Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

Dynasty · 08-20-2012, 06:52 AM

Hey guys,

I have been using the kit lens, and I just bought the SMC Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 and Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro.

I was wondering if there are any relatively cheaper (less than $500) lenses that would help complete my collection?

Also, more out of curiosity than anything else, does my entry level k-x still have better image quality than a lot of the newer interchangeable lens cameras? Like a Sony Nex or the new Canon EOS M? Or does technology really move that quickly!

Thanks,

claimed4all · 08-20-2012, 07:09 AM

If you are looking to fill the void, I would look into the Tamron 17-50 f2.8. Its by far my favorite lens that I have. I picked mine up used for about 350$.

seventysixersfan · 08-20-2012, 07:28 AM

Originally posted by Dynasty

help complete my collection

Hah, that's funny. Because of a little something called LBA, you may never feel like your collection is totally complete... but that said, on a limited budget, you have a good start, and I agree with claimed4all that a fast short-zoom to replace your kit lens would be ideal. Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 or Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 (there are some cheap ones-- $250--for sale right now on the PF Forum). Or if you want to keep on the prime lens route, you might want to consider a DA 15mm (you might find it used for less than $500) or DA 21mm. On a K-X, those DA limited pancake lenses are really amazing-- makes your camera feel so light and compact!

Technology does move quickly. I think the sensor in the K-X is still excellent but the video recording abilities of the K-X definitely pale in comparison to a NEX or Canon EOS-M.

**i_trax** · 08-20-2012, 07:31 AM

Originally posted by Dynasty

Hey guys,

I have been using the kit lens, and I just bought the SMC Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 and Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro.

I was wondering if there are any relatively cheaper (less than $500) lenses that would help complete my collection?

Also, more out of curiosity than anything else, does my entry level k-x still have better image quality than a lot of the newer interchangeable lens cameras? Like a Sony Nex or the new Canon EOS M? Or does technology really move that quickly!

Thanks,

I like very much Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 MACRO for just running around and I discovered it the first time with my K-x.
You need to experiment with wide lenses, I purchased used Sigma EX 10-20 4-5.6 and the sky just looks magic , some photos:
Sigma EX 10-20mm F4-5.6 DC - a set on Flickr

well, I still have K-x , it is still very capable camera, people are taking marvellous photos with much older cameras.
I just purchased Pentax K10D so I can experiment with CCD sensor, and I do use K-x, K-5 , the Q and K-30.
Remember, you are the creator, camera is just a tool, and enjoy your great K-x

JinDesu · 08-20-2012, 07:43 AM

You have a pretty good range of lenses already - with the kit lens and the 70-300. The FA 50 1.4 is a fantastic low-light, short telephoto on the k-x. Good for portraits, etc.

Only thing left maybe is the UWA as someone else mentioned (Sigma 10-20, Tamron 10-24, Pentax DA 12-24), or a faster standard zoom (Tamron/Sigma 17-50) for indoor shooting. Alternatively, if you do enjoy your FA 50, you could get a DA 35 F2.4 or FA 24 F2, something wider and relatively fast as well.

Or maybe you could be interested in macro photography!

The k-x sensor has very good dynamic range, ISO performance, and detail. It won't be the new Sony NEX's because they use the k-5 sensor, which performs better. I believe the EOS-M uses the same sensor as the T4i, but I don't know as much about that. I think the k-x can hold it's own against that camera.

innivus · 08-20-2012, 08:41 AM

It's funny, the k-x kit/Tamron 70-300/50 1.4 was my first set also, and I was able to get just about everything from them. I've had a number of lenses since, but the two I would recommend (in order) are the tamron 90mm 2.8 and the tamron 28-70 2.8. The 90mm has become my favorite lens, excluding the 31mm. It's allowed me to get into macro photography in a big way, and you can get one for around 350 used. The 28-70 is awesome, but it's really just a step up in quality on the ranges you already have. It's made me rarely reach for the 50, and I almost never use the 70-300 unless I'm shooting sports.

Dynasty · 08-20-2012, 08:56 AM

Thanks guys!

Maybe I will buy the https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-equipment-sale/167713-sale-t...uple-sf1s.html

Tamron 17-50mm then!

msatlas · 08-20-2012, 09:57 AM

I like my Tamron 17-50 a lot. But, its focus calibration was a bit off. With my K-r it's no problem since I can dial in a -5 AF fine adjustment. But the K-x doesn't have AF fine adjust, so when I had a K-x I never really got good results from my Tamron 17-50 copy. Something to keep in mind if you're buying a used lens. Just get from somewhere with a good return policy in case you need to try a couple copies before finding one that works on your K-x.

Dynasty · 08-20-2012, 02:03 PM

I forgot to mention I have a promaster 100mm 3.5 Macro. Is this significantly worse than a Tamron 90mm macro?

msatlas · 08-20-2012, 02:43 PM

That 100/3.5 macro is likely the Cosina-made lens which was sold under a bunch of different brand names including Vivitar, Phoenix & Promaster. Seems to have pretty good reviews...

Cosina 100mm F1:3,5 MC Makro Lens Reviews - Cosina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

JinDesu · 08-20-2012, 02:57 PM

Originally posted by msatlas

I like my Tamron 17-50 a lot. But, its focus calibration was a bit off. With my K-r it's no problem since I can dial in a -5 AF fine adjustment. But the K-x doesn't have AF fine adjust, so when I had a K-x I never really got good results from my Tamron 17-50 copy. Something to keep in mind if you're buying a used lens. Just get from somewhere with a good return policy in case you need to try a couple copies before finding one that works on your K-x.

I don't believe the k-r had individual lens focus adjust, just global adjust. The k-x has global adjust too, but you just gotta get into the debug mode - which can be googled for.

msatlas · 08-20-2012, 04:33 PM

You're right, K-r has global adjust. I change it on the fly when I swap lenses. Which is a bit more convenient than doing debug mode every time you change lenses.

GibbyTheMole · 08-20-2012, 04:51 PM

Originally posted by Dynasty

I forgot to mention I have a promaster 100mm 3.5 Macro.

I have one too. Mine's the manual focus version, but it's optically identical to the AF version. I bought it to "get me by" 'til I could afford a Lester Dine. Well... I'm no longer looking for a better macro lens. The Promaster is wonderfully sharp with great color. I love the bokeh on it, too. Here's a couple I took with it:

They don't call it the plastic fantastic for nothing! :-)

Dynasty · 08-22-2012, 09:09 AM

Would getting one of the limited prime lenses be a bit redundant? I have been reading about the 70mm limited and it seems super sexy!

seventysixersfan · 08-22-2012, 09:35 AM

Love my DA 70mm and honestly since getting it, I don't use my FA 50 f/1.4 all that much anymore. Any of the limited primes will bring a smile to your face!

08-20-2012, 06:52 AM	#1
Dynasty Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bay Area Posts: 60	Lenses to pair with my k-x? Hey guys, I have been using the kit lens, and I just bought the SMC Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 and Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro. I was wondering if there are any relatively cheaper (less than $500) lenses that would help complete my collection? Also, more out of curiosity than anything else, does my entry level k-x still have better image quality than a lot of the newer interchangeable lens cameras? Like a Sony Nex or the new Canon EOS M? Or does technology really move that quickly! Thanks,

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08-20-2012, 07:09 AM	#2
claimed4all Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Grand Rapids Michigan Posts: 96	If you are looking to fill the void, I would look into the Tamron 17-50 f2.8. Its by far my favorite lens that I have. I picked mine up used for about 350$.

08-20-2012, 07:28 AM	#3
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by Dynasty help complete my collection Hah, that's funny. Because of a little something called LBA, you may never feel like your collection is totally complete... but that said, on a limited budget, you have a good start, and I agree with claimed4all that a fast short-zoom to replace your kit lens would be ideal. Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 or Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 (there are some cheap ones-- $250--for sale right now on the PF Forum). Or if you want to keep on the prime lens route, you might want to consider a DA 15mm (you might find it used for less than $500) or DA 21mm. On a K-X, those DA limited pancake lenses are really amazing-- makes your camera feel so light and compact! Technology does move quickly. I think the sensor in the K-X is still excellent but the video recording abilities of the K-X definitely pale in comparison to a NEX or Canon EOS-M.

08-20-2012, 07:31 AM	#4
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	Originally posted by Dynasty Hey guys, I have been using the kit lens, and I just bought the SMC Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 and Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro. I was wondering if there are any relatively cheaper (less than $500) lenses that would help complete my collection? Also, more out of curiosity than anything else, does my entry level k-x still have better image quality than a lot of the newer interchangeable lens cameras? Like a Sony Nex or the new Canon EOS M? Or does technology really move that quickly! Thanks, I like very much Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 MACRO for just running around and I discovered it the first time with my K-x. You need to experiment with wide lenses, I purchased used Sigma EX 10-20 4-5.6 and the sky just looks magic , some photos: Sigma EX 10-20mm F4-5.6 DC - a set on Flickr well, I still have K-x , it is still very capable camera, people are taking marvellous photos with much older cameras. I just purchased Pentax K10D so I can experiment with CCD sensor, and I do use K-x, K-5 , the Q and K-30. Remember, you are the creator, camera is just a tool, and enjoy your great K-x

08-20-2012, 07:43 AM	#5
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	You have a pretty good range of lenses already - with the kit lens and the 70-300. The FA 50 1.4 is a fantastic low-light, short telephoto on the k-x. Good for portraits, etc. Only thing left maybe is the UWA as someone else mentioned (Sigma 10-20, Tamron 10-24, Pentax DA 12-24), or a faster standard zoom (Tamron/Sigma 17-50) for indoor shooting. Alternatively, if you do enjoy your FA 50, you could get a DA 35 F2.4 or FA 24 F2, something wider and relatively fast as well. Or maybe you could be interested in macro photography! The k-x sensor has very good dynamic range, ISO performance, and detail. It won't be the new Sony NEX's because they use the k-5 sensor, which performs better. I believe the EOS-M uses the same sensor as the T4i, but I don't know as much about that. I think the k-x can hold it's own against that camera.

08-20-2012, 08:41 AM	#6
innivus Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Bronx NY Posts: 340	It's funny, the k-x kit/Tamron 70-300/50 1.4 was my first set also, and I was able to get just about everything from them. I've had a number of lenses since, but the two I would recommend (in order) are the tamron 90mm 2.8 and the tamron 28-70 2.8. The 90mm has become my favorite lens, excluding the 31mm. It's allowed me to get into macro photography in a big way, and you can get one for around 350 used. The 28-70 is awesome, but it's really just a step up in quality on the ranges you already have. It's made me rarely reach for the 50, and I almost never use the 70-300 unless I'm shooting sports.

08-20-2012, 08:56 AM	#7
Dynasty Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bay Area Posts: 60 Original Poster	Thanks guys! Maybe I will buy the https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-equipment-sale/167713-sale-t...uple-sf1s.html Tamron 17-50mm then!

08-20-2012, 09:57 AM	#8
msatlas Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 309	I like my Tamron 17-50 a lot. But, its focus calibration was a bit off. With my K-r it's no problem since I can dial in a -5 AF fine adjustment. But the K-x doesn't have AF fine adjust, so when I had a K-x I never really got good results from my Tamron 17-50 copy. Something to keep in mind if you're buying a used lens. Just get from somewhere with a good return policy in case you need to try a couple copies before finding one that works on your K-x.

08-20-2012, 02:03 PM	#9
Dynasty Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bay Area Posts: 60 Original Poster	I forgot to mention I have a promaster 100mm 3.5 Macro. Is this significantly worse than a Tamron 90mm macro?

08-20-2012, 02:43 PM	#10
msatlas Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 309	That 100/3.5 macro is likely the Cosina-made lens which was sold under a bunch of different brand names including Vivitar, Phoenix & Promaster. Seems to have pretty good reviews... Cosina 100mm F1:3,5 MC Makro Lens Reviews - Cosina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

08-20-2012, 02:57 PM	#11
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by msatlas I like my Tamron 17-50 a lot. But, its focus calibration was a bit off. With my K-r it's no problem since I can dial in a -5 AF fine adjustment. But the K-x doesn't have AF fine adjust, so when I had a K-x I never really got good results from my Tamron 17-50 copy. Something to keep in mind if you're buying a used lens. Just get from somewhere with a good return policy in case you need to try a couple copies before finding one that works on your K-x. I don't believe the k-r had individual lens focus adjust, just global adjust. The k-x has global adjust too, but you just gotta get into the debug mode - which can be googled for.

08-20-2012, 04:33 PM	#12
msatlas Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 309	You're right, K-r has global adjust. I change it on the fly when I swap lenses. Which is a bit more convenient than doing debug mode every time you change lenses.

08-20-2012, 04:51 PM	#13
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275	Originally posted by Dynasty I forgot to mention I have a promaster 100mm 3.5 Macro. I have one too. Mine's the manual focus version, but it's optically identical to the AF version. I bought it to "get me by" 'til I could afford a Lester Dine. Well... I'm no longer looking for a better macro lens. The Promaster is wonderfully sharp with great color. I love the bokeh on it, too. Here's a couple I took with it: They don't call it the plastic fantastic for nothing! :-)

08-22-2012, 09:09 AM	#14
Dynasty Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bay Area Posts: 60 Original Poster	Would getting one of the limited prime lenses be a bit redundant? I have been reading about the 70mm limited and it seems super sexy!

08-22-2012, 09:35 AM	#15
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Love my DA 70mm and honestly since getting it, I don't use my FA 50 f/1.4 all that much anymore. Any of the limited primes will bring a smile to your face!

Lenses to pair with my k-x?

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!