K-1 first lenses to buy?

awscreo · 08-04-2016, 07:52 PM

Hi.

I'm thinking of switching to Pentax system within next few months (as I sell enough of my old gear), what would you advice as first lenses to look at? Is there a full frame 50 1.8 or 1.4 available yet? I know there's a Sigma 35 art which is great, but was thinking to probably start with a 50 first if possible. Do you think sigma will adapt their art series to k mount in future?

Thanks!

Adam · 08-04-2016, 08:50 PM

Originally posted by awscreo

Hi.

I'm thinking of switching to Pentax system within next few months (as I sell enough of my old gear), what would you advice as first lenses to look at? Is there a full frame 50 1.8 or 1.4 available yet? I know there's a Sigma 35 art which is great, but was thinking to probably start with a 50 first if possible. Do you think sigma will adapt their art series to k mount in future?

Thanks!

The FA 50mm F1.4 is what I'd go for. You can also opt for the cheaper DA 50mm F1.8. It's advertised as a crop lens, but only vignettes minimally.

SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I wouldn't hold my breath for better Sigma support. They aren't going to budge unless they see a big increase in sales...

awscreo · 08-04-2016, 09:41 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The FA 50mm F1.4 is what I'd go for. You can also opt for the cheaper DA 50mm F1.8. It's advertised as a crop lens, but only vignettes minimally.

SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I wouldn't hold my breath for better Sigma support. They aren't going to budge unless they see a big increase in sales...

Thank you for a suggestion. I see this lens is quite old, does it hold up with a 36mp sensor of k1? User pics with apsc bodies look great.

I see your point regarding Sigma, although I thought there might be a chance since they did release 35 art for the k mount.

Adam · 08-04-2016, 09:46 PM

Originally posted by awscreo

Thank you for a suggestion. I see this lens is quite old, does it hold up with a 36mp sensor of k1? User pics with apsc bodies look great.

I see your point regarding Sigma, although I thought there might be a chance since they did release 35 art for the k mount.

I for one would love some of their F1.4 lenses.

But yes, the FA 50mm is still good enough. After all, it's hard to mess up a fifty, right?

There's a new "normal" lens on the roadmap, though. I bet it'll have silent AF and weather sealing.

Adam
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awscreo · 08-04-2016, 09:57 PM

Originally posted by Adam

I for one would love some of their F1.4 lenses.

But yes, the FA 50mm is still good enough. After all, it's hard to mess up a fifty, right?

There's a new "normal" lens on the roadmap, though. I bet it'll have silent AF and weather sealing.

I know what you mean) my current system never got Sigma art series (mft, we only got adapted Sony E apsc lenses), and I'm eyeballing them for few years already)

Would be amazing if Pentax releases more lenses for sure. I'm personally more of a prime shooter, and I'm a little bit worried that maybe this system won't have a lot of lenses designed with high res ff sensor in mind for a while. Body looks simply amazing. Lens selection makes me a bit worried. Lots to think about)

Adam · 08-04-2016, 10:04 PM

Originally posted by awscreo

I know what you mean) my current system never got Sigma art series (mft, we only got adapted Sony E apsc lenses), and I'm eyeballing them for few years already)

Would be amazing if Pentax releases more lenses for sure. I'm personally more of a prime shooter, and I'm a little bit worried that maybe this system won't have a lot of lenses designed with high res ff sensor in mind for a while. Body looks simply amazing. Lens selection makes me a bit worried. Lots to think about)

Thankfully there are 3 other roadmapped primes, for a total of 4:
2016 Pentax Full Frame Lens Roadmaps - CP+ 2016 | PentaxForums.com

freerider · 08-04-2016, 10:57 PM

You may also want to consider the DA* 55mm F1.4 and Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM. Both are designed for digital cameras and work on full frame. There are a few older threads here on the forum comparing the two lenses.

Sandy Hancock · 08-05-2016, 12:30 AM

I have been delighted with the performance of my DA*55 on the K-1. Any new normal lens will need to be pretty outstanding to supplant it.

The other option would be either the DFA 28-105, or DFA 24-70, depending on your budget and needs.

bassek · 08-05-2016, 12:33 AM

There is the FA43 1.9 limited also...

Seb

pathdoc · 08-05-2016, 02:38 AM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

I have been delighted with the performance of my DA*55 on the K-1. Any new normal lens will need to be pretty outstanding to supplant it.

The other option would be either the DFA 28-105, or DFA 24-70, depending on your budget and needs.

Didn't you say the 55* is a bit vignettish around the edges at some apertures? Or am I getting confused here?

OP, I have the FA50/1.4 and consider myself well supplied for AF full-frame fast fifties, given that my photography with it is purely for fun (for work I use the 35 Limited Macro for its close-in capabilities). That isn't to say I'm not wishing for an update, but for now we have something available to us that does the job out the door. If I go to buy my K-1 from a store, I will be taking that lens with me.

The more important thing for Pentax was to get the camera out and have a line of fast, constant-2.8 zooms to cover the same approximate range as the Nikon "Holy Trinity" and this they have achieved. Now they can concentrate on the minutiae.

elho_cid · 08-05-2016, 05:00 AM

Originally posted by bassek

There is the FA43 1.9 limited also...

Seb

I didn't really like what I got from FA43 on the K-1. But I very much like full frame performance of the FA35 and of course the DFA50/2.8 is simply superb, if you don't mind lack of ultra fast aperture.

awscreo · 08-05-2016, 06:27 AM

Thank everyone for your input

the da* 55 1.4 looks amazing from the samples I found on this forum, so does the 50 1.4. I have a feeling I'd be happy with either of them. The limited lenses look cool, but are a bit too expensive to get right away. Plan was to get few fast primes and save up for at least one of the zooms. Anyway, loads to think about and research. Thanks!

**WPRESTO** · 08-05-2016, 07:37 AM

If you want to save a bit of $$, look for a good used copy of the FA 50mm f1.7. Has excellent IQ, and I'll wager if you have a 50mm f1.4, you won't take a picture with that aperture even once per year. After f4, it's essentially impossible to see any difference in IQ.

awscreo · 08-05-2016, 07:59 AM

Originally posted by WPRESTO

If you want to save a bit of $$, look for a good used copy of the FA 50mm f1.7. Has excellent IQ, and I'll wager if you have a 50mm f1.4, you won't take a picture with that aperture even once per year. After f4, it's essentially impossible to see any difference in IQ.

Mmm, i'm not sure about that

I'm coming from 2x crop and I want to experience the full glory of FF shallow dof

ChristianRock · 08-05-2016, 10:33 AM

If you don't mind manual focus, Samyang has a line of fast lenses that are very, very good - great performers even wide open. And affordable.Their 50mm f/1.4 is a top performer. The 85mm f/1.4 is also very good and very cheap! I've seen great pictures from the 35mm f/1.4 and especially from the 24mm f/1.4. And they have a 135mm f/2, and a 14mm f/2.8 that is very well regarded by landscape photographers.

08-04-2016, 07:52 PM	#1
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722	K-1 first lenses to buy? Hi. I'm thinking of switching to Pentax system within next few months (as I sell enough of my old gear), what would you advice as first lenses to look at? Is there a full frame 50 1.8 or 1.4 available yet? I know there's a Sigma 35 art which is great, but was thinking to probably start with a 50 first if possible. Do you think sigma will adapt their art series to k mount in future? Thanks!

08-04-2016, 08:50 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by awscreo Hi. I'm thinking of switching to Pentax system within next few months (as I sell enough of my old gear), what would you advice as first lenses to look at? Is there a full frame 50 1.8 or 1.4 available yet? I know there's a Sigma 35 art which is great, but was thinking to probably start with a 50 first if possible. Do you think sigma will adapt their art series to k mount in future? Thanks! The FA 50mm F1.4 is what I'd go for. You can also opt for the cheaper DA 50mm F1.8. It's advertised as a crop lens, but only vignettes minimally. SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I wouldn't hold my breath for better Sigma support. They aren't going to budge unless they see a big increase in sales... Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

08-04-2016, 10:04 PM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by awscreo I know what you mean) my current system never got Sigma art series (mft, we only got adapted Sony E apsc lenses), and I'm eyeballing them for few years already) Would be amazing if Pentax releases more lenses for sure. I'm personally more of a prime shooter, and I'm a little bit worried that maybe this system won't have a lot of lenses designed with high res ff sensor in mind for a while. Body looks simply amazing. Lens selection makes me a bit worried. Lots to think about) Thankfully there are 3 other roadmapped primes, for a total of 4: 2016 Pentax Full Frame Lens Roadmaps - CP+ 2016 \| PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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08-04-2016, 09:41 PM	#3
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam The FA 50mm F1.4 is what I'd go for. You can also opt for the cheaper DA 50mm F1.8. It's advertised as a crop lens, but only vignettes minimally. SMC Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I wouldn't hold my breath for better Sigma support. They aren't going to budge unless they see a big increase in sales... Thank you for a suggestion. I see this lens is quite old, does it hold up with a 36mp sensor of k1? User pics with apsc bodies look great. I see your point regarding Sigma, although I thought there might be a chance since they did release 35 art for the k mount.

08-04-2016, 09:46 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by awscreo Thank you for a suggestion. I see this lens is quite old, does it hold up with a 36mp sensor of k1? User pics with apsc bodies look great. I see your point regarding Sigma, although I thought there might be a chance since they did release 35 art for the k mount. I for one would love some of their F1.4 lenses. But yes, the FA 50mm is still good enough. After all, it's hard to mess up a fifty, right? There's a new "normal" lens on the roadmap, though. I bet it'll have silent AF and weather sealing. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

08-04-2016, 09:57 PM	#5
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam I for one would love some of their F1.4 lenses. But yes, the FA 50mm is still good enough. After all, it's hard to mess up a fifty, right? There's a new "normal" lens on the roadmap, though. I bet it'll have silent AF and weather sealing. I know what you mean) my current system never got Sigma art series (mft, we only got adapted Sony E apsc lenses), and I'm eyeballing them for few years already) Would be amazing if Pentax releases more lenses for sure. I'm personally more of a prime shooter, and I'm a little bit worried that maybe this system won't have a lot of lenses designed with high res ff sensor in mind for a while. Body looks simply amazing. Lens selection makes me a bit worried. Lots to think about)

08-04-2016, 10:57 PM	#7
freerider Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 299	You may also want to consider the DA* 55mm F1.4 and Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM. Both are designed for digital cameras and work on full frame. There are a few older threads here on the forum comparing the two lenses.

08-05-2016, 12:30 AM	#8
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	I have been delighted with the performance of my DA*55 on the K-1. Any new normal lens will need to be pretty outstanding to supplant it. The other option would be either the DFA 28-105, or DFA 24-70, depending on your budget and needs.

08-05-2016, 12:33 AM	#9
bassek Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 706	There is the FA43 1.9 limited also... Seb

08-05-2016, 02:38 AM	#10
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock I have been delighted with the performance of my DA55 on the K-1. Any new normal lens will need to be pretty outstanding to supplant it. The other option would be either the DFA 28-105, or DFA 24-70, depending on your budget and needs. Didn't you say the 55 is a bit vignettish around the edges at some apertures? Or am I getting confused here? OP, I have the FA50/1.4 and consider myself well supplied for AF full-frame fast fifties, given that my photography with it is purely for fun (for work I use the 35 Limited Macro for its close-in capabilities). That isn't to say I'm not wishing for an update, but for now we have something available to us that does the job out the door. If I go to buy my K-1 from a store, I will be taking that lens with me. The more important thing for Pentax was to get the camera out and have a line of fast, constant-2.8 zooms to cover the same approximate range as the Nikon "Holy Trinity" and this they have achieved. Now they can concentrate on the minutiae.

08-05-2016, 05:00 AM	#11
elho_cid Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,199	Originally posted by bassek There is the FA43 1.9 limited also... Seb I didn't really like what I got from FA43 on the K-1. But I very much like full frame performance of the FA35 and of course the DFA50/2.8 is simply superb, if you don't mind lack of ultra fast aperture.

08-05-2016, 06:27 AM	#12
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722 Original Poster	Thank everyone for your input the da* 55 1.4 looks amazing from the samples I found on this forum, so does the 50 1.4. I have a feeling I'd be happy with either of them. The limited lenses look cool, but are a bit too expensive to get right away. Plan was to get few fast primes and save up for at least one of the zooms. Anyway, loads to think about and research. Thanks!

08-05-2016, 07:37 AM	#13
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,108	If you want to save a bit of $$, look for a good used copy of the FA 50mm f1.7. Has excellent IQ, and I'll wager if you have a 50mm f1.4, you won't take a picture with that aperture even once per year. After f4, it's essentially impossible to see any difference in IQ.

08-05-2016, 07:59 AM	#14
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722 Original Poster	Originally posted by WPRESTO If you want to save a bit of $$, look for a good used copy of the FA 50mm f1.7. Has excellent IQ, and I'll wager if you have a 50mm f1.4, you won't take a picture with that aperture even once per year. After f4, it's essentially impossible to see any difference in IQ. Mmm, i'm not sure about that I'm coming from 2x crop and I want to experience the full glory of FF shallow dof

08-05-2016, 10:33 AM	#15
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	If you don't mind manual focus, Samyang has a line of fast lenses that are very, very good - great performers even wide open. And affordable.Their 50mm f/1.4 is a top performer. The 85mm f/1.4 is also very good and very cheap! I've seen great pictures from the 35mm f/1.4 and especially from the 24mm f/1.4. And they have a 135mm f/2, and a 14mm f/2.8 that is very well regarded by landscape photographers.