What lenses suit Pentax?

[Tajemi]

Can anyone advise as to which lenses suite pentax cameras? Like sigma or tamron?

Probably a silly question, but I have no idea

Thanx

[RexK_Cozumel]

Both sigma and tamron makes lenses that will mount on pentax cameras. Just be sure that the one you are buying says Pentax mount.

[GEli]

First party Pentax lenses tend to be the highest quality when compared to the similar lens designs built by Sigma or Tamron. There are some exceptions, but that's a good general rule.

[Mr Guy]

Of course, new Pentax glass can also be pretty darn expensive. The joy of owning a Pentax is their backwards compatibility is unmatched. Any lens that'll fit any Pentax will fit current Pentax DSLR, meaning you can also put less expensive (but bigger and heavier) film glass on digital bodies. You do lose some ability to automatically meter with older lenses, but you can still use them.

[Ffred]

A modern Pentax camera will accept :
- modern Pentax lenses (well duh)
- older M42 Pentax lenses with an inexpensive (as in $15) adapter ring (there are *lots* of those floating around and a lot are very good
- any M42 mount lens by any maker by using that same adapter
- most Sigma lenses have a Pentax version (there are lots of good Sigma lenses)
- Tamron also makes a number of Pentax lenses some of which are also quite good
- note that Tokina doesn't make any Pentax mounts
- some strange and exotic Russian lenses that are often in M42 or that use another inexpensive adapter ring

Things to know :
- So called "third party" lenses (Sigma and Tamron) have high end lines that are typically significantly better than the rest of their offering (like the EX series for Sigma).
- Some of the third party lenses are classic workhorses that numerous people use for professional work (like the Sigma macro lenses).
- Third party doesn't mean poor quality (although it can, document yourself on a piece of glass before buying it, taking snubbery into account).
- Pretty much every lens that is used with an adaptor will have to be set and focused by hand (not really a problem unless you shoot fast action or you're very green).

[hector49]

I have heard that sigma lenses are pretty well made - I don't have any myself, but this is what I have heard through talking to some people.
But, comparing new sigma to new Pentax lenses, there is not a huge difference in price. So, I guess that something to consider. But then again, I have viewed some sigma lenses in sizes that i have not seen from Pentax (at least locally).
One of the reasons I went with a Pentax is the backwards compatibility. I have recently seen some nice used glass at a local store that are intriguing, and thats a nice option to have when you are not a professional photographer and want to try some different lens options.
So, now that I am done my commentary, to answer your question, there are lots of lenses you can look at - sigma, tamron, new and used Pentax - always good to have options.

[navcom]

Originally Posted by hector49

I have heard that sigma lenses are pretty well made - I don't have any myself, but this is what I have heard through talking to some people.

To me, Pentax lenses are just better than Sigma or Tamron. Not that Sigma/Tamron are bad...just Pentax lenses are a little step above.

I have a Tamron 70-300mm and a Pentax DA 55-300mm. For IQ and sharpness, the Pentax wins hands-down. Plus, it keeps that sharpness and IQ through most of the zoom range, where the Tamron drops off after about 175mm or so.

[Singalong]

Originally Posted by Tajemi

Can anyone advise as to which lenses suite pentax cameras? Like sigma or tamron?

Probably a silly question, but I have no idea

Thanx

Sigma lenses fit Pentax cameras and the lenses are very good I have 2 now a 25-300mm
and a 105mm x 2.8 terrific lenses suit me. Singalong.

[GEli]

Originally Posted by navcom

To me, Pentax lenses are just better than Sigma or Tamron. Not that Sigma/Tamron are bad...just Pentax lenses are a little step above.

Depends entirely on the lens. The Sigma EX series is gorgeous and rivals even the Pentax DA* series in terms of build and optical quality. My Sigma 10-20mm is significantly tighter and more solidly constructed than the Pentax DA 12-24mm, for example. Your claim is too general to be accurate.

[inkista]

Not for the faint of heart, but Leitax now offers mount replacements for specific Contax/Yashica Zeiss and Leica-R lenses to Pentax K. Not sure I'd be brave enough to rip the mount off a lens, though.