Pentax SMCP-DA 50mm f/1.8 Standard Lens 22177

Pentax smc DA 50mm f/1.8 Lens22177 B&H Photo Video

offer good through 31 october 2013

[robthebloke]

Which lens did you buy and in what way(s) do you feel it is not 'in the same league as the limiteds' ??

I bought the the 50mm da f1.8 for £119 from srsmicrosystems. The 21mm/35mm/40mm limiteds are sharper, with nicer bokeh, and have better build quality. It's not in the same league as those, but as cheap plastic goes, it will take a good shot. I went out shooting with the 50mm all day yesterday, and it took some nice shots. Late in the day, put the 40mm on, click, and it's an immediate 'wow'. The 50mm just doesnt have the same wow factor (but then it's a hell of a lot cheaper). If you buy only one lens for Pentax, buy the 40mm limited. If you already have the 40mm (which is a fantastic portrait lens), and are looking for something that's a bit better in low light, then the 50mm f1.8 da is worth considering (that or buy a flash!). The main reason I bought it was that my current low light lens (a 50mm f1.4 A) lacks auto focus, which I've found to be a bit annoying at times. The jury is still out on which I prefer between the da f1.8 and the 'a' f1.4. I tried to do a bit of field testing in a pub last night, but sadly by the time it got dark, I'd already had too many beers to hold a camera straight! I'm currently erring towards the opinion that the old manual 'a' is a bit better, but I'd need a sober outing to say for sure.....

[zbrueningsen]

I've had the da 35 and I own a tamron 17-50 and while the da is good, I found no need for the da 35. It is a great lens, but the 17-50 has so much more flexibility.