Pentax 50mm Choice....

I want to buy a Pentax AF 50mm lens for abit of street/candid photography, but when it comes to 50mm lenses for Pentax there is a lot to choose from so I don't know which to buy.

I did own for a time the Sigma 50mm f1.4 which was a lovely lens except it weighed a ton and found I never used it at f1.4 so was a bit of a waste. So it was sold on here.

I have had a look at the new 50 f1.8 but in my mind find it overpriced new, so what I would like to know from you people who are in the know is there any major differences if I decided to plump for an older F or FA 50mm compared to the new lens. I would rather buy the f1.7 over the f1.4 but that is just a cost thing,

Also what are the differences of a F lens compared to an FA?

My choice would be the 43mm f/1.9, followed by DA 50mm f/1.8, FA 50mm f/1.4 and then the older lenses, preferably the f/1.7 versions.

On cost, that leaves the DA 50mm f/1.8 as the favourite. It's test results indicate it is one of the very best 50mm lenses on the market.

I tend to avoid second hand lenses if possible as we never know how well or otherwise they have been treated. However, any Pentax 50mm lens will perform well.

Hello Matty, I'm going to throw a curve ball because I thought a bit like you and wanted a 50mm lens for this purpose, my choice was the always available SMC F 50mm f/1.7, which is light enough and of good image quality especially stepped down a bit. The problem was I found myself a little too close to subjects and the candidness was lost as well as some of the image I was wanting to capture. I'm now much happier with DA ltd 35mm f/2.8 macro as a wall around with the slightly wider view and great IQ. This type of lens might be something you already have in your bag and is definately worth a go.

I already own the 35mm f2.4 and more then happy with that due to what it cost as well.

As for the 43mm John i think that will have to wait for a while yet, unless you can speak to my wife on my behalf

Hi Matty

I bought the 40mm Ltd thinking it would make a perfect street combination with the K-30 due to it's size. Loved the lens, but found 40mm a little too close for street. Personally, I think 50mm is too long, but obviously depends what you shoot.

[quote:3496ace15f="MattyH"]I already own the 35mm f2.4 and more then happy with that due to what it cost as well.

I think with the weight/ size and width this lens is as good as any to give great candid/street results, assuming you've used it for this, where do you think it can be improved upon?

What I am looking for is a bit more of a telephoto compressed view and more of a out of focus background in a compact and light lens.

The classic lens for that would be the 55mm f/1.4 - film equivalent would be 85mm. The 50mm lenses are very close as well.

My favourite, and you would have to break my arm off to get it is the Pentax-F 50mm F1.7. For classic street photography my choice is the 40mm DA LTD or the 35mm you already have