I have the Pentax 50mm DA f/1.8 and love it. Do I need the lens on this page? If so,for what should I use it? Thank you
893446
Depends on the camera. On an APS C sensor like the Pentax K-3 or K-5 the 35mm is the "natural" focal length to get a field of view about the same as you get with your eyes - it's like a 50mm on a full-frame camera. I have an Pentax A 50mm I use from time-to-time. On an APS C sensor it's like a 75mm on a "normal" full-frame camera.
735073
I have both the 50mm f1/8 and 40mm f2.8 lens. Both have very short DOF so you have to be careful of your focus. The 50 mm is slightly cheaper but I would rate the 40mm a 4.4 out of 5 and the 50mm 4.2 out of 5.
2058086
I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports photography (outdoor mainly) and it does everything I need. I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports... » Read More I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports photography (outdoor mainly) and it does everything I need. « Show Less
101690
I don't have enough information yet....what other lenses do you own, and what camera would you be shooting with? Are you the main photographer? Are you bringing lights or at least a high(er) powered flash unit?This is a great lens for macro use, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 this cannot be considered a fast lens at all. While a 50mm lens is fantastic for shooting in a more photojournalistic style, you will probably want something a little longer for portraits (especially if you're using a full-frame digital or film camera). Please respond with what camera(s) you'll be using and what other lenses you own and I'll give you more detail I don't have enough information yet....what other lenses do you own, and what camera would you be shooting with? Are you the main photographer? Are you bringing lights or at least a high(er) powered flash unit?This is a great lens for macro use, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 this cannot be considered a fast lens at all. While a 50mm lens is fantastic for shooting in a more photojournalistic style, you will probably want something a little longer for portraits (especially if you're using a full-frame digital or film camera). Please respond with what camera(s)... » Read More I don't have enough information yet....what other lenses do you own, and what camera would you be shooting with? Are you the main photographer? Are you bringing lights or at least a high(er) powered flash unit?This is a great lens for macro use, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 this cannot be considered a fast lens at all. While a 50mm lens is fantastic for shooting in a more photojournalistic style, you will probably want something a little longer for portraits (especially if you're using a full-frame digital or film camera). Please respond with what camera(s) you'll be using and what other lenses you own and I'll give you more detail « Show Less
552989
I have been using the Hd Pentax-DA 1:2.8 Macro. Any filter, UV, magnifying, or otherwise when attached to any lens becomes part of your optics. When I want extreme sharpness I even remove the UV filters. Then I have to remember to put them back because they protect the expensive lens. Nothing beats the Macro lens compared to a filter, if the expense is not a problem get the lens instead of adding layers of filters and degrading your optics.
1536569
Thank you so much for explaining the difference. I have used a 35 mm Pentax for years. And I have a small digital that I use now for quick shots. But I wanted to move up to something that would give me a good combination of options. So the dSLR cameras are all new to me.
1135873
We carried both on our European honeymoon. The 50 mm f/1.8 lens is GREAT for portraits when you want to blur the background, but it is not good for landscapes or where you need to stand pretty close to the subject but want a normal field of view. We found that it was hard to just carry the 50 mm lens without having the 18-55 lens in back-up, but the pictures with the 50 mm lens are our favorites. If you really wanted to just carry one lens, you could probably get by with the 50 mm lens plus a camera phone.
1705294
Pretty much any Pentax lens (DA*, DA, FA). I have used my lenses from 2007 and just bought an FA 50mm 1.4 lens (a beauty) on this. On the whole the camera is a beautifully designed one that you can hold in the palm of your hand and when you put one of the lenses on to it, it feels like a little tank. Its solidly built. Happy I bought this! The FPS speeds are phenomenal and blow Canon and Nikon out of the water. Quiet too!
1244269
Dear friends. I am biased Pentax because I really love this camera. I bought the kit from Pentax K30 with a 18-55 and a 70-200. The set is sensational. I have taken many pictures in my trips to Portugal. Obviously there are better lenses and more optical resources, however this 70-200 mm in the kit fulfills its role.
904846
This is a silly thing to worry about. Older Pentax lenses were designed for film, which is an innately higher resolution medium at lower ASA/ISO speeds. A good K or M lens will still be good on this sensor, arguably better in some cases since the softest part of the image circle is cropped away.
315158
I bought the 35mm because i need to take pics closer than 50mm. But if you think you will have space between the camera and the object, buy the 50mm. The DA 50mm is better (f1.8) and cheaper because the 50mm lens are simpler than the rest lens. To take a portrait of 4 people (middle plane) you may need at least 3 metros with 35mm (relative close). By the way, if you want to take pics in sports, i think you may need more range, at least 50mm - 200 mm.I so happy with my DA 35mm, is a nice lens...Maybe this can help: http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-DA-L-35mm-F2.4-AL.htmlhttp://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/smc-pentax-da-50mm-f1.8.htmlBye.. I bought the 35mm because i need to take pics closer than 50mm. But if you think you will have space between the camera and the object, buy the 50mm. The DA 50mm is better (f1.8) and cheaper because the 50mm lens are simpler than the rest lens. To take a portrait of 4 people (middle plane) you may need at least 3 metros with 35mm (relative close). By the way, if you want to take pics in sports, i think you may need more range, at least 50mm - 200 mm.I so happy with my DA 35mm, is a nice lens...Maybe this can help:... » Read More I bought the 35mm because i need to take pics closer than 50mm. But if you think you will have space between the camera and the object, buy the 50mm. The DA 50mm is better (f1.8) and cheaper because the 50mm lens are simpler than the rest lens. To take a portrait of 4 people (middle plane) you may need at least 3 metros with 35mm (relative close). By the way, if you want to take pics in sports, i think you may need more range, at least 50mm - 200 mm.I so happy with my DA 35mm, is a nice lens...Maybe this can help: http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-DA-L-35mm-F2.4-AL.htmlhttp://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/smc-pentax-da-50mm-f1.8.htmlBye.. « Show Less
183451
I shoot the same subjects and have been very pleased with the 18-250mm zoom. If you want a little more reach get the 55-300mm in place of the 18-250. With that choice I would then add the 18-55mm. I'm assuming you want to stay with Pentax brand. Neither zoom is "cheap" but then you get what you pay for. I chose the 18-250 because I hand hold the camera most of the time and here in the Pacific NW the light levels in the winter are pretty low. I doubt if I maxed out the 300mm (450mm equivalent) would I get a sharp image. Love the K20D by the way.
2217599
I have this lenses and it worked very good on my K500 PENTAX. Which is almost the same as the K50. This I hope is some help.
2242491
I was in same boat with 4 pentax lenses from my old K1000. I love my new K500, but so far none of my old lenses seem to work. All are full manual lenses, so it may depend on whether you have manual or auto lenses (have an A on aperture ring). Suggest going to Ricoh/Pentax website and download K500 owner manual. To be honest, the standard lens that comes with K500 does everything my old lenses did - and much more. Fantastic photos and gobs of features.
873452
Another option is getting the 50mm 1.8 for about a hundred bucks. Takes great shots and you can still buy the 28-135. I bought my 28-135 used and love having both lenses.
2253696
The beauty of Pentax digital cameras is that my manual camera lens fit too. The lens you are looking at is a wonderful lens. I hope this helps.
2254946
Thanks... I haven't purchased yet... sitting tight with our bad economy but eventually I will buy the Pentax and the 2 lenses.