Best affordable heavy manual lenses on a Pentax K1

**jlstrawman** · 10-13-2021, 06:53 AM

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Originally posted by UncleVanya

Note that they mention “dirt” on the middle element.

And many "dusts".

ChristianRock · 10-13-2021, 07:31 AM - **1 Like**

Good, affordable, manual, heavy?
Two great options, depending on what you need, are the SMC-A 35-105mm f/3.5 (already mentioned) and the SMC-A 70-210mm f4 macro.

**StiffLegged** · 10-13-2021, 08:17 AM

Originally posted by victordeamorin

That, or how about the Pentax-A 35-105 F3.5 zoom?
It weighs "only 600g" and not macro but highly regarded all-purpose lens, and more common and cheaper than the aforementioned

I’ll second that: I have one on my K-7 and it’s a fine lens as well as having good heft.

I have it on the camera as my default walk around combination. The SMC-A 70-210 f/4 is in my backpack.

But to be frank, I’d happily take lighter, more modern glass if I could afford to!

normhead · 10-13-2021, 09:08 AM - **2 Likes**

I'm still processing the original thought process. Older minds are slow to react to deviant thought processes.

MaineNative · 10-13-2021, 09:56 AM

I have a Vivitar 28-90 Series 1 manual focus (“The Stovepipe”). It is a useful range for full-frame, f2.8, manual focus and it is heavy. It is macro and good for portraits on the longer end.

**jumbleview** · 10-13-2021, 10:20 AM

I think that's what your are looking for:

TAIR-3S 300mm F4.5 - Fotosniper 12 ensemble Lens Reviews - Russian and Zenitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

If you find t-mount lens adapter is inexpensive.

Not a Number · 10-13-2021, 10:33 AM

Just about any lens made by Kiron / Kino Optical is fairly hefty and usually with excellent to outstanding optics. You can even find them in KA mount at reasonable prices.

jslifoaw · 10-13-2021, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz

Add the battery grip for some more heft.
If you want some real heft, pick up a Pentax 6x7 to K mount adapter and a SMC Pentax 67 Macro 135 mm f4.

Other interesting inexpensive but fairly heavy medium format lenses include the 6x7 55mm f3.5, 6x7 150mm f2.8 and 6x7 200mm f4. In 645, the 150mm f3.5 and 200mm f4 are also fairly inexpensive.

Wasp · 10-13-2021, 11:21 AM - **1 Like**

If you want big, heavy, manual and not too long - check out the SMC Pentax 200mm f/2.5!

I have one and can confirm that it is indeed big and heavy. Of all my K mount lenses, only the SMC Pentax A 400mm f/5.6 is bigger and heavier.

PS: For something big and heavy in autofocus, I can recommend the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro.

brainwave · 10-13-2021, 01:25 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Just about any lens made by Kiron / Kino Optical is fairly hefty and usually with excellent to outstanding optics. You can even find them in KA mount at reasonable prices.

Kiron 70-210mm f4 Telephoto Zoom Manual Macro Lens. Pentax K/KA Mount. | eBay

What are your thoughts on this? Macro likely to he good?

**UncleVanya** · 10-13-2021, 02:01 PM

Originally posted by brainwave

Some other points :

1. I would not want a long range telephoto. Not only these cost a lot of money, my Nikon D5300 and 70-300 AF-P lens have okayish reach and insanely fast autofocus performance and tracking. Why fix what aint broke.

2. I would personally like a macro lens, or something in the 15-20mm focal length. These two needs are not met with my current lenses.

3. Image quality should be top notch - the affordability of lens should come from it being a good deal rather than IQ compromises. Being used to the 28-105 lens's quality, I would hate it if something produced dirty images.

4. The more situations the lenses is usable in, the better. I don't take much portraits unfortunately, so not looking for a portrait lens. But if it is portrait + macro then I'd love such a lens too.

recap...

Not long, not portrait unless multipurpose
maybe Macro
maybe 15-20mm
Very high image quality.
multiple uses is better than single but not required
Heavy
Manual Focus
Cheap

Here's one I think may work:
Vivitar 135mm F2.8 Close Focusing Lens (425g) Vivitar Auto Close Focusing (1:2) 135mm f/2.8 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Nicely respected, uncommon, and big - with a really long focus throw. It would pull duty as a macro AND it could do for portraits (despite this not being a major focus). Great medium telephoto also - not long, but long enough to be different than what you have?

Here's a weirder one:
Soligor 24-45 f3.5-4.5 macro
Only does about 1:3 but has a lot of flexibility
weighs 400g
Soligor C/D Zoom+Macro 24-45mm 1:3.5-4.5 MC Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

brainwave · 10-13-2021, 04:45 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

recap...

Not long, not portrait unless multipurpose
maybe Macro
maybe 15-20mm
Very high image quality.
multiple uses is better than single but not required
Heavy
Manual Focus
Cheap

Here's one I think may work:
Vivitar 135mm F2.8 Close Focusing Lens (425g) Vivitar Auto Close Focusing (1:2) 135mm f/2.8 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Nicely respected, uncommon, and big - with a really long focus throw. It would pull duty as a macro AND it could do for portraits (despite this not being a major focus). Great medium telephoto also - not long, but long enough to be different than what you have?

Here's a weirder one:
Soligor 24-45 f3.5-4.5 macro
Only does about 1:3 but has a lot of flexibility
weighs 400g
Soligor C/D Zoom+Macro 24-45mm 1:3.5-4.5 MC Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Found this one, and am considering it

Pentax K Mount Soligor C/D MC Macro 85-205mm fast constant f3.8 - VGC - 1169 | eBay

**UncleVanya** · 10-13-2021, 07:19 PM

Originally posted by brainwave

Found this one, and am considering it

Pentax K Mount Soligor C/D MC Macro 85-205mm fast constant f3.8 - VGC - 1169 | eBay

The C/D series were good lenses. Be aware there is a different version also constant f3.8 out there - that's the only one I could find much on. This source doesn't even list either one but shows a great deal about serial numbers that might be useful:
SOLIGOR Lens Compendium

**DonV** · 10-13-2021, 08:48 PM

Originally posted by brainwave

I'll be honest I have a rather silly reason to want a lens - I really want a heavy lens on my K-1 to have some heft and want to experience that heft while shooting images. I now have the DA 50 f/1.8 and it takes great images. I also have the 28-105mm kit lens which I got with the camera and that too is awesome. I was desperate for some reach when in a pinch so I got a very old 100-300mm lens from a Russian but its a very nice copy (0 autofocus creep even after many years), paint is nice and its well worn / used but smooth and functional. However, all these lenses are "light". The 28-105 is my heaviest lens and even that looks puny on my K-1. I want the big lenses, the heavy feel of operating one, and having that heft to hold.

Yes, I hear myself and its a very stupid reason. So obviously cannot spend any serious money on it - especially since I cannot afford any lenses from here in India, shipping alone jacks up the cost by $20-60 in a country where the monthly income is puny. Therefore, nicer glass like the DFA 24-70 f/2.8 are kind of out of question at the moment. Additionally, I incurred some personal expenses and definitely do not have money for quality new glass, even the 100 WR Macro.

So what are my options? Some other points :

1. I would not want a long range telephoto. Not only these cost a lot of money, my Nikon D5300 and 70-300 AF-P lens have okayish reach and insanely fast autofocus performance and tracking. Why fix what aint broke.

2. I would personally like a macro lens, or something in the 15-20mm focal length. These two needs are not met with my current lenses.

3. Image quality should be top notch - the affordability of lens should come from it being a good deal rather than IQ compromises. Being used to the 28-105 lens's quality, I would hate it if something produced dirty images.

4. The more situations the lenses is usable in, the better. I don't take much portraits unfortunately, so not looking for a portrait lens. But if it is portrait + macro then I'd love such a lens too.

Now with this very challenging set of criteria, I would love some recommendations from you experienced pentaxians on options (if any) that may exist!

Originally posted by brainwave

2. I would personally like a macro lens, or something in the 15-20mm focal length. These two needs are not met with my current lenses.

The 17mm Tamron Adaptall II SP lens is quite good and often found at a reasonable price for the focal length.

**Papa_Joe** · 10-14-2021, 06:58 AM

Kiron/Vivitar 75-205/3.8 has allready been mentioned. But from my experience it is difficult to focus MF lenses with the K-1.

A very good lens meeting your expectations might be the Sigma EX DG 70 mm/2.8. It is a macro, it is outstanding good, it is a very nice portait lens on the K-1. Drawbacks: First, it is affordable used, but not a cheap bargain. Second, it only weights about 520 gr. (Vivtar more then 700 gr.)
A more heavy solution (> 700 gr.) would be the Sigma 35/1.4 Art, but even used it is out off your price range.

10-13-2021, 08:17 AM	#18
StiffLegged Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,616	Originally posted by victordeamorin That, or how about the Pentax-A 35-105 F3.5 zoom? It weighs "only 600g" and not macro but highly regarded all-purpose lens, and more common and cheaper than the aforementioned I’ll second that: I have one on my K-7 and it’s a fine lens as well as having good heft. I have it on the camera as my default walk around combination. The SMC-A 70-210 f/4 is in my backpack. But to be frank, I’d happily take lighter, more modern glass if I could afford to! Last edited by StiffLegged; 10-13-2021 at 09:41 AM.

10-13-2021, 11:21 AM - 1 Like	#24
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,660	If you want big, heavy, manual and not too long - check out the SMC Pentax 200mm f/2.5! I have one and can confirm that it is indeed big and heavy. Of all my K mount lenses, only the SMC Pentax A 400mm f/5.6 is bigger and heavier. PS: For something big and heavy in autofocus, I can recommend the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro. Last edited by Wasp; 10-13-2021 at 11:31 AM.

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10-13-2021, 06:53 AM	#16
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by UncleVanya Note that they mention “dirt” on the middle element. And many "dusts".

10-13-2021, 07:31 AM - 1 Like	#17
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Good, affordable, manual, heavy? Two great options, depending on what you need, are the SMC-A 35-105mm f/3.5 (already mentioned) and the SMC-A 70-210mm f4 macro.

10-13-2021, 09:08 AM - 2 Likes	#19
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I'm still processing the original thought process. Older minds are slow to react to deviant thought processes.

10-13-2021, 09:56 AM	#20
MaineNative Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Photos: Gallery Posts: 280	I have a Vivitar 28-90 Series 1 manual focus (“The Stovepipe”). It is a useful range for full-frame, f2.8, manual focus and it is heavy. It is macro and good for portraits on the longer end.

10-13-2021, 10:20 AM	#21
jumbleview Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 1,068	I think that's what your are looking for: TAIR-3S 300mm F4.5 - Fotosniper 12 ensemble Lens Reviews - Russian and Zenitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database If you find t-mount lens adapter is inexpensive.

10-13-2021, 10:33 AM	#22
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Just about any lens made by Kiron / Kino Optical is fairly hefty and usually with excellent to outstanding optics. You can even find them in KA mount at reasonable prices.

10-13-2021, 10:55 AM	#23
jslifoaw Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto/Victoria Posts: 460	Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz Add the battery grip for some more heft. If you want some real heft, pick up a Pentax 6x7 to K mount adapter and a SMC Pentax 67 Macro 135 mm f4. Other interesting inexpensive but fairly heavy medium format lenses include the 6x7 55mm f3.5, 6x7 150mm f2.8 and 6x7 200mm f4. In 645, the 150mm f3.5 and 200mm f4 are also fairly inexpensive.

10-13-2021, 01:25 PM	#25
brainwave Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 196 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number Just about any lens made by Kiron / Kino Optical is fairly hefty and usually with excellent to outstanding optics. You can even find them in KA mount at reasonable prices. Kiron 70-210mm f4 Telephoto Zoom Manual Macro Lens. Pentax K/KA Mount. \| eBay What are your thoughts on this? Macro likely to he good?

10-13-2021, 02:01 PM	#26
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,400	Originally posted by brainwave Some other points : 1. I would not want a long range telephoto. Not only these cost a lot of money, my Nikon D5300 and 70-300 AF-P lens have okayish reach and insanely fast autofocus performance and tracking. Why fix what aint broke. 2. I would personally like a macro lens, or something in the 15-20mm focal length. These two needs are not met with my current lenses. 3. Image quality should be top notch - the affordability of lens should come from it being a good deal rather than IQ compromises. Being used to the 28-105 lens's quality, I would hate it if something produced dirty images. 4. The more situations the lenses is usable in, the better. I don't take much portraits unfortunately, so not looking for a portrait lens. But if it is portrait + macro then I'd love such a lens too. recap... Not long, not portrait unless multipurpose maybe Macro maybe 15-20mm Very high image quality. multiple uses is better than single but not required Heavy Manual Focus Cheap Here's one I think may work: Vivitar 135mm F2.8 Close Focusing Lens (425g) Vivitar Auto Close Focusing (1:2) 135mm f/2.8 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Nicely respected, uncommon, and big - with a really long focus throw. It would pull duty as a macro AND it could do for portraits (despite this not being a major focus). Great medium telephoto also - not long, but long enough to be different than what you have? Here's a weirder one: Soligor 24-45 f3.5-4.5 macro Only does about 1:3 but has a lot of flexibility weighs 400g Soligor C/D Zoom+Macro 24-45mm 1:3.5-4.5 MC Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

10-13-2021, 04:45 PM	#27
brainwave Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 196 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya recap... Not long, not portrait unless multipurpose maybe Macro maybe 15-20mm Very high image quality. multiple uses is better than single but not required Heavy Manual Focus Cheap Here's one I think may work: Vivitar 135mm F2.8 Close Focusing Lens (425g) Vivitar Auto Close Focusing (1:2) 135mm f/2.8 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Nicely respected, uncommon, and big - with a really long focus throw. It would pull duty as a macro AND it could do for portraits (despite this not being a major focus). Great medium telephoto also - not long, but long enough to be different than what you have? Here's a weirder one: Soligor 24-45 f3.5-4.5 macro Only does about 1:3 but has a lot of flexibility weighs 400g Soligor C/D Zoom+Macro 24-45mm 1:3.5-4.5 MC Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Found this one, and am considering it Pentax K Mount Soligor C/D MC Macro 85-205mm fast constant f3.8 - VGC - 1169 \| eBay

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10-13-2021, 07:19 PM	#28
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,400	Originally posted by brainwave Found this one, and am considering it Pentax K Mount Soligor C/D MC Macro 85-205mm fast constant f3.8 - VGC - 1169 \| eBay The C/D series were good lenses. Be aware there is a different version also constant f3.8 out there - that's the only one I could find much on. This source doesn't even list either one but shows a great deal about serial numbers that might be useful: SOLIGOR Lens Compendium

10-13-2021, 08:48 PM	#29
DonV Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Near Charlotte NC Photos: Albums Posts: 693	Originally posted by brainwave I'll be honest I have a rather silly reason to want a lens - I really want a heavy lens on my K-1 to have some heft and want to experience that heft while shooting images. I now have the DA 50 f/1.8 and it takes great images. I also have the 28-105mm kit lens which I got with the camera and that too is awesome. I was desperate for some reach when in a pinch so I got a very old 100-300mm lens from a Russian but its a very nice copy (0 autofocus creep even after many years), paint is nice and its well worn / used but smooth and functional. However, all these lenses are "light". The 28-105 is my heaviest lens and even that looks puny on my K-1. I want the big lenses, the heavy feel of operating one, and having that heft to hold. Yes, I hear myself and its a very stupid reason. So obviously cannot spend any serious money on it - especially since I cannot afford any lenses from here in India, shipping alone jacks up the cost by $20-60 in a country where the monthly income is puny. Therefore, nicer glass like the DFA 24-70 f/2.8 are kind of out of question at the moment. Additionally, I incurred some personal expenses and definitely do not have money for quality new glass, even the 100 WR Macro. So what are my options? Some other points : 1. I would not want a long range telephoto. Not only these cost a lot of money, my Nikon D5300 and 70-300 AF-P lens have okayish reach and insanely fast autofocus performance and tracking. Why fix what aint broke. 2. I would personally like a macro lens, or something in the 15-20mm focal length. These two needs are not met with my current lenses. 3. Image quality should be top notch - the affordability of lens should come from it being a good deal rather than IQ compromises. Being used to the 28-105 lens's quality, I would hate it if something produced dirty images. 4. The more situations the lenses is usable in, the better. I don't take much portraits unfortunately, so not looking for a portrait lens. But if it is portrait + macro then I'd love such a lens too. Now with this very challenging set of criteria, I would love some recommendations from you experienced pentaxians on options (if any) that may exist! Originally posted by brainwave 2. I would personally like a macro lens, or something in the 15-20mm focal length. These two needs are not met with my current lenses. The 17mm Tamron Adaptall II SP lens is quite good and often found at a reasonable price for the focal length.

10-14-2021, 06:58 AM	#30
Papa_Joe Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: SW Bavaria Posts: 562	Kiron/Vivitar 75-205/3.8 has allready been mentioned. But from my experience it is difficult to focus MF lenses with the K-1. A very good lens meeting your expectations might be the Sigma EX DG 70 mm/2.8. It is a macro, it is outstanding good, it is a very nice portait lens on the K-1. Drawbacks: First, it is affordable used, but not a cheap bargain. Second, it only weights about 520 gr. (Vivtar more then 700 gr.) A more heavy solution (> 700 gr.) would be the Sigma 35/1.4 Art, but even used it is out off your price range.