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Hello to all fellow Pentaxians,
I have discovered, like so many users of the Pentax-DA 70mm limited lens, the joy of such a small gem of an optic. Whilst many have waxed lyrical of it's clarity and resolution, I'd like to say how it has made my photographing of my kids a real delight. It has given me the focal length to get close, but also keep my distance so as to not 'interfere' with what they might be doing.
Often the best photos of kids are capturing them while the are doing an activity. Because there is no big zoom pointed at them they tend to be more relaxed and I can capture their real mood and expression. The lens also captures the wonderous colours of skin tones, the bright colours of clothes and of course, the colours from early sun or setting sunlight. What makes it a physical treat is that it is so light that moving around with the camera, rotating from portrait to landscape, panning to capture motion, or just plain holding it and waiting for them to look up and smile at you, is just so much easier than any zoom, or large optic. It is my choice lens for photographing my kids.
You can see from the examples below how the colours, light, and IQ are just wonderful. Jpgs from Lightroom with almost no post processing, custom colour profile using xrite, and Pentax K-r.
When you consider all the great optical qualities and a compact size that adds almost nothing in terms of weight on the camera, it makes holding and composing shots very easy, and brings back the excitement of looking at photos (like it was back in the days when you first opened the envelope after getting a roll of film developed).
Below are images taken with my 70mm limited lens (click the images to enlarge and browse).
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I especially bought this lens when my daughter was born, approximately 4 months. The results are great, with or without flash (pentax af360) using it indoor. Recommended. I also use, with succes, my D FA 100mm macro WR for portrait. Excellent post LondonWombat.
I agree that the DA70 is truly a wonderful portrait lens. I also feel it to be very capable for other types of shooting such as landscape and minimalist. Very lovely family portraits you provide for examples as well.
The 70mm Limited is my favourite lens of the many I own. It is a wonderful portrait lens and often produces my 'best' photos!
Some excellent shots with an excellent tool for the job. Like many the 70mm Ltd. is one of my favourite lenses in my collection and never far from my camera.
Lovely photos, they speak a lot about the quality of this lens. Thanks for sharing!
love the article.
DA 70 is my favorite lens for capturing candids of my kid and her friends, and our dog. Sharp, fast focusing, and amazing build quality. Great shots and nice write-up.
Great post and it shows people how a great lens can be a tool to inspire one to take the terrific portraits in your post. There is a certain magic to using this lens to make portraits and it's evidences in your photos.
Beautiful children and photographs.
I don't blame you. The 70mm Ltd. is my top favorite lens :D
Very nice...I'd love one of these lenses.
Sir,
You are blessed with fine children.
Your care for them shows in these images.
CD
I think the best tele lens I have ever used. Even if you can fined something negative about this lens, the size will counterbalance it. I wish the 21mm was so good as this 70mm.