5 lens kit for K1000

08amczb · 08-30-2018, 12:24 PM

Hi!

I recently got a K1000 and I would like to build a 5 lens manual kit for it. I have many AF lenses like the FA limiteds, but MF lenses are much better for MF.

What do you recommend?
I'am considering the focal length of: 24/28, 35, 50, 85, 135/200
The 50mm should be F1.4 and the 85 should be <= F2 Edit: the 35mm shoud be <= F2

I also welcome suggestions from thirdparties not only from K, M and A series.

Thanks!

Last edited by 08amczb; 08-30-2018 at 01:01 PM.

**boriscleto** · 08-30-2018, 12:40 PM

K 28/2, K 35/3.5, K 50/1.2, K 85/1.8, K 135/2.5. Why settle for anything less? Other than $$$

**twilhelm** · 08-30-2018, 12:55 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

K 28/2, K 35/3.5, K 50/1.2, K 85/1.8, K 135/2.5. Why settle for anything less? Other than $$$

Well said, well said.

08amczb · 08-30-2018, 01:00 PM

I would like a faster 35mm, F2 preferably. I correct this in my original post.
Is the K 50 F1.2 that much better then the F1.4 K, M and A variants? It's pricy.

---------- Post added 08-30-18 at 10:05 PM ----------

What about modern MF samyang glasses? How those compare to K lenses?

**twilhelm** · 08-30-2018, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by 08amczb

I would like a faster 35mm, F2 preferably. I correct this in my original post.
Is the K 50 F1.2 that much better then the F1.4 K, M and A variants? It's pricy.

---------- Post added 08-30-18 at 10:05 PM ----------

What about modern MF samyang glasses? How those compare to K lenses?

The 50 1.4 variants can’t go to 1.2, otherwise the quality is similar. Any of them stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6 tend to be very good. Whether you buy K, M or A is up to you, although I’ve found the K to be the best built, and the M to be the smallest (general rule).

Can’t comment on Samyang.

**gofour3** · 08-30-2018, 01:10 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by 08amczb

What about modern MF samyang glasses? How those compare to K lenses?

You buy a used K Series lens and it will work. You will probably need to buy three new Samyang lenses to find one that has no issues.

Buy used Pentax MF lenses that were built with proper quality control and parts. Leave these junk 3rd party lenses to the digital shooters.

Phil.

08amczb · 08-30-2018, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by gofour3

You buy a used K Series lens and it will work. You will probably need to buy three new Samyang lenses to find one that has no issues.

Buy used Pentax MF lenses that were built with proper quality control and parts. Leave these junk 3rd party lenses to the digital shooters.

And what about old MF Ricoh lenses or Chinon?

**twilhelm** · 08-30-2018, 01:28 PM

Phil makes a great point. When you buy an older lens, it’s simply going to work. We hear all the time about people buying new 3rd party lenses, and returning them multiple times because of issues, the most common being de-centering.

Really I would build the kit around K, M or A lenses, and you can always try the others later. Remember, older Pentax lenses can usually be sold for what you pay, so feel free to try, and re-sell if you want different.

**MossyRocks** · 08-30-2018, 01:53 PM

For years my setup with a spotmatic (older) was the 28 f/3.5 50 f/1.4 or 55 f/1.8, 135 f/2.3, and 200 f/3.5 and I always wanted something wider and longer so now I own a 17 fisheye and a 300 f/4.

Looking back I would say get the best pentax glass you can and pick one in each of the categories
24 or 28mm
50 or 55mm
85mm
135mm or 200mm
And then depending on what you find you want/need get either an ultra wide, 35mm or ultra telephoto, or instead get the SMC Pentax-A 35-105mm F3.5

With my Spotmatic I never found my self thinking I wanted something between 28mm and 50/55mm as that very often was a zoom with my feet but wanting something wider than 28, between 55 and 135, or longer than 200 was a frequent occurrence. However on APS-C I am frequently grabbing my plastic fantastic 35mm f/2.4 and mostly ignore my 28mm and my 200mm.

Vendee · 08-30-2018, 02:18 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by 08amczb

I would like a faster 35mm, F2 preferably.

Speed isn't everything. The K35 f3.5 is sharper. In fact I would say that my K35 F3.5 is probably the sharpest lens I own and I've got some faster Pentax primes and some expensive Canon L class lenses.

nickthetasmaniac · 08-30-2018, 04:27 PM

Looking at a balance of quality, size and price
- M28/f2
- M35/f2
- M50/f1.4
- M100/f2.8 (rather than getting both a 85mm and a 135mm)

There's arguably better lenses available, but these are all very good. Plus, sticking with M series glass has the benefit of sharing 49mm filters across your whole kit.

**gofour3** · 08-30-2018, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by 08amczb

And what about old MF Ricoh lenses or Chinon?

I don't have any experience with those older MF lenses, but I would check out the lens review section here in the forum. There are lots of old MF 3rd party lenses with great reviews, in either M42 or K-mount.

Phil.

Craftsman · 08-30-2018, 05:12 PM

Nicks list is exactly what I use with two Pentax MX’s. Small,compact and plenty fast.

nass_43 · 08-30-2018, 10:33 PM

Boriscleto and nick's list are close to my MX kit:
M 35/2 : stellar lens, my favorite focal length
A 50/1.2: dreamy bokeh... my wife's favorite rendition
M 135/3.5

For the wide range, I have both a Sigma 24/2.8 (AF) and a Vivitar 28/2.8 (MF), but I usually tend to use the FA 20-35 I bring for my K-1

I am also in search of a fast 85, but cannot decide on which one, so I won't help you with that...
And maybe add a 200 or 300 for the long end one day, but doubt wether the bulkiness will make me use it or not.

08amczb · 08-31-2018, 02:36 AM

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

sticking with M series glass has the benefit of sharing 49mm filters across your whole kit.

The K series has 52m filter threads in general. Now I prefer K series, but I can't really explain why. I read about better IQ with K series, but I couldn't check it. Size is not an issue with these lenses I think.

Originally posted by Vendee

Speed isn't everything. The K35 f3.5 is sharper. In fact I would say that my K35 F3.5 is probably the sharpest lens I own and I've got some faster Pentax primes and some expensive Canon L class lenses.

I really like the 35mm FoV and I do much more portrait work than anything other, so speed is important for me. Does the sharpness difference visible on film too?
I wouldn't like to use MF glass on DSLRs. I wear glasses and I does not see what's in focus with modern viewfinders. In LV the KP needs too much batteries for a day, so I stick to high end AF lenses.

(I tought my LBA would be cured after getting F2.8 AF zooms from 16 to 135 and from 10 to 300mm plus AF primes from 15mm to 200mm, but now I would like some manual glass...)

08-30-2018, 12:24 PM	#1
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796	5 lens kit for K1000 Hi! I recently got a K1000 and I would like to build a 5 lens manual kit for it. I have many AF lenses like the FA limiteds, but MF lenses are much better for MF. What do you recommend? I'am considering the focal length of: 24/28, 35, 50, 85, 135/200 The 50mm should be F1.4 and the 85 should be <= F2 Edit: the 35mm shoud be <= F2 I also welcome suggestions from thirdparties not only from K, M and A series. Thanks! Last edited by 08amczb; 08-30-2018 at 01:01 PM.

08-30-2018, 04:27 PM	#11
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	Looking at a balance of quality, size and price - M28/f2 - M35/f2 - M50/f1.4 - M100/f2.8 (rather than getting both a 85mm and a 135mm) There's arguably better lenses available, but these are all very good. Plus, sticking with M series glass has the benefit of sharing 49mm filters across your whole kit. Last edited by nickthetasmaniac; 08-31-2018 at 12:51 AM.

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08-30-2018, 12:40 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	K 28/2, K 35/3.5, K 50/1.2, K 85/1.8, K 135/2.5. Why settle for anything less? Other than $$$

08-30-2018, 12:55 PM	#3
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Originally posted by boriscleto K 28/2, K 35/3.5, K 50/1.2, K 85/1.8, K 135/2.5. Why settle for anything less? Other than $$$ Well said, well said.

08-30-2018, 01:00 PM	#4
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796 Original Poster	I would like a faster 35mm, F2 preferably. I correct this in my original post. Is the K 50 F1.2 that much better then the F1.4 K, M and A variants? It's pricy. ---------- Post added 08-30-18 at 10:05 PM ---------- What about modern MF samyang glasses? How those compare to K lenses?

08-30-2018, 01:09 PM	#5
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Originally posted by 08amczb I would like a faster 35mm, F2 preferably. I correct this in my original post. Is the K 50 F1.2 that much better then the F1.4 K, M and A variants? It's pricy. ---------- Post added 08-30-18 at 10:05 PM ---------- What about modern MF samyang glasses? How those compare to K lenses? The 50 1.4 variants can’t go to 1.2, otherwise the quality is similar. Any of them stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6 tend to be very good. Whether you buy K, M or A is up to you, although I’ve found the K to be the best built, and the M to be the smallest (general rule). Can’t comment on Samyang.

08-30-2018, 01:10 PM - 1 Like	#6
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	Originally posted by 08amczb What about modern MF samyang glasses? How those compare to K lenses? You buy a used K Series lens and it will work. You will probably need to buy three new Samyang lenses to find one that has no issues. Buy used Pentax MF lenses that were built with proper quality control and parts. Leave these junk 3rd party lenses to the digital shooters. Phil.

08-30-2018, 01:26 PM	#7
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796 Original Poster	Originally posted by gofour3 You buy a used K Series lens and it will work. You will probably need to buy three new Samyang lenses to find one that has no issues. Buy used Pentax MF lenses that were built with proper quality control and parts. Leave these junk 3rd party lenses to the digital shooters. And what about old MF Ricoh lenses or Chinon?

08-30-2018, 01:28 PM	#8
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Phil makes a great point. When you buy an older lens, it’s simply going to work. We hear all the time about people buying new 3rd party lenses, and returning them multiple times because of issues, the most common being de-centering. Really I would build the kit around K, M or A lenses, and you can always try the others later. Remember, older Pentax lenses can usually be sold for what you pay, so feel free to try, and re-sell if you want different.

08-30-2018, 01:53 PM	#9
MossyRocks Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,982	For years my setup with a spotmatic (older) was the 28 f/3.5 50 f/1.4 or 55 f/1.8, 135 f/2.3, and 200 f/3.5 and I always wanted something wider and longer so now I own a 17 fisheye and a 300 f/4. Looking back I would say get the best pentax glass you can and pick one in each of the categories 24 or 28mm 50 or 55mm 85mm 135mm or 200mm And then depending on what you find you want/need get either an ultra wide, 35mm or ultra telephoto, or instead get the SMC Pentax-A 35-105mm F3.5 With my Spotmatic I never found my self thinking I wanted something between 28mm and 50/55mm as that very often was a zoom with my feet but wanting something wider than 28, between 55 and 135, or longer than 200 was a frequent occurrence. However on APS-C I am frequently grabbing my plastic fantastic 35mm f/2.4 and mostly ignore my 28mm and my 200mm.

08-30-2018, 02:18 PM - 1 Like	#10
Vendee Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 1,134	Originally posted by 08amczb I would like a faster 35mm, F2 preferably. Speed isn't everything. The K35 f3.5 is sharper. In fact I would say that my K35 F3.5 is probably the sharpest lens I own and I've got some faster Pentax primes and some expensive Canon L class lenses.

08-30-2018, 04:36 PM	#12
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	Originally posted by 08amczb And what about old MF Ricoh lenses or Chinon? I don't have any experience with those older MF lenses, but I would check out the lens review section here in the forum. There are lots of old MF 3rd party lenses with great reviews, in either M42 or K-mount. Phil.

08-30-2018, 05:12 PM	#13
Craftsman Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Traveling Posts: 54	Nicks list is exactly what I use with two Pentax MX’s. Small,compact and plenty fast.

08-30-2018, 10:33 PM	#14
nass_43 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 39	Boriscleto and nick's list are close to my MX kit: M 35/2 : stellar lens, my favorite focal length A 50/1.2: dreamy bokeh... my wife's favorite rendition M 135/3.5 For the wide range, I have both a Sigma 24/2.8 (AF) and a Vivitar 28/2.8 (MF), but I usually tend to use the FA 20-35 I bring for my K-1 I am also in search of a fast 85, but cannot decide on which one, so I won't help you with that... And maybe add a 200 or 300 for the long end one day, but doubt wether the bulkiness will make me use it or not.

08-31-2018, 02:36 AM	#15
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796 Original Poster	Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac sticking with M series glass has the benefit of sharing 49mm filters across your whole kit. The K series has 52m filter threads in general. Now I prefer K series, but I can't really explain why. I read about better IQ with K series, but I couldn't check it. Size is not an issue with these lenses I think. Originally posted by Vendee Speed isn't everything. The K35 f3.5 is sharper. In fact I would say that my K35 F3.5 is probably the sharpest lens I own and I've got some faster Pentax primes and some expensive Canon L class lenses. I really like the 35mm FoV and I do much more portrait work than anything other, so speed is important for me. Does the sharpness difference visible on film too? I wouldn't like to use MF glass on DSLRs. I wear glasses and I does not see what's in focus with modern viewfinders. In LV the KP needs too much batteries for a day, so I stick to high end AF lenses. (I tought my LBA would be cured after getting F2.8 AF zooms from 16 to 135 and from 10 to 300mm plus AF primes from 15mm to 200mm, but now I would like some manual glass...)