Your choice

I asked this question on another forum some time ago but would like also to here your choices to the following. If you were starting build a selection of lenses to make up your dream kit which would you choose and why please.
Ian

I take it that you mean existing lenses, rather than "dream" lenses.

If thats that case I would probably say the following (ones in bold I already have):-

DA 10-17 Fisheye (just for being a fisheye and for the fun you can have)
DA 12-24mm (probably better than my Sigma EX 10-20 and faster)
FA 50mm F1.4 (any more reason than its the finest nifty fifty out there?)
FA* 85mm F1.4 (probably the finest Pentax lens, period. Also known as the "holy grail")
DA* 50-135mm (the best portrait zoom around, so sharp, fast, even Canikon users are impressed with the results I get from it)
FA 31mm F1.8 Limited (after the 85mm the best Pentax lens made, great for walking around, and you can just still get it - anyone give me £700 for me to buy one?)
The Limited Pancakes (21mm, 40mm, 70mm) (nice and discreet, great for travel)
FA 77mm F1.8 Limited (if I cannot have the FA*85mm, I will have this instead. Another fine Portrait lens and one of the best lenses around).
DA* 200mm F2.8 and DA*300mm F4 and DA* 60-250mm F4. (great long lenses, and far superior to my Sigma 170-500mm - For those wildlife shots)
FA* 500mm (again for wildlife, and far better than the aformentioned Sigma)

So, I have a long way to go, but if Camelot came up with a cheque, then these are what I would have.

The Pentax DA lenses that I have + the DA* 60-250 + the DA* 55 + the DA 12-24 + the rear converter (not yet in production).

+

The Sigma macro that I have + the Bigma.

- All the primes Offertonhatter have listed and for the same reasons, they are just superb.
- DA* 50-135 F2.4 to get some flexibility when I don't want or can change lenses, this one would do a fine job for that.
- DA* 55mm F1.4 my hopes are high for this one.
- DA 15mm F? limited who doesn't want to have a limited.
- D-FA 100mm F2.4 macro one of my favorite of the lenses I've now, lightweight and very sharp.

Is there some news about the F-number of the DA 15 ltd & DA* 30?
If the DA* 30 is going to be just as fast or faster as the FA 31 ltd for £300 less I might be tempted.

I forgot about a macro! Silly Me

The same as Anvh, the DFA 100mm F2.8 Macro to be on the list please....

The 15 is f4, the 30 is rumoured to be f1.4 (replacement for the FA50/1.4).

As for my "dream" line-up, I'm almost there:

DA12-24 (got)
FA31 or DA35 + DA*30 (not yet decided)
FA43 (got)
DA*55 (M50 currently acting as place holder)
FA77 (got)
D-FA100 (got)
M200 (got - but willing to swap for A*/FA*200 Macro if anyone's interested? )
FA*600 (in my dreams!)

I'd also keep my DA18-55 as a small, competent, lightweight walk-about lens. That'll do.

12-24mm, 16-45mm,50mm f1.4, 55-300mm, 100mm Macro

This is too difficult and pointless. My list is too long!

I've come to the conclusion it's a never ending quest

Well I've been fortunate enough to currently have the following:-

DA 10-17 fisheye | DA 14 | DA* 16-50 | DA* 50-135 | FA 50 1.4 | FA 100 Macro | 31 LTD | 43 LTD | 77 LTD | Sigma 100-300 F4 | 500mm 4.5

The 500mm is hopefully going soon to fund another DA* 16-50 for Fiona's bag, as mine keeps on disappearing.

Have decided to also sell the DA14, FA 50 1.4, 43 LTD & Tamron 1.4x SDM converter which should hopefully cover the costs of the DA* 55 and SDM converter with a bit left over for....(?)

The next on the list as long as it's a stellar lens, the DA* 60-250 which will be replacing the Sigma 100-300 F4.

Dream / coming soon lenses that are on my wishlist:-

DA* 11-16 F2.8. It's a Tokina lens, so hopefully we will get it next year, we'll see!
DA* 400mm F4 or DA* 500mm F4 possibly.

So my current, affordable, 'dream kit' which hopefully won't be too far off complete soon would be:-

DA 10-17 fisheye
DA* 11-16
DA* 16-50
DA* 50-135
DA* 60-250
DA* 55
31 LTD
77 LTD
FA 100mm Macro

Seems most of the members in genaral stick to the Pentax brand. Does other brands not offer a alternative for you or is Pentax in a different class ?. I bought both the 10/20 and 17/70 Sigma lenses on recomendation and have not been disapointed. I also have the Tamron 70/300 and for the money I would not complain with the results. One Pentax lens I realy want is the 50mm 1.4 which along with a flash unit will be my next two purchaces.

Ah, but you weren't asking what we'd buy with a limited budget...

With this criteria, you're going to get wishlists, not "Oh dear, there's a credit crunch on, best make do with a £90 Tamron" list. The Tamron's undoubtedly great for the money, but put it next to the DA*300mm and there'd be no contest.

Dan

Pentax 15mm f4 (New)
Pentax 31mm ltd f1.8
Pentax 50mm f1.4
Pentax 77mm f1.8
Pentax 100mm Macro f2.8
Pentax 300mm f4

Pentax DA 10-17mm
Pentax DA12-24mm
Pentax DA*16-50mm
Pentax DA*60-250mm

I think thats it. and i'm on the way!!!!

15mm ltd f4 (very interested!)
21mm ltd f3.2 (just got! )
31mm ltd 1.8 (have)
77mm ltd 1.8 (have)
100mm Macro f2.8 (probably the longest I will want)

...and I'm leaving a hole in the 40-58 range for now until I find out how that DA*55 stacks up! I have a M 50 1.7, and I tried out a Voigtlander Nokton 58 1.4 on the weekend and it was beautiful but manual only. I may get that and a split focus screen instead

Ok Dan fare point but lets look at say the sigma 10/20 and the pentax 10/17 lenses of similar focal lenghts and prices does pentax still have the edge then.
Ian