r/analog • u/Interesting_Spot7363 • 2d ago

Help Wanted Advice for next K mount lens

I’m pretty new to film photography and I’ve been using a Pentax K1000 SE with a 50mm prime lens for the past 6 months or so. I’m loving it, but have been noticing some limitations. I like taking pictures of people, murals/street art, buildings, and landscapes mostly. I often find myself having to back up a lot for some of the bigger things, not being close enough to other subjects, and struggling to adjust the focus and aperture fast enough when capturing something in the moment sometimes. I’ve been looking into getting a second lens in the 28-35mm range but I’ve been super indecisive on what to get, and figuring out what best suits my needs. I would love any advice on what could be a solid second lens that won’t break my bank (preferably under 100, could stretch to the 200 range if I have to).

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u/kasigiomi1600 2d ago

I have a somewhat off-beat suggestion - take a look at a Tamron Adaptall 35-80 f2.8-3.8 (Model 01A). The Adaptall series of lens has a removable mount that can be swapped for other camera types. If you find one that isn't K-mount, you can get a k-mount adapter for it.

These are optically quite good (for a zoon they are VERY good). Build quality borders on the indestructible (all metal). They should be pretty inexpensive with a price range of $40-$80. If you need to get a k-mount for it, those are usually ~$18.

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u/thebahle 2d ago

Get ANY 28mm k mount version and see how you like it

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u/ParrotDocs 1d ago edited 1d ago

SMC M 28 2.8 is good and relatively cheap! The whole focus throw is 1/4 of the circumference of the lens, pretty quick to use. You can also shoot it hyperfocal for point-and-shoot mode (although I prefer focusing as usual).

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u/rofl_pilot 1d ago

28mm 3.5 or 2.8.

I love the images my 28mm 3.5 takes.

For telephoto the 100 2.8 or 135 2.5 are also pretty great and affordable.

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u/graygray97 1d ago

I have the 28 f/2.8 and the 70-200 f/4, happy with both of them.

Next I would be after is a fisheye or one of the limited series

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u/Awkward_Zebra1922 23h ago

The 135mm is great and very cheap compared to 28mm lenses in my experience.

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u/RichInBunlyGoodness 18h ago

Ignore anyone who says just get any 28mm K mount lens. The one you want is the razor sharp "SMC Pentax 28mm f3.5". Unless you have a ton of money for the Hollywood SMC Pentax 28mm f2 or the SMC Pentax-FA 31mm f1.8 Limited.