Pentax lenses ... fixed and/or zoom?

Pentaxbuff · 11-01-2008, 02:36

I have ordered a Pentax FA 50mm f1.4 and, for the price ($199.00 Cdn) and reviews, I assume I made a good deal!? Any comments?

Also, I have been on the search for a wide angle zoom, such as 12-24 F/4 but I have read some reviews about the DA*16-50 f2.8 which would also seem a good buy. However, according to some comments from users, there could be a major defect in that lens ... it actually was reported that it falls apart!!! Anyone's comments appreciated.

**stepheno** · 11-01-2008, 07:41

I have no experience of Pentax lenses but the 50mm can't be all bad if it opens up to 1.4

_MB_ · 11-01-2008, 11:08

Sounds like an excellent deal on the 50

Pentaxbuff · 11-01-2008, 15:19

Thanks Stepheno.
It is said that this particular lens is "among the best" of all such lenses, all manufacturers combined. Most reviews are positive but I have never used a lens that can open up this wide.
Do you yourself use such a lens, or maybe a wide zoom? It doesn't really matter if you have Canon or Nikon gear, I just want to know your impressions on those particular focals.

Pentaxbuff · 11-01-2008, 15:21

Hi MB!
I see you use a 50mm f1.4 yourself ... how are the results and what do you mainly use it for?
Any thoughts on "wide zooms"?

**stepheno** · 11-01-2008, 15:27

I use a Canon 50mm f1.8 which is small, light, fast and excellent for interiors and portraits, plus they are as cheap as chips. Secondly, I have a Sigma 10-20mm wide zoom - excellent lens and I think something with this sort of range is essential for some landscapes and cityscapes. Again, not expensive and great value for money. HTH

_MB_ · 11-01-2008, 17:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pentaxbuff

Hi MB!
I see you use a 50mm f1.4 yourself ... how are the results and what do you mainly use it for?
Any thoughts on "wide zooms"?

http://www.pixalo.com/reviews/showpr...oduct/88/cat/6
Mine and others reviews of the 50 f/1.4 - its canon but they're pretty much the same thing across all brands.

I use it as my default lens, colour, contrast, sharpness, background blur all excellent. I don't own a wide zoom, sorry.

**Dabhand16** · 11-01-2008, 17:37

I've got a Nikkor 50mm f1.8, and as Stephen said, cheap as chips and great VFM.

I'll also put a vote in for the Sigma 10-20, a lens I love and has enabled me to get shots that otherwise just would not have been possible. It is also great VFM.

Pentaxbuff · 11-01-2008, 23:49

Stephano,
I checked the prices for this Sigma 10-20mm and here they cost about $620.00 Cdn ... not sure about Euro conversion. The 12-24 Pentax goes for around $750.00 .... I guess it woud be a matter of deciding which one would do best for landscapes and cityscapes, as you mentioned using the 10-20 for your applications.
If both can do about the same job, I would certainly go for the less expensive, of course.
Also, thanks for the feedback on the 50mm f1.4.
Cheers.

Pentaxbuff · 11-01-2008, 23:49

Thanks MB, well appreciated again.
Have a great weekend.

Pentaxbuff · 11-01-2008, 23:51

Dabhand, thanks for the reply.
What's VFM, by the way?
Any thoughts on a 12-24 as comnpared with a 10-20 ... close enough?

**Sonsey** · 12-01-2008, 00:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pentaxbuff

What's VFM, by the way?

"Value For Money" I would assume.

**stepheno** · 12-01-2008, 09:27

620 C$ equates to about £310 sterling. That is about the going rate for a Sigma 10-20 over here so 620 C$ sounds about right. Before I bought I also researched the Tokina 12-24 and the Canon 10-22. All good lenses but the Sigma got my vote. The Tokina has excellent IQ but 12mm wasn't wide enough for me. The Canon is an EF-S lens and can't be used on a Full Frame camera (5D, 1D etc) and I still might go down the FF route.

So, as previously said, the Sigma wins it for me, excellent IQ and VFM. HTH