questions → should i get a lens adapter or just new lenses?

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Should I get a lens adapter or just new lenses?

I recently purchased a Pentax Kx from the last woot-off. It came with a kit lens, but I would like to have a few more lenses.

I also have a canon ae-1 program with a 55-200mm (somewhere around there) and a wide angle. Should I buy an adapter that will connect those lenses or should I just buy new lenses?

Is there anything I should know about adapters or using lenses with a brand not intended?

Thanks woot!

by magicwuff
asked 6 months ago

8 Answers answer

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I don't think you'll have much success using the Cannon lens on the Pentax. The registration distance is just too different which means you might not be able to focus to infinity. I think you'd be better off getting new lenses. There's a great Pentax community at http://www.pentaxforums.com that can recommend a lens that would fit your needs. I also bought the K-x that day, and I rarely use my kit lens anymore.

If you need a good long zoom lens, the Pentax DA L 55-300mm is a great lens. It does have a cheap plastic lens mount though. There's a more expensive version of it called the Pentax DA 55-300mm that has a metal lens mount (much more durable), but it has the same optics. Neither of those lenses are great low light lenses though.

lalian
6 months ago

vote-for5vote-against

@lalian is right. Most adapter kits suck. Sell your Canon lens (or keep it if you think you will get another Canon SLR/DSLR in the future) and buy yourself some Pentax stuff.

coolphilip04
6 months ago

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Here's one opinion, but I'll admit up front that I have little experience with using lens adapters... I have been in the pro-sumer photography world for years, and have participated in various battles between camera brands and lines. The most of which is that a bunch of my friends/family have shifted from Canon to Nikon (a move with which I mostly agree, but it really doesn't make a huge difference which brand you have as long as you like it and use it well)... I had already spent over $1000 on Canon gear for my last round of equipment. I am currently waiting and saving up to be able to afford an entirely new set before I jump in with the Nikon crowd... The reason being; there are a few adapters out there, but you're always going to lose something in making that transition, especially with something as complex as a lens, where you have to integrate dynamic components for optics, focus, aperture, etc. You can easily adapt filters, but a lens is harder to do.

Hope that helps!

arosiriak
6 months ago

vote-for3vote-against

Plus a new lens is just so much more exciting :)

zarfus
6 months ago

vote-for3vote-against

Thanks everyone! I'll probably end up buying a new lens. I'm looking at the DA L 55-300 because I don't really care that much about a plastic mount, and if its cheaper, why not.

magicwuff
6 months ago

vote-for2vote-against

@magicwuff: It's a good lens. You just have to be a little more careful with it.

lalian
6 months ago

vote-for2vote-against

As a photographer, my opinion is get more lenses. Adapters will not produce as good of results as using appropriate lenses will.

woadwarrior
6 months ago

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Probably should get rid of the canon and lens. (Unless you really need a film camera). The lens for that camera will not be compatible with a Canon DSLR.

The best thing you can do is get the new lens. However, if you think you might switch brands from Pentax in the near-ish future, you might be better off waiting until you settle on a brand.

kidincredible
6 months ago

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