What is your everyday lens ?

jddwoods · 06-10-2020, 02:04 PM - **1 Like**

On my K-3 I have two everyday lenses:
1. DA 21 Limited when I want to travel light and do not have need for telephoto or wider angle. An example would be a city street lens.
2. HD DA 16-85 when I need more range options and am not carrying my camera in crowded places.
I also have an older DA 17-70 f4.0 but the SDM motor died on it and I still haven't decided what to do with it. The problem with this lens is the focus throw is very short making it unusable as a manual focus lens and the repair of the SDM motor is almost as much as buying a used one. In addition, the 16-85 is sharper, better built, WR and has a very reliable autofocus.
One other lens that I keep in my bag almost at all times is the 55-300 PLM, as others have said it is compact versatile and has super fast quiet autofocus.

**monochrome** · 06-10-2020, 02:10 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by lotech

28-105 on KP would be 'too long' for me for everyday use, but the same focal length on FF is perfect.

Much of the time I completely agree. The 28-105 spends time in my K-1 bag as a light lens for walks with a FF camera. OTOH - for me - there’s nothing wrong with a 42 - 157 FL equivalent sharp zoom lens.

**AlwaysAl** · 06-10-2020, 02:30 PM - **1 Like**

K1 = Pentax 28-105
K5iis = Sigma 18-35 ART

bob5050 · 06-10-2020, 03:39 PM - **1 Like**

Quote:

I am looking for replacement for my well used and worn 16-50mm/f2.8,
[...]
I don’t see too much info about the 16-85mm [...]I wonder why.

ISTM that Pentax has a new 16-50mm on the roadmap. There's (typically) not much detail though, so it could be at least a year or more. I have a Sigma 16-50mm but I'll probably replace it with the newer Pentax version whenever that comes out.

Regarding the 16-85mm: I got one last fall and it's wonderful--fast, sharp, and accurate on my K-3, and great color.

WRT your title question, my normal 'default' lens has always been the DA 18-135mm I got kitted with my K-30 years ago. The camera is gone, but the lens lives on: it's capable and flexible, if not perhaps quite the IQ of the 16-85mm, at least with my copies. But I left it home on a recent trip and took the 16-85 instead. I didn't regret it for a minute.
traveler

normhead · 06-10-2020, 04:02 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by monochrome

Much of the time I completely agree. The 28-105 spends time in my K-1 bag as a light lens for walks with a FF camera. OTOH - for me - there’s nothing wrong with a 42 - 157 FL equivalent sharp zoom lens.

Tess loves that lens on her K-5. My explanation that it's the basic lens for the K-1 falls on deaf ears.

"I'm not using it now but I might want it later." just doesn't work for her.

gatorguy · 06-10-2020, 04:06 PM

Originally posted by normhead

Tess loves that lens on her K-5. My explanation that it's the basic lens for the K-1 falls on deaf ears.

"I'm not using it now but I might want it later." just doesn't work for her.

I bought and sold that lens twice back when I only had crop cameras. I probably should have kept one.

CarlJF · 06-10-2020, 04:17 PM - **1 Like**

I use a DA 17-70 on a Pentax K-3 and so far I'm quite happy with the lens. That said, I needed to send it for a SDM failure while on warranty. I definitely like the lens better than the Tamron 17-50 I had before. If you can find a new one at discounted price, it's a good choice. However at regular price it's probably better to go for the 16-85 which doesn't cost much more.

lotech · 06-10-2020, 05:04 PM

Originally posted by bdery

There's a solid review here on Pentaxforums, and tons of user reviews and posts

I think there are three options in the range you are looking at (from Pentax):

17-70 : constant aperture, very good optically, decent size, no WR, "short" focal range

18-135 : longest focal length, shortest size, WR, very good optically, most versatile, not very wide focal length

16-85 : physically largest, widest focal length, arguably best optically, WR

There is also the Sigma option of the 17-70 : widest aperture (F2.8) at the wide angle, otherwise mostly comparable to Pentax's 17-70.

You will find a lot of love on the forum for the 16-85. I know I loved mine when I was shooting APS-C (and even for a while when shooting FF). The 18-135 is loved mostly because of its small size and versatility, and it's well-deserved. The 17-70 is respected, its users like it, but it suffered strong competition from Sigma's equivalent lens so there are probably fewer users in total.

Thanks for the advice, the Pentax 17-70mm does have a rubber gasket at the lens mount, at least to prevent water from getting into the body, I believe this is the early trial of WR should have on every lens.

SMC Pentax-DA 17-70mm F4 AL [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

There are at least 2 versions of the Sigma which one you guys referring to ?

I did try to convert my 16-50mm to screw drive, but I updated the K3 firmware to the latest 1.4 that won't work, so the lens became fully MF with AE plus clutching problem in MF slow to operate.

**rogerstg** · 06-10-2020, 05:39 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by lotech

I did try to convert my 16-50mm to screw drive, but I updated the K3 firmware to the latest 1.4 that won't work

There's always this for $40: SDM to Screwdrive Conversions

**Kobie** · 06-10-2020, 06:09 PM

Originally posted by lotech

Thanks for the advice, the Pentax 17-70mm does have a rubber gasket at the lens mount, at least to prevent water from getting into the body, I believe this is the early trial of WR should have on every lens.

SMC Pentax-DA 17-70mm F4 AL [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

There are at least 2 versions of the Sigma which one you guys referring to ?

There's actually 3 in a way. (Oldest to newest)...

Sigma 17-70 F/2.8-4.5 DC Macro (I believe this was screw driven and later had HSM)
Sigma 17-70 F/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM - This is the one I was referring to but the "C" (below) is to said to be even better
Sigma 17-70 F/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM Contemporary

**FozzFoster** · 06-10-2020, 06:33 PM - **1 Like**

Since I bought the 11-18mm that lens hasn't left my camera.

But usually my go-to is either my 18-135 or my 55-300 PLM.

**monochrome** · 06-10-2020, 06:49 PM

Originally posted by lotech

Thanks for the advice, the Pentax 17-70mm does have a rubber gasket at the lens mount, at least to prevent water from getting into the body, I believe this is the early trial of WR should have on every lens.

SMC Pentax-DA 17-70mm F4 AL [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

There are at least 2 versions of the Sigma which one you guys referring to ?

I did try to convert my 16-50mm to screw drive, but I updated the K3 firmware to the latest 1.4 that won't work, so the lens became fully MF with AE plus clutching problem in MF slow to operate.

Originally posted by rogerstg

There's always this for $40: SDM to Screwdrive Conversions

I used that service to convert my 16-50 and 50-135 to screwdrive. They worked on K5lls, KP and K-1.

**paulh** · 06-10-2020, 06:59 PM - **1 Like**

The DA18-135 or DAL 55-300 are my default lenses these days. I have a couple old *ist D's for playtime with m42 or k-mount manual primes.

**Just1MoreDave** · 06-10-2020, 07:56 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by monochrome

There really isn’t one. The lens on my camera is whatever was on it when I last put it away. Often that is the 24-70 on my K-1 or the 28-105 on my KP, but every time I go out I change the other lenses in the camera bag, so what’s on a camera on a given day depends on what was on it the prior day.

That's what I do too. A lot of my shots are just a spur of the moment idea. If the lens that's on the camera will work, I use it. I am not too lazy to switch if I need to, just too lazy to a)put stuff away after shooting and b)get out the perfect lens every time.

bedisaab · 06-10-2020, 09:15 PM - **1 Like**

HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW on my K-1. It fills all my needs. Vacation, birthdays, casual travel it’s just simply there. It’s the best lens I have ever used. I have SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR too but I won’t call it everyday lens.

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06-10-2020, 02:04 PM - 1 Like	#46
jddwoods Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Newark, Delaware Posts: 1,035	On my K-3 I have two everyday lenses: 1. DA 21 Limited when I want to travel light and do not have need for telephoto or wider angle. An example would be a city street lens. 2. HD DA 16-85 when I need more range options and am not carrying my camera in crowded places. I also have an older DA 17-70 f4.0 but the SDM motor died on it and I still haven't decided what to do with it. The problem with this lens is the focus throw is very short making it unusable as a manual focus lens and the repair of the SDM motor is almost as much as buying a used one. In addition, the 16-85 is sharper, better built, WR and has a very reliable autofocus. One other lens that I keep in my bag almost at all times is the 55-300 PLM, as others have said it is compact versatile and has super fast quiet autofocus.

06-10-2020, 02:10 PM - 1 Like	#47
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by lotech 28-105 on KP would be 'too long' for me for everyday use, but the same focal length on FF is perfect. Much of the time I completely agree. The 28-105 spends time in my K-1 bag as a light lens for walks with a FF camera. OTOH - for me - there’s nothing wrong with a 42 - 157 FL equivalent sharp zoom lens.

06-10-2020, 02:30 PM - 1 Like	#48
AlwaysAl Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: West GTA, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 555	K1 = Pentax 28-105 K5iis = Sigma 18-35 ART

06-10-2020, 03:39 PM - 1 Like	#49
bob5050 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 41	Quote: I am looking for replacement for my well used and worn 16-50mm/f2.8, [...] I don’t see too much info about the 16-85mm [...]I wonder why. ISTM that Pentax has a new 16-50mm on the roadmap. There's (typically) not much detail though, so it could be at least a year or more. I have a Sigma 16-50mm but I'll probably replace it with the newer Pentax version whenever that comes out. Regarding the 16-85mm: I got one last fall and it's wonderful--fast, sharp, and accurate on my K-3, and great color. WRT your title question, my normal 'default' lens has always been the DA 18-135mm I got kitted with my K-30 years ago. The camera is gone, but the lens lives on: it's capable and flexible, if not perhaps quite the IQ of the 16-85mm, at least with my copies. But I left it home on a recent trip and took the 16-85 instead. I didn't regret it for a minute. traveler

06-10-2020, 04:02 PM - 1 Like	#50
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by monochrome Much of the time I completely agree. The 28-105 spends time in my K-1 bag as a light lens for walks with a FF camera. OTOH - for me - there’s nothing wrong with a 42 - 157 FL equivalent sharp zoom lens. Tess loves that lens on her K-5. My explanation that it's the basic lens for the K-1 falls on deaf ears. "I'm not using it now but I might want it later." just doesn't work for her.

06-10-2020, 04:06 PM	#51
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,094	Originally posted by normhead Tess loves that lens on her K-5. My explanation that it's the basic lens for the K-1 falls on deaf ears. "I'm not using it now but I might want it later." just doesn't work for her. I bought and sold that lens twice back when I only had crop cameras. I probably should have kept one.

06-10-2020, 04:17 PM - 1 Like	#52
CarlJF Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Quebec City Posts: 1,185	I use a DA 17-70 on a Pentax K-3 and so far I'm quite happy with the lens. That said, I needed to send it for a SDM failure while on warranty. I definitely like the lens better than the Tamron 17-50 I had before. If you can find a new one at discounted price, it's a good choice. However at regular price it's probably better to go for the 16-85 which doesn't cost much more.

06-10-2020, 05:04 PM	#53
lotech Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 1,312 Original Poster	Originally posted by bdery There's a solid review here on Pentaxforums, and tons of user reviews and posts I think there are three options in the range you are looking at (from Pentax): 17-70 : constant aperture, very good optically, decent size, no WR, "short" focal range 18-135 : longest focal length, shortest size, WR, very good optically, most versatile, not very wide focal length 16-85 : physically largest, widest focal length, arguably best optically, WR There is also the Sigma option of the 17-70 : widest aperture (F2.8) at the wide angle, otherwise mostly comparable to Pentax's 17-70. You will find a lot of love on the forum for the 16-85. I know I loved mine when I was shooting APS-C (and even for a while when shooting FF). The 18-135 is loved mostly because of its small size and versatility, and it's well-deserved. The 17-70 is respected, its users like it, but it suffered strong competition from Sigma's equivalent lens so there are probably fewer users in total. Thanks for the advice, the Pentax 17-70mm does have a rubber gasket at the lens mount, at least to prevent water from getting into the body, I believe this is the early trial of WR should have on every lens. SMC Pentax-DA 17-70mm F4 AL [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database There are at least 2 versions of the Sigma which one you guys referring to ? I did try to convert my 16-50mm to screw drive, but I updated the K3 firmware to the latest 1.4 that won't work, so the lens became fully MF with AE plus clutching problem in MF slow to operate.

06-10-2020, 05:39 PM - 1 Like	#54
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	Originally posted by lotech I did try to convert my 16-50mm to screw drive, but I updated the K3 firmware to the latest 1.4 that won't work There's always this for $40: SDM to Screwdrive Conversions

06-10-2020, 06:09 PM	#55
Kobie Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Bowmanville Photos: Albums Posts: 1,211	Originally posted by lotech Thanks for the advice, the Pentax 17-70mm does have a rubber gasket at the lens mount, at least to prevent water from getting into the body, I believe this is the early trial of WR should have on every lens. SMC Pentax-DA 17-70mm F4 AL [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database There are at least 2 versions of the Sigma which one you guys referring to ? There's actually 3 in a way. (Oldest to newest)... Sigma 17-70 F/2.8-4.5 DC Macro (I believe this was screw driven and later had HSM) Sigma 17-70 F/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM - This is the one I was referring to but the "C" (below) is to said to be even better Sigma 17-70 F/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM Contemporary

06-10-2020, 06:33 PM - 1 Like	#56
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,808	Since I bought the 11-18mm that lens hasn't left my camera. But usually my go-to is either my 18-135 or my 55-300 PLM.

06-10-2020, 06:49 PM	#57
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by lotech Thanks for the advice, the Pentax 17-70mm does have a rubber gasket at the lens mount, at least to prevent water from getting into the body, I believe this is the early trial of WR should have on every lens. SMC Pentax-DA 17-70mm F4 AL [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database There are at least 2 versions of the Sigma which one you guys referring to ? I did try to convert my 16-50mm to screw drive, but I updated the K3 firmware to the latest 1.4 that won't work, so the lens became fully MF with AE plus clutching problem in MF slow to operate. Originally posted by rogerstg There's always this for $40: SDM to Screwdrive Conversions I used that service to convert my 16-50 and 50-135 to screwdrive. They worked on K5lls, KP and K-1.

06-10-2020, 06:59 PM - 1 Like	#58
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,302	The DA18-135 or DAL 55-300 are my default lenses these days. I have a couple old *ist D's for playtime with m42 or k-mount manual primes.

06-10-2020, 07:56 PM - 1 Like	#59
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by monochrome There really isn’t one. The lens on my camera is whatever was on it when I last put it away. Often that is the 24-70 on my K-1 or the 28-105 on my KP, but every time I go out I change the other lenses in the camera bag, so what’s on a camera on a given day depends on what was on it the prior day. That's what I do too. A lot of my shots are just a spur of the moment idea. If the lens that's on the camera will work, I use it. I am not too lazy to switch if I need to, just too lazy to a)put stuff away after shooting and b)get out the perfect lens every time.

06-10-2020, 09:15 PM - 1 Like	#60
bedisaab Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Elyria, Ohio Posts: 118	HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW on my K-1. It fills all my needs. Vacation, birthdays, casual travel it’s just simply there. It’s the best lens I have ever used. I have SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR too but I won’t call it everyday lens.