k-x lens , kit 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL , what 50mm f1.4 can do over kit lens?

crossing · 01-13-2010, 04:44 AM

I have k-x kit lens18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL ,

what 50mm f1.4 / f2.8 can do and 18-55 kit lens cant do it ?

I noticed many people use 50mm f1.4 or 2.8 , what are the advantages of this lens in order to buy it ?

I like to use my camera to landscapes, macro, family pictures, flowers, and i like it to be crystal clear ,will that lens worth it 300euro to buy it ?

**Rondec** · 01-13-2010, 05:15 AM

The appeal of the 50 mm lenses is that they are the cheapest way to get a really wide aperture. The smaller the aperture number, the more light is allowed in. This lets you shoot with faster shutter speed in low light situations. The 50 will be much sharper than the kit lens at any of the same apertures. It is very sharp basically from f2 on. The other neat thing, is that any of the 50s will let you play around with shallow depth of field, something that the kit lens isn't really fast enough to do.

As to the things you like to shoot, the focal length is such that it probably wouldn't be very good at shooting macro and you can't focus close, so macro is out as well. Most people (I think) use them as portrait lenses and in low light situations in general.

As to whether or not it is worth it, a lot depends on what you think you want to do. One thing to try would be to fix your kit lens at 50mm and try shooting with it stuck there for a while. It would let you know if you like the focal length and would enjoy a prime at that distance.

TheTenaciousOne · 01-13-2010, 08:38 AM

It looks like your fairly new to photography but i really recommend looking on this forums marketplace or ebay for a cheap manual 50mm prime. When i got my first 50mm (Pentax M 50mm 1.7 which i regretfully dont have anymore=( ) i was amazed at the obvious sharpness over the kit and the ability to shoot in low lights where the kit lens would have been much to slow to use hand held.
I personally wouldnt buy the FA50mm 1.4 new as its ridiculously expensive now and theres plenty of manual A and M lenses out there

pxpaulx · 01-13-2010, 09:03 AM

Originally posted by TheTenaciousOne

It looks like your fairly new to photography but i really recommend looking on this forums marketplace or ebay for a cheap manual 50mm prime. When i got my first 50mm (Pentax M 50mm 1.7 which i regretfully dont have anymore=( ) i was amazed at the obvious sharpness over the kit and the ability to shoot in low lights where the kit lens would have been much to slow to use hand held.
I personally wouldnt buy the FA50mm 1.4 new as its ridiculously expensive now and theres plenty of manual A and M lenses out there

For a first timer and someone new to photography (at least DSLRs) I would recommend getting and A series lens over an M - the M can only be used in manual mode, while the A series lenses are fully auto - essentially they communicate properly with the camera, the only requirement on your part is manual focus, which isn't too difficult.

You can find a 50mm F2 Pentax-A series typically well under $40 (the marketplace here, or on ebay) - it will get your feet wet and see if you enjoy using manual focus without breaking the bank by a long shot - it will also help you learn the use of an aperture ring (at the same time not REQUIRING it as an older M series lens would).

crossing · 01-13-2010, 09:39 AM

So ,do you recomand 50mm F2 Pentax-A second hand abaut 40euro? A = auto ? i need to manual focus and aperture and other settings can be adjusted from camera settings? Can you give me a link with exact type so i know exacly what to buy for my K-x ?
thank you very much !

pxpaulx · 01-13-2010, 09:47 AM

This is the Pentax-A 50mm F2 :Pentax Lens Review and Specification Database - 50mm F2

The Pentax-A 50mm F1.7 will be about double the price, but is worth it if that isn't too costly for you.

Regarding the lenses working with the camera. You got it right, you'll need to manual focus, but the camera can do everything else automatically. The A setting on these lenses mean that aperture information can be communicated between camera/lens. With the older M lenses this doesn't occur (still relatively easy to use, but they are a compromise from full camera/lens communication).

I don't know about european pricing, but for these lenses a dollar for dollar equivalent price is probably reasonable ($40 euros is probably on the high end for an F2, but I could be wrong).

crossing · 01-13-2010, 10:02 AM

And a link for Pentax-A 50mm F1.7 please

stevebrot · 01-13-2010, 10:10 AM

Originally posted by crossing

So ,do you recomand 50mm F2 Pentax-A second hand abaut 40euro? A = auto ? i need to manual focus and aperture and other settings can be adjusted from camera settings? Can you give me a link with exact type so i know exacly what to buy for my K-x ?
thank you very much !

I would buy the A 50/1.7 over the A 50/2. The f/2 version, while not inferior, is not as good optically. I believe there is a A 50/1.7 currently on the marketplace.

Regarding comments above regarding the 50mm lens and macro. While most "fast 50s" have only average close focus capabilities, they are an excellent choice for use with extension tubes or bellows.

Steve

(Have as more "fast 50s" than I have fingers to count them with...)

pxpaulx · 01-13-2010, 11:13 AM

Originally posted by crossing

And a link for Pentax-A 50mm F1.7 please

Your hand can only be held so much! At the top of the page you will find a button titled LENSES. Click on it, then Pentax Lens Reviews, follow that to A-series Primes and you will find everything you need.

egordon99 · 01-13-2010, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by crossing

I have k-x kit lens18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL ,

what 50mm f1.4 / f2.8 can do and 18-55 kit lens cant do it ?

I noticed many people use 50mm f1.4 or 2.8 , what are the advantages of this lens in order to buy it ?

I like to use my camera to landscapes, macro, family pictures, flowers, and i like it to be crystal clear ,will that lens worth it 300euro to buy it ?

The kit lens is f/5.6 at 50mm, the prime can open up to f/1.4. That's about the biggest and most important difference between the two.

Marc Sabatella · 01-13-2010, 11:59 AM

And what that means is, in a given low light situation where the kit lens at f/5.6 could only give you a shutter speed of, say, 1/4" (almost compleletely unhandholdable, even with SR), the 50 at f/1.4 could give you 1/64" - piece of cake to handhold. i definitely recommend you do a search on the terms aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to learn how these relate and why aperture is important. Or get a book on photography.

I would also recommend the f/1.7 versions of the lens over the others - they are noticeably and significantly sharper than the f/2 versions, and significantly cheaper than the f/1.4 versions. When searching for the lens, just be looking for the term "Pentax-A" (many would combine the focal length, as in "A50"; that's just another way of referring to the same lens) and the number 1.7.

Although as I've related in the many, many other threads that exist in this very foroum on 50mm lenses, I don't necessary recommend spending the extra money for the "A" version, considering 50mm is not a focal length many people use that much on digital (unless it's their only choice, of course). Getting an "M" version rather than "A" version requires you to learn manual exposure mode on the camera, but that's worth learning anyhow. It's not rocket science.

rupi · 01-13-2010, 04:25 PM

You don't have to spend 300 in a 50mm lens. I consider the 45 euro I payed for an M50 1.7 (shipping included) money very well spent. The difference in IQ is huge. Of course using manual lenses it's not the easiest or fastest way to take pictures, but it is worth the effort.

epqwerty · 01-13-2010, 04:33 PM

The biggest thing an F1.4 lens can do that the kit lens can not is shooting in low light condition. In my opinion at least. Other than that not much more difference. The 1.4 lens is also really good for portrait shots.

crossing · 01-14-2010, 12:47 AM

what this one indication of use compare with 1.7 : '' wide-angle prime 28mm 1:2.8 ''

ps: manual Chinon 50mm F1.4 (pentax k) it is ok for 50euro ? or should i stick to the 1.7

will this lens ''Ricoh Rikenon P 50/1,7 ''(withaut P pin ) will work on my k-x ?

egordon99 · 01-14-2010, 05:57 AM

Originally posted by crossing

what this one indication of use compare with 1.7 : '' wide-angle prime 28mm 1:2.8 ''

That lens is a different focal length and a much slower maxmimum aperture. You DO realize what the 50mm (and 28mm) means? As well as the f/1.7 and f/2.8? Once you understand those specifications, comparing lenses becomes easy.

01-13-2010, 04:44 AM	#1
crossing Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 27	k-x lens , kit 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL , what 50mm f1.4 can do over kit lens? I have k-x kit lens18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL , what 50mm f1.4 / f2.8 can do and 18-55 kit lens cant do it ? I noticed many people use 50mm f1.4 or 2.8 , what are the advantages of this lens in order to buy it ? I like to use my camera to landscapes, macro, family pictures, flowers, and i like it to be crystal clear ,will that lens worth it 300euro to buy it ?

01-13-2010, 09:39 AM	#5
crossing Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 27 Original Poster	So ,do you recomand 50mm F2 Pentax-A second hand abaut 40euro? A = auto ? i need to manual focus and aperture and other settings can be adjusted from camera settings? Can you give me a link with exact type so i know exacly what to buy for my K-x ? thank you very much ! Last edited by crossing; 01-13-2010 at 09:46 AM.

01-14-2010, 12:47 AM	#14
crossing Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 27 Original Poster	what this one indication of use compare with 1.7 : '' wide-angle prime 28mm 1:2.8 '' ps: manual Chinon 50mm F1.4 (pentax k) it is ok for 50euro ? or should i stick to the 1.7 will this lens ''Ricoh Rikenon P 50/1,7 ''(withaut P pin ) will work on my k-x ? Last edited by crossing; 01-14-2010 at 05:35 AM.

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01-13-2010, 05:15 AM	#2
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	The appeal of the 50 mm lenses is that they are the cheapest way to get a really wide aperture. The smaller the aperture number, the more light is allowed in. This lets you shoot with faster shutter speed in low light situations. The 50 will be much sharper than the kit lens at any of the same apertures. It is very sharp basically from f2 on. The other neat thing, is that any of the 50s will let you play around with shallow depth of field, something that the kit lens isn't really fast enough to do. As to the things you like to shoot, the focal length is such that it probably wouldn't be very good at shooting macro and you can't focus close, so macro is out as well. Most people (I think) use them as portrait lenses and in low light situations in general. As to whether or not it is worth it, a lot depends on what you think you want to do. One thing to try would be to fix your kit lens at 50mm and try shooting with it stuck there for a while. It would let you know if you like the focal length and would enjoy a prime at that distance.

01-13-2010, 08:38 AM	#3
TheTenaciousOne Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Adelaide, SA, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 111	It looks like your fairly new to photography but i really recommend looking on this forums marketplace or ebay for a cheap manual 50mm prime. When i got my first 50mm (Pentax M 50mm 1.7 which i regretfully dont have anymore=( ) i was amazed at the obvious sharpness over the kit and the ability to shoot in low lights where the kit lens would have been much to slow to use hand held. I personally wouldnt buy the FA50mm 1.4 new as its ridiculously expensive now and theres plenty of manual A and M lenses out there

01-13-2010, 09:03 AM	#4
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Originally posted by TheTenaciousOne It looks like your fairly new to photography but i really recommend looking on this forums marketplace or ebay for a cheap manual 50mm prime. When i got my first 50mm (Pentax M 50mm 1.7 which i regretfully dont have anymore=( ) i was amazed at the obvious sharpness over the kit and the ability to shoot in low lights where the kit lens would have been much to slow to use hand held. I personally wouldnt buy the FA50mm 1.4 new as its ridiculously expensive now and theres plenty of manual A and M lenses out there For a first timer and someone new to photography (at least DSLRs) I would recommend getting and A series lens over an M - the M can only be used in manual mode, while the A series lenses are fully auto - essentially they communicate properly with the camera, the only requirement on your part is manual focus, which isn't too difficult. You can find a 50mm F2 Pentax-A series typically well under $40 (the marketplace here, or on ebay) - it will get your feet wet and see if you enjoy using manual focus without breaking the bank by a long shot - it will also help you learn the use of an aperture ring (at the same time not REQUIRING it as an older M series lens would).

01-13-2010, 09:47 AM	#6
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	This is the Pentax-A 50mm F2 :Pentax Lens Review and Specification Database - 50mm F2 The Pentax-A 50mm F1.7 will be about double the price, but is worth it if that isn't too costly for you. Regarding the lenses working with the camera. You got it right, you'll need to manual focus, but the camera can do everything else automatically. The A setting on these lenses mean that aperture information can be communicated between camera/lens. With the older M lenses this doesn't occur (still relatively easy to use, but they are a compromise from full camera/lens communication). I don't know about european pricing, but for these lenses a dollar for dollar equivalent price is probably reasonable ($40 euros is probably on the high end for an F2, but I could be wrong).

01-13-2010, 10:02 AM	#7
crossing Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 27 Original Poster	And a link for Pentax-A 50mm F1.7 please

01-13-2010, 10:10 AM	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by crossing So ,do you recomand 50mm F2 Pentax-A second hand abaut 40euro? A = auto ? i need to manual focus and aperture and other settings can be adjusted from camera settings? Can you give me a link with exact type so i know exacly what to buy for my K-x ? thank you very much ! I would buy the A 50/1.7 over the A 50/2. The f/2 version, while not inferior, is not as good optically. I believe there is a A 50/1.7 currently on the marketplace. Regarding comments above regarding the 50mm lens and macro. While most "fast 50s" have only average close focus capabilities, they are an excellent choice for use with extension tubes or bellows. Steve (Have as more "fast 50s" than I have fingers to count them with...)

01-13-2010, 11:13 AM	#9
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Originally posted by crossing And a link for Pentax-A 50mm F1.7 please Your hand can only be held so much! At the top of the page you will find a button titled LENSES. Click on it, then Pentax Lens Reviews, follow that to A-series Primes and you will find everything you need.

01-13-2010, 11:33 AM	#10
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	Originally posted by crossing I have k-x kit lens18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL , what 50mm f1.4 / f2.8 can do and 18-55 kit lens cant do it ? I noticed many people use 50mm f1.4 or 2.8 , what are the advantages of this lens in order to buy it ? I like to use my camera to landscapes, macro, family pictures, flowers, and i like it to be crystal clear ,will that lens worth it 300euro to buy it ? The kit lens is f/5.6 at 50mm, the prime can open up to f/1.4. That's about the biggest and most important difference between the two.

01-13-2010, 11:59 AM	#11
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	And what that means is, in a given low light situation where the kit lens at f/5.6 could only give you a shutter speed of, say, 1/4" (almost compleletely unhandholdable, even with SR), the 50 at f/1.4 could give you 1/64" - piece of cake to handhold. i definitely recommend you do a search on the terms aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to learn how these relate and why aperture is important. Or get a book on photography. I would also recommend the f/1.7 versions of the lens over the others - they are noticeably and significantly sharper than the f/2 versions, and significantly cheaper than the f/1.4 versions. When searching for the lens, just be looking for the term "Pentax-A" (many would combine the focal length, as in "A50"; that's just another way of referring to the same lens) and the number 1.7. Although as I've related in the many, many other threads that exist in this very foroum on 50mm lenses, I don't necessary recommend spending the extra money for the "A" version, considering 50mm is not a focal length many people use that much on digital (unless it's their only choice, of course). Getting an "M" version rather than "A" version requires you to learn manual exposure mode on the camera, but that's worth learning anyhow. It's not rocket science.

01-13-2010, 04:25 PM	#12
rupi Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Portugal Posts: 50	You don't have to spend 300 in a 50mm lens. I consider the 45 euro I payed for an M50 1.7 (shipping included) money very well spent. The difference in IQ is huge. Of course using manual lenses it's not the easiest or fastest way to take pictures, but it is worth the effort.

01-13-2010, 04:33 PM	#13
epqwerty Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 550	The biggest thing an F1.4 lens can do that the kit lens can not is shooting in low light condition. In my opinion at least. Other than that not much more difference. The 1.4 lens is also really good for portrait shots.

01-14-2010, 05:57 AM	#15
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	Originally posted by crossing what this one indication of use compare with 1.7 : '' wide-angle prime 28mm 1:2.8 '' That lens is a different focal length and a much slower maxmimum aperture. You DO realize what the 50mm (and 28mm) means? As well as the f/1.7 and f/2.8? Once you understand those specifications, comparing lenses becomes easy.