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02-10-2019, 11:13 PM - 3 Likes   #16
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I shoot landscapes, cityscapes, astro (Milky Way over something) and a bit of architecture - stuff that doesn't move. So,over the last ~15 years, I've acquired these for full frame shooting.
  • DFA 15-30/2.8 - picked this up a year ago mainly for astro because everything else I had showed a bit of coma.
  • Voigtlander 20/3.5 - I've had this for a while, and shot a reasonable amount with this when I picked up the K1, but now with the 15-30, this is getting little use.
  • Zeiss ZK 25/2.8 - I've had this for at least 8 years now. I picked it up on a sale close out, because I wanted to see what a real "Zeiss" shot like and I like wide angle. I need to shoot more with this. This has a 350 degree focus throw, and focuses like a macro lens. Wonderful colors.
  • Contax Zeiss Distagon 28/2.8 and Sonnar 85/2.8 - There was no way I was going to afford over ~$1k each for new Zeiss lenses, so I acquired these old Contax Zeiss lenses and converted them to the K mount totaling about $300 each (lens plus remount). Leitax.com They shoot wonderfully, with great colors. I need to shoot more with these.
  • Pentax M 28/2.8 - I picked up a bundle of old M lenses for a song. I've shot occasionally with these, but the 15-30 with AF is usually the go to lens.
  • Pentax K 28/3.5 Shift - Acquired this for shift panos and architecture.
  • Pentax 31/1.8 Limited - I really like this lens - outstanding, but has a bit of coma for astro. For landscapes this is excellent.
  • Pentax A50/1.7, Asahi Tak 50/1.8 and M50/1.7 - The A50/1.7 I bought years ago for $12, while my Tak came with my Spotmatic II in 1970 while I was in the Navy. The M50/1.7 came with a group of lenses.
  • Asahi Auto Tak 85/1.8 - Wonderfull lens from the 1960's - that I have been using for some stitched landscapes along with some astro star fields.
  • Tak 135/2.5 and M135/3.5 - These came with a group of lenses. Thinking back, I'm using these very little.
  • Pentax M 150/3.5 - I picked this up with a group of lenses. I shot with this up in Alaska a fair amount because 150mm fit the situation.
  • DA* 60-250/4 with the AW 1.4x - I have used this a lot with my K5. I still need to modify the baffle for full frame coverage.
  • Pentax A 300/4 - My longest lens. I need to still try this one out with the K1
I've been saying this for the last 4 years now - but it has just really dawned on me that I'm now pushing 70 and my eyesight is not getting any better - I've worn glasses since being a year old. I need to pare down my manual lenses. Overall, with the K1, my plan was to use as a core set the 15-30/2.8, acquire a 28-105/4 and then the 60-250/4 along with the 31Ltd - all AF, with a couple of my manual lenses - like the 28 shift.

Writing this is a kick in the pants realization that I need to find new homes for the glass I'm really not using.



02-10-2019, 11:14 PM   #17
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FA Ltd's & Lensbabies.
02-10-2019, 11:51 PM - 1 Like   #18
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My travel kit usually consists of the three amigos (FA 31, 43 and 77), and the FA 20. If I think there痴 a chance of needing something long I値l add the 55-300 (PLM version) and shoot in crop mode. If I知 expecting tight quarters I値l bring the 17-28 fisheye. If I知 expecting rain I値l use the D FA 24-70 or the D FA 28-105.
02-11-2019, 03:37 AM - 1 Like   #19
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In order of use with my K-1:

77mm 1.8 limited
50mm 1.4 * (Replaced my 31mm limited as is my favorite lens)
Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 DG EX OS
31mm 1.8 limited

Then I have several others that are rarely used unless the situation call for it: Sigma100-300m f4 FF, Sigma 8-16mm APS-C, Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 APS-C, and 100mm 2.8 macro.

Waiting for the 85mm f1.4 * to be released that hopefully will be as masterful as the 50mm that Pentax released last year. The great thing about my 77mm is it is small, iight weight, and produces great images. With th full frame, just wish it was a tad longer so the 85mm might be a perfect portrait length for the K-1 full frame camera.

02-11-2019, 04:52 AM - 1 Like   #20
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QuoteOriginally posted by Seeck Quote
Im curious to hear about your most loved lenses and it's time to confess what your dislikes about them!
What type of photography do you do?

I switched from Canon some six or so years ago. I switched to a K5IIs with the 31, 43 and 77 Limiteds. The reason for that particular set was a special offer from Pentax that I could not pass up. Since then I have gone to K3 and now K1 for the past three years. I still have the limited set but for everyday shooting I use the 28-105 the most. I have Samyang 14mm for ultra wide needs. I also have the Tamron 70-200 and the new Pentax 100mm Macro. I find myself using the primes in more controlled studio situations. The zooms are optically good enough so much so that I do not feel a need for the primes like we did back in the film days when zooms were considered inferior! I also have a few old K-mount and M42 lenses that I use for fun occasionally.

My ideal set for pro work would be the 15-30, 24-70 and the Pentax 70-200. For me primes are reserved for when I need to carry a lighter bag which is more often these days. The weight issue and an increasing joint pain that is not going away has made me re-evaluate my camera gear. I want to go much lighter and more compact.
02-11-2019, 05:13 AM - 1 Like   #21
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QuoteOriginally posted by Seeck Quote
2 years ago I have sold all my Canon gear (5d mkII / 24mm f1.4 / 17-40mm f4 / 85mm f1,8) to go for the K1 with the 31mm limited.
Yes.. I went from my somewhat ideal set of lenses to - literally - one 'limited' lens. I guess I like limitations from time to time, but after 2 years it's time to think about buying a new lens.

To get some inspiration I am curious to hear about the lenses you all are using and in what situations. Are here also any frequent vintage glass users?

Im curious to hear about your most loved lenses and it's time to confess what your dislikes about them!
i have the DFA lenses as follows 24-70 70-200 and 150-450 the 24-70 i my go to lens as a rule and all are tack sharp also have the 31 43 and 77 i use for landscapes a lot
02-11-2019, 05:58 AM   #22
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QuoteOriginally posted by kraigg007 Quote
In order of use with my K-1:

77mm 1.8 limited
50mm 1.4 * (Replaced my 31mm limited as is my favorite lens)
.
Which 50mm 1.4? Pentax FA, DFA,M,K? SIGMA?

02-11-2019, 06:39 AM - 1 Like   #23
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My most used K1 lens is a Sigma 24-70mm F2.8, followed by a Tokina ATX-Pro 20-35mm F2.8. Other commonly used lenses are a Sigma 14mm F2.8, Sigma 24mm F1.8, Sigma 50mm Macro and a Tokina ATX-Pro 80-200 F2.8.

When I'm travelling light I often carry just a 19-35mm Tokina and a 70-300 Tamron.
02-11-2019, 08:35 AM - 1 Like   #24
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I mainly shoot landscapes / portraits / wildlife and military aircraft so :- Pentax FA 24 - 70 F2.8, Pentax FA 150 - 450 F4.5 / F5.6, Sigma 85 F1.4, Sigma 100 - 300 F4, Samyang 14mm F2.8
02-11-2019, 10:34 AM - 1 Like   #25
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I shoot landscape/nature and a little travel/lifestyle/architecture. I have my cameras divided into 3 bags: (1) K-1 Landscape & walk around, T/L/A, (2) K-3 & K-5 Wildlife, and (3) K5 & K200D Boating, Fishing, Kayak.

The K-1 bag usually has an A 35-105 f3.5, a Tamron 70-200 f2.8 DG AF, Sigma 28 f2.8 UWII (got a good one), K 55 f1.8, and M 100 f2.8, along with some ND and CP filters.

JB
02-11-2019, 12:19 PM   #26
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While I was borrowing a k-1, the bag had an FA 31, FA 50 1.4, a DFA 100 2.8, and a DA 200 f 2.8. I was also borrowing the DFA 24-70 but preferred the primes.
02-11-2019, 01:08 PM - 1 Like   #27
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My main lens on the K-1 is the DFA 28-105.

Other regularly used lenses

DA* 551.4 (with a shorter lens hood)
DA* 200 2.8
Tamron SP AF 300 2.8,
Rokinon 14mm 2.8
DFA 100 macro

F 1.7x AF adapter (with the 200 and 300 lenses)

I have other lenses (including the FA 35-80, FAJ 18-35, Sigma 70 macro, DA*60-250, FA 50 macro, 40XS and DA 35 2.4) , but those first 6 get 99% of my use. As I often used the 21 ltd on APS-c I'm once again considering a 31 ltd. although the DFA 150-450 probably would come first.

Among older lenses I'd consider at a good price would be the FA 20-35.
And I'm seriously waiting for an DFA 18-35 ƒ4 UWA to replace my FAJ 18-35, which is poorly corrected for distortion and not all that sharp.

QuoteOriginally posted by interested_observer Quote
DA* 60-250/4 with the AW 1.4x - I have used this a lot with my K5. I still need to modify the baffle for full frame coverage.
I find usually I can crop out the vignetting on this combo. I never did the conversion.

Last edited by normhead; 02-11-2019 at 06:42 PM.
02-11-2019, 01:55 PM - 1 Like   #28
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My most used lenses are the Tamron 28-75 and Tamron 70-200 mainly because of convenience and that most of the photos are of my kids. The 28-75 is sharp enough in the center and makes a good every day lens, the 70-200 is excellent and a great value. When I am out to shoot landscape I have a set of primes to choose from.

Rokinon 14mm F2,8
Pentax-F 28mm F2.8
Pentax DA 35mm F2.4
Pentax FA 50mm F1.4
Samyang 85mm F1.4

Some of my best landscape photos actually come from the DA 35mm even though its not technically full frame. I have some pixel shift landscapes from it that are absolutely razor sharp with superb detail. I sometimes consider switching to the FA 35mm f2 so I am excited for the new version of it. The F 28mm is very sharp and nice as well. I also have some very nice Takumar 28mm F3.5 landscape shots. There is a just a little vintage character to that lens that I like. I find I don't shoot 50mm very often on FF or APSC. Not sure why. The Samyang 85mm is also amazing to shoot with using focus peaking in live view. For portraits at f2 I can nail focus on the eyes easily and have beautiful soft background.

I have more of a budget lens collection but they deliver very nice images.
02-11-2019, 03:20 PM - 2 Likes   #29
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QuoteOriginally posted by Seeck Quote
2 years ago I have sold all my Canon gear (5d mkII / 24mm f1.4 / 17-40mm f4 / 85mm f1,8) to go for the K1 with the 31mm limited.
Yes.. I went from my somewhat ideal set of lenses to - literally - one 'limited' lens. I guess I like limitations from time to time, but after 2 years it's time to think about buying a new lens.

To get some inspiration I am curious to hear about the lenses you all are using and in what situations. Are here also any frequent vintage glass users?

Im curious to hear about your most loved lenses and it's time to confess what your dislikes about them!
Well, I have quite an assortment, now. That wasn't intended, as the K1 (now upgraded) was purchased as a backup camera for my Z, and for UWA situations. But I have grown my system to be fully independent, although I use the cameras in tandem now for professional work. For my personal artwork I have only been using the Z, and for family I have only been using the K1U2 (what I call it now). So here's my rundown:

Irix Blackstone 15, purchased for the UWA work for interiors. Low distortion, excellent lens. Purchased new.

Pentax 15-30, purchased because it was on sale at the lowest price ever, new. Same reason as above, with a bit more flexibility. Haven't needed to use it much yet.

Pentax FA 20, purchased for reasons as above, and because sometimes really 20 is as wide as you want to go in a museum---even if the Irix doesn't distort much barrel wise, there's still that s-t-r-e-t-c-h at the edges---very bad for art objects. Also, for a lens this wide it is very petite! Very nice lens, underrated IMO.

Pentax 24-70, same reasons for purchase as the 15-30, also new, and a "one lens" solution if that is necessary. Useful for the odd event I have to shoot. Very good lens.

Pentax 28-105 WR. Light, small, useful, fantastic walk around lens, and weather resistant. Tremendous value. Much better than it has any right to be for the price. Some reports of shutter shake/shock exacerbated in this lens, I haven't seen it myself.

Several Pentax 28's----got 2 of them for my previous A7R, an M and a K, the K is better but larger. Might sell them though, now that I have the other options. Have always liked the 28 focal length, personally. Also have the 28 shift. Keeping that one.

Pentax 31 limited. Just got a great deal on a used one, so I snapped it up. Wasn't going to buy one due to their high cost, even used. Quite interesting focal length.

Pentax FA 35 f2. Had this before the 31. Excellent value lens.

Pentax A 50 f1.4. Have this for bokeh, infrequently used because what I do mostly requires deep dof. But these are very nice lenses and available cheap. And when you need bokeh....

Pentax FA 50 macro...for macro when it is required for work. Excellent lens, excellent value.

Pentax 77 limited. Another great deal I got used, and one of the very best lenses in the Pentax line. For portraits, bokeh, and isolation needs at work.

Pentax 100 macro WR. Again, for macro when required, and short tele or long portrait, isolation. And it is excellent, so small, fast-ish, and weather resistant. Another excellent lens, and excellent value.

From the list above you can see what my shooting involves. I rarely if ever do tele. For that I have several of the 645 lenses, including the A* 300, which I can use with an adapter on my K1U2. I also have the tele converters for the 645 lenses, which then also work with the adapter.

This is a very great thing about the Pentax system, and it gets short shrift or is forgotten entirely, even by Pentaxians!----the ability to go vertically from 6x7, through 645, to FF and then APSC with downwardly and a few upwardly compatible lenses, and it's all backwardly compatible as well, plus the flashes work across all formats, along with several other accessories. Canon and Nikon brag (somewhat rightly) about their systems, but no one else in the industry can do Pentax's trick. And for overall value, no one beats Pentax (although in medium format Fuji is definitely in the race, now, although there is no back catalogue of used lenses, and won't be for years).

IMO, Pentax has the best total system any manufacturer has ever assembled.
02-11-2019, 03:30 PM - 1 Like   #30
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My favorite is the 24-70 Pentax great lens If I could only have one lens this would be it. I have a Sigma 50mm F1.4 no longer in production but it is a great lens wonderful in low light. I also have the following Pentax 50 F2.8 Macro, Sigma 70mm Macro F2.8 ( no longer in production in kmount) a Sigma 70-200 F2.8 no longer available in K mount, the 70-200 is my favorite to use at events at the granddaughters school . A Rokinon 14 mm F2.8 and a Rokinon 85 F1.4 both of which are decent lens with out auto focus. I have recently added a cheap 70-300 Sigma because I needed something light for trips to the zoo with grandchildren and Pentax offers nothing in FF like it.

I am not a great fan of the non auto focus lens but the cost was very low.
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