which lens

kevins · 10-20-2010, 01:28 AM

New to photography and was looking at buying a 2nd hand smc pentax-m 50mm lense for portraits or would my 18-55 kit lens provide descent results

any help would be great cheers Kev

Nass · 10-20-2010, 01:44 AM

If you're new to photography then I'd personally suggest using the kit lens for the time being. The SMC-M is a classic lens but on its own it won't straight away improve your portraits; if anything the contrary because you'll need to learn such things as stop down metering and manual focusing on top of everything else.

Ira · 10-20-2010, 02:38 AM

Originally posted by kevins

New to photography and was looking at buying a 2nd hand smc pentax-m 50mm lense for portraits or would my 18-55 kit lens provide descent results

I don't think there's any comparison that you'll come to love the Pentax-M 50 and the results will be superior to the kit lens, but if you really want to appreciate using primes, and for a comparable price, get yourself a used Super Takumar or Super Multicoated Takumar 50 1.4 ($75 to $100, and less if you get lucky on eBay).

Not only does this lens hold every penny at resale (like the M), it's also superb and will open up the world of manual photography to you.

10-20-2010, 01:28 AM	#1
kevins Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: brisbane Posts: 15	which lens New to photography and was looking at buying a 2nd hand smc pentax-m 50mm lense for portraits or would my 18-55 kit lens provide descent results any help would be great cheers Kev

10-20-2010, 01:44 AM	#2
Nass Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The British Isles Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,402	If you're new to photography then I'd personally suggest using the kit lens for the time being. The SMC-M is a classic lens but on its own it won't straight away improve your portraits; if anything the contrary because you'll need to learn such things as stop down metering and manual focusing on top of everything else.

10-20-2010, 02:38 AM	#3
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by kevins New to photography and was looking at buying a 2nd hand smc pentax-m 50mm lense for portraits or would my 18-55 kit lens provide descent results I don't think there's any comparison that you'll come to love the Pentax-M 50 and the results will be superior to the kit lens, but if you really want to appreciate using primes, and for a comparable price, get yourself a used Super Takumar or Super Multicoated Takumar 50 1.4 ($75 to $100, and less if you get lucky on eBay). Not only does this lens hold every penny at resale (like the M), it's also superb and will open up the world of manual photography to you.