[ripper2860]

OK. Being a relatively new guy to the art of photography and this forum, I must disclaim that I probably know less than anyone who will likely respond to my request for help. Now that I've put my cards on the table, I will try to provide as much info as I can in hopes that I can get some much needed advice.

First of all, I'm not a skilled photographer, but I am willing to put in the work to get to a stage where I have successfully transitioned from luck to skill. Now to my dilemma.

I'm torn between 2 lenses for 2 completely different reasons. I'm torn between the Tamron 18-200mm AF XR Di II LD IF Macro lens and the Pentax DA-35mm FA 2.4 AL. You may be saying at this point -- WTF!! They are not even remotely similar!! One's a zoom/macro and one is a prime lens!! So, let me explain ...

I currently have a Pentax K500 with the kit Pentax DA 18-55mm AL f3.5-5.6 and Pentax DA 50-200mm f4-5.6 lenses. In addition to that, I have some older lenses from my ME Super film days -- a Pentax-M 50mm f2 prime lense and a Genesis (probably never heard of them) 28-80mm macro / zoom f2.8-3.5 lense. But wait, there's more -- I have ordered, and should have in my hands very soon, a MC Helios 44K-4 58mm f2 prime lense. I also have a 2x converter and some +2 and +4 diopter type lenses (poor man's macro).

My current shooting is pretty diverse and haven't yet settled into any one type of photography that I would consider my "passion". If asked I would say that I like and lean more towards photographing nature such as flora, insects, birds, vistas / views, etc. I also enjoy shooting Architecture and automobiles, as well as exploring my artistic side through abstract photography (textures/colors/light). I'd really like to explore macro, but the cost of a true macro lense is -- well, let's say they are not cheap. Sports and high-speed stuff is not really something I would want to devote a portion of my limited budget towards -- not my bag. I may, however, explore some portraiture eventually. (Probably would have been shorter to just list what I don't plan on shooting.)

Now to make a long story long ...

Why am I looking at those 2 very different lenses?

1. Well -- the Tamron has a pretty close focus "macro" capability that seems intriguing. In addition, the fact that it goes 18-200mm seems nice as the idea of less switching of lenses is appealing. Seems like it would be a good "walk-around" lens. The barrel distortion at both ends of the zoom seem pretty excessive, but may be correctable in LR or PS - -especially with the lens profiles. I can't help but feel that the trade-offs of a super zoom like the Tamron are too great and that I should just stay with the 18-55mm and 50-200mm kit lenses; however, I would like some input. Is the cost of having a singular "walk-around lens with close focus / pseudo Macro capability worth what I'd lose by just staying with my kit lenses?

2. Assuming, I choose not to got the Tamron (based on your fabulous input), then my fall-back is the Pentax DA-35mm FA 2.4 AL lens. This lens is AWESOME from all the reviews. The sharpness and contrast seems excellent and the sample pictures are outstanding. The fact that it is a DA AF lens is nice meaning I can go auto, semi-auto, or manual whenever I choose, as opposed to always going manual with the Pentax-M and Helios. Given the prime lenses I already have, would I be nuts to shell out for another lense? Would the DA-35mm quality surpass the Helios or Pentax-M or would it just be a zero-sum affair? Would the DA be a suitable replacement for either or a good addition to my prime lens portfolio? (I can always pass any lense along to my daughter for use on her K110D).

Well -- if you've gotten this far, please chime in. I really do not know what to do at this point. Thanks in advance!!

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Last edited by ripper2860; 04-17-2014 at 05:50 PM.

[Adam]

I would go with the prime lens. Not only for the better image quality, but because having a lens that doesn't zoom really helps train your photographic eye.

Superzoom lenses are convenient, but IMO they're not worth the compromise in image quality if you're looking for high-quality or artistic shots rather than everyday/travel snapshots. If you do want to upgrade your 18-55mm some day, take a look at the Pentax 18-135mm: its image quality is good and it's got silent AF, which is nice.

[jwd722]

Go with the 35. Superzooms are a trade-off...convenience at the cost of quality.

Macro, btw, need not be too pricey, consider a Tamron 90 f2.5 manual focus (autofocus and macro really don't mix well). I have one that I have owned since the early 80's and used it on my Nikon's and Pentax's with a simple mount change. Nice lens with outstanding image quality! Check ebay.

Also consider reverse mounting a lens or lenses. Check out the link for more info on how to.

Reverse Lens Macro: Close Up Photography Lesson #3 -

[hcc]

+1 with Adam.

Go for a prime and DA35mm f2.4 is a good choice for a start.

The alternative DA18-135mm is also worth to consider.

At the end you may end up with both, and this is called LBA... Lens Buying Addiction!

[rbefly]

Hello ripper2860, welcome to the Forum!
Yep, I'll 2nd the nomination for the 'Plastic Fantastic' over a superzoom, any superzoom. Better image quality, smaller, lighter, faster.
You're in a good spot right now; With the two kit zooms covering 18-200mm between them, you can pick and chose any prime you like.
There's a couple of ways to pick out which primes to buy along the way. One is to use your kit zooms a lot, then set LR to filter the photos by focal length. In other words, let's say you find there's several good shots taken around 20-24mm, OK? These are photos that you really like, and you had a choice of framing and composing at the time. You chose to zoom to around 20-24mm. So, a 21mm Ltd or 24mm prime would fit right in.
The other way is the old (film era) formula. Half and double. If you start with a fifty, your next prime should be half the focal length 24mm (roughly) or twice, 100mm. The 35mm sits pretty well between a fifty and the 24mm.
And for a macro, I'd suggest 100mm or so. If you follow the sales here on the Marketplace, you may find a used Sigma, Tamron or Pentax macro for a good price. As long as you don't mind used and sometimes manual lenses, there's a whole world of legacy glass out there!
Good luck!
Ron

[wax]

DA 35mm f2.4 for sure. With the super zoom you will not get different results the gear you already have. I start with Sigma 18-200 and gave it to my brother. DA 18-135 WR has better optics and you can keep it if you upgrade in to a future to a weather sealed body. My most used lens are DA 35mm f2.4, FA 50mm f1.4 and my 18-135 DA

[ripper2860]

Also consider reverse mounting a lens or lenses. Check out the link for more info on how to.

Reverse Lens Macro: Close Up Photography Lesson #3 -

Excellent recommendation. I had read previously, but had completely forgotten about reverse mounting a lens for macro. I believe there is even an adapter that allows one to affix a filter on the reversed lense to protect the "back glass" and mount. I will also keep an eye out for the Tamron SP90. -- thanks!!

Adam, rbefly and hcc -- thank you for your replies. I was leaning towards the DA35mm and I believe this is the way I will go.

Now -- how does this lense fit in with my current prime line-up? This would give me a Pentax DA 35mm, Pentax-M 50mm, and Helios 44K 58mm. Is it prudent to keep all 3 primes in the portfolio given the 3 focal lengths. Should I hand the Helios or Pentax-M off to the kiddo for her K110D or is there a reason for me to hang-on to 2 lenses with very similar focal lengths?

DA 35mm f2.4 for sure. With the super zoom you will not get different results the gear you already have. I start with Sigma 18-200 and gave it to my brother. DA 18-135 WR has better optics and you can keep it if you upgrade in to a future to a weather sealed body. My most used lens are DA 35mm f2.4, FA 50mm f1.4 and my 18-135 DA

It's really looking like I need to put the 18-135 Pentax on my list. It seems to be very highly recommended and reviewed. Kiddo will need a something with a longer reach soon. Perhaps my 50-200mm?

[Pepe Guitarra]

You should forget photography and start writing a book. A long book. I think you can answer your own question.

[ripper2860]

Thanks everyone, for your valued input. At this point, I have decided to take Pepe's advice and give up photography. Instead I will be writing the great American Novel!! Anyone have thoughts on whether I should use a Word Processor -- or just go with an old manual typewriter??


Nah -- who am I kidding?? I've ordered the DA35mm and will make my own determination as to which Prime lenses to keep after using them all for a bit. Only then can I answer my own question. Thanks to everyone that provided photographic guidance. And thank you Pepe for showing me that the true answer to ones question lies purely within himself.



BTW -- Amazon has the Pentax 21987 DA 35mm f/2.4 AL Lens for $141.98

[Pepe Guitarra]

Welcome to LBA!!!