K-1 - The Best, Most Useful Starter lens

**i_trax** · 02-03-2019, 02:39 AM

Originally posted by tax

I found Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 SP XR Di LD A09 to be a very good all around most useful starter lens. Especially for tourism and traveling. It is fast, F2.8 through out its 28-75 focal length, light and relatively cheap, if you buy a used one in mint condition. The only minus, it is not weather resistant, but it does not cost thousands of $$$ either.

this is the best value for money for K1, some photos:
Tamron SP 28-75 2.8 Macro A09 | Flickr
the others FA 43 , DA 40 ,DA*200 and FA*300

huracan · 04-19-2019, 06:05 PM

piggybacking on this thread...After the 28-105 as a first lens (kit lens), what would be a good choice for a second lens for portraits/landscapes/nature type settings (scenes with not much action or movement)?

100mm 2.8 macro wr?
77mm 1.8 limited?
43mm 1.9 limited?
50mm 1.4?

a third party lens?

Thanks.

**monochrome** · 04-19-2019, 06:40 PM

Originally posted by huracan

piggybacking on this thread...After the 28-105 as a first lens (kit lens), what would be a good choice for a second lens for portraits/landscapes/nature type settings (scenes with not much action or movement)?

That’s a tough call. You want a very good all-around lens to cover portraits, landscapes and nature. That describes the DFA28-105 to a tee.

Originally posted by huracan

100mm 2.8 macro wr?

Good choice for closeup nature shots and useful for portraits, though maybe a bit long.

Originally posted by huracan

77mm 1.8 limited?

Outstanding portrait lens on K-1 and good to great for general photography - IOW nature. Some people do neat landscape shots with it, but not at all wide.

Originally posted by huracan

43mm 1.9 limited?

Wonderful all-around lens for everything you describe. Maybe a little short for portraits. Of course, it is a quasi-normal, so that should be expected.

Originally posted by huracan

50mm 1.4?

Another candidate in the all-around category, and a great price to boot.

Originally posted by huracan

a third party lens?

Thanks.

I suggest you consider the new HD FA35/2. The SMC version is often referred to as a poor man’s FA31/1.8 Limited. It was that good. With HD coatings this one is probably better.

**robgski** · 04-19-2019, 06:57 PM - **2 Likes**

The FA-77mm is my favorite prime paired with the K-1, even for walking around. The results are incredible. [IMG]

[/IMG] even as a walk-around combo [IMG]

[/IMG]

FWIW, the DA 40mm XS is a great compact combo with the K-1 , and no vignetting. [IMG]

[/IMG]

I have a very heavy vintage SMC-A 28-135mm that does very well on the K-1, but it is neither light nor compact.

Kingman · 05-02-2019, 10:09 AM

I bought my K1 (now a MKII) with the DFA24-70/2.8. It's awesome, but a heavy rig for walk around. Image quality and sharpness is awesome and one can do a lot of cropping. And I deal with the weight when I now I need it, but recently tried the DFA 28-105 at a local show the other day and really liked it. The weight difference is substantial. When I know the weight is going to be an issue my favorite walk around lens on my K1 (in order of preference) is the DFA100mm/2.8 macro, FA 77mm/1.8 Ltd, FA*85mm/1.4, FA31mm/1.8 Ltd, and finally FA43mm/1.9 Ltd. For the lightest walk around rig, I love my K3 with the FA77mm/1.8 Ltd. Depending on where and what time my walking around will be will typically depend on what I will bring.

normhead · 05-02-2019, 11:02 AM

I didn't really even like my K-1 before the 28-105.

Lenses I own for it included the FA 100 macro, FA 35-80, DA*200 2.8, Tarmon 300 2.8,DA* 60-250, DA 35. 2.4, FA 50 macro, FA 50 1.7, and FA-j 18-35. It just never felt right before I got the 28-105.

I've since added the DA*55 1.4, another fantastic lens at a great price.

huracan · 09-02-2019, 04:02 PM - **2 Likes**

Apologies for bumping this thread again, if it is inapprpriate at this point. Update, purchased the 77 1.8 back in June with the deep discounts offered online. What an awesome lens! Also have gained a greater appreciation for the versatility of the kit 28-105 lens since then. A few months of shooting goes a long way. Just want to thank everyone who pitched in and helped me with my decision.

normhead · 09-02-2019, 04:16 PM

It's always good to be told about the decision.

TJWest · 10-01-2019, 05:09 AM

I started with the 28-105mm and it is just an excellent lens. The pics it takes are far beyond what one would expect from a "kit" zoom lens.
I also had the 90mm tamron which was excellent on my k30 and even more excellent on the K1.
I bought the D FA 35mm F2 and it is a fine lens for less than 400 bucks.

I recently picked up the Irix Blackstone 15mm and it is awesome too.

Too many choices, but the kit lens is a great starting point.

**UncleVanya** · 10-01-2019, 06:08 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I didn't really even like my K-1 before the 28-105.

Lenses I own for it included the FA 100 macro, FA 35-80, DA*200 2.8, Tarmon 300 2.8,DA* 60-250, DA 35. 2.4, FA 50 macro, FA 50 1.7, and FA-j 18-35. It just never felt right before I got the 28-105.

I've since added the DA*55 1.4, another fantastic lens at a great price.

That's an interesting perspective. When I borrowed a k-1, I also borrowed the 24-70. The sheer size increase over my k-3 put me off. I wonder if a 28-105 would have changed my opinion.

**Mikesul** · 10-01-2019, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

That's an interesting perspective. When I borrowed a k-1, I also borrowed the 24-70. The sheer size increase over my k-3 put me off. I wonder if a 28-105 would have changed my opinion.

It very well might have. I like the 2470 but the 28105 is very good and much more compact and lighter.

**UncleVanya** · 10-01-2019, 05:34 PM

Originally posted by Mikesul

It very well might have. I like the 2470 but the 28105 is very good and much more compact and lighter.

I don't even love carrying the 16-50 and 60-250 with the k3! Lol.

SirTomster · 10-02-2019, 07:08 PM

Another vote for the 28-105.

It just a nice lens and very versatile. Great for travelling. This summer I went to Glacier National Park and half the time I had the 15-30 on my body and the other half the 28-105 and I really wish I had the 28-105 all the time. Just driving in the park and seeing something to shoot, the 28-105 was so much better for almost every situation. Am annoyed it took me so long to decide to keep that lens when driving.

Now other lenses are great when you plan a shot, but when driving around that lens was the best to have.

But beware, once you have that, then you will want the next and the next.. I am already planning my next lens purchase for 2020 and having troubles. GAS is real!

Aaron28 · 10-02-2019, 08:11 PM

the FA35/f2 is the lens most often on my K-1.....then the FA50/f1.4.....then Tamron 90/f2.8....then FA77/f1.9.....enjoy my primes and don't have the dollars for a very good zoom....

wings · 10-03-2019, 09:14 PM

I am glad that I looked at this thread. I just might get this lens. Thanks.

04-19-2019, 06:57 PM - 2 Likes	#49
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,793	The FA-77mm is my favorite prime paired with the K-1, even for walking around. The results are incredible. [IMG][/IMG] even as a walk-around combo [IMG][/IMG] FWIW, the DA 40mm XS is a great compact combo with the K-1 , and no vignetting. [IMG][/IMG] I have a very heavy vintage SMC-A 28-135mm that does very well on the K-1, but it is neither light nor compact.

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02-03-2019, 02:39 AM	#46
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	Originally posted by tax I found Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 SP XR Di LD A09 to be a very good all around most useful starter lens. Especially for tourism and traveling. It is fast, F2.8 through out its 28-75 focal length, light and relatively cheap, if you buy a used one in mint condition. The only minus, it is not weather resistant, but it does not cost thousands of $$$ either. this is the best value for money for K1, some photos: Tamron SP 28-75 2.8 Macro A09 \| Flickr the others FA 43 , DA 40 ,DA200 and FA300

04-19-2019, 06:05 PM	#47
huracan New Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Posts: 6	piggybacking on this thread...After the 28-105 as a first lens (kit lens), what would be a good choice for a second lens for portraits/landscapes/nature type settings (scenes with not much action or movement)? 100mm 2.8 macro wr? 77mm 1.8 limited? 43mm 1.9 limited? 50mm 1.4? a third party lens? Thanks.

04-19-2019, 06:40 PM	#48
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by huracan piggybacking on this thread...After the 28-105 as a first lens (kit lens), what would be a good choice for a second lens for portraits/landscapes/nature type settings (scenes with not much action or movement)? That’s a tough call. You want a very good all-around lens to cover portraits, landscapes and nature. That describes the DFA28-105 to a tee. Originally posted by huracan 100mm 2.8 macro wr? Good choice for closeup nature shots and useful for portraits, though maybe a bit long. Originally posted by huracan 77mm 1.8 limited? Outstanding portrait lens on K-1 and good to great for general photography - IOW nature. Some people do neat landscape shots with it, but not at all wide. Originally posted by huracan 43mm 1.9 limited? Wonderful all-around lens for everything you describe. Maybe a little short for portraits. Of course, it is a quasi-normal, so that should be expected. Originally posted by huracan 50mm 1.4? Another candidate in the all-around category, and a great price to boot. Originally posted by huracan a third party lens? Thanks. I suggest you consider the new HD FA35/2. The SMC version is often referred to as a poor man’s FA31/1.8 Limited. It was that good. With HD coatings this one is probably better.

05-02-2019, 10:09 AM	#50
Kingman Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: North Texas Posts: 199	I bought my K1 (now a MKII) with the DFA24-70/2.8. It's awesome, but a heavy rig for walk around. Image quality and sharpness is awesome and one can do a lot of cropping. And I deal with the weight when I now I need it, but recently tried the DFA 28-105 at a local show the other day and really liked it. The weight difference is substantial. When I know the weight is going to be an issue my favorite walk around lens on my K1 (in order of preference) is the DFA100mm/2.8 macro, FA 77mm/1.8 Ltd, FA*85mm/1.4, FA31mm/1.8 Ltd, and finally FA43mm/1.9 Ltd. For the lightest walk around rig, I love my K3 with the FA77mm/1.8 Ltd. Depending on where and what time my walking around will be will typically depend on what I will bring.

05-02-2019, 11:02 AM	#51
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,450	I didn't really even like my K-1 before the 28-105. Lenses I own for it included the FA 100 macro, FA 35-80, DA200 2.8, Tarmon 300 2.8,DA 60-250, DA 35. 2.4, FA 50 macro, FA 50 1.7, and FA-j 18-35. It just never felt right before I got the 28-105. I've since added the DA*55 1.4, another fantastic lens at a great price.

09-02-2019, 04:02 PM - 2 Likes	#52
huracan New Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Posts: 6	Apologies for bumping this thread again, if it is inapprpriate at this point. Update, purchased the 77 1.8 back in June with the deep discounts offered online. What an awesome lens! Also have gained a greater appreciation for the versatility of the kit 28-105 lens since then. A few months of shooting goes a long way. Just want to thank everyone who pitched in and helped me with my decision.

09-02-2019, 04:16 PM	#53
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,450	It's always good to be told about the decision.

10-01-2019, 05:09 AM	#54
TJWest Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 116	I started with the 28-105mm and it is just an excellent lens. The pics it takes are far beyond what one would expect from a "kit" zoom lens. I also had the 90mm tamron which was excellent on my k30 and even more excellent on the K1. I bought the D FA 35mm F2 and it is a fine lens for less than 400 bucks. I recently picked up the Irix Blackstone 15mm and it is awesome too. Too many choices, but the kit lens is a great starting point.

10-01-2019, 06:08 AM	#55
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,385	Originally posted by normhead I didn't really even like my K-1 before the 28-105. Lenses I own for it included the FA 100 macro, FA 35-80, DA200 2.8, Tarmon 300 2.8,DA 60-250, DA 35. 2.4, FA 50 macro, FA 50 1.7, and FA-j 18-35. It just never felt right before I got the 28-105. I've since added the DA*55 1.4, another fantastic lens at a great price. That's an interesting perspective. When I borrowed a k-1, I also borrowed the 24-70. The sheer size increase over my k-3 put me off. I wonder if a 28-105 would have changed my opinion.

10-01-2019, 09:06 AM	#56
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by UncleVanya That's an interesting perspective. When I borrowed a k-1, I also borrowed the 24-70. The sheer size increase over my k-3 put me off. I wonder if a 28-105 would have changed my opinion. It very well might have. I like the 2470 but the 28105 is very good and much more compact and lighter.

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10-01-2019, 05:34 PM	#57
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,385	Originally posted by Mikesul It very well might have. I like the 2470 but the 28105 is very good and much more compact and lighter. I don't even love carrying the 16-50 and 60-250 with the k3! Lol.

10-02-2019, 07:08 PM	#58
SirTomster Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 416	Another vote for the 28-105. It just a nice lens and very versatile. Great for travelling. This summer I went to Glacier National Park and half the time I had the 15-30 on my body and the other half the 28-105 and I really wish I had the 28-105 all the time. Just driving in the park and seeing something to shoot, the 28-105 was so much better for almost every situation. Am annoyed it took me so long to decide to keep that lens when driving. Now other lenses are great when you plan a shot, but when driving around that lens was the best to have. But beware, once you have that, then you will want the next and the next.. I am already planning my next lens purchase for 2020 and having troubles. GAS is real!

10-02-2019, 08:11 PM	#59
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	the FA35/f2 is the lens most often on my K-1.....then the FA50/f1.4.....then Tamron 90/f2.8....then FA77/f1.9.....enjoy my primes and don't have the dollars for a very good zoom....

10-03-2019, 09:14 PM	#60
wings Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 209	I am glad that I looked at this thread. I just might get this lens. Thanks.