[donpjt]

Not sure if there is such a lens A 50f1.8, there is f1.2, f1.4, f1.7 and f2.0, never heard of f1.8; must be a rare lens...

I'm sure he meant the SMC M 50mm F 1.7 that's the one with the price point of 50 with good IQ

[6BQ5]

My vote always goes to the 50mm f/1.4. It's another one of those lenses that I feel is uniquely Pentax.

[ivanvernon]

With 50 mm, there are so many choices that it can be confusing. There is a fantastic amount of MF legacy glass out there, including Sears lens at giveaway prices, some of them made by Chinon, which are truly excellent. Sears 50s come in 2.0, 1.7, and even 1.4.

I have the Pentax M-50/1.7and A-50/1.7, both of which are excellent. I prefer the A version which allows Pentax A/v and other automated modes, though you will have to pay a little more for it.

The Pentax 50/2,8 macro is among the sharpest Pentax lens available, so much so that it can cause problems with closeup portraiture. I have this lens, and would never part with it, but much of what you want to achieve for portraits can be had with legacy glass. Manual focus is less of a problem with classic portraiture when you are taking posed shots, but can be problematic for "action" portraits. Actually, I don't call these shots portraits, but I notice that many are doing so.

The Soviet lens offer other choices, particularly in the 58 mm length, which gives just a little more reach that is useful for portraits. Mine is the Helios 44K-4 58 mm f 2.0. You do not generally get a hood with these, and most of them are screw mount, meaning you need an adapter.

[robgski]

My mistake, mine is f1.7. In any case, good legacy glass is out there for a low price.

[donpjt]

So finally, I ended up ordering the Pentax 50 mm F2.8 D-FA Macro lens from KEH. Hope I made the right choice I was able to get the latest D-FA with only a price difference of 50 from the earlier F/FA 2.8 Macro versions, So I though I'd rather get that one. Awaiting the lens from KEH to test!

[starjedi]

So finally, I ended up ordering the Pentax 50 mm F2.8 D-FA Macro lens from KEH. Hope I made the right choice I was able to get the latest D-FA with only a price difference of 50 from the earlier F/FA 2.8 Macro versions, So I though I'd rather get that one. Awaiting the lens from KEH to test!

Congratulations! You made the right choice... Pentax 50mm macro quality is very high as this lens line is always among the sharpest lens in the world...

[Wild Mark]

So finally, I ended up ordering the Pentax 50 mm F2.8 D-FA Macro lens from KEH. Hope I made the right choice I was able to get the latest D-FA with only a price difference of 50 from the earlier F/FA 2.8 Macro versions, So I though I'd rather get that one. Awaiting the lens from KEH to test!

Good choice. I don't have your lens rather its older sibling the F50mm 2.8. It is a cracking lens (some say it is better due to its coatings - I can't say either way)

I took a shot today that I didn't use any sharpening in PPing. When I did sharpen the image looked eally noisy (overly sharp). Lens is brilliant and your will be too. Enjoy

[PabloFP]

Get a copy of the m50 1.7 u wont regret it

[simon6z]

Get a copy of the m50 1.7 u wont regret it

Never had any fastie fiftie before and my fastest was f2.8 which is Sigma 70,Tamron 90 and DFA 100 wr so will be intrigue to see the overall results that will get me what I need

[csa]

With 50 mm, there are so many choices that it can be confusing. There is a fantastic amount of MF legacy glass out there, including Sears lens at giveaway prices, some of them made by Chinon, which are truly excellent. Sears 50s come in 2.0, 1.7, and even 1.4.

I have the Pentax M-50/1.7and A-50/1.7, both of which are excellent. I prefer the A version which allows Pentax A/v and other automated modes, though you will have to pay a little more for it.

The Pentax 50/2,8 macro is among the sharpest Pentax lens available, so much so that it can cause problems with closeup portraiture. I have this lens, and would never part with it, but much of what you want to achieve for portraits can be had with legacy glass. Manual focus is less of a problem with classic portraiture when you are taking posed shots, but can be problematic for "action" portraits. Actually, I don't call these shots portraits, but I notice that many are doing so.

The Soviet lens offer other choices, particularly in the 58 mm length, which gives just a little more reach that is useful for portraits. Mine is the Helios 44K-4 58 mm f 2.0. You do not generally get a hood with these, and most of them are screw mount, meaning you need an adapter.

Thanks for a very informative post! I'm also considering a 50mm lens, and it is truly confusing as to which one is best for me. Since I don't take portraits, it looks like the Pentax 50/2.0 Macro would be a great addition for me!

[csa]

So finally, I ended up ordering the Pentax 50 mm F2.8 D-FA Macro lens from KEH. Hope I made the right choice I was able to get the latest D-FA with only a price difference of 50 from the earlier F/FA 2.8 Macro versions, So I though I'd rather get that one. Awaiting the lens from KEH to test!

What would be the main difference in usage, say with a K5IIs.

[simon6z]

Da 50 f1.8 will be better choice currently

[rrstuff]

Cool. looking fwd to seeing some samples!

[gor80]

the difference between 50 1,7 and 50 1,4 is not very big. I would have stopped their choice on such a lens - a good purchase!

[fekkento]

You should still consider to buy a cheap old manual lens. I have an auto chinon 50/1.4 and amazed by the sharpness and overall quality.