Pentax lenses

iNick · Mar 21, 2011

i have a pentax *ist DL, shes a bit older but i love her. i have been shooting for almost a year and feel i have a petty good grasp on the basics of photography and want to start exploring more aspects of the craft. I know a good thing about pentax cameras is the older lenses work with the newer cameras, my question is what lens should i consider buying now? im in college and on a budget so im looking for something that won't kill me in price. Where can i find older pentax lenses? any help is much appreciated!

ps. im a sucker for macro so any cheeper/older macro lenses are right up my ally.

cheers!
-Nick:thumbup:

MissCream · Mar 21, 2011

A lot of the older lenses will not auto focus but I'm not sure if that matters to you or not. Try looking on ebay, that's where I got a lot of my older lenses

As long as the seller has good feedback then you shouldn't have a problem.

Ron Evers · Mar 21, 2011

You do not say what lens you do have.

An adapter, M42 to PK can be bought on eBay for under $10 allowing you to use a lot of M42 lenses such as the Takumars. The Super-Takumar 55/1.8 is a nice sharp lens but likely duplicating what you already have.

iNick · Mar 21, 2011

appreciate the input, Ron, i currently use the kit lens that accompanied the camera.

iNick · Mar 21, 2011

so the macro adapters that come in a pack usually of 1x 4x 10x work well? i know its not like using a true macro lens but for $15-$20 is it worth it?

Ron Evers · Mar 21, 2011

iNick said:
so the macro adapters that come in a pack usually of 1x 4x 10x work well? i know its not like using a true macro lens but for $15-$20 is it worth it?

Absolutely not!

You did not ID your kit lens.

MissCream · Mar 21, 2011

iNick said:
so the macro adapters that come in a pack usually of 1x 4x 10x work well? i know its not like using a true macro lens but for $15-$20 is it worth it?

I gave mine away, they are awful!

iNick · Mar 21, 2011

Ron, its an 18mm-55mm. misscream, thats what the impression i had was, but the reviews on amazon seem to be fantastic. Amazon.com: Sakar 52mm Close-Up Filter Set (+1, +2, +4 and +10 Diopters) Magnification Kit - Metal Rim: Electronics

MissCream · Mar 21, 2011

They don't magnify great and the IQ is TERRIBLE! You better off getting some extension tubes to put on your 18-55

iNick · Mar 21, 2011

im unfamiliar with extension tubes. sounds a bit complicated

bevoholic · Mar 21, 2011

iNick said:
im unfamiliar with extension tubes. sounds a bit complicated

They're not. The twist on just like a lens to the body and the lens onto the extension tubes.

MissCream · Mar 21, 2011

Not complicated at all!
macro extension tube pentax items - Get great deals on Cameras Photo items on eBay.com!

I haven't tried them yet, I might pick up a couple soon though. I already have a macro lens though so I'm in no rush!