Sub-$100 Lens Wish List

**Des** · 02-21-2018, 12:43 AM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

It is possible that I am a victim of Pentax marketing.

You're the only one I have ever heard of Dave! Even having been on the receiving end of Pentax marketing is pretty special.

Last edited by Des; 02-21-2018 at 04:01 AM.

**jawats** · 02-21-2018, 07:07 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

I couldn't agree more

The K-mount Zenitar-K2 50mm f/2 is also worth a look. The plastic build is a bit off-putting, and it doesn't have that lovely swirly bokeh... but it's a very, very sharp lens that renders beautifully, with nice contrast and colours. One of our other members described it as a real "sleeper" of a lens, and I'd agree... optically, it's really good

Is there any reason to switch off my SMC Pentax-M f1.7 50mm in favor of the Zenitar?

**pres589** · 02-21-2018, 07:24 AM

I have a copy of the 50-200 WR and it's not awful but it's not great at near-infinity focus. It's great for objects that are close to the camera. I do really like the physical size of the thing, it's not bad to handle really, although at full extension the barrel doesn't feel very sturdy. I feel like there's just not a lot of reason to get one of these when 55-300's on the used market don't cost a lot more if you're talking about basic DA-L versions.

**BigMackCam** · 02-21-2018, 07:35 AM

Originally posted by jawats

Is there any reason to switch off my SMC Pentax-M f1.7 50mm in favor of the Zenitar?

Not really. The M50 f/1.7 is a classic lens... IMHO, one that every Pentaxian with an interest in manual lenses should own. If you find yourself wanting more than one 50mm lens, though, I'd recommend picking up the Zenitar. It's not better or worse - just different enough to add some variety

**boriscleto** · 02-21-2018, 07:40 AM

Originally posted by mattb123

I never buy cheap old zooms, I find cheap and old usually does a lot better as a prime.

I would normally agree. Then I tried an SP Adaptall...

**pres589** · 02-21-2018, 07:44 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Not really. The M50 f/1.7 is a classic lens... IMHO, one that every Pentaxian with an interest in manual lenses should own. If you find yourself wanting more than one 50mm lens, though, I'd recommend picking up the Zenitar. It's not better or worse - just different enough to add some variety

I agree with all of this but change out "the Zenitar" for "a Helios 44K-4". I'd pick something that's noticeably different instead of "also as good" to get a lens on the shelf.

**boriscleto** · 02-21-2018, 07:54 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Not really. The M50 f/1.7 is a classic lens... IMHO, one that every Pentaxian with an interest in manual lenses should own. If you find yourself wanting more than one 50mm lens, though, I'd recommend picking up the Zenitar. It's not better or worse - just different enough to add some variety

I own more than 30 50mm lenses and I still don't own the Zenitar

I do own 3 M 50/1.7s though. I had a 4th but I sold it, the MC Sears 50/1.7 (Chinon) was just as good...the other 3 have come with various old bodies since.

**jawats** · 02-21-2018, 09:00 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

I own more than 30 50mm lenses and I still don't own the Zenitar

I do own 3 M 50/1.7s though. I had a 4th but I sold it, the MC Sears 50/1.7 (Chinon) was just as good...the other 3 have come with various old bodies since.

**pres589** · 02-21-2018, 09:12 AM

The DA 50 1.8 is an excellent lens, offers full frame coverage*, focuses fast and accurately. It punches well over its weight. I can relate to interest in the F4 Macro's, but if I could have only one 50 for my kit, it'd be a DA 50 1.8. And that's actually where I plan on taking my kit.

I just checked prices for DA 50 1.8's on the bay of e's and they're available for well under $100. Go look it up. I think having an M lens to learn on is smart, your 50 1.7 is a good lens, but if you want to upgrade there's one stop to make from my point of view. My two cents, take it for what it's worth.

* - I think there's sometimes debate about the full frame coverage with this lens. I'm not trying to open that can of worms here. I hope nobody else does either.

**boriscleto** · 02-21-2018, 09:33 AM

Originally posted by jawats

I have 2 A 50/1.7s (I sold 1 in the past), a FA 50/1.7 (the 1 I use), and I have the K, M, & A 50/1.4s. The 1.2s are just too expensive...

I got the FA for $100 with a PZ-70 & Tamron 28-200 on Craigslist. I just had to drive 200 miles round trip to pick it up.

LesDMess · 02-21-2018, 11:39 AM

Originally posted by jawats

I have a couple 50mm (primes and zoom) - the Ricoh is pretty good, but I am planning on selling and keeping my Pentax 50mm prime. I don't think I'd get another 50mm prime unless:

1. I want to get an autofocus.
2. I find a (really really) good deal on one of the following:
SMC Pentax-M 50mm F4 Macro Reviews - M Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Since all of these manual focus lenses are no longer available new, it is entirely possible you may find them in great shape for under $100. The SMC-Pentax-M-50mm-F4-Macro lens I found on a local CL - with a bunch of others, for so cheap I wondered if it was any good at all. But after using it for just a couple of rolls of film, I quickly noticed how particularly sharp it was and wondered just how good it really is. Below is an example from Fuji RVP (original Velvia) scanned at 4000dpi.

Click for larger version Fuji RVP

I got curious just how high resolving and sharp is this lens that I setup controlled testing using my 14.6MP Pentax K20D as well as scans of Kodak Techpan.

Click for larger version SMC-Pentax-M-50mm-F4-Macro lens test

Clearly my 4000dpi scans of Kodak Techpan outresolve my K20D's sensor. To the far right, I optically zoomed in about 4.5X using my autobellows + 50mm f4 macro and you can see how much detail was actually captured on the film.

To take this a step further, I used a Nikon D800 to "scan" that frame of film and it still is not enough to fully resolve the details captured. Actually, not even close since it is about the res of my 4000dpi scans.

Click for larger version Kodak Techpan 04-27 scan compare

So if you need a high resolving macro lens, this is a good candidate to consider if the price is right for you. Unless there is something wrong with the copy you get, it will not be the reason you cannot resolve the finest details in the shots you take.

BTW, I also got the 100mm f4 macro and it is also an outstanding performer. Gives you more distance to your target.

---------- Post added 02-21-18 at 03:22 PM ----------

BTW, I did similar testing with the following lenses too. Of course I now know these are all limited by K20D's 14.6MP sensor in terms of resolution but it is a quick guide until I get around to assembling the Techpan shots I've done and/or perhaps using a K-1 to test with.

Click for larger version Pentax Primes+

**PPPPPP42** · 02-21-2018, 12:30 PM

I skipped some posts so I may be repeating stuff.

Better to have one good lens than every lens on that list. Buying cheap is just a waste of money unless you get a kick out of trying sub par quality lenses.

Having come from film I still have some stuff that I kept for use with my old film cameras, but I consider green button metering to be an utter waste of time since there just aren’t any lenses made before automatic aperture that are worth the effort when compared to new stuff.
Even if you want all manual control an A series lens will allow you to meter normally and use the front and rear dials for aperture and shutter speed.

I do use my k135 f2.5 on my DSLR for astrophotography because its a good focal length, is fast and most importantly has unusually low distortion out to the edges for a lens from that era. But you really don’t meter when doing astrophotography.

I love manual focus but have gotten away from it on DSLR as well as time goes on. The types of focus screens and the worthlessly small view through an apsc viewfinder just isn’t made for it.

If you truly want to go cheap I would suggest the Pentax A35-105 f3.5 since it does that whole range well plus it’s reasonbly fast and has a way to shift to macro focus distance through its whole range.

Any variable aperture zoom made before the da series is junk, don’t bother. Some after that are pretty good but way out of your price range. I only tolerate my crappy FA series variable aperture zoom because it goes to 320mm and I haven’t saved up enough to replace it yet.

The only way to get over 210mm in any quality is to spend a lot.

The A24-50 f4 and the A70-210 f4 are a good combo for cheap, expect decent quality with some tolerable purple fringing common to that era.
To those I would add the A50 1.7 for speed and a 100mm macro for close.

Edit: the fa28-70 f4 also qualifies as decent cheap in my book if you want autofocus or shake reduction with a zoom. It was my main lens on my k5 until getting replaced with a dfa 24-70 f2.8
Just a reminder, shake reduction is kinda crappy on a manual focus zoom because you tell it one focal length and then you go and change it when you zoom making the sr less than perfect even with a middle number chosen.

**Just1MoreDave** · 02-21-2018, 02:20 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Des

You're the only one I have ever heard of Dave! Even having been on the receiving end of Pentax marketing is pretty special.

I got a pen too!

They announced the open house on PentaxForums, so keep watching in case they market again.

**Des** · 02-21-2018, 02:37 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

I got a pen too!

That might be more of a collector's item than some of the lenses listed.

brom · 01-11-2019, 12:00 PM

Hi comunity

my cosinon-w 28mm f 2.0 does not co-exist with my k-50, if someone is willing I will give him good hands

02-21-2018, 12:30 PM	#57
PPPPPP42 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Albums Posts: 947	I skipped some posts so I may be repeating stuff. Better to have one good lens than every lens on that list. Buying cheap is just a waste of money unless you get a kick out of trying sub par quality lenses. Having come from film I still have some stuff that I kept for use with my old film cameras, but I consider green button metering to be an utter waste of time since there just aren’t any lenses made before automatic aperture that are worth the effort when compared to new stuff. Even if you want all manual control an A series lens will allow you to meter normally and use the front and rear dials for aperture and shutter speed. I do use my k135 f2.5 on my DSLR for astrophotography because its a good focal length, is fast and most importantly has unusually low distortion out to the edges for a lens from that era. But you really don’t meter when doing astrophotography. I love manual focus but have gotten away from it on DSLR as well as time goes on. The types of focus screens and the worthlessly small view through an apsc viewfinder just isn’t made for it. If you truly want to go cheap I would suggest the Pentax A35-105 f3.5 since it does that whole range well plus it’s reasonbly fast and has a way to shift to macro focus distance through its whole range. Any variable aperture zoom made before the da series is junk, don’t bother. Some after that are pretty good but way out of your price range. I only tolerate my crappy FA series variable aperture zoom because it goes to 320mm and I haven’t saved up enough to replace it yet. The only way to get over 210mm in any quality is to spend a lot. The A24-50 f4 and the A70-210 f4 are a good combo for cheap, expect decent quality with some tolerable purple fringing common to that era. To those I would add the A50 1.7 for speed and a 100mm macro for close. Edit: the fa28-70 f4 also qualifies as decent cheap in my book if you want autofocus or shake reduction with a zoom. It was my main lens on my k5 until getting replaced with a dfa 24-70 f2.8 Just a reminder, shake reduction is kinda crappy on a manual focus zoom because you tell it one focal length and then you go and change it when you zoom making the sr less than perfect even with a middle number chosen. Last edited by PPPPPP42; 02-21-2018 at 03:13 PM.

01-11-2019, 12:00 PM	#60
brom New Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Posts: 1	Hi comunity my cosinon-w 28mm f 2.0 does not co-exist with my k-50, if someone is willing I will give him good hands Attached Images

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02-21-2018, 12:43 AM	#46
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave It is possible that I am a victim of Pentax marketing. You're the only one I have ever heard of Dave! Even having been on the receiving end of Pentax marketing is pretty special. Last edited by Des; 02-21-2018 at 04:01 AM.

02-21-2018, 07:07 AM	#47
jawats Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 756 Original Poster	Originally posted by BigMackCam I couldn't agree more The K-mount Zenitar-K2 50mm f/2 is also worth a look. The plastic build is a bit off-putting, and it doesn't have that lovely swirly bokeh... but it's a very, very sharp lens that renders beautifully, with nice contrast and colours. One of our other members described it as a real "sleeper" of a lens, and I'd agree... optically, it's really good Is there any reason to switch off my SMC Pentax-M f1.7 50mm in favor of the Zenitar?

02-21-2018, 07:24 AM	#48
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	I have a copy of the 50-200 WR and it's not awful but it's not great at near-infinity focus. It's great for objects that are close to the camera. I do really like the physical size of the thing, it's not bad to handle really, although at full extension the barrel doesn't feel very sturdy. I feel like there's just not a lot of reason to get one of these when 55-300's on the used market don't cost a lot more if you're talking about basic DA-L versions.

02-21-2018, 07:35 AM	#49
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,682	Originally posted by jawats Is there any reason to switch off my SMC Pentax-M f1.7 50mm in favor of the Zenitar? Not really. The M50 f/1.7 is a classic lens... IMHO, one that every Pentaxian with an interest in manual lenses should own. If you find yourself wanting more than one 50mm lens, though, I'd recommend picking up the Zenitar. It's not better or worse - just different enough to add some variety

02-21-2018, 07:40 AM	#50
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by mattb123 I never buy cheap old zooms, I find cheap and old usually does a lot better as a prime. I would normally agree. Then I tried an SP Adaptall...

02-21-2018, 07:44 AM	#51
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	Originally posted by BigMackCam Not really. The M50 f/1.7 is a classic lens... IMHO, one that every Pentaxian with an interest in manual lenses should own. If you find yourself wanting more than one 50mm lens, though, I'd recommend picking up the Zenitar. It's not better or worse - just different enough to add some variety I agree with all of this but change out "the Zenitar" for "a Helios 44K-4". I'd pick something that's noticeably different instead of "also as good" to get a lens on the shelf.

02-21-2018, 07:54 AM	#52
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by BigMackCam Not really. The M50 f/1.7 is a classic lens... IMHO, one that every Pentaxian with an interest in manual lenses should own. If you find yourself wanting more than one 50mm lens, though, I'd recommend picking up the Zenitar. It's not better or worse - just different enough to add some variety I own more than 30 50mm lenses and I still don't own the Zenitar I do own 3 M 50/1.7s though. I had a 4th but I sold it, the MC Sears 50/1.7 (Chinon) was just as good...the other 3 have come with various old bodies since.

02-21-2018, 09:00 AM	#53
jawats Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 756 Original Poster	Originally posted by boriscleto I own more than 30 50mm lenses and I still don't own the Zenitar I do own 3 M 50/1.7s though. I had a 4th but I sold it, the MC Sears 50/1.7 (Chinon) was just as good...the other 3 have come with various old bodies since. I have a couple 50mm (primes and zoom) - the Ricoh is pretty good, but I am planning on selling and keeping my Pentax 50mm prime. I don't think I'd get another 50mm prime unless: 1. I want to get an autofocus. 2. I find a (really really) good deal on one of the following: SMC Pentax 50mm F1.4 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax 50mm F1.2 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax 50mm F4 Macro Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-M 50mm F1.4 Reviews - M Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-M 50mm F1.7 Reviews - M Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-M 50mm F4 Macro Reviews - M Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

02-21-2018, 09:12 AM	#54
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	The DA 50 1.8 is an excellent lens, offers full frame coverage, focuses fast and accurately. It punches well over its weight. I can relate to interest in the F4 Macro's, but if I could have only one 50 for my kit, it'd be a DA 50 1.8. And that's actually where I plan on taking my kit. I just checked prices for DA 50 1.8's on the bay of e's and they're available for well under $100. Go look it up. I think having an M lens to learn on is smart, your 50 1.7 is a good lens, but if you want to upgrade there's one stop to make from my point of view. My two cents, take it for what it's worth. - I think there's sometimes debate about the full frame coverage with this lens. I'm not trying to open that can of worms here. I hope nobody else does either.

02-21-2018, 09:33 AM	#55
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by jawats I have a couple 50mm (primes and zoom) - the Ricoh is pretty good, but I am planning on selling and keeping my Pentax 50mm prime. I don't think I'd get another 50mm prime unless: 1. I want to get an autofocus. 2. I find a (really really) good deal on one of the following: SMC Pentax 50mm F1.4 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax 50mm F1.2 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax 50mm F4 Macro Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-M 50mm F1.4 Reviews - M Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-M 50mm F1.7 Reviews - M Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-M 50mm F4 Macro Reviews - M Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4 Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I have 2 A 50/1.7s (I sold 1 in the past), a FA 50/1.7 (the 1 I use), and I have the K, M, & A 50/1.4s. The 1.2s are just too expensive... I got the FA for $100 with a PZ-70 & Tamron 28-200 on Craigslist. I just had to drive 200 miles round trip to pick it up.

02-21-2018, 11:39 AM	#56
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by jawats I have a couple 50mm (primes and zoom) - the Ricoh is pretty good, but I am planning on selling and keeping my Pentax 50mm prime. I don't think I'd get another 50mm prime unless: 1. I want to get an autofocus. 2. I find a (really really) good deal on one of the following: SMC Pentax-M 50mm F4 Macro Reviews - M Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Since all of these manual focus lenses are no longer available new, it is entirely possible you may find them in great shape for under $100. The SMC-Pentax-M-50mm-F4-Macro lens I found on a local CL - with a bunch of others, for so cheap I wondered if it was any good at all. But after using it for just a couple of rolls of film, I quickly noticed how particularly sharp it was and wondered just how good it really is. Below is an example from Fuji RVP (original Velvia) scanned at 4000dpi. Click for larger version Fuji RVP I got curious just how high resolving and sharp is this lens that I setup controlled testing using my 14.6MP Pentax K20D as well as scans of Kodak Techpan. Click for larger version SMC-Pentax-M-50mm-F4-Macro lens test Clearly my 4000dpi scans of Kodak Techpan outresolve my K20D's sensor. To the far right, I optically zoomed in about 4.5X using my autobellows + 50mm f4 macro and you can see how much detail was actually captured on the film. To take this a step further, I used a Nikon D800 to "scan" that frame of film and it still is not enough to fully resolve the details captured. Actually, not even close since it is about the res of my 4000dpi scans. Click for larger version Kodak Techpan 04-27 scan compare So if you need a high resolving macro lens, this is a good candidate to consider if the price is right for you. Unless there is something wrong with the copy you get, it will not be the reason you cannot resolve the finest details in the shots you take. BTW, I also got the 100mm f4 macro and it is also an outstanding performer. Gives you more distance to your target. ---------- Post added 02-21-18 at 03:22 PM ---------- BTW, I did similar testing with the following lenses too. Of course I now know these are all limited by K20D's 14.6MP sensor in terms of resolution but it is a quick guide until I get around to assembling the Techpan shots I've done and/or perhaps using a K-1 to test with. Click for larger version Pentax Primes+

02-21-2018, 02:20 PM - 1 Like	#58
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by Des You're the only one I have ever heard of Dave! Even having been on the receiving end of Pentax marketing is pretty special. I got a pen too! They announced the open house on PentaxForums, so keep watching in case they market again.

02-21-2018, 02:37 PM	#59
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave I got a pen too! That might be more of a collector's item than some of the lenses listed.