Rob Geraghty wrote:
>
> OK, maybe not the very best because I doubt I can afford them. But I would
> like to get one or two *better* lenses for my MZ5 (ZX5 to those of you in
> the USA). I've noticed there's a significant difference in sharpness
> between the Sigma f3.5-5.6 28-80 FA zoom and the old Chinon f1.9 50mm K
> mount lens (circa 1981). The 50mm is much sharper, although it has some
> chromatic aberration which is disappointing - but then it's a cheap lens.
> It's frustrating to buy an expensive film like Fuji Provia 100F and not get
> the most out of it.
Expense is all relative... The most expensive lens that Pentax makes in
the "normal" range is around $500, which I consider pretty cheap for its
performance. Compare it to a current Leica 50mm (that's what I shoot
with primarily) and its a veritable bargain!
>
> I've been trying to figure out what the sharpest lens might be that I'd get
> the most use out of. The Pentax 50mm lenses get a very good rating at
> www.photodo.com, and it's a useful general purpose focal length. I'm think
> that perhaps two lenses might be better - one for portraiture around 100mm
> and another for landscapes around 28mm. My original idea was to get a
> 17-35mm zoom two go with the two existing zooms (28-80 and 70-300) to cover
> the most focal lengths with the fewest lenses, but sharpness has become an
> issue. I've really noticed the difference between lenses when scanning the
> film at 2700dpi.
>
> So far, the Pentax f3.5 100mm lens and the Pentax f1.7 50mm lenses look like
> good value. Maybe for wide angle, the Pentax f2.8 28mm or f2 24mm?
Can't help with the wide angle stuff, though I've heard great things
about the current 35mm f2 and the 31mm. I personally favor the 50mm f1.4
myself, but there is rarely any sense made on this list when it comes to
the 50mm f1.7 vs 1.4 issue (I know I don't make much sense!). There are
some great short telephotos available. The 85mm lenses in general have
always been one of Pentax's strong points, and the current one is
apparently made specifically for portraiture. The 77mm is getting rave
reviews as well. The 100mm macro lenses are always a good bet, although
try and get the 100mm f2.8, the 3.5 is not nearly as nice a lens in many
regards. Pentax has also made many nice 135mm lenses, the current one is
supposed to be a real joy... So many lenses, so little time (or money)!
Isaac
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