Here is a quality manual focus zoom lens that flies under the radar for most Pentaxians: The Tokina AT-X 50-250mm f4-5.6
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/278175-sale-poor-mans-bigma-tokina-x-50-250mm-f-4-5-6-a.html I've sold one already and have two remaining. Image quality examples: https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=AT-X%2050-250mm As I'm sure you know, the AT-X was top of the line for Tokina and produced some terrific optics combined with professional build quality. ************************* I've got a Pentax-A 50mm f1.7 for $80 plus shipping. Arguably the sharpest of all Pentax 50s with the convenience of setting it on "A" and using your DSLR dials in AV mode. Image samples (not mine) in the Pentax Photo Gallery: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=460 Even if you decide to "upgrade" to AF for another $95-100 some day, you'll still be able to turn around and get your $80 out of this one (at a minimum). ************************* I've got a lovely Pentax SuperProgram with another Pentax-A 50mm f1.7 $135 plus shipping http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=460 ************************* Pentax-A 135mm f2.8 Exc........... $149 plus shipping http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=510 Or spend $225 more to get AF (dumb IMHO. This is bang for the buck.) ************************* SMC K 85-210mm f4.5 Constant Aperture Zoom (Collect the Whole Set!) I forgot that I already had one of these and accidentally purchased another. As new as the day it came out of the box. Truly collector condition with a Genuine Pentax Skylight SMC. A stunning looking lens in every respect. $89 plus shipping Here is an image (not mine) taken with the screwmount version of this optical configuration: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=3180#/carousel ************************** Pentax-M 135mm f3.5 If for some unknown reason you don't have a Pentax 135mm prime, this is a VERY INEXPENSIVE lens that should be in your kit. There is a reason that Pentax produced a f3.5 when the rest of the world was producing f2.8s and it is seen in the color and contrast of these images: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=3330 $45 plus shipping (I have two of these that are both EXC or better condition). If you need a refresher on using M lenses on modern Pentax DSLRs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2pGN-cWlvw *************************** I recently got a SMC K 30mm so I have decided to sell my superb SMC K 28mm f3.5. Those in the know realize that this is one of the finest Pentax 28s ever made with incredible sharpness, color & contrast. Don't confuse this with the M version. This copy is pristine with no apologies. Replacement front & rear caps. $149 plus shipping. I'll stop now. -- Life is too short to put up with bad bokeh -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
