Looking for 85mm lens recommendation.

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The Matt

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I am looking for a reasonably priced 85mm (or thereabouts) to fit between a 50 and a 135 I already have. Can anyone recommend one for a reasonable price? I am not fussy about mount as i intend to use it with an adaptor on digital (boo, hiss) but I would prefer pentax k or m42 to allow me ro use it with my film kit. I have had a sniff round ebay but what I have found is a touch pricey.
 
It's not a particularly common focal length in m42, there are some Jupiter 9's out there but they do command a premium. Your best bet is probably a Tamron 90mm and then pick up a Pentax m42 or K adapter.
 
Have you thought about a 75-150mm zoom....they were popular once and there are plenty of good ones around...Nikon series e, Pentax, Kiron, Vivitar and so on
 
The Matt said:
I am looking for a reasonably priced 85mm (or thereabouts) to fit between a 50 and a 135 I already have. Can anyone recommend one for a reasonable price? I am not fussy about mount as i intend to use it with an adaptor on digital (boo, hiss) but I would prefer pentax k or m42 to allow me ro use it with my film kit. I have had a sniff round ebay but what I have found is a touch pricey.
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What would you consider reasonably priced?

Before I went exclusively medium format, I owned a Samyang 85mm f/1.4, which I had picked up for about £200 or so, and I found it to be a great performer for the money. I had a Nikon version myself, but I believe that the lens is available in a variety of mounts.

 
I get on well with a Rolleinar MC 85/2.8, it's loosely based on the CZ Sonar 85/2.8 which you might get lucky with and track down in a m42 mount.
 
The Tamron 90mm looks a reasonable match. Looks like I can get one for £60 or under if I ebay carefully.
I'm avoiding zooms as I already have one but the zoom and focus are so responsive it's impossible to achieve or keep focus. The Samyang looks rather fine, with the added bonus of not needing an adaplter, but is over budget I'm afraid.
 
The Pentax-M 85mm f/2 is a lovely lens, light and compact, not as sought after as the Pentax-A equivalent (because the latter works better for digifolk; it may be better but is way more expensive). Similar budget for a used -M to a new Samyang/Rokinon, but the latter weighs nearly twice as much, IIRC.
 
Sam yang is good, I have that, and the tampon 90mm is very sharp and has a wonderful feel when you focus, the adapt all one at least.

There might be some good 100mm macro lenses in k mount too
 
pingu666 said:
and the tampon 90mm is very sharp and has a wonderful feel when you focus, the adapt all one at least.
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Particularly good if you want to take pictures of young ladies roller skating or horse riding ;)
 
I have been really impressed with the Samyang 85mm f1.4, as @skysh4rk RJ say it's available in a number of mounts. It is heavy though.
 
That's the 1.4 thing tho

Mine came with a stupid lens cap too, and the hood resonates when screwing in a filter which is rather odd. But its built well and feels solid, id recommend a small tube extension too for close focus bokeh whoredom :D

The tamron 90mm is quite heavy too, but smaller
 
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