Lens Suggestions

[RBennett]

Ok, so I don't think that I have asked this before, but shoot me if I have. (My memory is HORRIBLE!!!) So I am buying my first SLR which is a Pentax K100D. I know a few of you will be happy I'm joining the cult, er.."family". Any way, I will have the kit lens which is 18-55mm and a short zoom lens of 55-200 I believe. Do you recommend any other lenses such as a prime? I'm not looking to get HEAVILY into photography just yet, I'm not starting a business, but I do want to have great photos. Think those two are fine to start off with until I get used to the camera and learn what I can?? Thanks in advance!!!

 

[handicap18]

Yes, definately a prime. A lot of the Pentax users have given good reviews of the 50mm f/1.4. Runs somewhere in the $200 range. Give or take $10-20 depending on where you look.

Its small & light but built well, affordable, has good wide aperture which makes it great for low and/or natural light and is very sharp slightly stopped down (in other words starting around f/2 and smaller).

 

[Jeanne B]

I have the K100D with the 18-55, 50-200 and the 50mm f/1.4. This seems to be a pretty popular combination.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I recently got a 50mm 1.4 and I love it! It is an awesome lens and I highly recommend it.

 

[ukcatfan]

If you want to save some money and do not mind manual focus, look at a used 50mm from somewhere like Ebay or KEH. I have a 50mm f/2 SMC-A from KEH that was only $45. The SMC-A means auto aperture. I believe that SMC-M means completely manual. I am also pretty sure that the SMC-F models are autofocus and auto aperture, but do not completely communicate with the camera. They should be cheaper than the 50mm SMC-FA though.

Kevin

 

[Groucho]

Yes, you can probably find a manual-focus one for a good price. I decided that auto focus was going to be too important at WDW and bought a new one.

Like everyone says, the 50mm F1.4 is pretty much the top recommendation for a first prime on the Pentax. If I were only taking two lenses to WDW, I'd take the kit plus the 50mm. On my last trip, out of ~2,500 photos, just a hair under half were taken with the 50mm F1.4

I've got a few other manual-focus primes, I'm looking for my next autofocus one now... probably won't buy anything for a while but I am keeping my eyes open. I'd love one of those "pancake" Limited lenses, but they're not cheap........

 

[Shifletjl]

I purchased my K100D with kit lens last January and my 50mm 1.4 shortly there after. I LOVE the 50! I purchased it to use at my daughters volleyball tournaments (indoor, low light). I really like it's speed and sharpness.