[fujica]

Just purchased a used K-1 body today. Bought the body and an L-plate, charger and batteries. I have read about lenses in these forums and read reviews on a number of lenses on other sites. Because of some concurrent expenses, and the cost of the K-1 purchase, I have to limit what I spend on a first lens. I have recently sold the last of all of my Canon equipment, and when the 645N first hit the market, I bought one. Although I have owned nearly every brand after being a serious hobbyist and working photographer for more than 50 years, my interest in Pentax has come full circle. I loved the 645N and only sold it, and many great lenses, when I converted to digital.

If you were to own one travel/carry-around lens for the K-1, and you were not planning on paying four figures, what would it be? I have always loved my prime lenses, but if there is a reasonably sharp zoom, I'm all ears. Would be good to get some feedback since I want to get some decent glass to get started with this great camera.

Thank you for your thoughts.

[Adam]

Just purchased a used K-1 body today. Bought the body and an L-plate, charger and batteries. I have read about lenses in these forums and read reviews on a number of lenses on other sites. Because of some concurrent expenses, and the cost of the K-1 purchase, I have to limit what I spend on a first lens. I have recently sold the last of all of my Canon equipment, and when the 645N first hit the market, I bought one. Although I have owned nearly every brand after being a serious hobbyist and working photographer for more than 50 years, my interest in Pentax has come full circle. I loved the 645N and only sold it, and many great lenses, when I converted to digital.

If you were to own one travel/carry-around lens for the K-1, and you were not planning on paying four figures, what would it be? I have always loved my prime lenses, but if there is a reasonably sharp zoom, I'm all ears. Would be good to get some feedback since I want to get some decent glass to get started with this great camera.

Thank you for your thoughts.

IMO, this one:
HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Its strength is in the compactness, which gives it a huge amount of versatility. Sharpness isn't a problem, but vignetting needs to be addressed either in-camera or in post at wider apertures.

In critical cases you can tell it's not a prime, though- IMO this also goes for other, more expensive FF walkaround zooms. I pair it with the D FA 50mm macro for when I need that extra bit of sharpness- also an affordable lens (though I'm certainly eyeing the upcoming D FA* 50mm).

[lesmore49]

I bought a new Pentax 28-105 in combination with my K-1. Great all around lens, very reasonable i cost and excellent photos using this versatile lens.

[DeadJohn]

Yes, get the 28-105. Versatile zoom range, sharp, weather sealed, and not too bulky.

[LensBeginner]

...a fast fifty
You should be good with the 28-105 as well though

[ffking]

If primes are your thing, a used 31mm Ltd might cost at least as much as the 28-105 new, but shouldn't stray into 4 figures - its got great character (colour rendition and 3-D pop as well as central sharpness) and it's my absolute go-to street lens - but it doesn't have the versatility of a zoom, of course, or the weather sealing.

[fujica]

Thank you for the insights..........the 28-105 happened to be the one at the top of my list after my own research. I'll certainly have to take a look at that 31mm as well.

[Paul the Sunman]

Yep, the 28-105 is the go. Quality optics, WR, relatively cheap.

[Wild Mark]

agree with above, but, the FA24-90 (not WR) or older F/FA28-105 versions could be considered if $$$ are a factor (these are at least 1/2 the price - second hand of course)

[kiwi_jono]

+1 for the DFA28-105
I didn't have it to start with and my main stay lenses were FA35 f2 (IMO a great lens on the K-1 BTW), FA50 f1.4, Samyang 85 f1.4 and Tamron 70-200 f2.8. All very capable lenses on the K-1 but when I got the DFA28-105 (ostensibly for travel), I was surprised how much I started using it. As others have said its a nice size, WR is useful and it has surprisingly good IQ - especially considering the cost (and the relatively slow aperture which you might normally associate with 2nd rate lenses).

[gaweidert]

Those who are steering you towards the D FA 28-105 are correct. I got one with mine and I have never regretted it. Great walk around lens and very good optically. Here is an example of what it can do. One of my personal favorite photos. FWIW, I got my first SLR 47 years ago so I have been around for awhile too.

[phoebus]

"Just one lens" (prime) has to be FA43 Ltd... ...smaller, lighter and cheaper than the FA31 Ltd.

pentaxforums.com FA43 review

+1 for DFA28-105 for VFM...

[Mr Bassie]

FA43. A great and compact lens.

[fujica]

I'm making a list...........really appreciate all of the great insights. Great image gaweidert !!!...........lots of interesting elements and I like how the many monotone portions of the image contrast with the colors in the water.

[gaweidert]

I'm making a list...........really appreciate all of the great insights. Great image gaweidert !!!...........lots of interesting elements and I like how the many monotone portions of the image contrast with the colors in the water.

Thank you. It was a very monotone but not monotonous day.