Best lens pairings for new APS-C?

someasiancameraguy · 11-03-2020, 08:56 AM - **1 Like**

I think the Sigma 17-70mm would also be a good choice, as an upgrade from the kit lens. Fast motor, decent build quality, and decent optics.

Marathonianbull · 11-03-2020, 09:36 AM

In my case, I would like to think that most current and past Ltd / DA* / HD lenses will be useful. And just hope that none of them will be overpowered by the higher resolution of the new K-3 MkIII. Any thoughts regarding that point?

normhead · 11-03-2020, 10:19 AM

Originally posted by Marathonianbull

In my case, I would like to think that most current and past Ltd / DA* / HD lenses will be useful. And just hope that none of them will be overpowered by the higher resolution of the new K-3 MkIII. Any thoughts regarding that point?

Despite the nonsense warning that they would, I don't know of any lens, apart from my Vivitar M135 2.8 that is overpowered by a modern sensor. Every lens to date (except that one) produces more resolution on a new sensor than it did on the old one. It's one of those things, somebody starts it, some guy believes it, some guy repeats it, and so on and so on. I've never seen any real world evidence that it ever happens. The problem with the DA*s is slow SDM motors that operate at speeds well below what the camera is capable of auto focusing.

Hence my recommendation for the DA 55-300 PLM, and DA 16-85, but if you aren't planning to make use of the action capturing capabilities of the K-3iii, then sure the DA*s are great lenses. But if you're really serious, those DFA*s with their ring motors are probably optimum. The only one I'd consider of the SDM era lenses would be The DA 18-135. It's DC motor for years defined what kind of focusing speed was possible on a Pentax.

MikeyBugs95 · 11-03-2020, 12:46 PM

If I had it, I'd use the DFA 150-450 and DA*11-18. I don't have them so I'll just have to use what I have: Sigma 50-500 OS, 18-35 Art, 10-20 f3.5, and DA*50-135 (among some others). But the 50-500 and 18-35 definitely seem like they can make excellent use of the new camera's AF system. The 50-135 already seems to be making the best of the K-3II's AF system but it might be more accurate with the new system.

jeallen01 · 11-03-2020, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by someasiancameraguy

I think the Sigma 17-70mm would also be a good choice, as an upgrade from the kit lens. Fast motor, decent build quality, and decent optics.

Seconded as probably any the (four?) generations of that lens would be a very good "step-up" (lack of weather sealing apart!) from Pentax 18-55 kit lenses - my used 1st gen version was a great buy some years ago, "wider & longer", faster to to focus (and much closer) than the kit lens, and pretty damned SHARP!

**Belnan** · 11-03-2020, 06:44 PM

The new AF will translate to better autofocus for all lenses. However if you are concerned about af speed I would avoid the FA 77 1.8, the da*50-135, the da* 55 1.4, the da 55-300 ( screw drive version). I believe the da limited are all pretty quick, all of the newer plm and sdm are pretty good.

Marathonianbull · 11-04-2020, 07:17 PM

Dosing a right shutter speed has often had more positive impact in my pictures than a speedy AF, but having it can be reassuring.

(I tend to shoot with wide angle lenses, though...)

11-03-2020, 10:19 AM	#33
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by Marathonianbull In my case, I would like to think that most current and past Ltd / DA* / HD lenses will be useful. And just hope that none of them will be overpowered by the higher resolution of the new K-3 MkIII. Any thoughts regarding that point? Despite the nonsense warning that they would, I don't know of any lens, apart from my Vivitar M135 2.8 that is overpowered by a modern sensor. Every lens to date (except that one) produces more resolution on a new sensor than it did on the old one. It's one of those things, somebody starts it, some guy believes it, some guy repeats it, and so on and so on. I've never seen any real world evidence that it ever happens. The problem with the DAs is slow SDM motors that operate at speeds well below what the camera is capable of auto focusing. Hence my recommendation for the DA 55-300 PLM, and DA 16-85, but if you aren't planning to make use of the action capturing capabilities of the K-3iii, then sure the DAs are great lenses. But if you're really serious, those DFAs with their ring motors are probably optimum. The only one I'd consider of the SDM era lenses would be The DA 18-135. It's DC motor for years defined what kind of focusing speed was possible on a Pentax. Last edited by normhead; 11-25-2020 at 07:48 PM.*

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11-03-2020, 08:56 AM - 1 Like	#31
someasiancameraguy Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 419 Original Poster	I think the Sigma 17-70mm would also be a good choice, as an upgrade from the kit lens. Fast motor, decent build quality, and decent optics.

11-03-2020, 09:36 AM	#32
Marathonianbull Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montreal (Quebec) Photos: Gallery Posts: 117	In my case, I would like to think that most current and past Ltd / DA* / HD lenses will be useful. And just hope that none of them will be overpowered by the higher resolution of the new K-3 MkIII. Any thoughts regarding that point?

11-03-2020, 12:46 PM	#34
MikeyBugs95 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,206	If I had it, I'd use the DFA 150-450 and DA11-18. I don't have them so I'll just have to use what I have: Sigma 50-500 OS, 18-35 Art, 10-20 f3.5, and DA50-135 (among some others). But the 50-500 and 18-35 definitely seem like they can make excellent use of the new camera's AF system. The 50-135 already seems to be making the best of the K-3II's AF system but it might be more accurate with the new system.

11-03-2020, 02:59 PM	#35
jeallen01 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,697	Originally posted by someasiancameraguy I think the Sigma 17-70mm would also be a good choice, as an upgrade from the kit lens. Fast motor, decent build quality, and decent optics. Seconded as probably any the (four?) generations of that lens would be a very good "step-up" (lack of weather sealing apart!) from Pentax 18-55 kit lenses - my used 1st gen version was a great buy some years ago, "wider & longer", faster to to focus (and much closer) than the kit lens, and pretty damned SHARP!

11-03-2020, 06:44 PM	#36
Belnan Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Nova Scotia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,090	The new AF will translate to better autofocus for all lenses. However if you are concerned about af speed I would avoid the FA 77 1.8, the da50-135, the da 55 1.4, the da 55-300 ( screw drive version). I believe the da limited are all pretty quick, all of the newer plm and sdm are pretty good.

11-04-2020, 07:17 PM	#37
Marathonianbull Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montreal (Quebec) Photos: Gallery Posts: 117	Dosing a right shutter speed has often had more positive impact in my pictures than a speedy AF, but having it can be reassuring. (I tend to shoot with wide angle lenses, though...)