What's the worst lens ever made?

Nesster · 07-20-2008, 10:21 AM

I don't think it qualifies for the absolute WORST, but I'm looking at my SMC-F 35-80 f/4-5.6 with beady eyes... open to it's modest max, there's not only softness but vignetting on the film body it was made for. It doesn't get a whole lot better... no wonder that at the time the consumer level SLR was rapidly losing its place to the super zoom p&s, and later digital. Shlock.

(made in Taiwan)

But hey, it may be half decent on digital.

stevebrot · 07-20-2008, 10:28 AM

Originally posted by jeffkrol

Actually the question was "worst K mount lens ever made" and the "Brand" was excluded. I'm sure some old "focal" or newer old Vivitars are in the running. Not to mention some east german or russian or early korean ect.
Are you sooooo anxious to throw in an insult that you won't even bother yourself to read a question????
Even for me this is getting old.
To the OP:
Look here for some ideas.......
Worst lens you have ever used? - OutdoorPhoto

Strangely, off-brand lenses are not guaranteed to give bad results (except maybe the Holga). Many of these were made by reputable manufacturers, have decent build, and were based on good designs. If you haven't already done so, take a walk through the "off-brand club" for some examples.

Steve

Stratman · 07-20-2008, 10:49 AM

Originally posted by RiceHigh

IMO, in general, the worst Pentax lenses are mostly those lenses designed and made in recent years at the Pentax factory at Vietnam and many of those are digital lenses. Also, especially for those "co-developed" with Tokina. Not all of them are bad, but the proportion is high.

And let me guess, EVERY Canon lens ever made is top quality?

**ChipB** · 07-20-2008, 11:29 AM

Another thing to consider would be the cheap "filter" lenses - the ones that screw on like a filter. Some are pretty bad!!!

cpopham · 07-20-2008, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by RiceHigh

IMO, in general, the worst Pentax lenses are mostly those lenses designed and made in recent years at the Pentax factory at Vietnam and many of those are digital lenses.

Wow, they're designed in Vietnam now too? Guess it's time for me to switch! What were you recommending at the moment RH?

axl · 07-20-2008, 11:38 AM

Originally posted by RiceHigh

IMO, in general, the worst Pentax lenses are mostly those lenses designed and made in recent years at the Pentax factory at Vietnam and many of those are digital lenses. Also, especially for those "co-developed" with Tokina. Not all of them are bad, but the proportion is high.

DA 40 is one of the worst lenses then

RaduA · 07-20-2008, 11:49 AM

Alex,

Correct me if I am wrong but tell me pls another recent Pentax lens besides DA*16-50 with problems in a larger than statistic way? I don't know if you can but I can tell you about some very appreciated ones: DA*200&300, DA*50-135, all the DA Limiteds are almost universaly holded to high regards in terms of performance and build quality. The "cheaper" ones (the 2 kit 18-55, and longer 50-200 and 55-300) are very good value for the money and by no means "cheap" financialy since 3rd party Sigma and Tamron are more expensive generaly.

BTW, I think lower quality due to reducing the costs are seen accros all manufacturers and many have far worse records than Pentax (try Sigma for example).

Radu

LE: Am I seeing things or parts of this thread are disappearing?

Last edited by RaduA; 07-20-2008 at 11:59 AM.

Peter Zack · 07-20-2008, 12:07 PM

Albinar and almost anything they made for K mount. grab a few for $5.00 (max value) and go nuts, Vasiline, gasoline, light em on fire, paint the glass, whatever. It might be neat to take one and put water inside (only shoot straight down though to keep water out of the body). They are junk and you could trash em any way you want to get some interesting effects.

Peter Zack · 07-20-2008, 12:15 PM

Now for my post to be deleted as I'm sure a few other posts have been by the mods.

I'm in a mood today...

Every brand has issues and not everything produced will be perfect.
You on the other hand can't even read and understand the question.

You were starting to make a little sense for a short while but back to the same old crap again. I promised myself to ignore "S**T for Brains" posts but I can't help it today.

RH Go F#*@ Yourself and bother another forum.

Originally posted by RiceHigh

IMO, in general, the worst Pentax lenses are mostly those lenses designed and made in recent years at the Pentax factory at Vietnam and many of those are digital lenses. Also, especially for those "co-developed" with Tokina. Not all of them are bad, but the proportion is high.

Ken T · 07-20-2008, 12:24 PM

Originally posted by RiceHigh

IMO, in general, the worst Pentax lenses are mostly those lenses designed and made in recent years at the Pentax factory at Vietnam and many of those are digital lenses. Also, especially for those "co-developed" with Tokina. Not all of them are bad, but the proportion is high.

How about those inexpensive lenses: kit lens DA 18-55mm and DA 50-200mm ?

What you said above is purely indicated that you know nothing about Pentax lenses, and you probably never will. You better be quiet and learn than talk about something you do not have a clue.

squarerigger · 07-20-2008, 12:41 PM

Originally posted by Peter Zack

Now for my post to be deleted as I'm sure a few other posts have been by the mods.

I'm in a mood today...

Every brand has issues and not everything produced will be perfect.
You on the other hand can't even read and understand the question.

You were starting to make a little sense for a short while but back to the same old crap again. I promised myself to ignore "S**T for Brains" posts but I can't help it today.

RH Go F#*@ Yourself and bother another forum.

Don't hold back Peter

It's just not healthy to hold it all in. Thanks for saying what I was thinking.

Gary

ftpaddict · 07-20-2008, 12:43 PM

Originally posted by tcom

My badest lens is the FA-J 18-35, that was the kit lens sold with the *istD. Main problem was low contrast and very soft lens.

HA! MY FA J 28-80 would WASTE your FA J in terms of "craptasticnessiosity".

Asahiflex · 07-20-2008, 01:02 PM

If you don't mind a screwmount lens, then try to get hold of a copy of the "E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm f/2.9". This is, I believe, a three element design. It's soft and contrast is non-existent.

jeffkrol · 07-20-2008, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Strangely, off-brand lenses are not guaranteed to give bad results (except maybe the Holga). Many of these were made by reputable manufacturers, have decent build, and were based on good designs. If you haven't already done so, take a walk through the "off-brand club" for some examples.

Steve

I love off brand lenses. My Vivitar 60-180 Macro is top notch. I've got a Sigma el cheepo 60-210 that's pretty darn good. And a Tamron 100-300 that I like as well. Sorry if you thought I was implying ALL are bad. Many are as good or better then OEM's.
My worst lens (that I personally own)is the dreaded Pentax 28-80 gold plastic fantastic. That lens has few admirers as you can see. Even that one has it's moments though. I had a Vivitar 200 screwmount and an old 50mm Viv Macro screwmount that weren't too hot either and we have parted ways long before the digital era.

Only blanket statement is there are more dogs in a 3rd party line than an OEM line in general..... except Kiron......Tamron.... and Tokina....
Thanks for the link. Maybe we need a "bad lens" thread....

augustmoon · 07-20-2008, 02:08 PM

How about the Holga body-cap lens? It has a body-cap for a mount.

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07-20-2008, 10:21 AM	#16
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	I don't think it qualifies for the absolute WORST, but I'm looking at my SMC-F 35-80 f/4-5.6 with beady eyes... open to it's modest max, there's not only softness but vignetting on the film body it was made for. It doesn't get a whole lot better... no wonder that at the time the consumer level SLR was rapidly losing its place to the super zoom p&s, and later digital. Shlock. (made in Taiwan) But hey, it may be half decent on digital.

07-20-2008, 10:28 AM	#17
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by jeffkrol Actually the question was "worst K mount lens ever made" and the "Brand" was excluded. I'm sure some old "focal" or newer old Vivitars are in the running. Not to mention some east german or russian or early korean ect. Are you sooooo anxious to throw in an insult that you won't even bother yourself to read a question???? Even for me this is getting old. To the OP: Look here for some ideas....... Worst lens you have ever used? - OutdoorPhoto Strangely, off-brand lenses are not guaranteed to give bad results (except maybe the Holga). Many of these were made by reputable manufacturers, have decent build, and were based on good designs. If you haven't already done so, take a walk through the "off-brand club" for some examples. Steve

07-20-2008, 10:49 AM	#18
Stratman Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: St Louis, Missouri U S A Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,464	Originally posted by RiceHigh IMO, in general, the worst Pentax lenses are mostly those lenses designed and made in recent years at the Pentax factory at Vietnam and many of those are digital lenses. Also, especially for those "co-developed" with Tokina. Not all of them are bad, but the proportion is high. And let me guess, EVERY Canon lens ever made is top quality?

07-20-2008, 11:29 AM	#19
ChipB Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Eau Claire, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,701	Another thing to consider would be the cheap "filter" lenses - the ones that screw on like a filter. Some are pretty bad!!!

07-20-2008, 11:37 AM	#20
cpopham Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Auckland Posts: 553	Originally posted by RiceHigh IMO, in general, the worst Pentax lenses are mostly those lenses designed and made in recent years at the Pentax factory at Vietnam and many of those are digital lenses. Wow, they're designed in Vietnam now too? Guess it's time for me to switch! What were you recommending at the moment RH?

07-20-2008, 11:38 AM	#21
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Originally posted by RiceHigh IMO, in general, the worst Pentax lenses are mostly those lenses designed and made in recent years at the Pentax factory at Vietnam and many of those are digital lenses. Also, especially for those "co-developed" with Tokina. Not all of them are bad, but the proportion is high. DA 40 is one of the worst lenses then

07-20-2008, 11:49 AM	#22
RaduA Guest	Alex, Correct me if I am wrong but tell me pls another recent Pentax lens besides DA16-50 with problems in a larger than statistic way? I don't know if you can but I can tell you about some very appreciated ones: DA200&300, DA50-135, all the DA Limiteds are almost universaly holded to high regards in terms of performance and build quality. The "cheaper" ones (the 2 kit 18-55, and longer 50-200 and 55-300) are very good value for the money and by no means "cheap" financialy since 3rd party Sigma and Tamron are more expensive generaly. BTW, I think lower quality due to reducing the costs are seen accros all manufacturers and many have far worse records than Pentax (try Sigma for example). Radu LE: Am I seeing things or parts of this thread are disappearing? Last edited by RaduA; 07-20-2008 at 11:59 AM.*

07-20-2008, 12:07 PM	#23
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Albinar and almost anything they made for K mount. grab a few for $5.00 (max value) and go nuts, Vasiline, gasoline, light em on fire, paint the glass, whatever. It might be neat to take one and put water inside (only shoot straight down though to keep water out of the body). They are junk and you could trash em any way you want to get some interesting effects.

07-20-2008, 12:15 PM	#24
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Now for my post to be deleted as I'm sure a few other posts have been by the mods. I'm in a mood today... Every brand has issues and not everything produced will be perfect. You on the other hand can't even read and understand the question. You were starting to make a little sense for a short while but back to the same old crap again. I promised myself to ignore "S*T for Brains" posts but I can't help it today. RH Go F#@ Yourself and bother another forum. Originally posted by RiceHigh IMO, in general, the worst Pentax lenses are mostly those lenses designed and made in recent years at the Pentax factory at Vietnam and many of those are digital lenses. Also, especially for those "co-developed" with Tokina. Not all of them are bad, but the proportion is high.

07-20-2008, 12:24 PM	#25
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536	Originally posted by RiceHigh IMO, in general, the worst Pentax lenses are mostly those lenses designed and made in recent years at the Pentax factory at Vietnam and many of those are digital lenses. Also, especially for those "co-developed" with Tokina. Not all of them are bad, but the proportion is high. How about those inexpensive lenses: kit lens DA 18-55mm and DA 50-200mm ? What you said above is purely indicated that you know nothing about Pentax lenses, and you probably never will. You better be quiet and learn than talk about something you do not have a clue.

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07-20-2008, 12:41 PM	#26
squarerigger Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: James City County, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 322	Originally posted by Peter Zack Now for my post to be deleted as I'm sure a few other posts have been by the mods. I'm in a mood today... Every brand has issues and not everything produced will be perfect. You on the other hand can't even read and understand the question. You were starting to make a little sense for a short while but back to the same old crap again. I promised myself to ignore "S*T for Brains" posts but I can't help it today. RH Go F#@ Yourself and bother another forum. Don't hold back Peter It's just not healthy to hold it all in. Thanks for saying what I was thinking. Gary

07-20-2008, 12:43 PM	#27
ftpaddict Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Yurp Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,666	Originally posted by tcom My badest lens is the FA-J 18-35, that was the kit lens sold with the *istD. Main problem was low contrast and very soft lens. HA! MY FA J 28-80 would WASTE your FA J in terms of "craptasticnessiosity".

07-20-2008, 01:02 PM	#28
Asahiflex Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,795	If you don't mind a screwmount lens, then try to get hold of a copy of the "E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm f/2.9". This is, I believe, a three element design. It's soft and contrast is non-existent.

07-20-2008, 01:23 PM	#29
jeffkrol Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Wisconsin USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,434	Originally posted by stevebrot Strangely, off-brand lenses are not guaranteed to give bad results (except maybe the Holga). Many of these were made by reputable manufacturers, have decent build, and were based on good designs. If you haven't already done so, take a walk through the "off-brand club" for some examples. Steve I love off brand lenses. My Vivitar 60-180 Macro is top notch. I've got a Sigma el cheepo 60-210 that's pretty darn good. And a Tamron 100-300 that I like as well. Sorry if you thought I was implying ALL are bad. Many are as good or better then OEM's. My worst lens (that I personally own)is the dreaded Pentax 28-80 gold plastic fantastic. That lens has few admirers as you can see. Even that one has it's moments though. I had a Vivitar 200 screwmount and an old 50mm Viv Macro screwmount that weren't too hot either and we have parted ways long before the digital era. Only blanket statement is there are more dogs in a 3rd party line than an OEM line in general..... except Kiron......Tamron.... and Tokina.... Thanks for the link. Maybe we need a "bad lens" thread....

07-20-2008, 02:08 PM	#30
augustmoon Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Toronto, San Diego, Seattle Posts: 455	How about the Holga body-cap lens? It has a body-cap for a mount.