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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-18-2016, 03:31 PM
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Definitely. I am still using K-01, various manual lenses and Samyang lens.
You might want to think about upgrading to K-S1, as the prices are fairly low and it will be a good increase in ISO. But no rush! Im sure you can do a lot with your current camera already, especially if you shoot raw and use something like Nik Define or Topaz Denoise or one of the other NR programs. Those can let you get away with higher noise. And if you combine them with sharpening software, your photos will be hard to distinguish from other DSLRs, at least at web sizes
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-12-2016, 04:43 PM
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I have M 50mm f1.7, but wish i had the A version. A version might have slightly newer coatings, but that's not a big deal, as all Pentax 50mm lenses are pretty great in terms of optics (and there are some lineages, like the f1.4 lineage and the f1.7 lineage, which go all the way to modern offerings). Its the other features that are important.
A series is when auto-aperture was introduced, and it allows the camera, even modern DSLRs, to control the aperture. This means you get full Av, P and other modes; instead of just M and wide open Av. To me, this is quite a big step, as it can speed up photography quite a bit. The main reason to go for A instead of M is that A often doesn't cost much more, but it has A mode, and it is slightly less old (keep in mind, these lenses are 30, almost 40 years old).
The f1.4 lenses are slightly softer than the f1.7 until f2.4 or so, but by f3 there is practically no difference in sharpness. And f1.4 vs. 1.7 can be noticeable in some situations. So if you want wide open, big bokeh, low light, then go with f1.4. If you want sharpness and a little lower price, go with f1.7. It really comes down to what is available in your local market. If you shoot these lenses at f5.6 or f8, they will be damn sharp. This is what I read from various reviews and experienced myself (I have a couple 50mm lenses, but only the M 50mm is from Pentax)
Also, think about buying some lens hoods. A lens hood can really help these older lenses, especially if you get a lens hood that is tight enough for APSC (can be tighter hood than for FF film). It might even help that 55mm that you have. A good lens hood can help with contrast, colours, and (obviously) flare. You can find really cheap hoods online, even with free shipping from China, if you don't mind waiting a month or two for it to arrive. If you are into old glass, hoods are the most simple accessory that can make a big difference. Especially with digital sensors.
Also, don't use UV filters on digital cameras. Just FYI lol, we're trying to squeeze the most out of these old gems
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-12-2016, 01:19 PM
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That's too bad. That really limits you to DA 50mm f1.8 (if you want a new lens). Or Pentax A 50mm f1.4 - it gives you a little automation but no AF. Great overall IQ and character.
Or DA 35mm f2.4 if you want a slightly wider lens, to cover more focal lengths. There is also the DA 40mm XS, which is sometimes a little rare, but still fairly affordable. Not super fast, but very small, full automation, and it has Limited style colours and contrasts, and Tessar style bokeh.
You have other options, like Helios 44-2 (or 44K, or one of the other versions), Horus Bennu 50mm f1.7, Zenitar K2 50mm f2..
In your situation, I think I would go with DA 35mm to cover more angles or DA 50mm if you really enjoy how 55mm looks on your camera and you want a similar FoV. Maybe A 50mm f1.7 if you can find a good deal, or a Soviet lens like Helios if you want something really different (but not necessarily higher image quality, at least wide open. Soviet lenses have big variation, so you can get lucky and get a stunning copy, or an okay copy, or a really bad one; good idea to buy from a reputable dealer)
If you want to go cheapest possible option, get Helios 44 and Flektogon 35mm. You can get both of those for around 100 pounds total and you get an interesting kit - artistic wide open, sharp once stopped down. And nice character to both lenses. Question is just how much better this will be from your current 55mm. If you want high quality wide open, then go with Pentax A 50mm
Good luck
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