Pentax Z1 lenses

fafiar · 03-26-2016, 09:29 AM

Hello everybody from Italy
I have a glorious Z1, but it's time to switch to a digital one. I'm not too expert, but I'd like to know if lenses are compatibles with digital camera. If yes which ones ?

Thanks so much

bertwert · 03-26-2016, 09:33 AM

Yes they are!
In fact all K-Mount lenses are compatible.
That's the beauty of Pentax.

fafiar · 03-26-2016, 09:41 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

Yes they are!
In fact all K-Mount lenses are compatible.
That's the beauty of Pentax.

Thanks; any suggestion for a camera model for a digital beginner (good model, right price)

bertwert · 03-26-2016, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by fafiar

Thanks; any suggestion for a camera model for a digital beginner (good model, right price)

The Pentax K-50 is hard to beat.

Also welcome to the forum

robthebloke · 03-26-2016, 11:23 AM

Well, it can be beaten by the k-s2 (which would make an exceptional first dslr - and would stave off upgrade envy for a number of years!)

I'm assuming you have autofocus lenses with the Z1 (F or FA series?). Just be aware that APS-C digital cameras have a crop factor involved. So 35mm on digital is equivalent to 50mm on film. One thing you might find is that you lose something at the wide end. Picking up a deal with the 18-55 or 18-50 kit zooms might be worth it for that reason.

Not a Number · 03-26-2016, 11:23 AM

The Pentax Camera Lens Compatibility Chart

bertwert · 03-26-2016, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by robthebloke

Well, it can be beaten by the k-s2 (which would make an exceptional first dslr)

I meant price to features wise.

Cthulhugan · 03-26-2016, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by robthebloke

Picking up a deal with the 18-55 or 18-50 kit zooms might be worth it for that reason.

The 18-135 or 16-85 would be good choices as well, if you have the budget. 18mm is roughly equivalent for field-of-view to a 28mm lens on your Z1, 16 is about a 24.

There is also the DA 15 Limited, but the Limiteds can be addictive (try to stop at just one ...) :-)

robthebloke · 03-26-2016, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by Cthulhugan

The 18-135 or 16-85 would be good choices as well, if you have the budget. 18mm is roughly equivalent for field-of-view to a 28mm lens on your Z1, 16 is about a 24.

There is also the DA 15 Limited, but the Limiteds can be addictive (try to stop at just one ...) :-)

I'd agree with all of that, but the OP did say good price. The 18-55 is not a bad lens at the wide end (loses a bit at the long end). I must be honest though, at 18mm on digital, it performs slightly better than a 28M on film. (At 28mm on digital, the 18-55 performs worse than a 28M on digital). So for a film shooter moving to digital, it fills an inevitable gap for not much money.

I'd slightly disagree over the Da15 though. I think the da21 would be better for an ex film shooter (bought second hand to keep costs down if needed). 28mm was your standard wide angle lens on film. 24 or wider were rare options. This is all moot though. If the OP is into his wide angle landscape stuff, those lenses may be sensible choices. If however he floats around the 50mm range more often, then the 18-55 is a rarely needs wide option if/when he needs it.

For those film shooters who are used to a simple 50mm prime on film, the the obvious suggestion is a DA35 f2.4 (or better yet, a DA35 f2.8 ltd). It all depends on what lenses the OP has. I'd still say that owning an 18-55 is worth it if your widest lens is a 28mm

---------- Post added 03-26-16 at 08:13 PM ----------

Although, there is of course the stupid option - a Pentax k-1. It'll cost you £1600, but will probably do you for the next 16 years, and will mean all of your lenses will behave exactly the same as they do now on film.

Adam · 03-26-2016, 02:09 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by fafiar

Hello everybody from Italy
I have a glorious Z1, but it's time to switch to a digital one. I'm not too expert, but I'd like to know if lenses are compatibles with digital camera. If yes which ones ?

Thanks so much

This article might prove helpful regarding the different Pentax lens series and supported features on digital:
Comprehensive Pentax Lens Guide - Gear Guides | PentaxForums.com

In a nutshell, all old K-mount lenses will work on a modern Pentax DSLR

As for cameras, I'd recommend the K-50. If you want to upgrade the 18-55mm kit lens, the 18-135mm is a great option, as it has silent AF and more versatility. Two other great lenses that are worth considering would be the DA 35mm and DA 50mm. You should be able to get both for under $200

Pentax K-50 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 AL Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
SMC Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8 Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Reb · 03-26-2016, 05:40 PM

Welcome to the forum fafiar.
I too have a Pentax Z-1, since 1991. When I changed to digital in 2012, I bought a K5 with a DA 18-135 WR.

Originally posted by Adam

the 18-135mm is a great option

I agree with Adam. The image quality and the WR makes this a great lens, besides it has the same field of view (only a bit longer on the tele end) of the FA 28-105 which was the kit lens with the Z-1.
As for the camera body, both the K-50 and K-S2 are very good. But if I were to choose between the 2, the tilt/swivel screen of the K-S2 gives it the edge especially if you do a lot of low level shots.

pentasonic49 · 03-28-2016, 07:26 AM

Lenses with an A position on the aperture ring are much easier to use than the earlier ones. If buying a new digital body/lens kit you will get a good discount on the lens.

03-26-2016, 09:29 AM	#1
fafiar New Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 2	Pentax Z1 lenses Hello everybody from Italy I have a glorious Z1, but it's time to switch to a digital one. I'm not too expert, but I'd like to know if lenses are compatibles with digital camera. If yes which ones ? Thanks so much

03-26-2016, 11:23 AM	#5
robthebloke Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 844	Well, it can be beaten by the k-s2 (which would make an exceptional first dslr - and would stave off upgrade envy for a number of years!) I'm assuming you have autofocus lenses with the Z1 (F or FA series?). Just be aware that APS-C digital cameras have a crop factor involved. So 35mm on digital is equivalent to 50mm on film. One thing you might find is that you lose something at the wide end. Picking up a deal with the 18-55 or 18-50 kit zooms might be worth it for that reason. Last edited by robthebloke; 03-26-2016 at 11:31 AM.

03-26-2016, 02:09 PM - 1 Like	#10
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 43,135	Originally posted by fafiar Hello everybody from Italy I have a glorious Z1, but it's time to switch to a digital one. I'm not too expert, but I'd like to know if lenses are compatibles with digital camera. If yes which ones ? Thanks so much This article might prove helpful regarding the different Pentax lens series and supported features on digital: Comprehensive Pentax Lens Guide - Gear Guides \| PentaxForums.com In a nutshell, all old K-mount lenses will work on a modern Pentax DSLR As for cameras, I'd recommend the K-50. If you want to upgrade the 18-55mm kit lens, the 18-135mm is a great option, as it has silent AF and more versatility. Two other great lenses that are worth considering would be the DA 35mm and DA 50mm. You should be able to get both for under $200 Pentax K-50 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 AL Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8 Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com's high server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover those costs by donating. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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03-26-2016, 09:33 AM	#2
bertwert Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Photos: Albums Posts: 5,481	Yes they are! In fact all K-Mount lenses are compatible. That's the beauty of Pentax.

03-26-2016, 09:41 AM	#3
fafiar New Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 2 Original Poster	Originally posted by bertwert Yes they are! In fact all K-Mount lenses are compatible. That's the beauty of Pentax. Thanks; any suggestion for a camera model for a digital beginner (good model, right price)

03-26-2016, 09:52 AM	#4
bertwert Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Photos: Albums Posts: 5,481	Originally posted by fafiar Thanks; any suggestion for a camera model for a digital beginner (good model, right price) The Pentax K-50 is hard to beat. Also welcome to the forum

03-26-2016, 11:23 AM	#6
Not a Number Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 4,260	The Pentax Camera Lens Compatibility Chart

03-26-2016, 11:24 AM	#7
bertwert Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Photos: Albums Posts: 5,481	Originally posted by robthebloke Well, it can be beaten by the k-s2 (which would make an exceptional first dslr) I meant price to features wise.

03-26-2016, 11:53 AM	#8
Cthulhugan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 139	Originally posted by robthebloke Picking up a deal with the 18-55 or 18-50 kit zooms might be worth it for that reason. The 18-135 or 16-85 would be good choices as well, if you have the budget. 18mm is roughly equivalent for field-of-view to a 28mm lens on your Z1, 16 is about a 24. There is also the DA 15 Limited, but the Limiteds can be addictive (try to stop at just one ...) :-)

03-26-2016, 01:05 PM	#9
robthebloke Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 844	Originally posted by Cthulhugan The 18-135 or 16-85 would be good choices as well, if you have the budget. 18mm is roughly equivalent for field-of-view to a 28mm lens on your Z1, 16 is about a 24. There is also the DA 15 Limited, but the Limiteds can be addictive (try to stop at just one ...) :-) I'd agree with all of that, but the OP did say good price. The 18-55 is not a bad lens at the wide end (loses a bit at the long end). I must be honest though, at 18mm on digital, it performs slightly better than a 28M on film. (At 28mm on digital, the 18-55 performs worse than a 28M on digital). So for a film shooter moving to digital, it fills an inevitable gap for not much money. I'd slightly disagree over the Da15 though. I think the da21 would be better for an ex film shooter (bought second hand to keep costs down if needed). 28mm was your standard wide angle lens on film. 24 or wider were rare options. This is all moot though. If the OP is into his wide angle landscape stuff, those lenses may be sensible choices. If however he floats around the 50mm range more often, then the 18-55 is a rarely needs wide option if/when he needs it. For those film shooters who are used to a simple 50mm prime on film, the the obvious suggestion is a DA35 f2.4 (or better yet, a DA35 f2.8 ltd). It all depends on what lenses the OP has. I'd still say that owning an 18-55 is worth it if your widest lens is a 28mm ---------- Post added 03-26-16 at 08:13 PM ---------- Although, there is of course the stupid option - a Pentax k-1. It'll cost you £1600, but will probably do you for the next 16 years, and will mean all of your lenses will behave exactly the same as they do now on film.

03-26-2016, 05:40 PM	#11
Reb Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Auckland Posts: 30	Welcome to the forum fafiar. I too have a Pentax Z-1, since 1991. When I changed to digital in 2012, I bought a K5 with a DA 18-135 WR. Originally posted by Adam the 18-135mm is a great option I agree with Adam. The image quality and the WR makes this a great lens, besides it has the same field of view (only a bit longer on the tele end) of the FA 28-105 which was the kit lens with the Z-1. As for the camera body, both the K-50 and K-S2 are very good. But if I were to choose between the 2, the tilt/swivel screen of the K-S2 gives it the edge especially if you do a lot of low level shots.

03-28-2016, 07:26 AM	#12
pentasonic49 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: weston-super-mare Posts: 231	Lenses with an A position on the aperture ring are much easier to use than the earlier ones. If buying a new digital body/lens kit you will get a good discount on the lens.