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Hi

Any thoughts on the Pentax 50mm f/1.4 v Pentax 16-45mm f/4 as a walk around lens for my first DSLR.

Thanks

I have the 50mm F1.4 ... Excellent lens
I havent been inspired to get the 16-45 F4. I was offered one 2nd hand in Adelaide 2 weeks ago at a good price and condition, but I just didnt want it. I'll hang out and buy the new DA*16-50mm when I can aford it. No contest for me, but you have to decide what you want, a good quality zoom or a top quality prime. PS the 50 F1.4 is now out of production and word is that the stocks are starting to dry up

The 50mm Lens is a little bit long for a general walk around lens on a DSLR, equivalent focal length is 70mm.

You will find that its practical to have a lens starting at the 16 - 18 mm lower end for your requirement.
My AF lens is the Pentax FAJ 18 -35 - this is a little restrictive for walk around - too short at the top end.
The Stigma kit standard lenses are only so - so compared to the better quality real Pentax stuff.

If you are inclined to or like to self steer the focus (manual focus) the are some excellent Pentax SMC 'A' lens that can be had for very little money.
Pentax SMC A50mm F1.7 is as good as the F1.4. There is an excellent little manual focus Pentax A35 - 70 constant F4 lens which I use as my walk around.
These lenses can be had for between $ 30.00 and $ 80.00 - just a matter of waiting.

If you already have some old Pentax or other K mount lenses these can be used on your Pentax DSLR, even the M42 screw mount lenses can be metered and used ( with an adaptor).

the DA*16-50/2.8 is a beauty and being weather resistant is a definate advantage. goes well with the DA*50-135

i have quite a few 50's but i prefer the FA43/1.9 more.

my most used lens is the DA12-24/4 but you need a 16-50 to match with it so there is a lot of overlap. ... couldn't imagine doing with out it though.

There's a lengthy thread on Petnaxforums, owners are reporting QC problems with the new Pentax 16-50mm f/2.8.
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pent ... abase.html

It'sbetter to wait a little bit until QC is sorted out with this lens. Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 could be a good substitute

Thanks joey.

I'm using the 18-55 kit lens to get to know the camera foibles and have aquired an 'M' series 50mm f/1.7 which I am very impressed with.

trublubiker