Best affordable APS-C normal lenses?

ppppsssstttt · 09-17-2014, 07:10 AM

i gave up on manual focus with a dslr viewfinder. manual focus on a more modern body with focus peaking is a pleasure. the 28mm autofocus lenses will be out of your price range. i don't think i'd recommend a manual focus 28mm unless you're doing focus peaking or your subjects are far and you want more DoF.

I'd second, third, and fourth the DA 35mm f2.4. It's very close to your price range, closer to "normal" on APS-C dslr sensor.

**Just1MoreDave** · 09-17-2014, 08:36 AM

The 35mm budget choices are well-covered already. Oddly, older 35mm lenses are not anywhere near as common as 28mm lenses.

At exactly 28mm, you can find almost any type of lens except for DA-series Pentax. I think I've tried about a dozen. My favorite is usually $200-225, the Pentax-F 28mm f2.8. I like manual focusing and the Pentax-A version is very similar, for $100-125. For a normal prime, AF is handy. These lenses are small so I can take the camera more places. I often use the onboard flash, which doesn't play well with non-A lenses.

**boriscleto** · 09-17-2014, 08:43 AM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

The 35mm budget choices are well-covered already. Oddly, older 35mm lenses are not anywhere near as common as 28mm lenses.

In K-mount. But the 35/3.5 seemed to be more popular than the 28 before the mid-70s.

Stavri · 09-17-2014, 08:43 AM

DA 35mm f2.4 no doubt. It has FF compatibility and one of the best coatings pentax has ever put on their lenses.

Last edited by Stavri; 09-17-2014 at 11:53 AM.

Bradley981 · 09-17-2014, 01:04 PM

Originally posted by wildman

DA 1:1.8 50mm

BTW between 43mm and 55mm would not be considered "normal" on an APS-C sensor - 30mm +/- 5mm like the DA 35mm F2.4 would be normal.

I'm meaning lenses like 28-35mm that multiply by 1.5x to become 43mm-50mm

Bradley981 · 09-17-2014, 10:31 PM

Originally posted by mtux

Go for the Zeiss T* 28mm f/2 Sandy, I heard that the K version is based on this Zeiss design, but the M and A aren't. and the Zeiss has A setting. and is more expensive.

I was searching for a 28mm f/2 lens for some time, but because of the price ended up buying the Kiron 28/2 one.

I have that Kiron 28mm, it's real nice!

---------- Post added 09-18-14 at 05:34 PM ----------

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

DA35/2.4
Are you noticing a pattern here?

If you are willing to dabble with manual focus, 28mm is closest to the true normal for APS-C sensors. There are lots of variants from the FA series (OK, that's autofocus) down. Personally, I'm after the A28/2.0, but I gather they are pretty thin on the ground, and not cheap.

I think I've got the pattern haha. Must have a look at that lens, thanks for the help!

mtux · 09-17-2014, 10:40 PM

Originally posted by Bradley981

I have that Kiron 28mm, it's real nice!

Yes, it is.

robthebloke · 09-22-2014, 05:56 PM

35mm f2.4 or 40mm f2.8 xs (60mm equivalent, but microscopic)

AldaCZ · 09-25-2014, 02:25 PM

Originally posted by robthebloke

35mm f2.4 or 40mm f2.8 xs (60mm equivalent, but microscopic)

Pocketable (for me)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
APS-C Lenses on Sony A7r	interested_observer	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	4	04-06-2014 09:12 AM
Lenses mountable on Pentax APS-C bodies?	tripodquest	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	32	12-10-2013 11:42 AM
Perhaps best 35mm lens for the APS-C there is	Uluru	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	61	09-21-2013 02:28 AM
Normal lens for APS-C cameras	kristaps	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	71	04-16-2013 05:19 AM
Nikon D5200 taking the crown of best APS-C sensor?	soalle	Pentax DSLR Discussion	13	01-28-2013 12:39 PM

09-17-2014, 07:10 AM	#16
ppppsssstttt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 152	i gave up on manual focus with a dslr viewfinder. manual focus on a more modern body with focus peaking is a pleasure. the 28mm autofocus lenses will be out of your price range. i don't think i'd recommend a manual focus 28mm unless you're doing focus peaking or your subjects are far and you want more DoF. I'd second, third, and fourth the DA 35mm f2.4. It's very close to your price range, closer to "normal" on APS-C dslr sensor.

09-17-2014, 08:36 AM	#17
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	The 35mm budget choices are well-covered already. Oddly, older 35mm lenses are not anywhere near as common as 28mm lenses. At exactly 28mm, you can find almost any type of lens except for DA-series Pentax. I think I've tried about a dozen. My favorite is usually $200-225, the Pentax-F 28mm f2.8. I like manual focusing and the Pentax-A version is very similar, for $100-125. For a normal prime, AF is handy. These lenses are small so I can take the camera more places. I often use the onboard flash, which doesn't play well with non-A lenses.

09-17-2014, 08:43 AM	#18
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave The 35mm budget choices are well-covered already. Oddly, older 35mm lenses are not anywhere near as common as 28mm lenses. In K-mount. But the 35/3.5 seemed to be more popular than the 28 before the mid-70s.

09-17-2014, 08:43 AM	#19
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	DA 35mm f2.4 no doubt. It has FF compatibility and one of the best coatings pentax has ever put on their lenses. Last edited by Stavri; 09-17-2014 at 11:53 AM.

09-17-2014, 01:04 PM	#20
Bradley981 New Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 14 Original Poster	Originally posted by wildman DA 1:1.8 50mm BTW between 43mm and 55mm would not be considered "normal" on an APS-C sensor - 30mm +/- 5mm like the DA 35mm F2.4 would be normal. I'm meaning lenses like 28-35mm that multiply by 1.5x to become 43mm-50mm

09-17-2014, 10:31 PM	#21
Bradley981 New Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 14 Original Poster	Originally posted by mtux Go for the Zeiss T* 28mm f/2 Sandy, I heard that the K version is based on this Zeiss design, but the M and A aren't. and the Zeiss has A setting. and is more expensive. I was searching for a 28mm f/2 lens for some time, but because of the price ended up buying the Kiron 28/2 one. I have that Kiron 28mm, it's real nice! ---------- Post added 09-18-14 at 05:34 PM ---------- Originally posted by Sandy Hancock DA35/2.4 Are you noticing a pattern here? If you are willing to dabble with manual focus, 28mm is closest to the true normal for APS-C sensors. There are lots of variants from the FA series (OK, that's autofocus) down. Personally, I'm after the A28/2.0, but I gather they are pretty thin on the ground, and not cheap. I think I've got the pattern haha. Must have a look at that lens, thanks for the help!

09-17-2014, 10:40 PM	#22
mtux Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: the Netherlands Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,444	Originally posted by Bradley981 I have that Kiron 28mm, it's real nice! Yes, it is.

09-22-2014, 05:56 PM	#23
robthebloke Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 844	35mm f2.4 or 40mm f2.8 xs (60mm equivalent, but microscopic)

09-25-2014, 02:25 PM	#24
AldaCZ Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: North Bohemia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,251	Originally posted by robthebloke 35mm f2.4 or 40mm f2.8 xs (60mm equivalent, but microscopic) Pocketable (for me)