Manual lens as default for your DSLR

Banitess · 08-04-2010, 03:25 AM

Hi all, I know its the age of digital and auto focus but does anyone here still use a good, old-fashioned manual lens as default on his/her DSLR? If yes, which one and why? Thanks!

clim920 · 08-04-2010, 03:29 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Banitess

Hi all, I know its the age of digital and auto focus but does anyone here still use a good, old-fashioned manual lens as default on his/her DSLR? If yes, which one and why? Thanks!

Pentax kx with old 50 1.7

stanleyk · 08-04-2010, 03:41 AM - **2 Likes**

I rarely use auto focus. Personally I think focus is a subjective aethestic. That said the lens I use most is the DA 35mm but I don't set the camera to auto focus. I also use the Takumar 85mm f1.8 and the M 50 f1.7, the Rokinon 8mm, and a Tokina 17mm a lot.

8540tomg · 08-04-2010, 03:47 AM - **1 Like**

Hi Banitess,

I shoot manually almost all the time (90%) with my K10D. I have a lot of old K, M and A series glass and I stayed with Pentax primarily because they let me continue to use it. The M 400/5.6 is my primary birding lens and it seldom leaves my camera. When it does the K 200/2.5 is the replacement followed by the A 100/2.8 macro. Once in a while the DA* 16~50 makes an appearance. To facilitate focusing I use a KatzEye screen in place of the original focusing screen.

Tom G

CarbonR · 08-04-2010, 04:43 AM - **1 Like**

I almost use only Takumars, just a 55/1.2 and the K 200/2.5 in K mount, and some other M42 lenses. I've also bought a Canon 5D, which will never be used with a Canon lens, but only Takumars and some other M42 lenses too

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-04-2010, 04:54 AM

I have 6 AF lenses, all zooms of which I regularly use 4, but I also have 11 M42 mount lenses, 9 K mount lenses and 3 KA mount manual focus lenses.

I have a K7D as my main camera, but a K10D and *istD both soon to have split image focusing screens as principally MF bodies

For me photography is a hobby, and a form of relaxation, and the old lenses make you slow down and relax when shooting.

Ira · 08-04-2010, 05:12 AM - **1 Like**

Hi, Banitess. Get yourself over to the Takumar Lens Club here.

There are a bunch of us there who hardly ever touch an auto lens. The reasons:

50% image quality, 45% build and feel, and 5% LOW COST!

Others' percentages may vary!

blotzphoto · 08-04-2010, 05:40 AM

Originally posted by Banitess

Hi all, I know its the age of digital and auto focus but does anyone here still use a good, old-fashioned manual lens as default on his/her DSLR? If yes, which one and why? Thanks!

I used an old sigma 28mm macro on my k10d that practically lived there until my 40 ltd arrived. As it stands I depend on AF a lot. I've just never been very good at focusing manually. Bad astigmatism.

Ira · 08-04-2010, 05:42 AM

Originally posted by blotzphoto

I I've just never been very good at focusing manually.

I stink at it too, but I still can't help preferring it

clark · 08-04-2010, 06:17 AM

i'm getting the AF itch- i'm sure as soon as I start using it i'll realise how slow/noisy/inaccurate it is

but i'm definitely getting the AF itch, I shoot all manual- pentax M feel lovely to manual focus, but some of the cheaper lenses actually give you a workout while you're turning the barrel

unixrevolution · 08-04-2010, 06:25 AM - **1 Like**

I use my Pentax-A 50mm F/1.4 all the time.

I also use my Tamron 90mm F/2.8 in manual focus the majority of the time, and not just for macros.

dom777 · 08-04-2010, 06:38 AM

I don´t even own an AF lens, just like the feel of old manual lenses better. I seem to concentrate more on composition when I am focusing manually, plus I think you learn faster how to actually shoot good pictures and not just "pressing a button".

Usually I just take my k-7 with two lenses: something wide on the camera (16, 28 or 35) and a 50mm in my pocket. I am happy with that

macTak · 08-04-2010, 06:52 AM - **1 Like**

I almost never use AF lenses except in the rare case that I am on vacation. Almost all my lenses are MF. A lot of the reason is the price/performance of the old primes, but I do like the thought and control involved in manual focusing (no AF system truly knows where I want to focus, so I often have to correct AF ipso post facto). Another reason is that I do a lot of close focusing/macro work, which is not really something AF can do well. I'd say my default lens is the Super-Multi-Coated Macro Takumar 50mm f4, by the way (incredible lens).

**pacerr** · 08-04-2010, 07:01 AM - **1 Like**

I've got an istDS that wears either an M 50/1.7 or an M*300/4, a K100DS configured for five ST M42's and a K200D dedicated to eight Tamron Adaptall SP's from 24 - 300. All with some form of VF enhancement for manual focus.

Anyone else prefer the 6 MPS sensors with the older glass?

H2

paperbag846 · 08-04-2010, 07:19 AM - **1 Like**

My only auto lens is my kit. I'm a frugal student and I have all the basics with 2 manual primes and a cheap tele for less than the cost of a new fancy lens.

Since I'm new to photography, forcing myself to use 1970's glass has thrown me through a sort of photography boot camp. I've learned a tonne in a very short period of time by doing everything for myself. If nothing else, try to find yourself a cheap manual 28mm - that's "near normal" on a crop sensor and you can find them for less than 50 bucks.

08-04-2010, 03:25 AM	#1
Banitess Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Hong Kong Photos: Gallery Posts: 43	Manual lens as default for your DSLR Hi all, I know its the age of digital and auto focus but does anyone here still use a good, old-fashioned manual lens as default on his/her DSLR? If yes, which one and why? Thanks!

08-04-2010, 03:29 AM - 1 Like	#2
clim920 Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bc Posts: 31	Originally posted by Banitess Hi all, I know its the age of digital and auto focus but does anyone here still use a good, old-fashioned manual lens as default on his/her DSLR? If yes, which one and why? Thanks! Vimeo Pentax kx with old 50 1.7

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08-04-2010, 03:41 AM - 2 Likes	#3
stanleyk Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Taylor, Texas Posts: 1,018	I rarely use auto focus. Personally I think focus is a subjective aethestic. That said the lens I use most is the DA 35mm but I don't set the camera to auto focus. I also use the Takumar 85mm f1.8 and the M 50 f1.7, the Rokinon 8mm, and a Tokina 17mm a lot.

08-04-2010, 03:47 AM - 1 Like	#4
8540tomg Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Waterloo, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,461	Hi Banitess, I shoot manually almost all the time (90%) with my K10D. I have a lot of old K, M and A series glass and I stayed with Pentax primarily because they let me continue to use it. The M 400/5.6 is my primary birding lens and it seldom leaves my camera. When it does the K 200/2.5 is the replacement followed by the A 100/2.8 macro. Once in a while the DA* 16~50 makes an appearance. To facilitate focusing I use a KatzEye screen in place of the original focusing screen. Tom G

08-04-2010, 04:43 AM - 1 Like	#5
CarbonR Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Clermont-Ferrand, France Posts: 363	I almost use only Takumars, just a 55/1.2 and the K 200/2.5 in K mount, and some other M42 lenses. I've also bought a Canon 5D, which will never be used with a Canon lens, but only Takumars and some other M42 lenses too

08-04-2010, 04:54 AM	#6
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	I have 6 AF lenses, all zooms of which I regularly use 4, but I also have 11 M42 mount lenses, 9 K mount lenses and 3 KA mount manual focus lenses. I have a K7D as my main camera, but a K10D and *istD both soon to have split image focusing screens as principally MF bodies For me photography is a hobby, and a form of relaxation, and the old lenses make you slow down and relax when shooting.

08-04-2010, 05:12 AM - 1 Like	#7
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Hi, Banitess. Get yourself over to the Takumar Lens Club here. There are a bunch of us there who hardly ever touch an auto lens. The reasons: 50% image quality, 45% build and feel, and 5% LOW COST! Others' percentages may vary!

08-04-2010, 05:40 AM	#8
blotzphoto Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 56	Originally posted by Banitess Hi all, I know its the age of digital and auto focus but does anyone here still use a good, old-fashioned manual lens as default on his/her DSLR? If yes, which one and why? Thanks! I used an old sigma 28mm macro on my k10d that practically lived there until my 40 ltd arrived. As it stands I depend on AF a lot. I've just never been very good at focusing manually. Bad astigmatism.

08-04-2010, 05:42 AM	#9
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by blotzphoto I I've just never been very good at focusing manually. I stink at it too, but I still can't help preferring it

08-04-2010, 06:17 AM	#10
clark Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 301	i'm getting the AF itch- i'm sure as soon as I start using it i'll realise how slow/noisy/inaccurate it is but i'm definitely getting the AF itch, I shoot all manual- pentax M feel lovely to manual focus, but some of the cheaper lenses actually give you a workout while you're turning the barrel

08-04-2010, 06:25 AM - 1 Like	#11
unixrevolution Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Waldorf, MD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,861	I use my Pentax-A 50mm F/1.4 all the time. I also use my Tamron 90mm F/2.8 in manual focus the majority of the time, and not just for macros.

08-04-2010, 06:38 AM	#12
dom777 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: nbg Posts: 29	I don´t even own an AF lens, just like the feel of old manual lenses better. I seem to concentrate more on composition when I am focusing manually, plus I think you learn faster how to actually shoot good pictures and not just "pressing a button". Usually I just take my k-7 with two lenses: something wide on the camera (16, 28 or 35) and a 50mm in my pocket. I am happy with that

08-04-2010, 06:52 AM - 1 Like	#13
macTak Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 759	I almost never use AF lenses except in the rare case that I am on vacation. Almost all my lenses are MF. A lot of the reason is the price/performance of the old primes, but I do like the thought and control involved in manual focusing (no AF system truly knows where I want to focus, so I often have to correct AF ipso post facto). Another reason is that I do a lot of close focusing/macro work, which is not really something AF can do well. I'd say my default lens is the Super-Multi-Coated Macro Takumar 50mm f4, by the way (incredible lens).

08-04-2010, 07:01 AM - 1 Like	#14
pacerr Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Paris, TN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,350	I've got an istDS that wears either an M 50/1.7 or an M*300/4, a K100DS configured for five ST M42's and a K200D dedicated to eight Tamron Adaptall SP's from 24 - 300. All with some form of VF enhancement for manual focus. Anyone else prefer the 6 MPS sensors with the older glass? H2

08-04-2010, 07:19 AM - 1 Like	#15
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	My only auto lens is my kit. I'm a frugal student and I have all the basics with 2 manual primes and a cheap tele for less than the cost of a new fancy lens. Since I'm new to photography, forcing myself to use 1970's glass has thrown me through a sort of photography boot camp. I've learned a tonne in a very short period of time by doing everything for myself. If nothing else, try to find yourself a cheap manual 28mm - that's "near normal" on a crop sensor and you can find them for less than 50 bucks.