any other recommended lenses?

yyz001ca · 03-29-2017, 08:48 PM

Hi! I am new to both this forum and my Pentax K-70 camera. Prior to getting my K-70, I had the pleasure of owning a Pentax SF-1N. For that camera, I built up a kit of various lenses over the years: an SMC Pentax-F 1:1.7 50mm, an SMC Pentax-F 1:4-5.6 70-210mm zoom, a Vivitar 1:3.5-4.5 28-105mm macro zoom and a Tokina 1:4 30-200mm zoom. All the lenses work well with the K-70...with the Pentax lenses having the advantage over the others with autofocus.
Can anyone recommend any new lenses that would be worthwhile purchasing (especially something that might now be far superior to my older Pentax lenses)?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

**clackers** · 03-29-2017, 08:59 PM - **2 Likes**

There's an article, here, Yyz001ca:

Recommended Pentax Gear 2016 - Gear Guides | PentaxForums.com

Adam · 03-29-2017, 09:10 PM - **1 Like**

I'd recommend that you go for a modern walkaround zoom like the DA 16-85mm as a starting point. It really is quite a bit better than any comparable film era zoom

**jatrax** · 03-29-2017, 09:20 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by yyz001ca

Can anyone recommend any new lenses that would be worthwhile purchasing (especially something that might now be far superior to my older Pentax lenses)?

While the old glass is really nice, modern design has moved on especially with zooms. Take a hard look at either the DA 18-135 or the DA 16-85. Your 70-210 is slow but still quite usable. The replacement for it would be the DA*60-250 but that is in a whole different price bracket.

Actually if you added the DA 16-85 and kept the F 50mm and the F 70-210 you would have 16mm to 210mm plus a fast 50mm. A quite nice 3 lens kit, IMHO.

**UncleVanya** · 03-29-2017, 10:44 PM - **2 Likes**

A Da 12-24 would fill a gap in your current line up.

SpecialK · 03-29-2017, 11:35 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UncleVanya

A Da 12-24 would fill a gap in your current line up.

My recommendation as well. In fact, it is the lens I always recommend in the "what lens to take to...?" threads.

jddwoods · 03-30-2017, 03:41 AM - **1 Like**

Along with everyone's suggestions you may want to consider the 55-300 PLM at some point after getting the 16-85. The autofocus alone makes it worth the price. I would also hold on to the F 50mm 1.7, that one is definitely a keeper. I had an SF10 at one time and with similar lenses and my impression is the F series primes are really good lenses but the zooms from that era do not compare with the modern zooms.

**WPRESTO** · 03-30-2017, 06:01 AM - **2 Likes**

I would go along with either a 16~85mm, by far my highest recommendation, or secondly a 12~24mm. Your present kit has nothing that is really wide. If you'll pardon, adding a short FL is guaranteed to broaden your vision. You'll be amazed by a 16~85mm - what it can cover at the wide end, what a versatile range it has, and what superior IQ compared to any lens you currently use except the 50mm f1.7. And the 12~24mm will blow your mind at the wide end.

yyz001ca · 03-30-2017, 06:18 AM

Originally posted by clackers

There's an article, here, Yyz001ca:

Recommended Pentax Gear 2016 - Gear Guides | PentaxForums.com

thanks! that was a good read :-)
now

climit · 03-30-2017, 12:23 PM - **1 Like**

the 50/1.7 is a nice lens. you need a wide angle too, go for the 21 limited.

**pres589** · 03-30-2017, 01:19 PM - **1 Like**

I seriously enjoy these threads and watching what people recommend and what the asker ends up buying.

Tamron 17-50. New they're still $400 if you can find one; it's out of production but there may still be some out there on shelves. From there you can figure out if you want to go wider or somewhere else. The 17-50, that 70-210 you already own, and you've got a lot of field coverage with two lenses and that crop body.

yyz001ca · 03-30-2017, 07:24 PM

Originally posted by pres589

I seriously enjoy these threads and watching what people recommend and what the asker ends up buying.

Tamron 17-50. New they're still $400 if you can find one; it's out of production but there may still be some out there on shelves. From there you can figure out if you want to go wider or somewhere else. The 17-50, that 70-210 you already own, and you've got a lot of field coverage with two lenses and that crop body.

I do appreciate all the help! It will take me a while to decide...I only just purchased the K-70 and spent 3 weeks in Malaysia with it. It is an awesome camera and worked well with my lenses...so now I have to check out all your helpful suggestions and see what rounds out my kit best :-)

**UncleVanya** · 03-30-2017, 07:43 PM - **1 Like**

My problem is... I'm a lens whore. I can't limit myself to a rational number. Compared to some with Lens Buying Addiction I'm doing great however.

I do think the 12-24 is a natural fit if you like wide angle at all. It isn't as flare resistant as the DA 15, but it is more versatile. The other option as many have mentioned is one of the 16-xx or 17-xx options or even 18-xx options that have better IQ and wider range than the run of the mill kit lens. The choice really should be based on needs but wants often jump in the way. A nice 16-85 is perfect for all kinds of weather and conditions and the K-70 does reasonably well in low light by all accounts so the slower aperture should be a major limiting factor. However if you need f/2.8 (perhaps because you love the shallow depth of field) you may gravitate to 17-50 or 16-50 offerings before the 12-24 f/4. You'll figure it out.

**boriscleto** · 03-30-2017, 08:02 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UncleVanya

My problem is... I'm a lens whore. I can't limit myself to a rational number. Compared to some with Lens Buying Addiction I'm doing great however.

If you've never compulsively browsed shopgoodwill.com looking for Ricoh Rikenon XR 50mm F/2 to go with your Rikenon XR S & Rikenon P you're not a Lens Buying Addict...Now I just need a Rikenon & a Rikenon L...

**caliscouser** · 04-12-2017, 10:11 AM - **1 Like**

You didn't say what kind of things you shoot but let's assume general photography.

The obvious hole seems to be a fast normal zoom. I would look at the Tamron 17-50 2.8 at $299, or if you feel you need more reach the Sigma 17-70.

You then have a pretty decent three lens kit:
- Normal fast zoom: Tamron 17-50 (or Sigma 17-70)
- Fast Fifty: 50 1.7
- Telephoto zoom: 70-210

Run those for a while and find the limitations.

03-29-2017, 08:48 PM	#1
yyz001ca New Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Toronto Posts: 4	any other recommended lenses? Hi! I am new to both this forum and my Pentax K-70 camera. Prior to getting my K-70, I had the pleasure of owning a Pentax SF-1N. For that camera, I built up a kit of various lenses over the years: an SMC Pentax-F 1:1.7 50mm, an SMC Pentax-F 1:4-5.6 70-210mm zoom, a Vivitar 1:3.5-4.5 28-105mm macro zoom and a Tokina 1:4 30-200mm zoom. All the lenses work well with the K-70...with the Pentax lenses having the advantage over the others with autofocus. Can anyone recommend any new lenses that would be worthwhile purchasing (especially something that might now be far superior to my older Pentax lenses)? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

03-29-2017, 09:10 PM - 1 Like	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	I'd recommend that you go for a modern walkaround zoom like the DA 16-85mm as a starting point. It really is quite a bit better than any comparable film era zoom 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:

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03-29-2017, 08:59 PM - 2 Likes	#2
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	There's an article, here, Yyz001ca: Recommended Pentax Gear 2016 - Gear Guides \| PentaxForums.com

03-29-2017, 09:20 PM - 1 Like	#4
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by yyz001ca Can anyone recommend any new lenses that would be worthwhile purchasing (especially something that might now be far superior to my older Pentax lenses)? While the old glass is really nice, modern design has moved on especially with zooms. Take a hard look at either the DA 18-135 or the DA 16-85. Your 70-210 is slow but still quite usable. The replacement for it would be the DA*60-250 but that is in a whole different price bracket. Actually if you added the DA 16-85 and kept the F 50mm and the F 70-210 you would have 16mm to 210mm plus a fast 50mm. A quite nice 3 lens kit, IMHO.

03-29-2017, 10:44 PM - 2 Likes	#5
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,460	A Da 12-24 would fill a gap in your current line up.

03-29-2017, 11:35 PM - 1 Like	#6
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	Originally posted by UncleVanya A Da 12-24 would fill a gap in your current line up. My recommendation as well. In fact, it is the lens I always recommend in the "what lens to take to...?" threads.

03-30-2017, 03:41 AM - 1 Like	#7
jddwoods Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Newark, Delaware Posts: 1,035	Along with everyone's suggestions you may want to consider the 55-300 PLM at some point after getting the 16-85. The autofocus alone makes it worth the price. I would also hold on to the F 50mm 1.7, that one is definitely a keeper. I had an SF10 at one time and with similar lenses and my impression is the F series primes are really good lenses but the zooms from that era do not compare with the modern zooms.

03-30-2017, 06:01 AM - 2 Likes	#8
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,138	I would go along with either a 16~85mm, by far my highest recommendation, or secondly a 12~24mm. Your present kit has nothing that is really wide. If you'll pardon, adding a short FL is guaranteed to broaden your vision. You'll be amazed by a 16~85mm - what it can cover at the wide end, what a versatile range it has, and what superior IQ compared to any lens you currently use except the 50mm f1.7. And the 12~24mm will blow your mind at the wide end.

03-30-2017, 06:18 AM	#9
yyz001ca New Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Toronto Posts: 4 Original Poster	Originally posted by clackers There's an article, here, Yyz001ca: Recommended Pentax Gear 2016 - Gear Guides \| PentaxForums.com thanks! that was a good read :-) now

03-30-2017, 12:23 PM - 1 Like	#10
climit Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kalamata Posts: 224	the 50/1.7 is a nice lens. you need a wide angle too, go for the 21 limited.

03-30-2017, 01:19 PM - 1 Like	#11
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	I seriously enjoy these threads and watching what people recommend and what the asker ends up buying. Tamron 17-50. New they're still $400 if you can find one; it's out of production but there may still be some out there on shelves. From there you can figure out if you want to go wider or somewhere else. The 17-50, that 70-210 you already own, and you've got a lot of field coverage with two lenses and that crop body.

03-30-2017, 07:24 PM	#12
yyz001ca New Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Toronto Posts: 4 Original Poster	Originally posted by pres589 I seriously enjoy these threads and watching what people recommend and what the asker ends up buying. Tamron 17-50. New they're still $400 if you can find one; it's out of production but there may still be some out there on shelves. From there you can figure out if you want to go wider or somewhere else. The 17-50, that 70-210 you already own, and you've got a lot of field coverage with two lenses and that crop body. I do appreciate all the help! It will take me a while to decide...I only just purchased the K-70 and spent 3 weeks in Malaysia with it. It is an awesome camera and worked well with my lenses...so now I have to check out all your helpful suggestions and see what rounds out my kit best :-)

03-30-2017, 07:43 PM - 1 Like	#13
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,460	My problem is... I'm a lens whore. I can't limit myself to a rational number. Compared to some with Lens Buying Addiction I'm doing great however. I do think the 12-24 is a natural fit if you like wide angle at all. It isn't as flare resistant as the DA 15, but it is more versatile. The other option as many have mentioned is one of the 16-xx or 17-xx options or even 18-xx options that have better IQ and wider range than the run of the mill kit lens. The choice really should be based on needs but wants often jump in the way. A nice 16-85 is perfect for all kinds of weather and conditions and the K-70 does reasonably well in low light by all accounts so the slower aperture should be a major limiting factor. However if you need f/2.8 (perhaps because you love the shallow depth of field) you may gravitate to 17-50 or 16-50 offerings before the 12-24 f/4. You'll figure it out.

03-30-2017, 08:02 PM - 1 Like	#14
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by UncleVanya My problem is... I'm a lens whore. I can't limit myself to a rational number. Compared to some with Lens Buying Addiction I'm doing great however. If you've never compulsively browsed shopgoodwill.com looking for Ricoh Rikenon XR 50mm F/2 to go with your Rikenon XR S & Rikenon P you're not a Lens Buying Addict...Now I just need a Rikenon & a Rikenon L...

04-12-2017, 10:11 AM - 1 Like	#15
caliscouser Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,037	You didn't say what kind of things you shoot but let's assume general photography. The obvious hole seems to be a fast normal zoom. I would look at the Tamron 17-50 2.8 at $299, or if you feel you need more reach the Sigma 17-70. You then have a pretty decent three lens kit: - Normal fast zoom: Tamron 17-50 (or Sigma 17-70) - Fast Fifty: 50 1.7 - Telephoto zoom: 70-210 Run those for a while and find the limitations.