Well 100% in NOW

100% into Pentax now all the Nikon gear gone, Got myself a K20D with a 16-45,smc/DA lens, Grip and two batteries. Ordered a 2nd K20D as back up, Now what lenses shell I buy?.. I know a 300mm 2.8, after the New Year but what else do you recommend:

Terry,
The SMC-DA* 50-135 - definitely
And probably an AF540-FGZ.
And an SMC-FA 50mm f/1.4


Welcome to LBA world
Matt

I don't think there are any "bad" lenses in the current Pentax line-up are there?

So it depends what you want to do: zooms or primes / long or wide / fast or slow...? And how much you want to pay of course.

I think Matt's suggestions are pretty spot on for starters though.

Since you have a 16-45 the 16-50, although a very worthy upgrade seems pointless at this stage unless you need the speed/weathersealing

All others depend on what you're lookin at photographing
But if you have the money, and are going to be doing portraiture work, I would wait for the DA*55 F/1.4 over the FA 50 F/1.4.

ikillrocknroll,
Work wise
Portraits and Weddings,

Out and about.(Days Off)
Rally Cars, Wildlife, Churchs/Buildings etc, and most things that stand still long enough

Well, I reckon first up should be the SMC-FA 50/1.4
Utterly sublime lens at a low price. Stunning at f/2 to f/2.8. Makes the K20D into almost a compact camera!

Unless you have a few hundred quid to spare, then it'd be the SMC-DA* 50-135. Just wish I'd had that lens at the wedding I did on Saturday

Matt

I would spend a few copper's on a 50mm 1.7 "A".........manual focus but a superb lens that can be picked up for next to nothing!..........Ken

It depends what you call "next to nothing" as I've seen a few going for over £40.00

Even the K and M series lenses, not quite as useful on digital, have been in the high £30s and selling every time.

I love my 50mm 1.7 FA which I acquired 2nd hand for £69 through the LCE a few years ago when I had a 1st DS. It remains my favourite lens. I also use it as my reference when I have any doubts over focusing accuracy of other lenses.

I also have a 50mm 1.4 FA, this time bought nearly new, but occasionally my K10D has an issue gaining focus with this lens and for single chance type subjects (e.g. trains in motion) prefer the 1.7.

Glyn

I paid £40 for mine ,but when you see the quality of the prints it's worth every penny!...........what can you get for £40 these days!.......you get wonderful colour and clear crisp shots that seem completely different to the modern lenses costing hundreds of pounds!....

Im not saying, buy one of these lists, just, these are lenses that are good that fall within price catagories.
And they overlap and stuff its just a guide.
And since you have the 16-45 it discounts other zooms of that focal length, so i didnt include them.

If I had to choose 3 top lenses, Id say 12-24, 50-135, and if you had the money, FA*85 or FA77 Ltd.