28-45 downgrade to SMC A lenses?

Gyroscope · 11-07-2022, 07:04 AM

I have scaled back my 645z system to just the body and the 28-45. My main landscape photography kit is now Pana S1r (lighter for my bad back more nimble better lens selection) but I feel reluctant to sell the Z. Partly because I know I will be losing a lot on it but also it is a monster for dynamic range and long exposures and I love every keeper pic I got with it the last 8 years. I wonder would it be stupid to sell the enormous boat anchor that the fabulous 28-45 is and buy just the 35 A and maybe the 55 A or the 45-85 A?. Smaller lighter simpler. Would I lose too much in IQ? I can live with the narrower DOF.

texandrews · 11-07-2022, 10:57 AM

Well, I have a pretty full Z kit. I'll never sell it until there's a Pentax replacement.

I have the 25, the 28-45, the DFA 35, the FA45-85, the DFA 55 in the range you are talking about. I have also had the FA 45, the A35, and the FA 35.

I think the A35 is a great little lens. The DFA35 is better. I think the FA35 is worse than both and can be tricky to use. The FA45-85 is better than it ought to be, very solid lens. It's not as heavy as the 28-45, but it's still slightly hefty compared to the primes. The DFA 55 is terrific. The FA 45 is not bad, but is a bit "meh", even though it's a dead useful FL.

If I were you, I'd keep that 28-45----it would be expensive to replace if you decided you missed it. I'd add in either the DFA 35 or the DFA 55. Either of those would make fine walk-around lenses.

And I would also do a very great deal of due diligence on a better camera strap/bag/pack. If you think you have already done so, just try again. I used to use (and still have) an older Lowe fanny pack that I used with my film era medium format kits. Don't know where your back is bad, but there's ways to have the load sit better.

jslifoaw · 11-07-2022, 11:34 AM

I agree with keeping the 28-45 unless you absolutely must sell it (if so, I'd sell the 645Z as well, and consider buying a lens like the 20-60 or 16-35 Pro for your S1r). It has AF, AW, SR, and is much wider than the A35. It's a big lens, but it's such a good complement to the 645Z.

I actually think the FA 33-55 is a decent good-light substitute that's adequately wide and still AFs, but why lug around the 645Z without the best glass in front of it?

Gyroscope · 11-08-2022, 05:47 AM

One of the weight saving things was going from a 645z system plus a K1 system so that I could cover ultrawide (but was still missing out on the telephoto). Now I have all the focal lengths I need with the S1r, 16-35 and 70-200 F4. I can supplement with my little G9 and a tiny prime Laowa if needed. My thinking was if I had a smaller lens for the 645Z I could carry it either with my S1 or my G9 on occasion. I agree the 28-45 is an awesome lens but going with an A35 prime would save a lot of weight and help me recoup some money for my new purchases as well. Its a difficult decision. I did consider the DFA 35 which would be lighter and sharp but it looks like it would be a straight trade as far as cost goes so I don't end up with any cash after. Though maybe that would be okay I'll have to think about that one.

I already sold my DFA55 and DFA90 and I think if I change it would just be to a single 35mm lens whatever it is for the weight saving and simplicity. I might just have to see what I manage to get for the 28-45 on ebay then decide if I get the DFA35 which would certainly be nice (and a full 900g lighter) or the A35. I think I would be more satisfied with the DFA.

I have a slipped disc in my back at the moment (which I suspect is going to be dodgy going forward even after it heals) and bad shoulders. The 645Z plus K1 systems was too much and the 645Z+28-45 plus tripod is damn heavy to move around on location and the Z doesn't really work on my peak design clip. It's a much more nimble proposition now with the S1r, 16-35 and new tripod that is nearly a kilo lighter than my old one. I have a very good and light pack so that is not the issue.

What will probably happen is I will decide to take the Z and 28-45 out sometime just on its own and will so love the results from it I decide I can't part with it

**RICHARD L.** · 11-08-2022, 05:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jslifoaw

I actually think the FA 33-55 is a decent good-light substitute

Very good piece of advice. This zoom has never been rated very high but is a SWEET lens when used properly : middle apertures (f/11, 16 and 22), solid support (tripod) and critical focus. I bought mine on eBay in Japan for 400 $ in mint condition.

Gyroscope · 11-08-2022, 06:23 PM

33-55 is slightly wider too. Certainly an option to consider. I had discounted it because it doesn't have a good reputation but shooting at f8 or f11 is all I would be doing with it anyway.

11-07-2022, 07:04 AM	#1
Gyroscope Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 166	28-45 downgrade to SMC A lenses? I have scaled back my 645z system to just the body and the 28-45. My main landscape photography kit is now Pana S1r (lighter for my bad back more nimble better lens selection) but I feel reluctant to sell the Z. Partly because I know I will be losing a lot on it but also it is a monster for dynamic range and long exposures and I love every keeper pic I got with it the last 8 years. I wonder would it be stupid to sell the enormous boat anchor that the fabulous 28-45 is and buy just the 35 A and maybe the 55 A or the 45-85 A?. Smaller lighter simpler. Would I lose too much in IQ? I can live with the narrower DOF.

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11-07-2022, 10:57 AM	#2
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,390	Well, I have a pretty full Z kit. I'll never sell it until there's a Pentax replacement. I have the 25, the 28-45, the DFA 35, the FA45-85, the DFA 55 in the range you are talking about. I have also had the FA 45, the A35, and the FA 35. I think the A35 is a great little lens. The DFA35 is better. I think the FA35 is worse than both and can be tricky to use. The FA45-85 is better than it ought to be, very solid lens. It's not as heavy as the 28-45, but it's still slightly hefty compared to the primes. The DFA 55 is terrific. The FA 45 is not bad, but is a bit "meh", even though it's a dead useful FL. If I were you, I'd keep that 28-45----it would be expensive to replace if you decided you missed it. I'd add in either the DFA 35 or the DFA 55. Either of those would make fine walk-around lenses. And I would also do a very great deal of due diligence on a better camera strap/bag/pack. If you think you have already done so, just try again. I used to use (and still have) an older Lowe fanny pack that I used with my film era medium format kits. Don't know where your back is bad, but there's ways to have the load sit better.

11-07-2022, 11:34 AM	#3
jslifoaw Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto/Victoria Posts: 460	I agree with keeping the 28-45 unless you absolutely must sell it (if so, I'd sell the 645Z as well, and consider buying a lens like the 20-60 or 16-35 Pro for your S1r). It has AF, AW, SR, and is much wider than the A35. It's a big lens, but it's such a good complement to the 645Z. I actually think the FA 33-55 is a decent good-light substitute that's adequately wide and still AFs, but why lug around the 645Z without the best glass in front of it?

11-08-2022, 05:47 AM	#4
Gyroscope Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 166 Original Poster	One of the weight saving things was going from a 645z system plus a K1 system so that I could cover ultrawide (but was still missing out on the telephoto). Now I have all the focal lengths I need with the S1r, 16-35 and 70-200 F4. I can supplement with my little G9 and a tiny prime Laowa if needed. My thinking was if I had a smaller lens for the 645Z I could carry it either with my S1 or my G9 on occasion. I agree the 28-45 is an awesome lens but going with an A35 prime would save a lot of weight and help me recoup some money for my new purchases as well. Its a difficult decision. I did consider the DFA 35 which would be lighter and sharp but it looks like it would be a straight trade as far as cost goes so I don't end up with any cash after. Though maybe that would be okay I'll have to think about that one. I already sold my DFA55 and DFA90 and I think if I change it would just be to a single 35mm lens whatever it is for the weight saving and simplicity. I might just have to see what I manage to get for the 28-45 on ebay then decide if I get the DFA35 which would certainly be nice (and a full 900g lighter) or the A35. I think I would be more satisfied with the DFA. I have a slipped disc in my back at the moment (which I suspect is going to be dodgy going forward even after it heals) and bad shoulders. The 645Z plus K1 systems was too much and the 645Z+28-45 plus tripod is damn heavy to move around on location and the Z doesn't really work on my peak design clip. It's a much more nimble proposition now with the S1r, 16-35 and new tripod that is nearly a kilo lighter than my old one. I have a very good and light pack so that is not the issue. What will probably happen is I will decide to take the Z and 28-45 out sometime just on its own and will so love the results from it I decide I can't part with it

11-08-2022, 05:47 AM - 1 Like	#5
RICHARD L. Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,575	Originally posted by jslifoaw I actually think the FA 33-55 is a decent good-light substitute Very good piece of advice. This zoom has never been rated very high but is a SWEET lens when used properly : middle apertures (f/11, 16 and 22), solid support (tripod) and critical focus. I bought mine on eBay in Japan for 400 $ in mint condition.

11-08-2022, 06:23 PM	#6
Gyroscope Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 166 Original Poster	33-55 is slightly wider too. Certainly an option to consider. I had discounted it because it doesn't have a good reputation but shooting at f8 or f11 is all I would be doing with it anyway.