I'm looking for a decent 50mm FF lens for my new K1 ii

Good day all,

Perhaps a subjective question, but I`ve just bought my new K1 ii, but bought body only - intending initially to use the lenses I have for the older K50. (The k50 kit is now up for sale so my use of these lenses is now limited).

So, the time has now come for me to slowly move to get the benefits of the K1 FF but if I do set the camera for full frame, I obviously get the magic circle from the crop effect with the older lenses.

From what I have read, there are APS-C lenses out there that may do the job but would anyone have advice as to which way to go. Do I try the older lenses and crop the photos as necessary, or do I continue to look for a FF lens?

I`m thinking about 50mm and that closes a gap, but do I go for the prime type or maybe a telephoto?

As always, any help would be appreciated.

David

Are you happy with manual focus? If so, this really opens up the playing field for you. There's a swathe of excellent film lenses that work nicely on full frame. I recently enjoyed using the SMC-M 50mm f/1.7 for about a month. Decently sharp wide-open, nice bokeh, smooth to use and an abundance of good examples at not particularly high prices. Similarly, the SMC-K 55mm f/1.8 is a joy to use and produces some beautiful bokeh. I've loved using that one lately, too. There are some interesting options in the f/1.2's from Pentax and Reuvenon/Cosina etc. and some interesting Russian options including the Helioses and Industars, along with classics like the Takumars (I quite enjoy using my Auto-Takumar 55mm f/2.2 from time to time)!

Otherwise, people have had good experiences with the DA-50mm f/1.8 and more recently the considerably costlier D-FA 50mm f/1.4 which, to me, looks a beaut.

I'm sure others will chime in soon.

The F or FA 50 1.7s are great

one answer F50 f1.7, but if you want to spend more the F or FA 50 f1.4s

FA 50mm 1:1.4 for around £150-£200, no need to look any further.

Good choices and you could also consider the SMC Pentax-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited, which has a special character of its own, being very impressive with the K-1. It's also more expensive.

Plenty of recommendations for the FA 50mm 1.4/1.7. Get a second hand one for under £200. A great performer and lightweight too.

Another vote for the autofocus f/1.4 and f/1.7 lenses. I found the FA 43mm was a tiny bit soft wide open so it had to be treated like an f/2.2 lens.

Also PM sent regarding FA 50/1.4

If you're not sure whether a 50 prime is right for you, choose an M (should be very reasonably priced) or an A (slightly more), either 1.4 or 1.7 - there's very little difference. If you decide it's not for you, you can sell it for what you paid for it.

My preference is the FA43 but it depends on what other lenses you may have/want.

Update: I'm in no position to argue for/against any as I have many of the different options.

An odd one (perhaps) is the SMC Pentax-A 50mm MACRO (if you can find one). Superb walkabout lens that's wonderful from 4inches to infinity. Plenty of Takumar 5omm 1.4s out there, as there are A series 50mms. The F and the FA 50mm are good too if you want AF. No need to buy an expensive modern job at all.
Now and then you see the Tamron 28 - 200 AF zoom (model A03). The Pentax 28 - 200 is the exact same lens (they rebadged it from Tamron). This is quite amazing for its price. If you see one, buy it.

+1 for this suggestion. They’re a great lens and one I’m fortunate enough to own. I did spot one in the Camera Centre UK shop in Cardiff the other day but I’m not certain of the price (I was more curious with an M42 Voigtlander Colour-Ultron 50mm f/1.8...).

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114151287139

F 50/1.7 for £62

My thanks to all of you. This request of mine has brought more information and comments than I had a right to expect.

So now - I`ll find one

David

Which one did you decide on?

At the moment - I have my eye on a FA 50 1.4, so I`ll check out any offers from here first before turning elsewhere.

Unless of course - I get an offer I can`t refuse