Prime lenses for the K3II

mhsp · 12-14-2015, 09:15 PM

What prime lenses should I consider for the K3II, I know it is a general question but like to keep it between 10mm and 50mm. Thank you for any help.

Kath · 12-14-2015, 09:26 PM

Given your parameters, the 15 Ltd will never make you sorry you bought it. But we could be much more helpful if you would say something about what kinds of subjects you want to shoot. All you'll get with this general question is something along the lines of, "you should have this because I like it."

kmurphy220 · 12-14-2015, 09:34 PM

You should probably start with the FA 50 f1.4. It is generally crowned as the best AF 50 for pentax by the guys I know. If you want a cheaper option the F 50 1.7 is supposedly good as well. Or you could go old fashioned and get yourself either a Super Takumar 50 f1.4 or a Mamiya Sekor 55mm f1.4. Both MF but very nice to use. Next you should probably look at the DA 35mm f2.4 as a wider option to your 50 or even an FA 28. You could go for the DA 15 LTD but thats pretty pricey I believe.

Adam · 12-14-2015, 09:39 PM

Originally posted by mhsp

What prime lenses should I consider for the K3II, I know it is a general question but like to keep it between 10mm and 50mm. Thank you for any help.

The DA 15mm is a must, along with either the 35mm macro or a Sigma 35mm F1.4 (better for portraits). As for 50mm's, I don't think there's a single AF Pentax lens you can go wrong with.

Adam
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Outis · 12-14-2015, 10:39 PM

Yeah, definitely the 15mm Limited. Also the 40mm Limited. It's tiny, it's relatively inexpensive, it works well for pretty much everything, and it's super sharp, sharper even than my 31mm Limited. There is there is literally no reason not to get one.

hcc · 12-14-2015, 10:45 PM

The FA Limiteds and DA Limiteds are two very-well regarded series of Pentax prime lenses that you should consider.

Without much info on what you are shooting, one can only suggest some personal preferences. For me, I would suggest the DA15mm Ltd, FA31mm f1.8 Ltd and DA*55mm f1.4.

My 5 cents...

mhsp · 12-14-2015, 11:12 PM

I would like it for walk around on city streets for tight shots and for portraits. 35mm on my crop would give me close to the old 50mm when I shot film using my Ricoh and a 1.4 Zeiss. Also, 50mm on my crop would let me take some real good portraits and if it were 1.4 it would allow me to use it in low light. I like landscape as my favorite and use the 16-85 Pentax which serves that purpose rather well, would like a good prime to do special work and they are so good for clarity and blurring back ground on close ups.

hcc · 12-14-2015, 11:33 PM

Originally posted by mhsp

I would like it for walk around on city streets for tight shots and for portraits. 35mm on my crop would give me close to the old 50mm when I shot film using my Ricoh and a 1.4 Zeiss. Also, 50mm on my crop would let me take some real good portraits and if it were 1.4 it would allow me to use it in low light. I like landscape as my favorite and use the 16-85 Pentax which serves that purpose rather well, would like a good prime to do special work and they are so good for clarity and blurring back ground on close ups.

For city streets for tight shots, the DA15mm and DA21mm would be likely some of the best options. 30mm and above would be too long in my opinion.

For portrait, I favor focal lengths about 70-100mm: the FA77mm f1.8 is my favorite lens in that range.

My 5 cents.

biz-engineer · 12-15-2015, 12:47 AM - **1 Like**

In order to cover the main type of field of views, I'd recommend one of the following sets of primes:
A) 15ltd, 35ltd, 70ltd
B) 21ltd, 40ltd, 70ltd

or a set of 2 primes and 1 zoom:
C) 15ltd, 20-40ltd, 70ltd

ChatMechant · 12-15-2015, 01:19 AM

31ltd is very nice. sigma 30 1.4 isn't bad either and a lot cheaper.

**Alex645** · 12-15-2015, 01:29 AM

Originally posted by mhsp

I would like it for walk around on city streets for tight shots and for portraits. 35mm on my crop would give me close to the old 50mm when I shot film using my Ricoh and a 1.4 Zeiss. Also, 50mm on my crop would let me take some real good portraits and if it were 1.4 it would allow me to use it in low light. I like landscape as my favorite and use the 16-85 Pentax which serves that purpose rather well, would like a good prime to do special work and they are so good for clarity and blurring back ground on close ups.

I see three general options to consider:

a) The Pentax Limiteds are very sharp, small, light, and unassuming for street photography. If that's the priority, then the first tough choice is between the DA 35mm f/2.8 macro or the HD 40mm DA f/2.8 pancake (both limiteds). The advantage of the 35mm is the macro and that it's closer to the 50mm equivalent you mentioned. The advantage of the 40mm is that it's so unassuming that strangers will be less intimidated. Assuming that you're shooting with only one body, I've found that I'm more productive with only two primes. The wide prime is really a personal preference. The HD 21mm f/3.2 AL limited is the equivalent to the classic 35mm for what many consider the most natural angle of view. But if you're like me, where wider=better, then I'd suggest the HD 15mm f/4 limited.

b) Cost, size, and weight are not an issue for you, but you gotta have fast glass? Then the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art, Pentax 55mm f/1.4 DA* SDM, and finish the trifecta with Pentax SMCP-DA 14mm f/2.8 ED (IF).

c) Oh, you have a prime taste with a thin wallet? No brainer with the Pentax 35mm DA L F2.4 AL and Pentax SMC DA 50mm f/1.8. The hard one is the wide angle prime. I haven't had good experience with IQ on Rokinon lenses, but they have a manual focus Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS on sale for around $300. And although Pentax makes a 10-17mm zoom, I find fish eyes a 'one and done' been there, done that thrill. So instead I'd go with the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM for around $450, or sticking with the budget, buy this one used.

**Kerrowdown** · 12-15-2015, 02:16 AM

There are also many older manual focus wide angles out there for you to consider too.

Sandy Hancock · 12-15-2015, 02:27 AM - **1 Like**

Buy them all, and sell the ones you don't want to keep.
It's not rocket science.

**Rondec** · 12-15-2015, 04:03 AM

Much depends on your budget. I own the DA 15, FA 31, DA 40, and DA *55 and am satisfied with all of them. Sigma 30 and DA 35 f2.4 are both considerably cheaper than the FA 31 and would be reasonable options. I don't use the DA 40 a whole lot (mainly got it for a tiny lens to mount on my K-01) and would be pretty quick to substitute the FA 43 in its place if you like a 40-ish mm prime.

dakight · 12-15-2015, 05:26 AM

You don't mention the budget but if that's an issue don't overlook the DA 35 f2.4 and the DA-50 f1.8 "Plastic Fantastic." Both perform very well and at around $100 each you can get both for the cost of a single limited and have money left over. If the budget is not a limitation the any or all of the above are great suggestions.

12-14-2015, 09:15 PM	#1
mhsp Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 58	Prime lenses for the K3II What prime lenses should I consider for the K3II, I know it is a general question but like to keep it between 10mm and 50mm. Thank you for any help.

12-14-2015, 11:33 PM	#8
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,005	Originally posted by mhsp I would like it for walk around on city streets for tight shots and for portraits. 35mm on my crop would give me close to the old 50mm when I shot film using my Ricoh and a 1.4 Zeiss. Also, 50mm on my crop would let me take some real good portraits and if it were 1.4 it would allow me to use it in low light. I like landscape as my favorite and use the 16-85 Pentax which serves that purpose rather well, would like a good prime to do special work and they are so good for clarity and blurring back ground on close ups. For city streets for tight shots, the DA15mm and DA21mm would be likely some of the best options. 30mm and above would be too long in my opinion. For portrait, I favor focal lengths about 70-100mm: the FA77mm f1.8 is my favorite lens in that range. My 5 cents. Last edited by hcc; 12-15-2015 at 12:19 AM.

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12-14-2015, 09:26 PM	#2
Kath Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portland, OR Photos: Gallery Posts: 737	Given your parameters, the 15 Ltd will never make you sorry you bought it. But we could be much more helpful if you would say something about what kinds of subjects you want to shoot. All you'll get with this general question is something along the lines of, "you should have this because I like it."

12-14-2015, 09:34 PM	#3
kmurphy220 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 235	You should probably start with the FA 50 f1.4. It is generally crowned as the best AF 50 for pentax by the guys I know. If you want a cheaper option the F 50 1.7 is supposedly good as well. Or you could go old fashioned and get yourself either a Super Takumar 50 f1.4 or a Mamiya Sekor 55mm f1.4. Both MF but very nice to use. Next you should probably look at the DA 35mm f2.4 as a wider option to your 50 or even an FA 28. You could go for the DA 15 LTD but thats pretty pricey I believe.

12-14-2015, 09:39 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by mhsp What prime lenses should I consider for the K3II, I know it is a general question but like to keep it between 10mm and 50mm. Thank you for any help. The DA 15mm is a must, along with either the 35mm macro or a Sigma 35mm F1.4 (better for portraits). As for 50mm's, I don't think there's a single AF Pentax lens you can go wrong with. 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:

12-14-2015, 10:39 PM	#5
Outis Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 935	Yeah, definitely the 15mm Limited. Also the 40mm Limited. It's tiny, it's relatively inexpensive, it works well for pretty much everything, and it's super sharp, sharper even than my 31mm Limited. There is there is literally no reason not to get one.

12-14-2015, 10:45 PM	#6
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,005	The FA Limiteds and DA Limiteds are two very-well regarded series of Pentax prime lenses that you should consider. Without much info on what you are shooting, one can only suggest some personal preferences. For me, I would suggest the DA15mm Ltd, FA31mm f1.8 Ltd and DA*55mm f1.4. My 5 cents...

12-14-2015, 11:12 PM	#7
mhsp Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 58 Original Poster	I would like it for walk around on city streets for tight shots and for portraits. 35mm on my crop would give me close to the old 50mm when I shot film using my Ricoh and a 1.4 Zeiss. Also, 50mm on my crop would let me take some real good portraits and if it were 1.4 it would allow me to use it in low light. I like landscape as my favorite and use the 16-85 Pentax which serves that purpose rather well, would like a good prime to do special work and they are so good for clarity and blurring back ground on close ups.

12-15-2015, 12:47 AM - 1 Like	#9
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,249	In order to cover the main type of field of views, I'd recommend one of the following sets of primes: A) 15ltd, 35ltd, 70ltd B) 21ltd, 40ltd, 70ltd or a set of 2 primes and 1 zoom: C) 15ltd, 20-40ltd, 70ltd

12-15-2015, 01:19 AM	#10
ChatMechant Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Matsuyama Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,284	31ltd is very nice. sigma 30 1.4 isn't bad either and a lot cheaper.

12-15-2015, 01:29 AM	#11
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,527	Originally posted by mhsp I would like it for walk around on city streets for tight shots and for portraits. 35mm on my crop would give me close to the old 50mm when I shot film using my Ricoh and a 1.4 Zeiss. Also, 50mm on my crop would let me take some real good portraits and if it were 1.4 it would allow me to use it in low light. I like landscape as my favorite and use the 16-85 Pentax which serves that purpose rather well, would like a good prime to do special work and they are so good for clarity and blurring back ground on close ups. I see three general options to consider: a) The Pentax Limiteds are very sharp, small, light, and unassuming for street photography. If that's the priority, then the first tough choice is between the DA 35mm f/2.8 macro or the HD 40mm DA f/2.8 pancake (both limiteds). The advantage of the 35mm is the macro and that it's closer to the 50mm equivalent you mentioned. The advantage of the 40mm is that it's so unassuming that strangers will be less intimidated. Assuming that you're shooting with only one body, I've found that I'm more productive with only two primes. The wide prime is really a personal preference. The HD 21mm f/3.2 AL limited is the equivalent to the classic 35mm for what many consider the most natural angle of view. But if you're like me, where wider=better, then I'd suggest the HD 15mm f/4 limited. b) Cost, size, and weight are not an issue for you, but you gotta have fast glass? Then the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art, Pentax 55mm f/1.4 DA* SDM, and finish the trifecta with Pentax SMCP-DA 14mm f/2.8 ED (IF). c) Oh, you have a prime taste with a thin wallet? No brainer with the Pentax 35mm DA L F2.4 AL and Pentax SMC DA 50mm f/1.8. The hard one is the wide angle prime. I haven't had good experience with IQ on Rokinon lenses, but they have a manual focus Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS on sale for around $300. And although Pentax makes a 10-17mm zoom, I find fish eyes a 'one and done' been there, done that thrill. So instead I'd go with the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM for around $450, or sticking with the budget, buy this one used.

12-15-2015, 02:16 AM	#12
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	There are also many older manual focus wide angles out there for you to consider too.

12-15-2015, 02:27 AM - 1 Like	#13
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Buy them all, and sell the ones you don't want to keep. It's not rocket science.

12-15-2015, 04:03 AM	#14
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,666	Much depends on your budget. I own the DA 15, FA 31, DA 40, and DA *55 and am satisfied with all of them. Sigma 30 and DA 35 f2.4 are both considerably cheaper than the FA 31 and would be reasonable options. I don't use the DA 40 a whole lot (mainly got it for a tiny lens to mount on my K-01) and would be pretty quick to substitute the FA 43 in its place if you like a 40-ish mm prime.

12-15-2015, 05:26 AM	#15
dakight Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,216	You don't mention the budget but if that's an issue don't overlook the DA 35 f2.4 and the DA-50 f1.8 "Plastic Fantastic." Both perform very well and at around $100 each you can get both for the cost of a single limited and have money left over. If the budget is not a limitation the any or all of the above are great suggestions.