Am I crazy ?

Fred2726 · 08-21-2009, 08:03 AM

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. Thinking that maybe I just enjoy to shoot with primes more than my zoom (DA* 50-135mm). Always seems that when I leave the house with the k10d my FA 50mm 1.4 is attatched. Almost have to force myself to put the DA* 50-135mm on the camera.

Love the DA* 50-135 and the range it covers, just sometimes the size is a factor. Weather resistance is great. No problem with sharpness, especially for a zoom.

Maybe zooming with my feet gives me more time to think about the actual picture I'm taking.

Mostly I'm into portaiture. Family pictures, maternity, and baby pictures.

Right now I have the DA* 50-135mm, FA 50mm f1.4, and the kit 18-55 mkII.

Honestly I use the FA 50mm 90% of the times. I love the sharpness of it.

My question here is : Would it be crazy for me to sell of the DA* 50-135 and the FA 50mm f1.4. To purchase the FA 43mm and the FA 77mm. Which would be a small out of pocket expense for me.

Or sell of the DA* 50-135mm and the FA 50mm to puchase the FA 31mm (sometimes could use something wider) and a DA 50-200mm kit lens.

How many people would be willing to sell off a DA* 50-135mm to go strictly primes?

Thanks for entertaining the thought,
Fred

StephenMerola · 08-21-2009, 08:10 AM

I do not own any of those lenses except for the FA 50mm, but I do not think that is crazy at all. Since I bought my Sigma 28mm f/1.8 I have rarely used my Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8. I really only shoot with 3 focal lengths now. 28mm, 50mm, and 180mm.

I think the 43mm and 77mm would replace the 50-135mm nicely. Although it would be nice to add a 135mm or 200mm into the mix. Maybe an older 135mm??

Good luck with your decision.

*alfdog* · 08-21-2009, 09:43 AM

I don't think that's crazy, if you like shooting with primes, how can you go wrong with the fa43 and fa77.

Or how about getting a fa35 or DA35, keep the fa50 and get the fa77

*Votesh* · 08-21-2009, 09:52 AM

Go for it. You would probably not regret getting the FA Ltds.

bdery · 08-21-2009, 11:17 AM

I think you should donate the 50-135 to me instead...

Dom · 08-21-2009, 11:25 AM

Dangerous question 'Am I crazy?'. Personally I'm thinking about selling all my zoom lenses and shooting only primes. Yes I know that zoom lenses have come a long way but so have primes, they are just that much better and nearly always feel better made and look better. So I don't think your crazy.

*nostatic* · 08-21-2009, 11:28 AM

I love primes and am now down to just 31/43/77 along with the 50-135*. There is no way I'll sell the 50-135*. It is just too good of a lens, and that extra reach comes in handy sometimes.

*Igilligan* · 08-21-2009, 11:37 AM

But absolutely crazy to spend all that money on those two primes when there are so many wonderful lens options for a ton less money... you just have to turn the focus ring...

*paolojackson* · 08-21-2009, 01:21 PM

I dunno...the 50-135 is one of the best lenses I've ever used. I also have the 77mm which completes the best two lenses I've used. Just thinking about, I dunno how I could part with the 50-135 even with crappy SDM.

Fred2726 · 08-21-2009, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by Igilligan

But absolutely crazy to spend all that money on those two primes when there are so many wonderful lens options for a ton less money... you just have to turn the focus ring...

Gus, I have nothing against turning the focus ring at all. I've had the Kiron 105mm macro, along with plenty of manual focus lenses.

Sometimes when people are moving its alot more efficient to use an auto focus lens.

Also the reputation of the ltd series 31/43/77 is really amazing.

Fred

*smc* · 08-21-2009, 01:29 PM

Hi Fred,

I know what you mean.....and I posted a similar thread a couple of weeks back... Dilemma..

I also have the 50-135, but so far I want to keep that one, but I know what you mean. Is there any chance you could borrow a 77 ltd to see if it works as a replacement for the 50-135?

Another option is to keep an eye out for an older SMC Tak or K? A bit more work but it's easy once you are used to it.

Let us know what you decide....

Steve

*smc* · 08-21-2009, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Fred2726

Also the reputation of the ltd series 31/43/77 is really amazing.
Fred

That bring up a point....if you buy new, are the latest ltds as good as the older ones?

*nulla* · 08-21-2009, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by smc

That bring up a point....if you buy new, are the latest ltds as good as the older ones?

Have not seen any reports saying quality has dropped

*Igilligan* · 08-21-2009, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Fred2726

Gus, I have nothing against turning the focus ring at all. I've had the Kiron 105mm macro, along with plenty of manual focus lenses.

Sometimes when people are moving its alot more efficient to use an auto focus lens.

Also the reputation of the ltd series 31/43/77 is really amazing.

Fred

Fred... If you have the money for the wonderful DA* zooms and the FA 43-77 go for it. They have always been way out of my price range so I just dream about them... I did get to shoot Matt's FA 77 at the sf meet-up a couple of weeks ago and it is a real nice lens. It definitely has the 'look' that the veterans go on and on about. A little PF in contrasty situations but an amazing little portrait shooter from the minute you stick it on the camera.
Is it worth 700 dollars more than my helios 44M or Jupiter 9??? Not to me, but I can't afford either way.

But I also would not kick the Da50-135 out of bed for eating crackers either! I would love to have your dilemma...

*TourDeForce* · 08-21-2009, 06:54 PM

Back in the day, primes were all I had. You get used to the 'foot-zoom'.