Thanks for your thoughts guys

I wasn't really having too many problems justifying the lenses I have bought/dreaming about - I was just interested in the rationale behind the purchasing of a lens with such a high price tag.

My wife would be happy for me to spend 1000GBP on a lens if I wanted it - I just don't know if I do - I know I would like it, but parting with that sum of cash sharpens the focus (pardon the pun!)

My second hobby is cycling, I am toying with the idea of getting a better bike and I have the same problem there too! The amount I would comfortably spend on a new bike, some people would spend on a pair of wheels!

The end result is I can't justify the 55mm F1.4 but I will order the 50mm 1.4 in the morning from SRS

and the 300mm F4......I might have to wait for that safari holiday we keep promising!

Thanks Again

Simon

You all talk enormous sense!

What started me along this train of thought was your recomendations for 50mm lenses back in August - I bought the F1.7 "A" which I have to say was dream to use and made the rest of my lenses feel cheap - I tried to use it for as many of my shots as possible!

I did a side by side comparison with the DA 18-55 kit lens that came with the camera (which had done nothing but impress me!)and the difference in colour, contrast and level of detail was very noticeable.

I wondered if I spent 350GBP on a DA* 55mm over 150GBP for the FA 55mm would I feel that level of difference?

Oh, and don't get me wrong - my wife is very encouraging of my hobby (the amount of time she has spent on holidays, holding camera bags and tripods!) but she makes decisions like these based on cold hard facts - unlike me!!

Thanks for your thoughts, Simon

Can “amateurs” justify “Professional” quality lenses?

I am looking to update my lens collection to make the most of my K10D, the latest offerings from Pentax look simply Awesome the Pentax DA* 300mm F4 & Pentax smc DA* 55mm F1.4 are very tempting, to say the least.

I would describe myself as a “Keen amateur” taking portraits, wildlife and landscape – but essentially its a hobby. I am assuming that this is quite common, if so – can we justify almost a thousand pounds for a lens.

My heart says yes but my head/wife says no, what do you think?

Thanks Simon

"it took only 3 days" - ONLY! I struggle to find 3 spare minutes!! I thought that it would be repairable, but its a good excuse to buy another lens!!

Sadly the aperture is stuck between F1.7 & F11 - it won't go any where near A - D'oh (I was fiddling with it when it packed up!)

Whilst we are kind of on the subject, taking in to account that the Pentax smc DA* 55mm F1.4 is likely to cost at least twice that of the Pentax 50mm F1.4 will it have at least twice the perfomance?

Thanks Simon

Hi there,

I am afraid that I can't offer the wealth of information some of the veterans on here can but I can point you in the direction of some good information link

If you note that one of the responses warned me of the possible failure of the aperture mechanism on the SMC Pentax A F1.7 - It only went and failed today! I am about to place an order at SRS for Pentax 50mm F1.4.

Using the SMC Pentax A F1.7 was a great experience, I had some lovely results - if you can find a nice one - go for it you won't be disappointed!

Hope it helps

Simon

Thanks ChrisA, that makes sense!

Although I use the camera on manual mode, I rely on the light meter within the camera (I do have a hand held light meter - not a very good one though!) So a M lens sounds like it will cause me problems!

Thanks for all your help, I will let all you know how I get on with some images from my forthcoming holiday!

Cheers all

Simon

Thanks for your advice, it is very appreciated - It was my intention from the start to go for a newer lens - but I had read favourable things about older lenses.

I am not the most experienced Pentax user around, so could you explain to me why a M series lens wouldn't be advisable? I have read that they fit my cameras (link) but are there some performance issues?

Thanks Again

Simon

Sorry for my lack of info, I got a bit carried away!

Primarily the lens will be used on K10D, but if I could use it on ether of my Manuals SLR's (MZ-7 & K1000) it would be nice!

Thanks for your rapid responses - there is plenty of reading to be done!

Hi all, I'm new here (please be gentle!)

I am looking for a lens that will allow me to take some nice portrait shots indoors with relying on the flash so much and a fast 50mm lens seems at first to be a sensible option, is it?

There is a choice of course..

M 50MM F1.4 - £50 Used
M 50MM F1.2 - £?? Used
M 50MM F1.7 - £30 Used
FA 50MM F1.4 Lens - £150 New (SRS)

Is it simple as that or am I barking up the wrong tree all together?

Any advice will be appreciated

Simon