How to fill the gap between 14mm and 28mm?

raider · 11-14-2008, 05:08 PM

I have the DA14 and Tamron 28-75 and I love both lenses. The Tamron is my main walkaround lens.

Problem is that when I am using the Tamron I always find i needed a little wide angle, so I have to change to DA14 for the shot. And when I am on DA14, I find I needed a bit of zoom.

So I need to change lenses quite often in the field. I have thought of replacing the lens combo to:

option 1:
DA12-24 f4
Tamron 28-75

option 2
DA14
DA17-70 f4

I just can't make up my mind because I really do like my DA14 and Tamron

Opinions?

maxwell1295 · 11-14-2008, 05:18 PM

I was in the same predicament (DA14 and Sigma 24-60). I ended up selling the DA14 and picking up the DA12-24.

*k100d* · 11-14-2008, 05:37 PM

Tamron 17-50, Sigma 18-50, Sigma 17-70 might wanna consider those too
depends how often do you go to 70

SpecialK · 11-14-2008, 05:45 PM

The 12-24 seems to be a logical fit.

troyz · 11-14-2008, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by raider

I have thought of replacing the lens combo to:

option 1:
DA12-24 f4
Tamron 28-75

option 2
DA14
DA17-70 f4

I just can't make up my mind because I really do like my DA14 and Tamron

Opinions?

I like option 1. I wouldn't trade the 28-75/2.8 for any f/4 lens; that extra stop is really useful for low light and for blurring out distracting backgrounds.

You could also fill the gap by adding a DA21/3.2; it's easier to carry than the 12-24 and I've seen used copies offered at reasonable prices.

jsherman999 · 11-14-2008, 06:03 PM

I did option #1 myself.

I've actually owned two copies of the Tammy 28-75 - sold the first, missed it, then bought another one when I found a good deal - just missed that sharpness, close-focus, and beautiful rendering.

The 12-24 is a smile-inducing lens, but it's not cheap. The DA 21ltd is a very good suggestion - I often throw my little M 20 f/4 in the bag when I want a WA option but want to travel really light.

*Wheatfield* · 11-14-2008, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by raider

I have the DA14 and Tamron 28-75 and I love both lenses. The Tamron is my main walkaround lens.

Problem is that when I am using the Tamron I always find i needed a little wide angle, so I have to change to DA14 for the shot. And when I am on DA14, I find I needed a bit of zoom.

So I need to change lenses quite often in the field. I have thought of replacing the lens combo to:

option 1:
DA12-24 f4
Tamron 28-75

option 2
DA14
DA17-70 f4

I just can't make up my mind because I really do like my DA14 and Tamron

Opinions?

Have you considered the DA21mm?

*Stratario* · 11-14-2008, 07:29 PM

The DA 12-24 is huge compared to DA 21. Here are a couple of snap shots comparing the the two lenses. I set the Tamron 28-75 next to them to give you a pretty good idea about their relative sizes. You can't go wrong with either the DA 12-24, or the DA 21. The former is F4 and the later is F3.2.

Cheers

Red · 11-14-2008, 07:55 PM

I'm in the middle of a zoom transition and thinking about the same options. I really want the Tamron 28-75mm, how to fill the gaps. Of course I have the kit lens to get to 18mm but I would like to go wider. Maybe get a 16-45mm which is in my budget or wait for 12-24mm or a Sigma 10-20mm.

What to do, what to do.

raider · 11-15-2008, 12:55 AM

If I replace DA14 with DA21, I would miss the close focusing abilities of the DA14 as well as the extra wide angle. I find the kit lens's 18mm is not wide enuf for some of the shots, hence the reason why I get the DA14 in the first place. The DA21 is even less wide than the kit lens.

Replacing the DA14 with DA12-24 seems to be the most logical choice but i just cannot bear to lose the DA14. Keeping both lens is out of the question though. The DA14 is just so solidly built and the colour and sharpness is just so good. To let go is really hard.

*Mechan1k* · 11-15-2008, 01:25 AM

Don't discount the new Tamron 10-24mm lens as well ... not sure if it is out yet though.

pop4 · 11-15-2008, 09:46 AM

How about Option 3: 2nd body??

One camera for the 14mm, and one camera for the 28-75mm, and then you won't have to worry about changing lenses!

rparmar · 11-15-2008, 10:35 AM

You can get the amazing DA16-45 for very cheap. I find it's enough range but you might not.

Bart · 11-15-2008, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by raider

If I replace DA14 with DA21, I would miss the close focusing abilities of the DA14 as well as the extra wide angle...
... i just cannot bear to lose the DA14...

I would suggest to add the DA21 to your current set-up, not to replace the DA14 with the DA21.

d.bradley · 11-15-2008, 10:54 AM

The thing is that if you're finding you're swapping a lot from your 28-75 to go wider, you're going to be swapping the same amount with any wide angle you replace the 14mm with. If you want to swap less then you have to have something that covers a wider range. You need to swap out the tammy. Or maybe replace both with the DA* 16-50 ?