view) is what most premium fixed focal length cameras have today (e.g. Fuji X100 series; Sony RX1).

Most of the time, however, when I need low light indoors it's the FA*85/1.4 - because I'm shooting my daughter or niece in a play. Both the focal length and aperture are nearly ideal. It's not a traditional "landscape" focal length, but it still works well for that too. Possibly my most used lens. The FA77/1.8 did the job almost as well when I had it. Both are very good wide open, though often I still want to stop them down by 1/3 stop or so.

Last edited by DSims; 02-25-2015 at 11:09 PM.

JimC1101 · 02-25-2015, 11:51 PM - **1 Like**

DA35 2,4....plastic fantastic...and it is cheap too.

It is so light, you feel like all you have is your body on it.

Kozlok · 02-26-2015, 05:25 AM

Originally posted by old4570

Is there a decent 18-200 ?

No. Unfortunately

focusr3 · 02-26-2015, 06:05 AM

Originally posted by old4570

Is there a decent 18-200 ?

I would say Yes for my definition of decent, Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Is it a prime/limited of course not is it decent yes

02-25-2015, 09:24 PM	#19
old4570 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 2,551	Hmmm Is there a decent 18-200 ?

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02-25-2015, 05:49 PM	#16
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by Imp Adam, why are you usually recommending the 17-70 over the 17-50? Just curious. It's more of an everyday, multi-purpose lens. I think it's perfect as an all-in-one lens, whereas the 17-50's are a little bit shorter and don't have the same close-up capabilities. Both are great optically, though, no question about that. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

02-25-2015, 05:57 PM	#17
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,291	Originally posted by Adam It would be the 17-70mm F2.8-4 "C" for me if I wanted a zoom, the FA 31mm if I wanted a prime, or the Sigma 35mm F1.4 if size is not issue. Plus one, or trade it for a GR.

02-25-2015, 06:34 PM	#18
Anthen Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 79	Originally posted by Adam It would be the 17-70mm F2.8-4 "C" for me if I wanted a zoom, the FA 31mm if I wanted a prime, or the Sigma 35mm F1.4 if size is not issue. Out of interest, why the 17-70 and not a 17-50? Edit: Sorry, I didn't see the reply above, only after I refreshed.

02-25-2015, 10:10 PM - 1 Like	#20
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by old4570 Is there a decent 18-200 ? TBH, it would be hard for lens designers to cope much beyond a 3x zoom without lotsa compromises, Old4570! Tamron seem to keep trying.

02-25-2015, 10:17 PM - 1 Like	#21
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Heh, the sigma 18-300.

02-25-2015, 11:02 PM - 1 Like	#22
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	FA24. Better focal length most of the time - particularly outdoors. Sold my FA31; kept it. Save yourself some money - 23-24mm (on APS-C) or 35mm (on FF - same angle of view) is what most premium fixed focal length cameras have today (e.g. Fuji X100 series; Sony RX1). Most of the time, however, when I need low light indoors it's the FA85/1.4 - because I'm shooting my daughter or niece in a play. Both the focal length and aperture are nearly ideal. It's not a traditional "landscape" focal length, but it still works well for that too. Possibly my most used lens. The FA77/1.8 did the job almost as well when I had it. Both are very good wide open, though often I still want to stop them down by 1/3 stop or so. Last edited by DSims; 02-25-2015 at 11:09 PM.

02-25-2015, 11:51 PM - 1 Like	#23
JimC1101 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Fremont, Ca Photos: Albums Posts: 395	DA35 2,4....plastic fantastic...and it is cheap too. It is so light, you feel like all you have is your body on it.

02-26-2015, 05:25 AM	#24
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	Originally posted by old4570 Is there a decent 18-200 ? No. Unfortunately

02-26-2015, 06:05 AM	#25
focusr3 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Baltimore,MD Photos: Gallery Posts: 107	Originally posted by old4570 Is there a decent 18-200 ? I would say Yes for my definition of decent, Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Is it a prime/limited of course not is it decent yes