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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-16-2023, 06:11 PM
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Does it make much sense to pay something extra for a silver version of the HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm 2.8 ED AW or for an silver used SMC Pentax-FA 77mm 1.8 Limited, if the camera is a black K-1 II?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-15-2023, 06:36 AM
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It seems the new macro lens has two elements of special glass and one ED element, plus new coatings. Also, new price isn’t steep. I think the line up is really good:
Pentax K-1 II
HD Pentax-D FA 15-30mm 2.8 ED SDM WR
HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm 1.4 SDM AW
HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm 2.8 ED AW
HD Pentax-D 150-450mm 4.5-5.6 ED DC AW
Plus would look to add the:
SMC Pentax-FA 50mm 1.4 (double gauss dreamy look, inexpensive)
SMC Pentax-FA 77mm 1.8 (special rendering, must have Pentax lens)
HD Rear DX 1.4 Converter (for the 150-450mm, not sure if compatible with my K-1 II)
Pentax K-3 II (inexpensive astrotracer DX camera with 24MP for astrophotography with the 150-450mm and 1.4X rear converter, though not sure if it will AF @450mm / 5.6 and the DX RC 1.4X)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-15-2023, 01:51 AM
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I think I will only get C$150 + taxes for the SMC Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm 2.8 WR from the store. The new HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm 2.8 ED AR would be C$719 + taxes.
The difference would be C$654 taxes included or US$488 for a new, latest version, after trading in the SMC WR version. But the store would facilitate the payments.
My guess is I could buy a new Rokinon or Samyang 135mm 2.0 ED, though it will cost similar to new HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm 2.8 ED AW.
While it’s not an inexpensive lens, would definitely getting more value using new ED Macro/Rokinon 135 money to partially fund an used HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm 4.5-5.6 ED DC AW. And keeping the SMC Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm 2.8 WR, until used HD ED AW version appear.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
01-14-2023, 06:39 PM
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Is it worth to pay around $500 to upgrade the SMC Macro WR lens to a new latest HD Macro ED AW version?
Main uses would be Macro, Astro and Portrait photography on a K-1 II camera.
Another option would be to keep the SMC Macro WR and buy a new Rokinon 135mm 2.0 ED, that’s not too durable, Pentax or AF, but is well known for astrophotography, or to partially fund something like an used HD Pentax 150-450mm, though those lenses apparently often seem to have broken foot.
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
01-08-2023, 06:25 PM
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If you want to stick with Nikkor lenses, Nikon can offer the AF-S 50mm 1.4G, 58 1.4G, 85mm 1.8G and 85mm 1.4G in the 50-85mm range, neither is good as Pentax-D FA* 50 and 85mm 1.4 lenses. And if you opt for the Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art, that lens tends to have AF problems. The 58G and 85 1.4G are fine (and very expensive) lenses, but loaded with CA and bokeh fringing and not that sharp. The 50G and 85 1.8G are good inexpensive alternatives, though.
For my D850 I went with the 50G and Nikkor AF-S 105mm 1.4E ED route, and will buy the Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art this days, to upgrade the 50mm. But if you prefer 85mm, Pentax is better than what Nikon offers for the F-system.
Another point where the K-1 II is obviously better is for astrophotography. One would need to carry and buy a lot of star tracking equipment with the Nikon.
Where D850 is better, well is the resolution, base ISO 64, 7 fps that can be upgraded to 9 fps with the grip and big batteries, much better AF, and a lot of small improvements. Also Nikon has a far more lenses available for their F-system.
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
01-07-2023, 10:42 PM
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My plan was to use by Pentax K-system for astrophotography and special rendering of the new 50mm lens. Based on the K-1 II.
So far have the Pentax-D FA 15-30mm 2.8 and the older non-ED 100mm 2.8 macro lens. Also have a Pentax-M 50mm 1.4 for some vintage dreamy effects.
The idea was to complete the lineup with the Rokinon 135mm 2.0 ED, Pentax-D FA* 50mm 1.4 and the Pentax-D FA 150-450mm 4.5-5.6.
My question would be if it would be better to upgrade my 100mm 2.8 Macro lens to the new ED version to be able to use all D FA lenses for astrophotography and skip on the Rokinon?
Is the new macro ED lens APO or near macro? Will I miss MF or full stop speed advantage of the Rokinon? Should I have both?
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Forum: Pentax Full Frame
01-07-2023, 10:32 PM
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I have both the K-1 II and the D850, which one is better depends a lot of what you need the most. Also on available lenses. One couldn’t say straight, one is better than other.
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
08-27-2022, 09:19 PM
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Perhaps it will be better to stick with the original plan and get the Pentax D FA 150-450mm 4.5-5.6.
Btw, what focal length did you use for your photos?
---------- Post added 08-27-22 at 09:23 PM ----------
Interesting, I was also surprised when I took a good look at the K-1 and the K-1 II. It’s better in many aspects compared to my other high resolution cameras (A7R II, D800 and 5DS).
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Forum: Pentax K-1 & K-1 II
08-27-2022, 06:06 AM
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I bought my Pentax K-1 II primarily to shot stars in the sky and deep space objects.
So far have the Pentax-D FA 15-30mm 2.8 that should be good to use with the Astrotracer.
Next, I have the Pentax-M 50mm 1.4, from my Pentax MX, that I think to upgrade to the Pentax-D FA* 50mm 1.4. This lens apparently has some comatic aberrations, but should be good for panoramas. The 85mm is slightly better, but more expensive and complicated to get used.
My next lens is the Pentax-D FA 100mm 2.8 WR Macro, but this lens has much bokeh fringing, and is not apparently a good option for astrophotography.
From there on, I thought about the highly regarded Rokinon 135mm 2.0 ED. Too bad there is no way to use my Zeiss APO Sonnar 2/135 ZF.2 or Voigtlander Macro APO Lanthar 125mm 2.5 SL, the last one will God willing arrive in few days, but unfortunately both are for Nikon. That being said, the Rokinon also seems to be an APO lens and is much less expensive. Initially the idea was to get the Pentax D FA 150-450mm 4.5-5.6 but this lens is very expensive and it’s f stops are a bit slow.
What other lens is recommended over 135mm 2.0 for astrophotography? Is something like the Pentax-A* 300mm f/4 suitable?
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Forum: Photographic Industry and Professionals
12-07-2021, 08:41 AM
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Sony basically learned making lenses, some AF and Kettering details from Minolta, then started all over. Time has proven Sony brand very strong. Sony also learned a lot from their Zeiss association.
The rest was their own, they always made fine video cameras and were experts in sensors and microelectronics.
Imaging business was a great fit for them, once they advanced in lens design. Though, maybe isn’t that rentable.
With Pentax, they would do the same I guess. Learn what they can, than use it in a video camera like, mirrorless design with the Sony brand.
But with Pentax they could also opted to keep the brand as it’s a credible competitor to Canon and Nikon, specially if mega resources were to be poured in. Which I’m not sure was the case with Minolta, a brand that at no point in history was on pair in sales with Canon or Nikon.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
10-28-2021, 08:24 AM
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So far I have the D FA 15-30mm and I’m waiting for my D FA 100mm 2.8 Macro WR to arrive. Plus an old M 50mm 1.4.
I think I may get the D FA* 50mm 1.4 and the D FA 150-450mm 4.5-5.6.
Still thinking about the FA 77mm 1.8 and the 35mm 1.4 Art, though.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
10-19-2021, 09:48 AM
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Nikon discontinued some of their most usable lenses for the F-system. The super zoom 28-300mm 3.5-5.6G VR, the 105mm 2.8G VR and the 80-400mm 4.5-5.6G VR, which I think means Pentax will soon be the only DSLR brand.
And it’s phenomenal to see Pentax introducing 3 FA lenses in 2021 and the near feature.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-08-2021, 06:35 PM
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The lady that sold the lens said it was in a bag and somehow got the ding. Pro’s sometimes have their equipment in a rough state.
The vendor is good, disclosed the problem, also sold me some other stuff that was better than described.
The review of the lens on Pentax forums, says the lens exterior is plastic, perhaps is less resistant, particularly that small part. It would explain why Pentax didn’t name it a star lens.
I contacted Ricoh in the US and the service in Canada, hopefully they respond.
Worse case scenario, will tape it. And check periodically.
If I get the number of the part, maybe could source the part from Japan. Just received the plastic protector for the triangle strap piece and the hotshoe protector that wasn’t possible to find anywhere.
The lens had a good price, IMO. Would have preferred one in better condition, even if more expensive, but modern Pentax equipment is less common than Nikon, Canon or Sony that are plenty available, even locally in Canada. Maybe would have had to wait for a while.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-08-2021, 02:06 PM
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I have yet to receive the lens, but I saw there’s a crack in the mentioned piece and I’m concerned that the WR may be compromised, either by the crack or, since it deformed slightly, perhaps the seals around may not close anymore.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-08-2021, 01:58 PM
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I used a photo from PentaxReview of the review of this lens to showcase the piece.
But this is my actual lens:
iCloud |
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
09-08-2021, 12:41 PM
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Hi there,
I posted this question in the B&H forum, but maybe should have posted it here as fellow Pentaxian suggested.
I recently bought a Pentax D FA 15-30mm 2.8 lens, but it apparently has a small blemish in the area of the cut out:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/content/uploads/files/6459/1767/medium/K1__9036.jpg
where the Tamron version of this lens has a switch for image stabilization.
Was wondering if anyone knows what’s the part number of this small piece and if it can be changed by the user?
Thanks in advance for any information.
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Forum: Ask B&H Photo!
09-08-2021, 08:52 AM
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Hi there,
I recently bought a Pentax D FA 15-30mm 2.8 lens, but it apparently has a small blemish in the area of the cut out:
A sample from PentaxReview:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/content/uploads/files/6459/1767/medium/K1__9036.jpg
My lens:
iCloud
where the Tamron version of this lens has switches for image stabilization and maybe one other switch.
Was wondering if anyone knows what’s the part number of this small piece and if it can be changed by the user?
Thanks in advance for any information.
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Forum: Ask B&H Photo!
09-01-2021, 07:51 PM
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Hello,
I eventually found the serial number, it's 38600. I have one shipped from Japan with the hotshoe protector.
Btw, from what I saw, Nikon also sell the protectors, that are slightly smaller, for their cameras.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-31-2021, 08:00 AM
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Unfortunately, I’m not a big fan of APS-C. The K-3 III is quite expensive and won’t be available used for a while, doesn’t have GPS and I’m not sure if it has the same tilt-shift screen of the K-1 II.
Since the difference between 35mm and 50mm isn’t big, I think that may go with the D FA 15-30mm 2.8, D FA* 50mm 1.4 and the D FA 150-450mm 4.5-5.6 setup.
Plus something in between 50 and 150mm, to have a complete setup. Could be the D FA 100mm 2.8 macro, the D FA* 70-200mm 2.8 or the Rokinon 135mm 2.0?
Though, will go gradually over a period of time, with perhaps the 15-30mm first.
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Forum: Ask B&H Photo!
08-28-2021, 05:03 AM
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I recently bought an used K-1, upgraded to K-1 II, and while waiting for my D-LI90E battery and USB charger to arrive from B&H Photo, I noticed one of the triangle lugs doesn't have it's plastic protector.
Was wondering what's the part number of this piece and if can be ordered from B&H.
Thanks.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-18-2021, 02:05 PM
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Hi Eye.n.Eye,
Thanks for the tips.
Was wondering why the HD D FA* 50mm 1.4 isn’t good for AP? Is the HD D FA* 70-200mm 2.8 or the SMC D FA 77mm 1.8 that was also looking better?
Will check out the Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art, that lens is highly regarded, not only for AP, but I think it needs some modifications to be used with a K-1? Btw, does water condensate on the lenses after some time by night?
It may take time till I get to do some AP. The K-1 II has yet to arrive, and the only K lens so far, is the SMC M 50mm 1.4 that’s on the MX.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-18-2021, 05:05 AM
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I used to have the SMC Pentax-K 135mm 2.5 in late 70's and early 80's. I think it's an inexpensive lens this days. Do purple fringing and CA affect the results one gets?
Was thinking long time to get a ZF.2 APO Sonnar 2/135, that can be adapted with Leitax products. Though something like the Samyang/Rokinon 135mm 2.0 for PK seems a more reasonable route.
BTW, is the Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm 2.8 recommended for this application?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-15-2021, 03:15 PM
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Hi there,
I took some pictures of the moon and was started to think how to get into planetary and astro photography.
Soon realised to do everything "right" may need, 3 telescopes, several type of video cameras, expertise in wide variety of applications, a hefty German Equatorial Mount, tripod, computers and a very large number of filters and accessories, for a 5 figures costs.
Before moving in that direction, was wondering if there's a way to try with something simpler first, and recently tried briefly a Pentax K-1, after which I understood many YouTube and Internet reviewers don't really know that much about anything.
So, besides being a solid camera, with functions like the astrotracer maybe the GEM wasn't necessary to start with. And perhaps an composed pixel shift photo could allow for deeper cropping, increasing the reach.
But was wondering what lenses could be good for AP. Was considering the Nikon 14-24mm 2.8G, but the Tamron 15-30mm 2.8 is generally higher rated, specifically for AP, and was wondering if the Pentax-D FA 15-30mm 2.8 is a good lens for AP?
Since the only very sharp normal lens that actually have is 1.8 (Sony Zeiss 55mm 1.8), was also thinking if the Pentax-D FA* 50mm 1.4 should be good for AP?
If the Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art a good option? Will it be good without WR?
Another lens that was considering is the D FA 150-450mm 4.5-5.6, although that one is quite expensive and a bit duplicated by my other photo systems. Too bad EF or F lenses can't be easily adapted to the K mount.
Pentax would be my AP and landscape system.
What should use between 50 and 150.
What lenses are good for going over 450mm without breaking the bank? Is something like the Pentax-K 1000mm f/8 with a 2X TC good for planetary photography, given that it doesn't have ED elements?
Thanks in advance for the information.
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