Next lens to buy?

cofra · 11-05-2009, 10:59 AM

Hi there,

I bought the:
Pentax SMC-DA 18-55/3,5-5,6 AL WR
and
Pentax SMC-DA 55-300/4,0-5,8 ED
just to have something to play around with when buying the new K-7. I'm pretty pleased with them but I'd like to start building up a bit better collection of lenses. My main interests are people in motion and portraits. Both indoor and outdoor. The reason behind choosing zooms were that I travel a lot and don't like switching lens often but... maybe it's not that wise when I in the same time want good IQ.

I was thinking of Pentax SMC-DA* 50-135/2,8 ED SDM mainly because it's a better quality zoom then the ones I have and are better when it comes to portraits. But then I've also read a lot about Pentax nice primes, the limiteds. What would more experienced photographers recommend? Are the primes a better way to go then a better zoom? I'm grateful for all advice.

Regards, Christian
(sorry about my English)

*wtlwdwgn* · 11-05-2009, 11:23 AM

Welcome and your English is just fine Christian. I can certainly recommend the DA*50-135 as it is a terrific medium zoom lens. The IQ is excellent and on my K20D the AF is pretty fast and accurate. It also works well in low light.

*LeDave* · 11-05-2009, 11:32 AM

I used to own the DA* 50-135. It was my favorite lens and still is although I no longer have it, I will eventually buy another one someday.

*mba1971* · 11-05-2009, 11:43 AM

How about the Sigma 17-70mm /2.8-4.5. not DA* but has a respectable range and macro (more or less) and the reviews are very positive. Plus its probably cheaper than the DA* 50-135.

*dgaies* · 11-05-2009, 04:11 PM

Since you already have the two zooms, how about a DA 70/2.4? Very good portrait lens, fairly fast AF. It might actually be my next purchase to replace the FA 77/1.8 I traded with LeDave (for his 50-135, see two posts above).

Raybo · 11-05-2009, 05:25 PM

A set of the FA Limiteds?

*Ash* · 11-05-2009, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by mba1971

How about the Sigma 17-70mm /2.8-4.5. not DA* but has a respectable range and macro (more or less) and the reviews are very positive. Plus its probably cheaper than the DA* 50-135.

Specifically for portraits, it also depends the look you want to create with them.
Full- or 3/4-body portraits, something like a 17-70 may be useful, but the DA* 16-50 would be even better.

From 1/2 body portraits up, the 50-135 will be all you'd ever want. Many owners of this lens praise it for being as good as the DA 70 and FA 77 ltds. I have the FA 77, and won't give that one up, but I'm sure I wouldn't be left wanting with a 50-135 either.

Finn · 11-06-2009, 03:02 PM

How about a few old manual primes to get the hang of different individual focal lengths?

rparmar · 11-06-2009, 06:53 PM

You have two zooms so buy a fast prime. I recommend the FA77.

cofra · 11-07-2009, 03:57 AM

Thanks a lot for your answers guys,

I guess I'll just flip a coin... writing FA 77 Limited on one side and DA* 50-135 on the other...

I really like the looks on the 77, maybe even the silver on my black K-7, and the IQ seems to be amazing when looking on samples. But the weather sealing on the DA* are attractive and having the availability to zoom a bit are nice.

It's hard. Thanks again for your time.
Regards, Christian