Lens Recommend for Pentax MZ-S

[5artist5]

I'm looking at picking up a Pentax MZ-S soon and i wanted to see what you would reccomend as a zoom lens for it. I'm thinking in the 28-80mm or 28-100mm range. I'd like to stay under $200 if I can for the lens.

 

[abruzzi]

the Pentax FA 24-90 was the defult zoom that was originally release with the MZ-S, and it can look pretty good. For a smaller lens, I usually use the Pentax-F 35-70 which also makes really nice images.

 

[5artist5]

35-70 sounds pretty nice. Is it the case that it is sharpest in the middle focal lengths? Like 45-60?

 

[abruzzi]

I haven’t really used it critically since I mostly use the MZ-S as a bit of a point-and-shoot, but I’ve generally be happy with it at all focal lengths. I also like that it has a “macro” mode, allowing a little closer than the usual focusing.

 

[Paul Howell]

I have 3 mid level zooms, the 35 to 70, the 28 to 80 and 28 to 105. The 28 to 80 is ok, 35 to 70 and 28 to 105 are the sharpest. the 35 to 70 is light while the the 28 to 105 gives good range. If you haven't look at it the Pentax Forum has a data base.

Pentax FA Zoom Lenses - Reviews and Specifications - SLR and Interchangeable Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Pentax lens review database with reviews of Pentax lenses including K-mount, M42 screwmount, 645, 6x7, and DA digital lenses. Exhaustive Pentax lens listings with reviews and technical specifications of Pentax lenses.

www.pentaxforums.com

 

[multivoiced]

How can a lens marked "FA J" or "FAJ" be expected to perform with MZ-S? Should everything work or is there any compatibility problem?

 

[Paul Howell]

I have 3 mid level zooms, the 35 to 70, the 28 to 80 and 28 to 105. The 28 to 80 is ok, 35 to 70 and 28 to 105 are the sharpest. the 35 to 70 is light while the the 28 to 105 gives good range. If you haven't look at it the Pentax Forum has a data base.

Pentax FA Zoom Lenses - Reviews and Specifications - SLR and Interchangeable Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Pentax lens review database with reviews of Pentax lenses including K-mount, M42 screwmount, 645, 6x7, and DA digital lenses. Exhaustive Pentax lens listings with reviews and technical specifications of Pentax lenses.

www.pentaxforums.com

I have the same 3 lens, I agree with the 28 to 105 being a bit sharper and I think has less distortion on the wide end. If speed is more important than AF, then the 35 to 70 2.8 to 3.5 M42. The MZs will work with all MF, K, KA, and M42 the K and M42 in M and aperture mode.