Ooops, bought another lens - now which prime?

After finding that my images were OK but not as sharp as they used to be I sent my K-5 and Tamron 17-50/2.8 off to Johnsons to try to find out why. They came back and said the body was perfect (the K-5 body and not my own unfortunately!) and the Tamron was likely faulty but they did not repair Tamron lenses.

Sooooo, I went through all the threads on here looking for standard zoom replacements, the Pentax 16-50/16-45, new Tamron 17-50, Sigma 17-70, various 28-70 or 28-70., and got thoroughly confused.

I nearly went for the Pentax 16-50, but after reading the photozone,de reviews and also this very useful article on here I thought 16-45 for £299 or 16-50 for £695, and went for the 16-45 giving me £400 to go towards a prime. I may also get the Tamron repaired if it can be economically.

According to my Lightroom metadata I use the whole zoom range of the 17-50 quite liberally, so which prime should I start putting my money towards (Pentax or non-Pentax)? (I already have the FA 50/1.4)

Considering the quality of your work, I think you should give serious thoughts about the FA 31. It's perspective is very close to the human eye on an APS-C camera, and the quality of the image is top notch.

Using an FA Ltd lens in a studio is a real delight.

I can't really advise on the Prime Tim, unless it's one of the older MF lenses, but I was wondering whether you considered the Pentax DA 17-70 when looking at zooms?

Regards
David

If you want super sharp, you could look at the DA35 Macro. It is a real jewel IMO, although being a macro it has quite a long focus throw so isn't the quickest, and I imagine for portraits it would be pretty unforgiving. DA 40 is a beaut too

Cheers

David, do you think the 17-70 is as good as the 16-45 given that it covers a longer zoom range. I'm open to persuasion as I ordered from Amazon and can still cancel for a day or so.
I saw the thread about prices going up and thought I better purchase soon, as I'm going to need a lens soon and my Tamron may not be able to be repaired.

I also have the 50-135 which is excellent, so would use that for above 50mm.

Intro2002 for Tamron repairs, official importers and very efficient.

If they cant repair it they will offer a new lens at a substantial discount (well they did with me anyway)

Thanks Mike.

Tim,

Although I have a Pentax FA31, I have read reviews of the new Sigma 35 1.4 lens and it is highly rated, including by Photozone.....

without a doubt the FA31, for portraits the FA77 is very nice too. If you have the cash buy them both and have the best of both worlds focal length wise.

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/671/Sigma-30mm-F1-4-EX-DC-Lens---Pentax-Fit---S...

This a bargin at the moment for £250,

Some people don't like it but after adjusting the AF I love it.

Example pic.
link

Regards
George

You have a PM Timbo.

Regards
David

Can't see what's not to like about it. Great lens.

I also recommend the A50/1.2 if you can find one 2nd hand

17-50 packed and ready to send, thank Mike.

Thanks for all the advice guys, lots to think about!

The 30 1.4 is tempting. I know it's supposed to be soft around the edges wide open, but I often soften the edges anyway.

If you don't need AF, and I doubt you do, then try the k series lenses. You could get a 28, 30, 35 and 55 for peanuts compared to modern AF lenses.

I have the 28 and 55 and they are superb. Dr O has the 28, 30, 35, 55 and 85 (at least). He'll back me up!!

Tim,

There is a common problem on the Tamron where the front element comes loose, easy to fix at home

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKMTgw-NCa0

Mine slipped some kind of AF cog and as Mike points out they are serviceable and the cost was not too bad.