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01-25-2021, 10:14 AM   #1
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Walkabout lens for my MZS

Any recommendations for a good (used) walkabout zoom lens for my MZ-S that won't break the bank? TIA.

01-25-2021, 10:57 AM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by jaq1967 Quote
Any recommendations for a good (used) walkabout zoom lens for my MZ-S that won't break the bank? TIA.
F35-70 is quite respected as is the F 35-105. I also liked my F 35-135 - but it isn’t as loved and to be fair can be soft.

Last edited by UncleVanya; 01-25-2021 at 11:03 AM.
01-25-2021, 11:13 AM   #3
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The FA 28-105 F4-5.6 PZ <$100
SMC-Pentax FA 28-105mm F4-5.6 Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

FA 24-90 <$200
SMC Pentax-FA 24-90mm F3.5-4.5 AL [IF] Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

FA 28-70 F4 <$100
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-28-70-F4-Zoom-Lens.html

And I would second the F 35-70 or 35-135.
01-25-2021, 12:49 PM   #4
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BTW - one reservation on the 35-70/35-105/35-135 series - I don't think there is a dedicated hood made for any of them. So you will need to come up with a hood you like that can work with these. A nice rubber hood with multiple positions maybe the best option as a tulip hood is unlikely to be out there with the right dimensions.

01-25-2021, 01:02 PM   #5
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Da 40 XS
01-25-2021, 02:33 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by pres589 Quote
Da 40 XS
Well if you can go with a lens like that (without an aperture ring) try the PENTAX Pentax SMC DA 35mm f/2.4.
One of the real faults with the MZ-S is the lack of a second control wheel but that has not stopped me from getting one to go along with my PZ-1P
01-25-2021, 02:39 PM - 1 Like   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by pres589 Quote
Da 40 XS
QuoteOriginally posted by brianmquinn Quote
Well if you can go with a lens like that (without an aperture ring) try the PENTAX Pentax SMC DA 35mm f/2.4.
One of the real faults with the MZ-S is the lack of a second control wheel but that has not stopped me from getting one to go along with my PZ-1P
Neither of those is a zoom lens...

01-25-2021, 02:56 PM   #8
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For an autofocus zoom, I second the FA 28-105 and the F 35-70.

If you don't have to have a zoom, but still want autofocus, the DA 40xs is pretty awesome, but not quite wide enough for me sometimes. The F 50mm f1.7 is also awesome, and generally very affordable.

If you don't need autofocus, I like the A24-50. There is an autofocus F24-50, and I've heard it's optically identical to the A one, but I've never used it... and it tends to be more expensive...

-Eric
01-25-2021, 05:28 PM   #9
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You don't say if you want AF or older metal construction (LTDs are too expensive), whether you want more wide vs longer etc. But anyway my suggestions are following (all used).

FA 28-70mm f/4 **
Inexpensive and excellent IQ, but feels cheap and make sure does not have lens separation . If speed is not needed this is really great lens (and not large/not heavy). Maybe $35-$50.

M 24-35 f/3.5 (MF)
Harder to find but smallish and built great and quite wide for an older zoom lens.

F 17-28 f/3.5-4.5 (Fish Eye)
Also harder to find and an odd one but great and versatile (but more costly--not sure but guessing $200-250)
_____
** BTW the MZ-S camera does not have aperture priority*** so you will likely be using the aperture ring, and the newer less expensive lenses have aperture rings that may not last. I fear the 28-70 f/4 is such a lens--although mine (I have two of them) are fine. Anyway cost is low enough that likely not an issue.

*** Clarification, I meant you cannot set the aperture with the camera and the lens in A setting. So you need to use the aperture ring.

Last edited by dms; 01-25-2021 at 09:32 PM. Reason: Correct comment about Aperture priority (and A lens setting)
01-25-2021, 05:59 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by boriscleto Quote
he FA 28-105 F4-5.6 PZ <$100

This one gets my vote for '90s FA walk around lens for cameras of that decade. It hasn't been much money for quite a while and can be used on any Pentax right up to date.

Last edited by From1980; 01-25-2021 at 09:18 PM.
01-25-2021, 09:55 PM - 2 Likes   #11
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Been there. Tamron 28-75 Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 SP Aspherical LD IF Macro XR DI(A09) Autofocus Lens For Pentax K Mount {67} - Used SLR & DSLR Lenses - Used Camera Lenses at KEH Camera at KEH Camera
180 Day Warranty too.
01-25-2021, 11:50 PM   #12
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FA 24-90.

Or these >>
Sigma 24-135. Tamron 24-135.
01-26-2021, 01:57 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by boriscleto Quote
Neither of those is a zoom lens...
Agreed. I've got loads of prime lens. Looking at zoom in particular.



---------- Post added 01-26-2021 at 09:04 AM ----------

Are the Pentax-F better than the Pentax-FA generally? I'm looking for AF as a walkabout lens. Saves faffing about. I have loads of Pentax-M (both Prime and Zoom). Work perfectly well on my MZS. Just manual. What about non-Pentax for Pentax?
01-26-2021, 10:55 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by jaq1967 Quote
Are the Pentax-F better than the Pentax-FA generally? I'm looking for AF as a walkabout lens. Saves faffing about. I have loads of Pentax-M (both Prime and Zoom). Work perfectly well on my MZS. Just manual.

What about non-Pentax for Pentax?
F vs FA is hotly debated. F lenses have a unique look to them (not the images) for the most part. Some find them a bit garish looking. F lenses are typically heavier with more metal. Coatings are rumored to be different. Overall there’s little practical difference in optical quality between each series. I’d say each lens that is common would need to be researched individually for optics differences etc.
01-26-2021, 11:09 AM - 2 Likes   #15
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Personally, the FA43 is the perfect match for the MZ-S, just goes so well together!
















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