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09-18-2014, 04:48 PM   #1
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Good Lens for Events (Pentax K-50)

I'm relatively new to owning an SLR camera. The Pentax K-50 is the first one I've owned, and I'm still learning how to use it. I only have the kit lens, so I've been looking into getting a new lens for work-related purposes mostly. But after looking through some of the different lens types and reading reviews, I've only gotten more confused.

So I wanted to ask: What kind of lens should I buy?

Here are some of the things I'm looking for:
- $200-$600 range, give or take $100
- Vibrant color quality with minimal editing
- Sharp/HD-looking pics
- Photos will be taken for:
  • outdoor events (rallies and protests, canvassing, etc.) - a lot of movement
  • indoor events (formal dinners, press conferences, meetings, etc.) - some-to-minimal movement
  • close-up/portrait shots

I'll be forever grateful to anyone who can suggest a lens that'll be a good investment!

09-18-2014, 06:19 PM   #2
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Hard to fill all of them but maybe a Sigma/Tamron 24/28-60/70 F2.8?
09-18-2014, 06:20 PM   #3
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I would think a 28-75 Tamron would be a good choice, unless indoor events are in tight spaces. That goes from a bit wider than normal to portrait-tele, all f/2.8. You would know best if those focal lengths would work, but when I owned one I thought it was very good optically. I now have a manual 28-70 f/2.8-4, close enough for many things you speak of, and an AF 28-90 but it's f/3.5-5.6 so too dim for indoors. Another choice would be a DA35+DA70 pairing or something like that, best quality but no zoom.
09-18-2014, 06:27 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by jimr-pdx Quote
I would think a 28-75 Tamron would be a good choice
Agree. If you shoot more indoors in relatively tight spaces, the tamron 17-50 would be better. Not used sigma so I cannot speak for it.

09-18-2014, 06:39 PM   #5
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Although I ended up choosing the DA*16-50, the Sigma 17-50/2.8 is excellent. With a decent swivel/bounce flash (I use the Metz 58 AF-1) you'll be ready for anything.
09-18-2014, 07:16 PM   #6
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18-135 wr for outdoor work

17-50 2.8 or the 17-70 for indoors
09-18-2014, 08:17 PM - 1 Like   #7
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Having covered corporate events indoors and out for years, I'd recommend two lenses:
1. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
2. Pentax 50-135mm DA* f2.8

You need the speed because lighting is often lousy. Also get a good flash, a reflector, and a diffuser.

Two extra batteries as well.

M

09-18-2014, 11:57 PM   #8
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I would tend to follow Miguel: you need more than one lens. Indoor and outdoor events require different focal length range in my opinion. As for portrait, I would recommend a prime like FA*85mm, FA77mm or DA*55mm. I have the FA77mm and I love it for head and shoulder portrait. Some prefer a wider focal lenght (like 55 mm).

You might need to consider 3 lenses about:
Indoor: 17-50mm
Outdoor 70-200mm
Portrait: 77mm

Ultimately your budget will decide what combo best fit your needs IMHO.

My 5 cents.....
09-19-2014, 01:35 AM   #9
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DA16-45 is a good cheap option. With the high ISO ability of the k50 you will have a lot of flexibility without needing a big flash set up although it does give you more options.
09-19-2014, 01:48 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Miguel Quote
Having covered corporate events indoors and out for years, I'd recommend two lenses:
1. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
2. Pentax 50-135mm DA* f2.8

You need the speed because lighting is often lousy. Also get a good flash, a reflector, and a diffuser.

Two extra batteries as well.

M
Great combo ... that's my two zoom kit.

Single lens kit is the Tammy 28-75. (Can always sneak the DA15 into a pocket - the Pentax size advantage! ).
09-19-2014, 01:54 AM - 1 Like   #11
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Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 C for me If you want the one lens, its sharp and has a good range, 24 or 28 at the wide end won't be wide enough and 50 won't be long enough IMO, sure its not constant aperture (1 stop) but quality indoor shots without a flash is going to be a hard task even with a 2.8 lens. I have an older version 17-70 2.8-4.5 that I use with my K30 and I am constantly impressed with the shots, even using the popup flash
cheers.
09-19-2014, 05:42 AM - 1 Like   #12
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Sigma 17-50 f2.8 is an excellent lens, wide enough and very very good in almost any light situation (with a good flash to bounce if needed). I tried Sigma 35 1.4 Art for a month and I'm sure the 17-50 2.8 is as sharp as the "Art" one at 35mm f2.8 -> f8 !!!
I tried the Tamron 17-50 2.8 but it's a lottery, maybe u get a good copy, maybe not, I got a bad copy (front/back focus that cannot be corrected in-body).
09-19-2014, 09:13 AM   #13
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Wow thanks for the great advice everyone.

It looks like a lot of you recommended the 17-50 f2.8, either Tamron or Sigma. Folks who have experience with both, do you prefer Sigma or the Tamron?
09-19-2014, 10:58 AM - 1 Like   #14
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I agree with most folks on here....

1 lens solution:
Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 or Tamron 28-75 f/2.8
In a pinch (probably not fast enough) - 18-135mm

2 lens solution:
wide end - 16-50 f/2.8 or Tamron/Sigma 17-50 f/2.8
long end - Pentax 50-135 f/2.8 or Tamron 70-200 f/2.8

'IF' you're doing this professionally - I'd hit the 2 lens solution. Wide end - maybe Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 - long end Pentax 50-135mm.

I'd almost suggest hitting up a lensrental place to try before you buy.
09-19-2014, 11:28 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by pinkrobot Quote
Wow thanks for the great advice everyone.

It looks like a lot of you recommended the 17-50 f2.8, either Tamron or Sigma. Folks who have experience with both, do you prefer Sigma or the Tamron?
As I said before, Sigma is a sure fire, Tamron is ok if you are lucky and get a good copy
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