Pentax FA* 24mm F/2 on my Pentax K-1 - My Dream Lens and Why I'm Selling It - Shoot What You Love

[@justinweier4099]

I've only spent a couple days with this lens after chasing a decent copy within my budget for years. I haven't noticed sharpness as being an issue, but my use case is quite different. That being landscapes. For wide angle portraiture I love the SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art on the K1. Though the Pentax HD FA 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW is my primary lens on that camera. I love the "Pixie Dust" this lens provides for landscapes. The color rendition, and depth of field are awesome. I watched this video shortly after you posted it, and appreciate your observations. I think part of why I like it so much so far was having a clear understanding of it's capabilities before buying it. Keep up the great work!

[@lyftbu983]

Absolutely love the intro with your three cups.

[@mitchkeller]

The one lens that I’d have to say is in my forever collection is the HD DA 20-40mm Ltd. On APS-C, it covers the focal lengths I use the most, and I don’t mind that it’s f/4 at 40mm. The size, focusing, and sharpness just make me happy. Also, it feels so good in my hand.

[@snappiness]

That guy seems to be a fan favorite. I think most people who have shot with it want to keep it forever. I haven't kept too close an eye to it because it always seemed like a strange focal range for a zoom once you add the crop, but I think I could be missing out on a good one ;)

[@dragangrasic1328]

Brilliant video and great photos! I'm on APS-C Pentax and FujiFilm, my Pentax lens keepers are the five DA Limited series primes. The DA35 Macro and the DA40 may render each other redundant but each of them has its own character. Both are worth to be in your bag. DA15 is a gem and DA21 is also a great and versatile lens. Last but not least the DA70 is probably the best supercompact APS-C short telephoto ever made.

[@snappiness]

Thanks! That sounds like a killer setup - those DA limiteds are on my list try eventually, as time and means permit. The quality in such a small package is very appealing. I've even heard the 40 and the 70 work decently on fullframe, which would be a fun test to do when I get my hands on one. Thanks for commenting!

[@FreedomToRoam86]

Gotta say I agree with you about the sharpness, looking at your pics. This was a great review, showing the strengths and weaknesses of the glass. Thanks!

[@christopherward5065]

I have the 24mm f2.8 and recently sold on a 24mm f3.5. Both are great pictorialist lenses. Not obviously sharp but very tonal. The lack of contrast makes the images very malleable in light room. They hold detail in shadows and highlights better. The tone curve work you do is where the magic lives. The images have that elusive 3D plasticity that very contrasty lenses lack. It is hard to get critical focus because the lenses are ver tonal but, when you do there is a lot of great image making potential.

[@karllindorff2540]

I finally went minimalistic getting rid of all my zooms going with the FA43, FA77 and the FA31. These are stunning on the K-1 as well as the PZ-1p for film. Shooting your kids ... the FA31 has your name written all over it! It has the quickest autofocus of the three. All have that “something special” you have already experienced with the FA43. Actually I did keep the D FA 28-105 for when I need dead silent autofocus. The IQ of that lens is surprising. I also bought the new D FA 50 f1.4 just so I can blow away my buddies using their N/C/S gear, but I find myself reaching for theFA43 way more often. I have been shooting Pentax since 1976 and have owned something out of every camera and lens series, and I am down to the two cameras and these five lenses. The new D FA 21 may be of interest, but it may have the same new magnetic aperture control as the D FA50 which doesn’t work on the old bodies.

[@snappiness]

Oh, I didn’t even consider that about the new dfa 21mm. I sure hope it using manual aperture that works on film bodies. I’ve thought a lot about selling everything else and jumping to the trio. Haven’t but the bullet yet as there’s a few other prime alternatives I’m trying first. Mostly to try to save cost. But that’s the direction I’m headed. I will at least try the 31 and 77 one day after such a positive experience with my 43mm.

[@mursejoyy]

@@snappiness I have been using the 77 for portraits for awhile now, and my goodness does it deliver. makes me want to pickup the 43 for my street/walk around lens as the 77 is a bit tight in some circumstances downtown. Great channel, even better opinions and storytelling.

[@snappiness]

@@mursejoyy thank Dillon. :) Always good to hear more good things about the 77. One day!

[@js2765]

I find it strange how most people judge a lens like this mostly on the factor of what they consider to be 'sharpness'. These lenses were not designed to be sharp wide open. This can be perfected by shooting at f5.6-f8. This is lens is incredible and quite fast in low light, making it purpose built for shooting indoors. I feel you have not really made the most of the lenses capability. Especially on the K1, which is where this lenses potential really pays off. If you are shooting young children, sharpness is ALWAYS going to be an issue unless you compensate for it. I feel it is also important to not that this is not a portrait lens either. You don't need a tripod to make this lens Tac sharp unless you are doing night photography outdoors. I would like to see you review the FA* 200mm F2 telephoto lens which was part of this series.

[@johnanderson3047]

I have the 18-135 and It has never really let me down. I bought it used couldn’t,t be happier.

[@snappiness]

I love that lens! It was my first upgraded lens on the Pentax system and served me well for many years and many different purposes.

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

Oh yes the 18-135 is beautiful.

[@1000brink]

Thank you for this video and your thoughts! The fa* 24 is an interesting lens. I use it, like you for mostly family portraits, and it's really good at it. But not exceptional like all the fa limiteds ( imho). If you are keen on a 24mm and have auto focus you can try to find the Sigma 24 1.8, also a fullframe lens. Thanks again for your videos.

[@snappiness]

Yes, I think for the family portraits it really shines. Some of my favorites from this lens from other photographers have been family portrait stuff. If I wasn't so set on not collecting too much gear, I'd probably keep it around for special occasions when I want to get that 24mm look. Glad it's working well for you. Thanks for the tip about the sigma 24mm 1.8! I'll look it up :)

[@drrrw]

I recently been handed a pentax mz-3 with the 85mm 1.4 fa if. Same lens era as yours but I earger await my adapter to test after my rigorous fungus cleaning. Hope it goes well. And with the design of the lens, since it is a hybrid of manual and somewhat auto. It feels better than the Nikkor D lenses.

[@redheart6995]

Being a fast 24mm, it can never replace a lightweight landscape you enjoy taking on a hike, but as a portrait lens for original framing it is unbeatable

[@snappiness]

It's not too big and heavy, but I do totally agree with what you're saying. I still haven't sold it yet, so there's a part of me that just wants to keep it as a special treat to get out every now and then... but I just prefer to keep my collection small and well used.

[@poppincam]

Great review. . I cannot let go of the Zeiss planar 85mm 1.4 - soft wide open but sharp stopped down to f/2 I also own Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2 - apparently the best lens made. I do like the sound of the new 21mm limited lens .. I really want that to complete my lens set up. Maybe 100mm f/2 zk for Pentax. Can't find it

[@paulashcroft556]

Excellent video, smashing photos. You guarantee good viewing!

[@snappiness]

Very kind of you!

[@leehaze1]

Nice vid as usual. I always liked the Sigma primes on the K-1 if you can find them. All are f/1.8 20mm my fav, 24mm or 28mm. Keep up the good work.

[@snappiness]

Thanks as always! A few others have pointed those out to me, I will definitely be keeping an eye out now. Had no idea they were FF, just assumed they were making the newer ones for aps-c, but now that I'm looking at it, I think that the majority are FF. That newer 24mm one and the 28mm look very appealing... Oh the LBA never ends lol.

[@thexvisualx]

one of the lens that I’d have to say is in my forever collection is the Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro love it on my k3

[@cooolpotato]

My lens collection is small and sweet! No commentary needed as I know you are plenty familiar with the entire gang: SMC Pentax-M 50mm F1.7 SMC Pentax-M 28mm F2.8 Zenit MC-Helios 44K4 58mm F2 I also have an SMC Pentax-A Zoom 35mm-70mm F4 that is on probation atm - but I have a good feeling about it!

[@snappiness]

I like that collection. I have an M 35-70 2.8-3.5 I'm shooting right now. It's quirky but surprisingly good in some ways. Not sure how it compares to yours. Thanks for sharing!

[@timstevens5178]

limited editing, what a concept !!! Love that

[@snappiness]

Haha, I don't take a stand in the debate of post-processing and how much is too much, but as for my workflow it's minimal to save time and I just like the look. Unless it's astrophotography. Then it's a ton. :)

[@faiosung]

i owned the 31 ltd and the focal length is too near to the 43 so i am going to give this 24 a try. hoping has soft edges like the 43

[@Durio_zibethinus]

Underrated, you have a keen eye, and make our wallet keeps healthy. Beautiful composition and tone btw..

[@snappiness]

You are so kind! thanks!

[@Durio_zibethinus]

@@snappiness my pleasure

[@klechu13]

Great video and pictures! My forever-keepers are the DA21 and the A-series 70/210/4. The latter one has a macro option which is very useful at times. Additionally, it is fully usable at f/4. Another one would be F-50/1.4 - great lens, I cannot imagine I'd part with it.

[@snappiness]

That sounds like a really nice kit! The 21mm looks so fun, and that's good to know about the 70/210 A. Out of all my vintage lenses, I don't think I've ever owned an A series lens. I owned the FA 50 1.4 and loved it on my k1, but not as much on aps-c. I only sold it because of getting my 43mm, but I think a good argument could be made that the 50mm is just as wonderful, and half the cost used. Thanks for sharing.

[@klechu13]

@@snappiness Well, I've got the F 50/1.4 and it's a lovely lens - I guess it's very similar in performance to the FA version, though the focal length is a bit less versatile on the apsc (my case), as you've noted. And speaking of the A-series lenses - they make a nice bridge between the manual and more modern era - the A setting really makes your life easy.

[@TheJojs]

I have the lens. In my experience it seems like a digital camera have trouble measuring light correctly with this one. As if the contrast at hight light throws the metering off and overexposes. I bought it for the same reason, family moments and gatherings. I always dial in around -1 exposure compensation. That way you get your contrast and colors back

[@snappiness]

Interesting observation! I think it's perfect for that family stuff. Really nice character and focal length. What camera are you using it on?

[@TheJojs]

@@snappiness on a K3

[@nocturnal1970]

If you had a Pentax MX or ME Super you would absolutely love looking through the big view finders with this fast 24mm * lens. You just don't get this pleasure with MILC, MILC is more like using a computer! 😎

[@listerdave1240]

He's using a K1 unless I misunderstood something, which is a full frame DSLR. You're probably mistaking it for the K-01 which I believe is the only MILC with a K-mount ever made. The K1 also has a big bright viewfinder that I find very similar to what one would find on film cameras, or at least my memory of such cameras.

[@nocturnal1970]

@@listerdave1240 ??? Never mentioned K-1 or K01. Moi being mistaken? Moi being mistaking a K-1 and K01 which I hadn't mentioned regardless? Anyway seeing as we are here the K-1 OVF doesn't come close to an MX or ME Super OVF. 😎

[@snappiness]

Haha, I think I got you nocturnal, because of the viewfinder difference. I used to have an ME, which is close but not quite to the ME Super, and then not the MX (probably the next film camera I will buy). I'll be honest, I don't really know a lot about magnification and coverage numbers and what they mean exactly, so it's hard to imagine on cameras I don't own. But I have seen the difference. I think the K1's is pretty good though. Never bothers me.

[@kalinmir]

this reminds me that I look for "sharpness" score in lenses (on the pentax forums) and yet my most used lens (outside telephoto for critters) is Helios 40, which I'm happy to shoot wide open with landscape type shots with all the coma and nuclear flares in the world 😅

[@domtomazo]

Great honest review, and impressed that you are able to do what most of us only do in our head - that is to keep the set limited. For sure I have a go-to set for travel etc, but a lot of gear that probably should be sold... :)

[@snappiness]

I hope I didn't come off bashing the lens. I really do think it's a fine lens, but felt it wouldn't be honest not to mention why I wasn't gonna keep it. Could be helpful to someone else. And I have gotten fairly good at selling things and letting go, though it's taken a lot of work. It's the immediately turning around and buying more stuff that I haven't solved yet 🤣

[@kiwijonowilson]

Thanks for posting - very interesting as its a lens I have often considered but never pulled the trigger on (in any case getting hold of a good copy - let alone at a good price, is challenging in my part of the world). I suspect I would feel the same way as you if I owned one. Like you, I really like the FA 43 limited as its a good performer, so small and is a very useful focal length. I also love the FA 31 limited - I don't use it quite as much as the 43 but for both wide landscapes and those close in shots it really delivers (especially the bokeh when close in). I also have the FA 77 limited, and its great, but I need 77mm less frequently that other focal lengths (for portraits though its impressive). My main hole at the moment is around 20 - 24mm. I do have a Sigma EX 20mm f1.8 (which I got second hand quite cheaply) but its performance is a bit patchy (its a little decentered and AF a little inconsistent) and also its a bigger lens that I like to carry, so not in my bag that often. On the other hand I do like the focal length - will be really interested to hear what the new DFA21 is like!

[@snappiness]

Yes, I am very intrigued by the 21 FA limited. I think for the time being I will fill this wider focal length with a more affordable manual focus lens until I can find a keeper worth the extra cost for me. I keep flip flopping about the 31mm as well, so we'll see. Most people I talked to that own or have owned the FA* 24mm had a similar experience to mine, which is why I hesitated so long to go for it. In the end I went for it because I wanted to end the conflict in my brain once and for all 😂 When I was researching the 43mm I felt that a lot of people also dismissed it, but I had such a positive experience with mine I thought maybe the 24mm would be the same way. Like I said in the video, I don't think the FA* 24mm is a poor lens at all, just didn't grab me like other lenses have. And felt like I had to share that, instead of just praising it's strengths, though it has many.

[@n1ghtblur]

I'm making the jump from a K5 with DA 35/2.8 macro limited... To a K1. So far I've managed to get a FA 50/1.4 and FA 28/2.8 for $240 total. Think they'll be good to have.

[@snappiness]

Good price for the two. Should be good. I really liked my FA 50 1.4 (sold after I got my 43mm). A little soft wide open but lovely for portraits. Stopped down it's nice as expected. I haven't used the FA28mm but I have the F28mm now and it is incredibly sharp! And close focusing for some really nice shots. So I think the FA version will be lovely as well.

[@letch1529]

Great vid. Shared to the FB group Pentaxians United.

[@snappiness]

Thanks! I should join this FB group, unless it's private. I don't use FB much but it would be fun to see more people's photos. :)

[@beadierps14]

I like your low contrast approach :)

[@snappiness]

Thanks!

[@brianmccutcheon3205]

Thank you for your channel. I do find it hard to say goodbye to my lens, and know some I should but just can't do it. I know I'm weak lol: All the best

[@l.nauwelaerts195]

Nice review. What camera do you use for filming these great videos?

[@snappiness]

Either my Pentax K-1 or K-3 :)

[@nicklatheron8795]

I have the Samyang (Rokinon) 24mm f1.4 and love it, stil tempted by the FA

[@k6iii842]

Did you micro adjust the AF? Had to do quite a bit of adjustment on mine to get it sharp, but when I did it was as good as my FA31 from F2.5 onwards (in the center).

[@snappiness]

Yes, I can't remember the exact number on my K-1, but something like +7 or so. I'm not clinical with these things, so my experience is purely subjective, but I'm glad yours is performing well for you! It did get quite a bit sharper stopped down, but nothing that excited me for landscape. I wouldn't be surprised if it was just me though ;) I've thought about the 31mm as well, since it is a similar wide-angle fast lens. Thought I would try this guy first because it is quite a bit cheaper and I wanted the wider focal length. Curious if you have more thoughts from your experience using both. Thanks for commenting. 👍

[@mythbuster860]

In my case even manual focusing with focus peaking doesn't produce sharp results. Lens is soft wide open. F/2.8 is better but only in the center. D-FA 24-70mm f/2.8 is sharper wide open at the corners.

[@k6iii842]

@@snappiness Stopped-down for landscape, I prefer my Sigma 17-35 (77mm filter thread) to the FA*. Very flare resistant and closer focusing to boot, and on the same or better sharpness from F8 onwards. I'd love to try the FA 20-35 for landscape as well. Between the 24 and 31, somehow I find that I prefer images from the 24, but the 31 feels nicer in-hand. Like you, I really like my 43mm, but I'm starting to like my 50mm Sigma 2.8 Macro even more due to the close focusing, better sharpness, and surprisingly faster focusing. Rumor has it that the Pentax D-FA 50 2.8 Macro is one of the sharpest lenses ever made My favorite combo for people photos these days is the 24 FA*, 50 Macro, and 100 Macro. For landscape, zooms tend to be the way to go....the 28-105 not being a bad weather-sealed all-rounder if 28 is wide enough for you.

[@snappiness]

@@k6iii842 this is really good info, thanks. I have dismissed the 28-105 so many times but really need to take a closer look. It gets rave reviews for being a solid performer, practical, well-rounded lens. These last few years I haven't had as much time for my main love of landscape photography, but back then I was very content with my 18-135 on my k3. And yes about the not so close focusing on the 43mm! That is the only thing that consistently messes me up. I will often frame closer than it can focus. It hasn't been a deal breaker for me though, considering all the other things I like about the lens and how well it works out for me. I have it on my Pentax P30T right now shooting some rolls of film and loving the results :)

[@kiwijonowilson]

@@snappiness Just another quick comment, I have found the DFA 28-105, is a very good lens for the money. Sure its not fast but then it has good IQ, reasonably light and compact. While I still prefer primes, the 28-105 is my go to when in bad weather, dirty environments (like the beach) and when traveling very light with my K-1 (although even then I usually sneak the FA 43 in too).

[@class_a]

In my view the FA* 24/2 is one of the most overrated Pentax lenses. Pentax produced some real gems, but the FA* 24/2 is not one of them, in my view. It has been recommended to me many time and I believe that was due the contrast it could deliver on film. All copies I've tried looked pretty much awful with wide apertures especially near highlights. There is a general blurriness and fringing can also be observed. I furthermore think the bokeh this lens produces is anything but aesthetic or artistic. So it's a hard "no" from me for the FA* 24/2. One of my "forever lenses" is the FA 31/1.8 LTD. There are a number of bad copies going around (the internal barrel construction can develop play and then the lens elements don't align anymore as they should, depending on orientation) but a good copy can deliver awesome results. I also like the FA 43/1.9 LTD a lot, despite its weaknesses near wide open.

[@davidlewis1787]

Do you have the da 35 and 50 plastic fantastics? Surprisingly sharp and contrasty and cheap

[@snappiness]

I don’t own either, but that’s what I’ve heard! I am especially interested in trying the 35mm because people say it works pretty well on FF. John Bradford has a video about it here on YT.

[@davidlewis1787]

@@snappiness I completely recommend the 35 it’s a cracking little street lens

[@snappiness]

For $80 or whatever used it’s sure to find it’s way into my hands eventually haha.

[@luzr6613]

Break-up stories always make me cry....

[@punkrachmaninoff]

if i had a full frame body then maybe i would enjoy my pentax-m 24mm f2.8, it doesn't get as much use as my M series 28/2.0 or 28/2.8...

[@snappiness]

I bought the M 28mm/2.8 about a month ago for $20 and have been using it on my K-1. It is really, really nice. Makes me question why I buy all of these expensive lenses 😂 The 24mm/2.8 and 28mm/2 sound great! That 28mm/2 is quite rare!

[@mythbuster860]

No you won't for 2 reasons: there is no Pentax-m 24mm f/2.8 and all those vintage 24mm lens are not sharp at all on Pentax K-1 full frame sensor. First 24mm I've got for my K-1 was actially Pentax-F 24-50mm f/4 zoom. I made mistake that I wasn't satisfied with lens sharpness wide open, despite that lens is decently sharp at f/5.6 and at f/8 it is sharp in corners. I tried to find something better by purchasing and selling every single Pentax 24mm prime and only Pentax FA*24mm f/2 was a little bit sharper than F24-50mm. Every other pentax 24mm lens I tried wasn't sharp at corners even stopped down to f/11. I am talking about Pentax-K 24mm f/2.8, Pentax-K 24mm f/3.5, Pentax-A 24mm f/2.8. At the end I sold them all and I have only that F24-50mm zoom. Btw regarding just sharpness D-FA 24-70mm is the best "Pentax" 24mm lens. I used that lens also but it wasn't mine and I don't like it in general. I don't have an idea why Pentax vintage 24mm lens are not sharp. They made a lot of sharp 28, 35 and 50mm primes so there is no logical reason for all 24mm Pentax primes to be that soft. Pentax-M 28mm f/2 is another story, on K-1 lens is very sharp already wide open. I have A version which is the same optics in a different body and that is my best wide angle vintage lens made by Pentax.

[@anbar5675]

@@mythbuster860, I agree totally. Being a Pentax system owner since 1985, I must admit that never liked their 24mm lenses. At the end, the only 24mm that survived in my shelves, is the 24-50mm A series zoom.

[@ElevenTwentyThreePostMeridiem]

My forever lens is the Pentax 67 105mm f/2.4 its the fastest lens of the 67 lineup. the images I get from that lens always stun me with both their sharpness and bokeh(and equivalent f/1.2), but just its character and its rendition of subjects. The main problem i have with it is that there is no digital sensor big enough to utilize its full image circle, but who cares i love film even if it would be nice to have a 67 digital.

[@snappiness]

That 105 lens is legendary, and I hear about it a lot. Awesome to know you're shooting with it and getting great results 👍

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

Have you shot any of the FA Limited lenses? They're brilliant on film obviously but they're excellent on digital as well, as long as you correct for fringing.

[@snappiness]

Big fan of the 43mm I own, but I haven't tried the others yet. I am eying them all the time :)

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

@@snappiness the 43 is beautiful. I got the 31 last year and love it as well. Can't justify the 77 right now though.

[@snappiness]

@@RoastBeefSandwich I can't justify either yet, but I'll snag either the 77 or 31 this coming year I am pretty sure.

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

@@snappiness I'm sure you'll love it. The 31 is a great focal length since it seems like you tend to like a wider field of view like me. It's good and wide but not so wide that it's starting to get really distorted.

[@Stop_Elitists_Wars]

Distortion much of an issue ?

[@joespag26]

The 31mm Limited is my Keeper Lens !

[@snappiness]

I have a feeling it could be mine as well! Contemplating taking the plunge to find out, but kinda want to wait a year or two and see what the 21mm FA limited brings.

[@pedrodionisio2667]

@@snappiness I shoot 99% limiteds on APC. You should keep both the 21 and the 31.In great conditions Fa Limiteds have more character and are "The Joy While Photographing". The DA Limiteds (Green) are lighter, smaller and better controling CA and PF. Da 15 - Close focus and great for blue sky DA 21 - The lens that always has a story to tell (My most used Da) DA 35 - Slow focus (Macro), #1 lens for outumn nature shots DA 40 - Fast focus, nice colours, very useful DA 70 - landscapes and Stealth street shots DA 100wr - The lens that someone forgot to name Limited FA 31 - Eye catching fotos all the time FA 43 - The hardest lens to learn how use, 3D Pop, intimate, #1 lens to shoot kids DA 77 - Perfect for portrait Now Pentax has to make a digital pk mout camera in a Spotmatic body!

[@snappiness]

Man, if Pentax made a Spotmatic looking body, sort of like a Nikon DF or some of the Fujifilm or Olympus digital aesthetics and controls, I would be all over that! I'm excited to try more limited lenses soon!

[@sound-flies]

Bought it for a mz-s but that one broke before I ever used it:( than I finally started using it on the KP which is awesome and now I am looking for a second hand k1:) My lens line up is: 17mm F4 Pentax 28 mm Leica R (leitax) 50 mm Leica R (leitax) 50 mm Zeiss PK And 20 to 40 limited zoom

[@sound-flies]

What is your current lens line up ?

[@snappiness]

Funny you should ask - I am currently in my studio (closet, studio sounds fancier) working on a video about my lens lineup. Because it is weird. And I don't know how I got here. 10 lenses. All primes. Vintage and modern. Some huge gaps in focal lengths.

[@sound-flies]

@@snappiness looking forward to hearing from you my current favourite is Pentax 17 mm f4 original vintage:)

[@snappiness]

@@sound-flies Woah - very unique! I don't think I've ever even seen that lens pop up for sale. What camera are you using it on?

[@sound-flies]

@@snappiness Bought it for a mz-s but that one broke before I ever used it:( than I finally started using it on the KP which is awesome and now I am looking for a second hand k1:) My lens line up is: 17mm F4 Pentax 28 mm Leica R (leitax) 50 mm Leica R (leitax) 50 mm Zeiss PK And 20 to 40 limited zoom

[@snappiness]

@@sound-flies that is a sweet classic lineup! Good luck on the k1 hunt. They are starting to get cheaper and cheaper. I don’t know where you’re looking but there’s one on lensrentals used site for $1,100. You might be able to snag one even cheaper if you wait.

[@funkythiru]

for a second I thought it was the 85mm (even though I read the title)

[@snappiness]

Haha, I went through a phase for a while where that was my dream lens to acquire. But after trying that focal length, I decided it wouldn't get much use at this time of my life. Maybe when family is older or if I randomly start getting interested in taking other people's portraits. Definitely a nice lens though.

[@nocturnal1970]

All Pentax * (star) lenses are brilliant maybe with the odd exception of DA* 16-50 f2.8 perhaps being slightly less so. Rokinon or Samyang lenses are for astrophotography, they don't have the Pentax pixie dust. I don't even like them for daylight landscapes. Any focal length can be used for portraiture, I don't believe in these rules of 50-85mm for this and wide angles are for landscape etc. Only beginners and gear collectors talk about sharpness 🤠

[@exitar1]

Now get the 12-24 F4