[jawats]

All,

As a new (to me) owner of a K-3, I have quickly succumbed to lens buying addiction. I am reigning that in, and considering selling some of my less stellar lenses. With that said, I was considering the following lenses as a "wish list" for sub-$100 lenses, both Pentax and third-party. I do not mind manual, so there's no negatives with that. Let me know your thoughts, and if I am missing anything (or anything ought to be removed) - I'd love to have this serve as a resource for others! Also, I should note that I don't plan to simply buy all these as they come available - rather, when I see a need or want or gap, I will consider these first to fill the need. EDIT: I realize I left off some of the shorter Pentax manual lenses, particularly in prime. The 50mm manuals seem pretty good uniformly - should there be 1 - 2 50mm I should add?

Characteristics:

1. Over 8.00 in the ratings (subjective - if 9.00 or better was priced evenly, I tended to choose those)
2. Under $100 in the forum ratings - if there are those which can be had under $100, but are listed over, please let me know
3. Exist in the Pentax Forums database.
4. Most of the time, have three 8+ reviews or more (if I placed any in which seem to be "bad" buys, let me know!)

Primes:

SMC Pentax-A 28mm F2.8

SMC Pentax-M 28mm F3.5

SMC Pentax 28mm F3.5 (K)

SMC Pentax 50mm F1.4 (K)

SMC Pentax 55mm F2 (K)

Sigma 90mm F2.8 Macro

Sigma PANTEL 135mm F2.8

Sigma 28mm f/2.8 Mini Wide

Tamron-F 28mm F2.8

Tamron (adaptamatic/fixed mount) 300mm f5.6

Tamron Adaptall ( Chinon ) 135mm f/2.8 (CT 135)

Tamron 689/T-135 Auto Adaptall 1 (1st gen) 135mm F2.8

Tokina SL28 28mm F2.8

Tokina RMC / SL135 135mm 2.8

Tokina RMC 35mm F2.8

Vivitar (Cosina) 19mm f/3.8

Vivitar (Komine 28xxxx) Auto Telephoto 200mm f/3.5

Vivitar 20mm F3.8 Auto Wide-Angle

Vivitar (Kiron - serial 22xxxxx) 24mm F2

Vivitar (Komine 28xxxxx) 28mm f/2.8 Close Focus

Vivitar (Kiron - serial 22xxxxx) 28mm f2

Vivitar (PK-A, 98xxxxx = cosina) 28mm F2.8

Vivitar 24mm f2.8 Auto-aperture MC close-focusing

Vivitar (Tokina) 35mm f2.5 or 2.8; T4 / TX and fixed mount

Vivitar (komine) 55mm f2.8 (f3 - early version); 1:1 macro

Cosina Cosinon Auto 50mm F1.7

Cosina MC Cosinon-W 24mm f2.8

Cosina ( Petri, Vivitar VMC) 35mm f2.8 Cosinon W MC

Cosina MC Cosinon-W 28mm F2.8

Cosina 24mm f/2.8 MC MACRO

Cosina Cosinon-S 50mm F1.8

Cosina 28mm f/2.8 MC MACRO

Ricoh XR Rikenon 28mm F3.5

Ricoh Rikenon 50mm f/2

Ricoh 28mm f/2.8 Rikenon P

Ricoh 200mm XR Rikenon f/4

Ricoh 50mm Rikenon P f/1.4

Ricoh Rikenon xr 35mm f2.8

Ricoh Auto Rikenon 55mm F1.4

Rikoh Rikenon P 50mm F2

Rikoh Rikenon P 50mm F1.7

Ricoh 28mm F2.8 Rikenon XR

Ricoh XR Rikenon 50mm f/2.0

Ricoh 50mm f1.7 XR Rikenon

Ricoh Auto-Rikenon 50mm f/1.7 (m-42)

aus JENA (Carl Zeiss) "S" (Sonnar) 135mm f3.5

aus JENA (Carl Zeiss) "S" (Sonnar) 135mm f4 (zebra)

Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm 1.8 Pancolar MC

Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm F2.8 Tessar

Carl Zeiss Jena 135mm F3.5 Sonnar MC - Zebra

Jupiter-37A 135mm f/3.5

Jupiter 11 135mm F4

Jupiter 11A 4/135 135mm F4

Mir-1 (Mir-1A, Mir-1B, Mir 1V) 37mm F2.8

Helios 44-3 58mm f2 MC

ZENIT HELIOS 44M-6 MC 58mm f2

KMZ 50mm 1.7 Zenitar-M

Helios 77M-4 MC 50mm F1.8

Industar-61 L/D 53mm f2.8

Industar-50 50mm F3.5

Helios 44-2 58mm F/2

Helios 44 (KMZ) 58mm f/2 (M42, 8 blades)

Helios - 44M 58mm f2

Zenit MC-Helios 44K-4 (KMZ) 58mm F2

Helios 44M-7 (Valday) 58mm, F/2

LZOS Jupiter-9 MC 85mm f/2 M42

ENSINOR 24mm F2.8 Macro

Auto-Promura 28mm 2.8 C.P. Hi-Lux MC

Hoya 28mm F2.8 HMC Wide-Auto

Miranda 28mm, f2.8 MC

Pentacon / Meyer Optik Lydith 30mm f/3.5

Chinon 45mm F2.8

Centon 50mm f/1.7 MC

Yashica 50mm f/1.7 Yashinon DS-M

Prakticar Pentacon MC 50mm f/1.8

Revuenon 50mm f1.4 MC

Yashinon DS-M 50mm f1.4

HorusBennu 50mm F1.7 MC (PK)

Chinon Auto 50mm F1.9

Chinon Auto MC 50mm f/1.7

Yashica Auto Yashinon-DX 50mm f/1.7

Mamiya / Sekor 55mm F 1.4

Topcor / Topcon 55mm f/1.7

Fuji Photo Film Co. (Fujinon) 55mm f/1.8

Auto Sears 55mm F1.4

Panagor 55mm f2.8 Macro PMC

Chinon Auto 55mm 1:1,7 M42

Mamiya Auto Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f/1.8 (M42)

Mamiya / Sekor 58mm F 1.7

Promaster 100mm 1:3.5 MC Macro (Spectrum 7)

Phoenix (Cosina) 100mm f3.5 macro with 1:1 matched adapter

Makinon 135 f2.8 MC macro

Makinon 135mm f/2.8 MC

Albinar 135mm F/2.8 ADG Coated Optics

Sears 135mm F/2.8 With Macro Zone

Auto Sears 135mm F2.8

Sears 135mm f2.8 Auto Multicoated

JC Penney 135mm f2.8 Multi-Coated

Chinon 135mm F2.8 Multi-coated

Panagor 135mm f2.8 PMC AUTO TELE - M42

Pentacon / Meyer Optik Gorlitz Orestogor 135mm F2.8 Preset

Albinar Super Albinar 135mm F2.8 close focus

Soligor 180mm 1:3.5 Preset

Chinon 200mm F3.5

Pentacon 200mm F4 Preset



Zooms:

SMC Pentax-FA 28-70mm F4 AL

SMC Pentax-FA 35-80mm F4-5.6

SMC Pentax-F 35-70mm F3.5-4.5

SMC Pentax-F 35-105mm F4-5.6

SMC Pentax-F 70-210mm F4-5.6

SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm F4

SMC Pentax-A 70-210mm F4

SMC Pentax-M 35-70mm F2.8-3.5

SMC Pentax-M 80-200mm F4.5

Sigma 28-70mm F3.5-4.5 UC

Sigma 28-105mm F3.8-5.6 UC III

Sigma 35-80mm F4-5.6 DL AF

Sigma 75-200mm F3.8 Autofocus

Sigma MF 75-300mm F4-5.6

Sigma 28-70mm F2.8-4 UC

Sigma 75-210mm ZOOM-K III Multi-Coated f3.5-4.5

Tamron AF (IF) 79D/179D 28-105mm F4-5.6

Tamron Adaptall-2 28-70mm F/3.5-4.5 (44A)

Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 28-135mm f/4-4.5 (28A)

Tamron Adaptall-2 35-70mm F3.5 CF Macro (17A)

Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 35-80mm F2.8-3.8 (01A)

Tamron Adaptall-2 35-135mm f/3.5-4.5 (40A)

Tamron Adaptall-2 SP / Novoflex 60-300mm f/3.8-5.4 (23A)

Samsung D-Xenon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6

Schneider-Kreuznach (Samsung) 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 D-Xenon

Tokina ATX 28-135mm F4-4.6

Tokina 28-70mm F2.8-4.3

Tokina AT-X 525 50-250mm f/4-5.6

Tokina 70-200mm F 1:4.5-5.6

Tokina SZ-X 80-200 f1:4.5-5.6

Tokina RMC 70-210mm F/3.5

Vivitar 100-200mm F4 MC Macro

Vivitar 100-300mm f5 constant Auto TX Close-Focusing zoom

Vivitar 24-70mm f/3.8-4.8 Series 1

Vivitar Series 1 (Komine) 28-90mm F2.8-3.5

Vivitar 35-70mm F2.8-3.8 Macro Focusing Zoom

Vivitar 70-200mm F3.8 Macro

Vivitar Series 1 (Version 1 - Kiron 22xxxx) 70-210mm f/3.5

Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f.2.8-4 Version 6 APOCHROMATIC

Cosina 70-210 F4.5 - 5.6 Mc Macro

Cosina 28-105mm f2.8-3.8 MC Macro

Cosina ( Vivitar ) 28-210mm f3.5-5.6 Macro

Cosina (Phoenix, Vivitar, Promaster, Voightlander 28-210mm AF / IF f/4.2-6.5

Rikenon 70-150 f/4.0 XR

Ricoh 35-70mm XR Rikenon f/3.5

Ricoh Rikenon P Zoom 1:3.5-5.6 28-210mm Macro

Rikenon (Ricoh) "P" P 70-210mm F3.9

Quantaray 70-28mm 1:2.8-4

Quantaray 85-210mm f/3.8

Promaster AF 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 LD TELE MACRO(1:2)

Promaster 28-105mm f/4.0-5.6

Kiron 28-105mm F3.2-4.5

OSAWA 70-210 "macro" 1:4-5

Kiron Zoomlock 70-210mm f/4 Macro

Kiron 80-200mm F4

Sears 80-200mm F4 Macro

[pres589]

Oh boy.

Okay, what lenses do you own now, what do you like to take pictures of, and are you sure you're okay with manual focus for all lenses offered up?

[photoptimist]

Why limit yourself to the sub-$100 lens list?

Don't you also want to know about the higher-end lenses that typically sell for more than $100 but would be a steal if they show up for $99 some place?

[jatrax]

The first thing to clear up would be are collecting lenses or taking photographs? Both pursuits are fine. I've done both. But they do not always have the same goals.

Trying to learn the fine points of a single lens means spending a lot of time with it. Take a look at the 'single in ?' threads. But if you have dozens of lenses in my experience you never use any one often enough to get good with it.

Had I saved the money from the dozen or so $100 lenses I bought first and just bought a high end zoom I would have been miles ahead if my goal was to take photographs.

[jawats]

Oh boy.

Okay, what lenses do you own now, what do you like to take pictures of, and are you sure you're okay with manual focus for all lenses offered up?

Pres,

Since I'm new, I am not sure yet WHAT I take pictures of...but I'd like to make a broader list of sub-$100 gems for everyone.

As for what I own now:


Pentax DA-L ED WR 50-200mm

SMC Pentax-M F1.7 50mm

Ricoh Rikenon-P F1.7 50mm

Promaster LD Tele-macro F4-5.6, 70-300mm

(2) Pentax SMC-DA F3.5-5.6 18-55mm

SMC Pentax-A F3.5-5.6, 35-70mm

Gemini MC Auto Zoon, F3.5-4.5 28-75mm

Soligor Auto 2x Teleconverter

SMC Pentax-A F2 50MM

Sears 28mm f2.8 Multicoated Macro PK

[pres589]

I think a used 18-55 WR in very good condition should be about $100. Same for a DA 50 1.8. Maybe a DA 35 2.4 (and I don't even like that lens that much although technically it's quite fine) for a third lens.

That's when I'd stop and re-evaluate the whole situation. But without more information the above is probably not good advice.

EDIT: I hit submit before seeing the previous post.

Okay, here's what I would do if I were you.

Sell all of those lenses save for the M 50 1.7 and which ever 18-55 you like the most. Go get a DA 15 with the proceeds and then shoot the daylights out of that kit. A good wide angle prime, a do-all zoom, and a fast 50. Done.

[jawats]

Why limit yourself to the sub-$100 lens list?

Don't you also want to know about the higher-end lenses that typically sell for more than $100 but would be a steal if they show up for $99 some place?

Absolutely. Hence, my characteristic: "2. Under $100 in the forum ratings - if there are those which can be had under $100, but are listed over, please let me know"

[aslyfox]

Best advice, check the forum''s market place often

You can be amazed at what you may find at very reasonable prices below, at or near $ 100.

[csa]

Wow! That's quite a list! I'd narrow it down to around 5, that is of interest to you. Knowing what you will primarily will be shooting will narrow the list even more. Don't simply buy lenses to be buying them; rather buy them to fit into what you want a lens to do.

[Hoze]

Guys any good lanse for landscape fotography in this price ?
i Was looking for SMC Pentax-M 28mm F3.5 but than i hear that is not good at infinity focus better for streets.

[pres589]

I could see maybe a Helios 44 of some sort making it in there. Should be a fun portraits lens.
An M 28 f2.8 also for size and I like that focal length on crop. Or one of the many other 28mm options that are similar.

Both of these lenses would be lower priority vs. what I mentioned doing above, which is getting a DA 15 and then clearing out the lens collection. Having a few high (or high-ish) quality lenses is much more important to me than having affordable mediocre glass on the shelf.

[boriscleto]

Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 35-80mm F2.8-3.8 (01A)

Very nice lens. A bit weird on a KA adapter because the camera thinks it's a constant 2.8 lens...

SMC Pentax-F 35-70mm F3.5-4.5

Something of a cult lens.

SMC Pentax-F 35-70 F3.5-4.5 Cult Club - PentaxForums.com

Helios - 44M 58mm f2

Dreamy wide open bokeh. The original 44M has an A/M switch...

[photoptimist]

Absolutely. Hence, my characteristic: "2. Under $100 in the forum ratings - if there are those which can be had under $100, but are listed over, please let me know"

The short answer is that every lens can be had for under $100 if you look in the right places and are patient.

It may be true that larger outlets like eBay and KEH tend to be priced closer to forum rating price, but there's other sources of used lenses that can be much cheaper.

Smaller, local sources of used lenses such as Craigslist, thrift stores, flea markets, car boot, or garage sales can have excellent bargains.

[DeadJohn]

Since I'm new, I am not sure yet WHAT I take pictures of...

IMO use what you have before buying anything else. Work with your existing gear to see what focal lengths your prefer, and figure out if you need wide aperture for low light or thin depth of field. After doing that you'll be able to make a more informed decision about what to buy next.

Prepare to abandon your $100 target. 1 good $500 lens that does what you need is better than 5 mediocre $100 lenses. You can only use one lens at a time

Consider concentrating on these lenses you already own:

• Pentax SMC-DA F3.5-5.6 18-55mm: It gets knocked for being a "kit" lens but is actually pretty good. You'll learn more about your preferred focal lengths. If you enjoy architecture you might find that 18mm isn't wide enough for you. Stop down to f8 or f11 when there's enough light and this makes a versatile landscape lens.
• Pentax DA-L ED WR 50-200mm *or* Promaster LD Tele-macro F4-5.6, 70-300mm: Try photographing birds and other wildlife. Also try some shots of the moon. If those subjects don't interest you might not have a need for long telephoto.
• SMC Pentax-M F1.7 50mm: Experiment shooting at f1.7 for thin depth of field. Focus on things close up to get blurred background "bokeh". Some photographers specialize in thin depth of field, others don't care about it.

---------- Post added 02-20-18 at 12:29 PM ----------

Sell all of those lenses save for the M 50 1.7 and which ever 18-55 you like the most. Go get a DA 15 with the proceeds...

The DA 15 Limited is one of the best Pentax lenses and makes sense *if* the OP likes the wide 15mm view. I suggest practicing with the 18-55 at 18mm first and if there's a desire to go wider then buy the 15. Some people, especially portrait specialists, feel that even 18mm is "too wide".

[jawats]

IMO use what you have before buying anything else. Work with your existing gear to see what focal lengths your prefer, and figure out if you need wide aperture for low light or thin depth of field. After doing that you'll be able to make a more informed decision about what to buy next.

Prepare to abandon your $100 target. 1 good $500 lens that does what you need is better than 5 mediocre $100 lenses. You can only use one lens at a time

Consider concentrating on these lenses you already own:

• Pentax SMC-DA F3.5-5.6 18-55mm: It gets knocked for being a "kit" lens but is actually pretty good. You'll learn more about your preferred focal lengths. If you enjoy architecture you might find that 18mm isn't wide enough for you. Stop down to f8 or f11 when there's enough light and this makes a versatile landscape lens.
• Pentax DA-L ED WR 50-200mm *or* Promaster LD Tele-macro F4-5.6, 70-300mm: Try photographing birds and other wildlife. Also try some shots of the moon. If those subjects don't interest you might not have a need for long telephoto.
• SMC Pentax-M F1.7 50mm: Experiment shooting at f1.7 for thin depth of field. Focus on things close up to get blurred background "bokeh". Some photographers specialize in thin depth of field, others don't care about it.

---------- Post added 02-20-18 at 12:29 PM ----------



The DA 15 Limited is one of the best Pentax lenses and makes sense *if* the OP likes the wide 15mm view. I suggest practicing with the 18-55 at 18mm first and if there's a desire to go wider then buy the 15. Some people, especially portrait specialists, feel that even 18mm is "too wide".

Here's one with the Promaster (handheld - tripod might make a difference)...



One with one of my 50mm manuals (don't have the data at hand...):



Also, Promaster is to be used for daughter's softball games / practice. Thoughts on that?