OUCH! Dilemma: 50mm broken, what to do?

**MJSfoto1956** · 02-20-2014, 04:26 PM

So I have a new K-3 with the following lenses:

DA 15mm Limited (49mm filter)
DA 21mm Limited (49mm filter)
DA 70mm Limited (49mm filter)
DA 50mm f/1.8 "kit" lens (52mm filter)
DA* 60-250mm (67mm filter)

Just yesterday, I accidentally dropped my camera with the 50mm on it and the result is what you see below.

So given my situation would you:

fix the 50mm? (any guess at what would be involved?)
buy another (metal) 50mm? e.g. 49mm filter?
buy a 40mm Limited?
buy a 43mm Limited?
buy a 35mm Sigma (67mm filter)
buy a 35mm Macro Limited (49mm)

I'm leaning towards one of the35mm lenses since if I ever go out with the 60-250mm, the 35mm sits right between 60mm and 21mm. And in a pinch, I could imagine going out with just the 60-250mm + 35mm as a lightweight kit. Note: I am not interested in a normal to wide zoom for I am covered there with my D800 + 14-24 and 24-70mm.

Appreciate your thoughts.

Michael

Attached Images

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fgaudet · 02-20-2014, 04:46 PM

Wow, that sucks. I'm not sure I'd even bother getting a $200 lens fixed though. Say a big THANKS to the plastic mount... a metal one would have probably broke the camera mount too, not just the lens.

Tough choice you've got. I didn't try all the lenses in your list but I recently bought a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 and this thing is amazing, really (check the reviews). But it's big... it eats DA50 for breakfast. So if I were you, I'd go for that.

I'm not dissing the other lenses however since I didn't get to use them a lot (if at all), the limited are very good (as per experience and reviews) and if size does matter to you, they might even be better. There is also the DA* 55 which is not on your list that is pretty good too.

But my vote goes for the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art (67mm filter)

fgaudet · 02-20-2014, 04:57 PM

Just so you can see...

stevebrot · 02-20-2014, 05:06 PM

Originally posted by MJSfoto1956

Just yesterday, I accidentally dropped my camera with the 50mm on it

Originally posted by fgaudet

Say a big THANKS to the plastic mount... a metal one would have probably broke the camera mount too, not just the lens.

Not so fast...do you see the condition of the aperture actuator lever in the photo? It appears that the lens may have left a small goodbye note on its way out the door. If it were my K3, I would do a careful inspection of the actuator mechanism on the body.

Steve

**MJSfoto1956** · 02-20-2014, 05:15 PM

yeah, I saw that, it is indeed bent at an extreme angle.
I tried my K-3 with all my other lenses and everything "seems" fine.
So until something suggests otherwise, I am going to "assume" the body is ok (for now).
Sharp eyes!!

Michael

---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 07:16 PM ----------

as for the Sigma 35mm Art, I can't see lugging that puppy around -- I already have a D800 for that!! :P

Michael

calsan · 02-20-2014, 06:15 PM

I find 35 much more useful than my 50, particularly as a single lens 'kit'.

35 limited is wonderful, but it's not really a low light lens - more of a lens that can make good light look even better, if that makes sense? It's even better optically than the 15 limited, which you have, but I still prefer the 15mm angle of view. It's also more of a very close up lens, than a macro, unless you don't mind your subject touching the front element.

See my lens samples here, (photos 1, 2, 4 and 7 are with the 35 limited), so you can see it's very similar rendering and colour to the 15 (photos 3 and 6).

Does decent starbursts too, which can be pretty impressive if you can work them into a close up. Also it's 49mm, as you seem to want to keep your filters the same… I can understand that. If you need a fast focusing indoor lens, then you already have your 21mm.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/13191-calsan/albums/7410-lens-samples/

hope this helps.

Louicio · 02-20-2014, 06:25 PM

Grab a 30-35mm lens. Amazing on APS-C.

calculator01 · 02-20-2014, 06:32 PM

I can't say enough good about the FA 43! (that's my vote)

I know you didn't put it down, but the DA 35 2.4 is a pretty nice little creature. But, you seem to want the better construction, so I would say wait for the new Sigma 30 1.4 and see how it tests out, then make a decision.

**rbefly** · 02-20-2014, 06:36 PM

Sorry about the bad break, Michael, hope your camera is OK. Do you plan to have it checked?
About the next lens, I agree with Cal, the 35 Ltd Macro seems like the best choice. I don't own one, but from everything I've seem posted, it's a terrific optic and handy for two distinct types of photography. 49mm thread too, and while f/1.4 is tempting, f/2.8 isn't exactly slow, either.
With your current fine collection and 'missing' FL slot, it's a perfect fit!
JMO,
Ron

stevebrot · 02-20-2014, 06:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by MJSfoto1956

as for the Sigma 35mm Art, I can't see lugging that puppy around

FA 35/2, a lens so good it was brought back from the dead...

Steve

**monochrome** · 02-20-2014, 06:44 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

FA 35/2, a lens so good it was brought back from the dead...

Steve

^^ +1.

And if there ever IS a FF . . . . .

**MJSfoto1956** · 02-20-2014, 06:52 PM

I have to say, the Pentax f/2 FA 35mm kinda resonates with me...

Michael

---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 08:57 PM ----------

...and I don't think I'm going to have the 50mm "fixed" (at least not right now) -- not only did the mount shear off, but the focus is now very "rough", suggesting that there is more wrong with it than meets the eye. I've seen these go for $164 recently so I can't see paying for shipping out to CRIS, paying for shipping back, plus the cost of the repair. Maybe I'll use this as a dedicated "reverse" lens for super macro work??

I will say this: the 50mm f/1.8 is a pretty decent performer. Just don't expect it to survive a small fall.

Michael

---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 09:49 PM ----------

...but I have to say, it really would be nice to have a "complete" set of Limited's.

starjedi · 02-20-2014, 08:24 PM

Originally posted by MJSfoto1956

I have to say, the Pentax f/2 FA 35mm kinda resonates with me...

Michael

---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 08:57 PM ----------

...and I don't think I'm going to have the 50mm "fixed" (at least not right now) -- not only did the mount shear off, but the focus is now very "rough", suggesting that there is more wrong with it than meets the eye. I've seen these go for $164 recently so I can't see paying for shipping out to CRIS, paying for shipping back, plus the cost of the repair. Maybe I'll use this as a dedicated "reverse" lens for super macro work??

I will say this: the 50mm f/1.8 is a pretty decent performer. Just don't expect it to survive a small fall.

Michael

---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 09:49 PM ----------

...but I have to say, it really would be nice to have a "complete" set of Limited's.

In range 30mm-55mm, pentax have several very good primes. FA 31 (58mm), DA35 Macro Limited(49mm), FA35(49mm), FA 43(49mm) and DA*55mm (58mm).

If you want to consider the all weather coverage, DA*55 is the idea replacement for DA50.

If you want to stick with 49mm filter, FA35 seems to be the ideal choice. It is also known as dark star lenses (its' designer moved to Nikon and designed a lot of Nikkor lens like Nikkor 17-55 f2.8G， Nikkor 105mm F2.8G VR Micro， NIKKOR 24mm F3.5D ED ) .
And it is on sale for $399... I just noticed from another thread that in European one needs to pay 2-3x prices for it.

Kozlok · 02-20-2014, 09:11 PM - **1 Like**

Were I you, I'd invest the money is some grip tape for the K-3!

**MJSfoto1956** · 02-20-2014, 09:27 PM

Originally posted by Kozlok

Were I you, I'd invest the money is some grip tape for the K-3!

LOL! yeah, I should never have put that 52mm metal lens hood on it either -- for plastic lenses only use rubber hoods!

M

02-20-2014, 06:36 PM	#9
rbefly Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denver, Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 2,030	Tough Break! Sorry about the bad break, Michael, hope your camera is OK. Do you plan to have it checked? About the next lens, I agree with Cal, the 35 Ltd Macro seems like the best choice. I don't own one, but from everything I've seem posted, it's a terrific optic and handy for two distinct types of photography. 49mm thread too, and while f/1.4 is tempting, f/2.8 isn't exactly slow, either. With your current fine collection and 'missing' FL slot, it's a perfect fit! JMO, Ron

02-20-2014, 06:52 PM	#12
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305 Original Poster	I have to say, the Pentax f/2 FA 35mm kinda resonates with me... Michael ---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 08:57 PM ---------- ...and I don't think I'm going to have the 50mm "fixed" (at least not right now) -- not only did the mount shear off, but the focus is now very "rough", suggesting that there is more wrong with it than meets the eye. I've seen these go for $164 recently so I can't see paying for shipping out to CRIS, paying for shipping back, plus the cost of the repair. Maybe I'll use this as a dedicated "reverse" lens for super macro work?? I will say this: the 50mm f/1.8 is a pretty decent performer. Just don't expect it to survive a small fall. Michael ---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 09:49 PM ---------- ...but I have to say, it really would be nice to have a "complete" set of Limited's. Last edited by MJSfoto1956; 02-20-2014 at 07:22 PM.

02-20-2014, 08:24 PM	#13
starjedi Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 932	Originally posted by MJSfoto1956 I have to say, the Pentax f/2 FA 35mm kinda resonates with me... Michael ---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 08:57 PM ---------- ...and I don't think I'm going to have the 50mm "fixed" (at least not right now) -- not only did the mount shear off, but the focus is now very "rough", suggesting that there is more wrong with it than meets the eye. I've seen these go for $164 recently so I can't see paying for shipping out to CRIS, paying for shipping back, plus the cost of the repair. Maybe I'll use this as a dedicated "reverse" lens for super macro work?? I will say this: the 50mm f/1.8 is a pretty decent performer. Just don't expect it to survive a small fall. Michael ---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 09:49 PM ---------- ...but I have to say, it really would be nice to have a "complete" set of Limited's. In range 30mm-55mm, pentax have several very good primes. FA 31 (58mm), DA35 Macro Limited(49mm), FA35(49mm), FA 43(49mm) and DA55mm (58mm). If you want to consider the all weather coverage, DA55 is the idea replacement for DA50. If you want to stick with 49mm filter, FA35 seems to be the ideal choice. It is also known as dark star lenses (its' designer moved to Nikon and designed a lot of Nikkor lens like Nikkor 17-55 f2.8G， Nikkor 105mm F2.8G VR Micro， NIKKOR 24mm F3.5D ED ) . And it is on sale for $399... I just noticed from another thread that in European one needs to pay 2-3x prices for it. Last edited by starjedi; 02-20-2014 at 08:34 PM.

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02-20-2014, 04:46 PM	#2
fgaudet Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Ontario Posts: 726	Wow, that sucks. I'm not sure I'd even bother getting a $200 lens fixed though. Say a big THANKS to the plastic mount... a metal one would have probably broke the camera mount too, not just the lens. Tough choice you've got. I didn't try all the lenses in your list but I recently bought a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 and this thing is amazing, really (check the reviews). But it's big... it eats DA50 for breakfast. So if I were you, I'd go for that. I'm not dissing the other lenses however since I didn't get to use them a lot (if at all), the limited are very good (as per experience and reviews) and if size does matter to you, they might even be better. There is also the DA* 55 which is not on your list that is pretty good too. But my vote goes for the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art (67mm filter)

02-20-2014, 05:06 PM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by MJSfoto1956 Just yesterday, I accidentally dropped my camera with the 50mm on it Originally posted by fgaudet Say a big THANKS to the plastic mount... a metal one would have probably broke the camera mount too, not just the lens. Not so fast...do you see the condition of the aperture actuator lever in the photo? It appears that the lens may have left a small goodbye note on its way out the door. If it were my K3, I would do a careful inspection of the actuator mechanism on the body. Steve

02-20-2014, 05:15 PM	#5
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305 Original Poster	yeah, I saw that, it is indeed bent at an extreme angle. I tried my K-3 with all my other lenses and everything "seems" fine. So until something suggests otherwise, I am going to "assume" the body is ok (for now). Sharp eyes!! Michael ---------- Post added 02-20-14 at 07:16 PM ---------- as for the Sigma 35mm Art, I can't see lugging that puppy around -- I already have a D800 for that!! :P Michael

02-20-2014, 06:15 PM	#6
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,549	I find 35 much more useful than my 50, particularly as a single lens 'kit'. 35 limited is wonderful, but it's not really a low light lens - more of a lens that can make good light look even better, if that makes sense? It's even better optically than the 15 limited, which you have, but I still prefer the 15mm angle of view. It's also more of a very close up lens, than a macro, unless you don't mind your subject touching the front element. See my lens samples here, (photos 1, 2, 4 and 7 are with the 35 limited), so you can see it's very similar rendering and colour to the 15 (photos 3 and 6). Does decent starbursts too, which can be pretty impressive if you can work them into a close up. Also it's 49mm, as you seem to want to keep your filters the same… I can understand that. If you need a fast focusing indoor lens, then you already have your 21mm. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/members/13191-calsan/albums/7410-lens-samples/ hope this helps.

02-20-2014, 06:25 PM	#7
Louicio Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Melbourne Posts: 432	Grab a 30-35mm lens. Amazing on APS-C.

02-20-2014, 06:32 PM	#8
calculator01 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 817	I can't say enough good about the FA 43! (that's my vote) I know you didn't put it down, but the DA 35 2.4 is a pretty nice little creature. But, you seem to want the better construction, so I would say wait for the new Sigma 30 1.4 and see how it tests out, then make a decision.

02-20-2014, 06:37 PM - 1 Like	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by MJSfoto1956 as for the Sigma 35mm Art, I can't see lugging that puppy around FA 35/2, a lens so good it was brought back from the dead... Steve

02-20-2014, 06:44 PM	#11
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by stevebrot FA 35/2, a lens so good it was brought back from the dead... Steve ^^ +1. And if there ever IS a FF . . . . .

02-20-2014, 09:11 PM - 1 Like	#14
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	Were I you, I'd invest the money is some grip tape for the K-3!

02-20-2014, 09:27 PM	#15
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305 Original Poster	Originally posted by Kozlok Were I you, I'd invest the money is some grip tape for the K-3! LOL! yeah, I should never have put that 52mm metal lens hood on it either -- for plastic lenses only use rubber hoods! M