SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM

Bought from the originator of this thread (HarisF1). Cracking lens, sharp (once AF fine adjusted), good contrast and with wonderful colour rendition. Early examples of JPEGs straight from the camera. Those of the bursting sweet chestnut buds photographed against the sky cropped but otherwise unedited. That of my youngest cropped following modest noise reduction, global/selective levels and curves adjustments and the merest hint of added sharpening to the subjects face.

Despite having three different tripods, two monopods and a variety of heads, including a LensMaster Gimbal RH-2, I've struggled to get the best from my long lenses (Sigma 100-300 f4 +/- 1,4x Ex DG TC and a recently acquired Pentax-A 400mm f/5.6) in the field, due either to poor technique (monopods) or my increasing reluctance to set forth encumbered by the dead weight of any of combination of tripod and full gimbal head. Recently, however, I think I may have found a solution in the form of a Three Legged Thing Punks Trent Monopod and DOCZ2 Foot Stabiliser Kit link in combination with a LensMaster RH-M1 Monopod Gimbal Head link:

In practice, and despite relatively few opportunities for use due to current restrictions on movement, the combination has proved a revelation, as I hope is shown by the following two images, both of which were captured using LennyBlokes 'old' SMC Pentax-A 400mm f/5.6 (a veritable bargain; thanks John



K3; 1/200 sec at f/8, ISO 1600



K3; 1/200 sec at f/11, ISO 800

Note that both images are 'in camera' JPEGs, rather than those produced from editing the original RAW file, which I prefer, with minimal levels/curves adjustment and noise reduction and no additional sharpening. The extent of cropping of the original can be appreciated by comparison with the actual image, which has been reproduced at 10% of the normal file size.

Portability, even with the camera and lens attached is excellent, allowing for a far greater flexibility in the field. The DOCZ2 Foot Stabiliser is available separately and so could be used with any monopod pre-equipped with a threaded base or to which one has been added, something I plan to do with my Manfrotto CF monopod at some point soon.

I see what you mean, but Harrison Cameras are a long established, reputable family business and it does come with a 12 month warranty. Were it not for the fact that I already possess a copy of this excellent lens, I would have bought it without hesitation.

Each to his or her own, however

link

Go fetch

An example illustrating what I find so appealing about the K-series 55mm f/1.8 - absolute resolution and contrast may be lacking when compared to more recent Pentax 50-55mm lenses, but, IMHO, the manner in which it renders it colours, edges and out of focus backgrounds when used towards its maximum aperture more than makes up for this.

Yay, me like! More importantly, it made me smile

BW

Jon

The asking price is, IMO, too high to be tempting, Gareth, unless one is talking 'must have' and 'have been looking for ages'. The 20mm you are quietly lusting after, for example, is available new from another seller for less than the asking price of the used copy (£345 inc p&p new vs £385 inc p&p used; link)

Disclaimer: the author of this post is not liable, morally, legally or financially, should the initiator of this thread succumb to LBA and purchase the new copy of the aforementioned lens

Jon

I have accumulated a number of Pentax primes with focal lengths between 50 and 55mm. All have their virtues, and vices, but that with the most distinctive and pleasing character, particularly, to my eyes and at apertures of f/4 and below, is the K-series 55mm f/1.8

£180.00 including 6-month warranty.

link 🤯

Hi Haris

DA 50-135mm arrived safely today in good order👋.

Looking forward to learning to get the best out of it over the coming months 😋.

A pleasure to have bought from you.

Jon 😉