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10-30-2014, 07:20 PM   #1
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Walkaround lens

Hi guys,

So, I got two lenses in my bag, the FA 28-200 and M 50mm. I am about to buy a third lens that should play the role of a walkaround lens. The 28-200 is too big for me and is making me a bit lazy with the zoom option and long reach. The M 50, 75mm on a k5 crop sensor is great for portraits but a bit to tight for a walkaround lens.

I want to buy a lens that is fun and makes me think more about the shot. The lens should be intended for street/architecture photography. So, I have a budget for just one lens and I am thinking about the Sigma 10-20 or the DA 35 limited. I know it's an individual thing but I just want an opinion. Which one is the more fun option?

10-30-2014, 07:34 PM   #2
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If it has to be between those two I would choose the Sigma. I have both. The DA 35 is amazing but if you are looking for something "fun" I would go with a wider lens.
10-30-2014, 07:37 PM   #3
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For a walkaround lens, most would consider a 17-70mm, the new DA 16-85mm, the DA18-135mm or a 18-250mm. Your focal length (10-20 or 35) range appears to be biased towards the low end while you have already a 28-200mm.

Usually a prime is not often considered as a walkaround lens, although many argue that the FA31mm is a perfect walkaround prime.

On the 17-70mm in-depth comparison: Review: Pentax 17-70mm Lens Comparison - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

On the 10-24mm in-depth comparison: Review: DA 12-24mm vs Sigma and Tamron 10-24mm Comparison - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

I suggest that you consider carefully what focal length range you need. A zoom lens may be more versatile for a walkaround. Then go to the in-depth reviews at PF for good advice.

Hope that the comment may help.
10-30-2014, 07:45 PM   #4
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I like my Sigma 10-20, but it's a bit too wide and too big for a walkaround. As others have noted, there are a number of good zooms: 17-70mm, 18-135mm, 16-45, the new 16-85... If you want a prime, either the DA 35 f2.8 or the DA 21 f3.2 would be great choices.

10-30-2014, 07:54 PM   #5
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I have the Sigma 17-70C and it's a fine walk around lens for a decent price. It does have some distortion at the wide end that shows up very prominently in tall buildings although nothing I haven't been able fix in PP. While I don't own it, the DA 12-24 is spoken highly of by people who do occasional architecture and real estate shooting.
10-30-2014, 08:02 PM   #6
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Now the DA 20-40 is priced below $700, I will probably get one as walk around lens.
10-30-2014, 08:03 PM   #7
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How do you describe "walkaround lens"? I walkaround with every lens I have.

10-30-2014, 08:57 PM   #8
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15 limited is great for street architecture. On a recent holiday, it was the only lens I used.
10-31-2014, 01:32 AM   #9
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Just came back from a month's travel. At the last minute I left my 18-135 at home because of the weight and took my 15mm and 35 mm macro. It's all I needed. In Paris and Berlin the 15mm stayed on most of the time. A fixed focal length forces you to think creatively. The 15 mm is the fun option.
10-31-2014, 03:03 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by cecanima Quote
I want to buy a lens that is fun and makes me think more about the shot. The lens should be intended for street/architecture photography. So, I have a budget for just one lens and I am thinking about the Sigma 10-20 or the DA 35 limited. I know it's an individual thing but I just want an opinion. Which one is the more fun option?
I would think the Sigma 10-20 really fits your bill, ultrawides are fun and they do make you think. I have the Tamron 10-24 and it is a nice lens for street/architecture photography, If you're just taking street shots of people, longer would be better, but for buildings and scenes the ultrawide is great. You will get distortion on the wider shots, but you can have fun with that. Ultrawides really make you think because they give you a lot of options on how to shoot something. Moving a few feet any direction, tilting up or down, even zooming can really change your perspective. Good luck with your choice!
10-31-2014, 04:45 AM   #11
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Thank you guys, you are of great help. So, I am leaning towards the Sigma 10-20 and I guess I will got for it.

Few has mentioned the DA 17-70, or other DA standard zooms. But that is the thing that I really don't want a convenience of a zoom, as I already have one. Plus, I will agree with officiousbystander that a prime is making one think creatively. The Sigma is a zoom lens but the longer end is still ultra wide.

And thank you, remseybuckeye, that's exactly what I needed to hear! =)

Cheers!
10-31-2014, 05:28 AM   #12
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What about the sigma 18-35 1.8? Too big? Giving up the normal lens perspective (~35) seems counter productive for what I think of as walkabout. However the lens you selected is a neat option and something I would enjoy using. In any case have fun!
10-31-2014, 05:29 AM   #13
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I like my FA20-35 as a good walk around, covers ~30mm to 52mm range, so perfect with an ultra wide option below, and the 'portrait' above (like your M50).
I find having just UWA (DA14 in my case) is a bit too wide for a lot of 'walkaround' use, where as it can be fun for interesting perspective I tend to walk around with the FA20-35 and stick the DA14 on when I need it for a particular shot.
I rave about the FA20-35 as its pretty sharp wide open, reasonable distortion for an older zoom, nice and light at the expense of the slightly 'cheap' but solid plastic build. AF is nice and quick too!
10-31-2014, 05:51 AM   #14
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I consider my 21mm and the 43mm as my walkaround lenses. They're not that burdensome to lug around. If my gf is with me, she doesn't mind carrying a lens so the 77mm completes the trilogy.

In instances when I go solo and just don't want to mess with changing lenses, the 31mm is my go to.
10-31-2014, 06:05 AM   #15
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Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 or Pentax 16-45mm F4

For architecture, especially historical sites, I live with my Sigma 10-20 F3.5. While not specifically a "advanced" users lens, I love my Pentax 16-45mm F4 but its not always wide enough for indoor architecture but does a nice job in the open. I love the way Pentax does color rendering over any other lens manufacturer.
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