[Ediz7531]

Hi all,

I've been shooting primarily on a tripod, on medium format, recently. I'd like to start doing that for 35mm more often as well.
My Pentax lenses line-up is a little bit biased towards the normal range, so I have lenses in the 35mm - 55mm range, with the K 35mm f/3.5 being my favorite.

I'm looking to possibly add a 28mm, and a short-medium telephoto to my line up. These are to be shot on an LX.
I'm limiting my search to K series lenses. Questions:

1. Are there any real advantages in the K 28mm f/2 over the K 28mm f/3.5, other than maximum apertures? I'd be shooting at f/8-f/16 most of the time.

2. Does anyone have a comment on how the K 105mm f/2.8 compares against the K 85mm f/1.8?

Any input is much appreciated.

Cheers,

Ed

[boriscleto]

The K 28/2 is the "Holllywood". It's a Zeiss Distagon...There really isn't any other reason it carries such a price premium...

[monochrome]

K28/3.5 = $139. K28/2 = $800. It isn’t six times better - it’s just rare and Zeiss. K85/1.8 beats K105/2.8 hands down. The 85 has the pixie dust. K35/3.5 is My favorite lens, but then most Pentax 35’s are very good. Once hard to get, now they’re fairly common.

All your questions will be answered HERE. K Prime Lenses

[gofour3]

1. Are there any real advantages in the K 28mm f/2 over the K 28mm f/3.5, other than maximum apertures? I'd be shooting at f/8-f/16 most of the time.

2. Does anyone have a comment on how the K 105mm f/2.8 compares against the K 85mm f/1.8?

Just to add what Paul said above.

1) The K28/2 is better at close focusing shots, as that's where the advantage of it's floating lens elements come into play. For landscapes I have not noticed any difference between the two. Also the speed difference does come in handy for low light work, so another plus for the K28/2.

2) The K85/1.8 is a great portrait lens and it's better than the K105/2.8. If you just want a multipurpose telephoto the K105/2.8 is good at that and still can be used for people shots as well.

Phil.

[nickthetasmaniac]

Both the K 28’s are very good. If you don’t need f2 and you don’t do much close up work (floating element) then the 28/f3.5 is obviously much better value. Be aware that prices have gone up a lot recently, people have finally cottoned on to how good it is.

Another very good option is the M28/f2. Exceptional lens, the only downside I’ve found is coma when shot wide open and focussed near infinity.

I have the K85/f1.8 and it’s probably my favourite Pentax lens. Can’t compare it to the 105mm though...

[Ediz7531]

Thank you all. This is very helpful.