50mm opinions

I´m in the quite pleasant situation of being able to choose 50mm prime lens for my K10D to be, as the guy has alot of them.

Here´s the deals, all lenses are in Ex+ condition:

Pentax A 50/2 for 25 EUR.

Pentax A 50/1.7 for 45 EUR.

Pentax A 50/1.4 for 85 EUR.

I´m really having a hard time on the decision as the 50/2 is almost for free, the 50/1.7 is very good and cheap, but the 50/1.4 is what I first was looking for.

How would you guys go?

// Mats

I would say stick with your first thought and go for the f1.4 - 85 Euros isn't too bad a deal IMO - will make a really nice portrait lens for your K10D

Will

The 1:1.7 is a very good lens, sharp, flare resistant, and contrasty. The 1:1.4 has these same attributes plus a bit of extra speed for low light situations. IMHO, Buy the 1:1.4. You could by the 1:2 as well for potentially hazardous trips. Reversed, the 1:1.7 makes a great macro lens but then, so does the 1:1.4.

Hope that helps.

Regards,

The A50/1.4 is one of the best Pentax lenses I've ever used, so I know which I'd choose

At one time or another I've had all the manual focus 50's (but don't tell the wife!). The only pentax 50 I prefer to the A50/1.4 is the K55/1.8, but not being an A lens it is somewhat harder to use on a digital body.

Cheers,
Reuben0

Thanks for your input gentlemen. Well, it seems like many would prefer the 1.4 so I guess my first thought stays put.

And Reuben; Oh, yes, the K 55/1.8 that came with my KM when I bought it new way back in the -70's was THE lens in my outfit then. Later on, when my sallory accepted it, I extended the gear with a K 120/2.8 and a K 24/2.8. Unfortunally, all of them went away when changing to Contax (sorry, don´t shoot me), but now I´m back with Pentax again as I'm aiming for the digital world.

Thank you,

// Mats