Which lenses for K100D?

Hi... I don't wish to bore you all with my deliberations but I am still wondering which lens route to go. I have a number of Pentax SMC-M Prime lenses... 28mmf2.8, 50mmf1.7, 50mmf2, 135mmf3.5 200mmf? and also a Vivitar 70-300mmf4.2. I can't decide whether to buy the Pentax 50-200mm DA lens and use it along side my 18-55mm kit lens or continue working with the old Manual prime lenses, adding to that collection and use the kit lens for 'auto' days.
Buying new Prime lenses is out of the question as I just don't have that sort of money, so which route is going to give me the best quality pictures, as that is what I'm after. Since reading this forum I have realised that there is such a lot to a good picture.... so your advice would be greatly appreciated.
cheers Lee

If you don't need AF, and can live without zooms, stick with what you have. The only problem is that you lack a wide-angle (the 28 is equivalent to 42 on digital).

G

Weeeeell,
I can say that the SMC-DA 50-200 is a fine little lens
Incredibly small (not much bigger than the 18-55) it's something you can carry around all the time. Contrast is great, colour wonderful, AF is quick.
Not sure how it will compare with the manual lenses you listed - but I reckon it'll be a lot smaller.
Matt

Yes I do lack the wide angle... thats part of the reason for asking this question... The 14mm and 18mm M lenses can still cost a fair bit so with the limited budget I have to choose between the 50-200mm DA or a good 14/18mm M lens.
cheers Lee

Hi,

I've just purchased the Samsung 50-200 and i have to say i am very pleased with it! I did alot of research on here and other forums and all reports were good... What a bargain lens!

I got mine here...

http://www.microwarehouse.co.uk/catalogue/item/SAMDCA02

There is a certain amount of speculation as to whether this is an 'exact' copy of the pentax, but i think it is... i even suspect it has SMC coating, but Samsung are not allowed to label it as such.

Go for it!

Dave

For that price who cares??!
Matt

In your shoes, I would consider the Pentax-FAJ 18-35. It's not a bad lens for the money.

G

That is an amazing price for that lens

I don't think I would bother with the 18-35 if you already have the 18-55 unless you want one that will work with 35mm as well. I have found the 18-55 to be superior to the 18-35 in every way. I have just sold mine for £50 on ebay.

carl

I had forgotten that he had the 18-55, and my advice was based on keeping costs down. I certainly wouldn't suggest he swaps the one for the other.

G

I don't have the 135 F3.5, but my 50-200 is better than my 200mm F4 and a match for my Tamron 90mm Macro, it's also a lot more compact. You do loose a stop of speed at 200 though, which is why I still have my trusty SMC-M 200mm F4.

I was lucky enough to pick up a SMC M 3.5 135mm in mint condition for £5 a few years back. I find it a superb handling lens, mechanically very well made and very compact. I have used it to take many pictures of the kids as they have grown up, the extra focal length I find ideal for more candid portraits.

This is my favourite lens at the moment, I paid £15 for mine though
Lee

IMHO still a bargain at twice the price. I brought mine even though I had the the focal length covered by by a 70 - 210 zoom. I have always preferred a prime lens, for when I have specific images to capture.

I find 35-70 and 70 -210 in 35mm ideal for what I would call off the cuff shooting, so returning to the original thread, when I eventually go digital I would expect that it will be equivalents of these zooms, plus a wide angle prime that I will look for.

the 135 slot in my bag is filled by a 135 Takumar Bayonet F2.5. I know, I know, it's not SMC coated but my example is actually quite a good performer as long as you keep it away from excuses to flare.