Originally posted by explr1 I'm looking at buying better lenses for my K10d. One of the lenses that I currently have is a 18-55mm Mk II lens. I was wondering if one of the older FA 28-70mm F4 lenses would take higher quality pictures? Thanks.....
I would first use the 18-55 Mk II and learn to really use it. It is head and shoulders above the rest of the kit lens pack. In other words, it is an most usable lens. Once you have found the failings in your photography that point to a particular failing of the lens, then move to get more lenses, not before.
Please realize that LBA can be a real addiction. To move to digital with the k10d, to retain the wide angle field of view I would only have needed to buy the DA 16-45. The DA* 16-50 was LBA. So was the DA* 50-135. A constant aperture of f/2.8 is a very strong attraction to an old SLR user such as myself. It increases the focus speed and accuracy (manual or automatic) and allows use of lower ISO ratings in dawn and dusk and indoors. By adding only a $400 lens, I could have moved smoothly to dSLR with no loss of field of view.
Instead I bought the DA 12-24 ($700), the DA* 16-50 ($900) and the DA* 50-135 ($1200). [Canadian dollars from reputable sources last November]. Every time I use one of those three lenses, the k10d and attached grip, I will be reminded of my father, whose estate paid for them. They are a joy to me.
Please note, however, that I knew that what I would gain was specific attributes of the new lenses. They cannot improve my photography, only make it somewhat easier to take certain images.