Best lens pairings for new APS-C?

C_Jones · 10-27-2020, 02:12 PM - **1 Like**

I have the Pentax 16-85, and it is an excellent lens. If a user is interested in wildlife/sports type images I would recommend the Pentax 150-450 due to its super telephoto capability. I have not had one, due to the fact that I bought a Sigma 150-500 DG OS when the 150-450 had not been introduced yet, but with normal use I would assume that it would be a really nice lens to use. Plus the 150-450 is water resistant (please do not assume that means waterproof). The Pentax 70-200 is an amazing lens, and I have it on my Pentax K-1 II. As for me, I find it is most valuable when used on my full frame camera, as I am doing.

Good luck with your decision.

Sandy Hancock · 10-27-2020, 04:14 PM

I'm really looking forward to seeing how my DFA70-210 and DFA150-450 perform on the K-3 III for sports and wildlife.

There will always be a place in my heart for the KP and a selection of Limiteds though....

**boriscleto** · 10-27-2020, 04:23 PM

Originally posted by C_Jones

I have the Pentax 16-85, and it is an excellent lens. If a user is interested in wildlife/sports type images I would recommend the Pentax 150-450 due to its super telephoto capability. I have not had one, due to the fact that I bought a Sigma 150-500 DG OS when the 150-450 had not been introduced yet, but with normal use I would assume that it would be a really nice lens to use. Plus the 150-450 is water resistant (please do not assume that means waterproof). The Pentax 70-200 is an amazing lens, and I have it on my Pentax K-1 II. As for me, I find it is most valuable when used on my full frame camera, as I am doing.

Good luck with your decision.

The 150-450 is AW, that is the same standard of sealing as the * lenses.

**mikesbike** · 10-27-2020, 06:33 PM

Originally posted by HYS

The old good M series

!

That is HYSterical!

---------- Post added 10-27-20 at 06:41 PM ----------

Originally posted by someasiancameraguy

What kind of lens pairings would you guys choose to pair with the new flagship to best take advantage of its new AF abilities?

I don't think one can speculate with accuracy how the new model's AF system will interact with the AF systems of various Pentax lenses. I have noticed improvement when using my KP, especially with the old screw-driven lenses, as these are completely dependent on the body. The only way to know is by using the new camera, or maybe by some test reviews.

Last edited by mikesbike; 10-27-2020 at 06:45 PM.

someasiancameraguy · 10-27-2020, 09:38 PM

Originally posted by hypermodern

Same with the Sigma 18-35mm. Better AF could make this a really good lens.

I wish Sigma released the 50-100 1.8 in K mount for this reason too. The glass is downright amazing and there's nothing similar in the market. If the rumors are true that there is a video oriented Pentax body in the pipeline then this will be my wishlist.

Fenwoodian · 10-27-2020, 11:28 PM - **1 Like**

.

I'm surprised to read all of the folks who are suggesting ancient Pentax lenses and humble Sigma glass. I think this brilliant new camera deserves better!

Hearing that this new K3III camera will produce better image quality than any other Pentax APS-C camera, and having a price tag that's around $700 USD higher than the K1ii, I would expect that photographers who don't intend to use this camera with giant telephoto lenses would want to match it with the best premium prime lenses they can afford. To me, that means either the newish auto focus Pentax DA 50mm and DA 85mm or adapted manual focus lenses by Zeiss, Voigtlander, and Leica.

someasiancameraguy · 10-28-2020, 01:08 AM

Originally posted by Fenwoodian

.

I'm surprised to read all of the folks who are suggesting ancient Pentax lenses and humble Sigma glass. I think this brilliant new camera deserves better!

Hearing that this new K3III camera will produce better image quality than any other Pentax APS-C camera, and having a price tag that's around $700 USD higher than the K1ii, I would expect that photographers who don't intend to use this camera with giant telephoto lenses would want to match it with the best premium prime lenses they can afford. To me, that means either the newish auto focus Pentax DA 50mm and DA 85mm or adapted manual focus lenses by Zeiss, Voigtlander, and Leica.

The Sigma glass is for those of us that do portrait work and require both DOF and zoom flexibility. Reaching into our kit to swap lenses takes time and detracts from the mood. Some of us charge by project, so the faster operation all translates into spending less on model, MUA, and lighting assistants.

**pres589** · 10-28-2020, 01:40 AM

I suggested my Sigma 28mm f1.8 EX DG because Pentax hasn't sold a lens like that since they worked with Zeiss on the Distagon based K 28mm f2. The issues I have with the Sigma is its size/weight, and the AF hunting around with my copy + K-5 II. This new body may fix the AF issue. I like the rendering and handling of out of focus highlights, the colors, and relative sharpness of this lens wide open. I also like that it offers an aperture ring.

Sigma makes and has made good lenses. They've made a lot of duds as well. I don't know if even Leica has avoided the selling of an off lens over their history.

**Pål Jensen** · 10-28-2020, 03:02 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by pres589

I suggested my Sigma 28mm f1.8 EX DG because Pentax hasn't sold a lens like that since they worked with Zeiss on the Distagon based K 28mm f2. .

Huh???
The 31/1.8 Limited is so close in angle of view that you won't see much difference. The best part is that it is not a Sigma lens!

**pres589** · 10-28-2020, 03:56 AM

I would rather it be a 24, 25, or 26. I don't want the 31.

sg_gardiner · 10-28-2020, 03:04 PM

Might I make a pitch for the D-FA 70-210 f4? In my experience it is faster to focus than the DA 55-300 PLM (probably due to the wider aperture) albeit you will sacrifice focal length at both ends as well as size and weight (and cost).

**mikesbike** · 10-28-2020, 06:23 PM

I just took a look at the just-released info on the new model- which IS named the K-3 III, and spec-wise it seems the burst speed has been greatly increased, as has video speed. I think there should be a new kit lens available in the 16-70mm range or so, maybe even a new version of the DA 18-135mm but with PLM. That way, combined with the DA 55-300mm PLM, there could be AF with video. (but maybe this has been engineered into the new model using existing lenses?)

normhead · 10-29-2020, 06:05 AM

You have to wonder how a question about what lenses are recommended descends into a discussion of what lenses aren't made for Pentax cameras. You gotta ask "how does that help?"

**aslyfox** · 10-29-2020, 07:11 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by boriscleto

The 150-450 is AW, that is the same standard of sealing as the * lenses.

difference between " WR " and " AW "

Quote:

WR: Lenses with the WR designation are weather resistant. They are sealed so that they better withstand use in light rain and blowing dust. . . .

AW, WR: Lenses with the AW (All Weather) or WR (Weather Resistant) designations are sealed so that they better withstand use in light rain and blowing dust. AW is the more resistant of the two.

Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series

fayssal · 11-03-2020, 03:08 AM

Salam Pentaxians,

During last year I bought four different lenses, but if I had to redo it I will get Sigma 17-50mm EX DC OS HSM ( according to Dxomark it is acceptable even wide open) as standard zoom lens which can replace a 50mm F1,8

10-27-2020, 11:28 PM - 1 Like	#21
Fenwoodian Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,875	. I'm surprised to read all of the folks who are suggesting ancient Pentax lenses and humble Sigma glass. I think this brilliant new camera deserves better! Hearing that this new K3III camera will produce better image quality than any other Pentax APS-C camera, and having a price tag that's around $700 USD higher than the K1ii, I would expect that photographers who don't intend to use this camera with giant telephoto lenses would want to match it with the best premium prime lenses they can afford. To me, that means either the newish auto focus Pentax DA 50mm and DA 85mm or adapted manual focus lenses by Zeiss, Voigtlander, and Leica. Last edited by Fenwoodian; 10-27-2020 at 11:49 PM.

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10-27-2020, 02:12 PM - 1 Like	#16
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,074	I have the Pentax 16-85, and it is an excellent lens. If a user is interested in wildlife/sports type images I would recommend the Pentax 150-450 due to its super telephoto capability. I have not had one, due to the fact that I bought a Sigma 150-500 DG OS when the 150-450 had not been introduced yet, but with normal use I would assume that it would be a really nice lens to use. Plus the 150-450 is water resistant (please do not assume that means waterproof). The Pentax 70-200 is an amazing lens, and I have it on my Pentax K-1 II. As for me, I find it is most valuable when used on my full frame camera, as I am doing. Good luck with your decision.

10-27-2020, 04:14 PM	#17
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	I'm really looking forward to seeing how my DFA70-210 and DFA150-450 perform on the K-3 III for sports and wildlife. There will always be a place in my heart for the KP and a selection of Limiteds though....

10-27-2020, 04:23 PM	#18
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by C_Jones I have the Pentax 16-85, and it is an excellent lens. If a user is interested in wildlife/sports type images I would recommend the Pentax 150-450 due to its super telephoto capability. I have not had one, due to the fact that I bought a Sigma 150-500 DG OS when the 150-450 had not been introduced yet, but with normal use I would assume that it would be a really nice lens to use. Plus the 150-450 is water resistant (please do not assume that means waterproof). The Pentax 70-200 is an amazing lens, and I have it on my Pentax K-1 II. As for me, I find it is most valuable when used on my full frame camera, as I am doing. Good luck with your decision. The 150-450 is AW, that is the same standard of sealing as the * lenses.

10-27-2020, 06:33 PM	#19
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	Originally posted by HYS The old good M series ! That is HYSterical! ---------- Post added 10-27-20 at 06:41 PM ---------- Originally posted by someasiancameraguy What kind of lens pairings would you guys choose to pair with the new flagship to best take advantage of its new AF abilities? I don't think one can speculate with accuracy how the new model's AF system will interact with the AF systems of various Pentax lenses. I have noticed improvement when using my KP, especially with the old screw-driven lenses, as these are completely dependent on the body. The only way to know is by using the new camera, or maybe by some test reviews. Last edited by mikesbike; 10-27-2020 at 06:45 PM.

10-27-2020, 09:38 PM	#20
someasiancameraguy Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 419 Original Poster	Originally posted by hypermodern Same with the Sigma 18-35mm. Better AF could make this a really good lens. I wish Sigma released the 50-100 1.8 in K mount for this reason too. The glass is downright amazing and there's nothing similar in the market. If the rumors are true that there is a video oriented Pentax body in the pipeline then this will be my wishlist.

10-28-2020, 01:08 AM	#22
someasiancameraguy Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 419 Original Poster	Originally posted by Fenwoodian . I'm surprised to read all of the folks who are suggesting ancient Pentax lenses and humble Sigma glass. I think this brilliant new camera deserves better! Hearing that this new K3III camera will produce better image quality than any other Pentax APS-C camera, and having a price tag that's around $700 USD higher than the K1ii, I would expect that photographers who don't intend to use this camera with giant telephoto lenses would want to match it with the best premium prime lenses they can afford. To me, that means either the newish auto focus Pentax DA 50mm and DA 85mm or adapted manual focus lenses by Zeiss, Voigtlander, and Leica. The Sigma glass is for those of us that do portrait work and require both DOF and zoom flexibility. Reaching into our kit to swap lenses takes time and detracts from the mood. Some of us charge by project, so the faster operation all translates into spending less on model, MUA, and lighting assistants.

10-28-2020, 01:40 AM	#23
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	I suggested my Sigma 28mm f1.8 EX DG because Pentax hasn't sold a lens like that since they worked with Zeiss on the Distagon based K 28mm f2. The issues I have with the Sigma is its size/weight, and the AF hunting around with my copy + K-5 II. This new body may fix the AF issue. I like the rendering and handling of out of focus highlights, the colors, and relative sharpness of this lens wide open. I also like that it offers an aperture ring. Sigma makes and has made good lenses. They've made a lot of duds as well. I don't know if even Leica has avoided the selling of an off lens over their history.

10-28-2020, 03:02 AM - 2 Likes	#24
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by pres589 I suggested my Sigma 28mm f1.8 EX DG because Pentax hasn't sold a lens like that since they worked with Zeiss on the Distagon based K 28mm f2. . Huh??? The 31/1.8 Limited is so close in angle of view that you won't see much difference. The best part is that it is not a Sigma lens!

10-28-2020, 03:56 AM	#25
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	I would rather it be a 24, 25, or 26. I don't want the 31.

10-28-2020, 03:04 PM	#26
sg_gardiner New Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Oxford Photos: Gallery Posts: 8	Might I make a pitch for the D-FA 70-210 f4? In my experience it is faster to focus than the DA 55-300 PLM (probably due to the wider aperture) albeit you will sacrifice focal length at both ends as well as size and weight (and cost).

10-28-2020, 06:23 PM	#27
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	I just took a look at the just-released info on the new model- which IS named the K-3 III, and spec-wise it seems the burst speed has been greatly increased, as has video speed. I think there should be a new kit lens available in the 16-70mm range or so, maybe even a new version of the DA 18-135mm but with PLM. That way, combined with the DA 55-300mm PLM, there could be AF with video. (but maybe this has been engineered into the new model using existing lenses?)

10-29-2020, 06:05 AM	#28
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	You have to wonder how a question about what lenses are recommended descends into a discussion of what lenses aren't made for Pentax cameras. You gotta ask "how does that help?"

10-29-2020, 07:11 AM - 1 Like	#29
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,582	Originally posted by boriscleto The 150-450 is AW, that is the same standard of sealing as the * lenses. difference between " WR " and " AW " Quote: WR: Lenses with the WR designation are weather resistant. They are sealed so that they better withstand use in light rain and blowing dust. . . . AW, WR: Lenses with the AW (All Weather) or WR (Weather Resistant) designations are sealed so that they better withstand use in light rain and blowing dust. AW is the more resistant of the two. Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series

11-03-2020, 03:08 AM	#30
fayssal Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 127	Salam Pentaxians, During last year I bought four different lenses, but if I had to redo it I will get Sigma 17-50mm EX DC OS HSM ( according to Dxomark it is acceptable even wide open) as standard zoom lens which can replace a 50mm F1,8