Which wide angle lens for a MZ50?

Hi - can anyone advise me about which wide angle lens would be compatible for my trusted MZ50 - I need to take a few photos of some office rooms...

Your advice would be most appreciated.

Anthony

You've got a couple of options IMO:

Look for a Pentax 28-80mm auto focus zoom. There are plenty about and all are competent performers.

The new DA 35mm f2.4 is a full frame lens and would work on your MZ50, but may not be a wide enough angle for what you want to shoot.

Don't buy one of the 18-55mm lenses - they're designed for the smaller digital sensor and will vignette horribly on film.

If you don't already own a flashgun then look for an AF280T or an AF240Z, both are powerful and can be bounced to diffuse the light output, ideal for indoor shooting.

If you can find one the Pentax-F 24-50mm f/4 covers all the normal wide angle lenses and standard lenses and it's sharp even at f/4

Yes, I agree with DM at very wide angle, but above 24mm it is quite acceptable, worth trying out if you have one already.

Regards
Peter

Problem with the F 24-50mm is that if you do find one the price will be mad.

Don't buy the Pentax-F 35-80mm, it's terrible in my experience and judging by reviews mine is a typical sample. Weird, as the 35-70mm they made before is very nice as is the 80-200mm they made to go with the 35-80mm.

I used to have a 28-80mm on my MZ50 and it seemed fine. For going wider the FA 24-90mm is an excellent zoom which works equally well on film and digital, but maybe too expensive (and hard to find) if you want it just for one assignment.

Stan

If you have a look on the reviews section of the other forum you'll find various 28-80mm and similar length lenses listed.

The only one to watch for is the Pentax-F 28-80mm as there are two versions. The more common one lacks the SMC coatings and in my experience can't produce the vibrant colours or contrast of SMC coated lenses. Given that later SMC lenses can be had for the same money it isn't really worth buying the non-SMC lens.

I used one of these as my only other AF lens for a while, I can't say I regret buying it. I also have the FA 28-80mm with power zoom which is similar in performance, slightly faster at the long end but heavier too.

One of the best standard zooms was the 28-70 f4. This came with the MZ5n as standard.
Shouldn't really tell you as I'm looking for one myself!
Quite difficult to find second hand though.

Michael