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01-10-2011, 07:57 PM   #1
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DA* 50-135 f/2.8 or DA 70 f/2.4 + Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8?

Hey everyone, I'm shooting with a K10D and have the 18-55mm kit lens. Now, I’m looking to get my next lens for portraits and am torn between these two options:
1. Two primes lens (DA 70 f/2.4 and Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Macro)
(Local price US $800)
2. One zoom lens (DA* 50-135 f/2.8)
(Local price US $985)

I knew DA*50-135 is a wonderful lens, larger aperture, higher quality glass, better weather sealing, but I'm becoming very worried about the SDM issue. Considering from the number of SDM failures I hear about on this forum, it seems the DA 70 f/2.4 and Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 would be a better decision? I would be very appreciative if anyone could give me any advice. Thanks!


Last edited by gavinwang; 01-10-2011 at 08:10 PM.
01-10-2011, 08:47 PM   #2
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For potraits, i'd suggest you get the 70+90 combo, considering the price and tamron's macro ability.

The zoom gives you flexibility and 135mm reach, which are not that important for potraits. Plus, it is heavy, and focuses relatively slow.
01-10-2011, 08:53 PM   #3
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I own the Tamron 90 because I thought I'd like to shoot macro. But why do you want both it and a 70?
01-10-2011, 09:09 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
I own the Tamron 90 because I thought I'd like to shoot macro. But why do you want both it and a 70?
My thoughts exactly.

If you plan to shoot macro then I have the Tamron 90 and can say it is a great lense with a superb bokeh for portraits and a wonderful macro lense. If you don't plan to use it a lot for macro though then I don't see the point.

Personally I would go for the Tamron 28-75/2.8 and the T90, but if you just want primes (and don't need macro) then maybe the DA40 and 70 make a better pair.

01-10-2011, 09:11 PM   #5
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70 & 90 are too close to buy both, a DA40 & DA70 would make more sense perhaps.

I have the DA*50-135 (with a 3 year mack warranty) and the DA70 (& a DA40). The DA70 comes out when I want maximum speed, light weight and I want to be low profile. The DA*50-135 in reality gets used more though. Both have very high IQ, even wide open.

Between DA70+DA40 vs DA*50-135 I would still choose the DA*.
01-10-2011, 09:22 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by twitch Quote

Between DA70+DA40 vs DA*50-135 I would still choose the DA*.
50 is still too close though IMO for a portrait lense (though of course it depends on the situation and who you are shooting) which is why the 40/70 pairing offers more flexibility. Or the the excellent Tamron 28-75/2.8. YMMV.
01-11-2011, 08:32 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
I own the Tamron 90 because I thought I'd like to shoot macro. But why do you want both it and a 70?
Hey SpecialK, thanks for your reply, I think the long range of Tamron 90 in APS-C (90x1.5 =135) can bring me a very good Bokeh. that's way I'm considering Tamron 90.

01-14-2011, 07:38 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by twitch Quote
70 & 90 are too close to buy both, a DA40 & DA70 would make more sense perhaps.

I have the DA*50-135 (with a 3 year mack warranty) and the DA70 (& a DA40). The DA70 comes out when I want maximum speed, light weight and I want to be low profile. The DA*50-135 in reality gets used more though. Both have very high IQ, even wide open.

Between DA70+DA40 vs DA*50-135 I would still choose the DA*.

I finally bought the DA* 50-135 this week. It's a wonderful lens, build quality is on a very high level. AF is very silent. I really love it.
01-14-2011, 08:58 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by gavinwang Quote
Hey SpecialK, thanks for your reply, I think the long range of Tamron 90 in APS-C (90x1.5 =135) can bring me a very good Bokeh. that's way I'm considering Tamron 90.
Yes, the Tammy 90mm Macro has splendid bokeh and is a versatile lens. I shoot Macro, Portraits and Landscapes with it--all are awesome.

Enjoy the 50-135mm!
01-15-2011, 01:59 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by gavinwang Quote
I finally bought the DA* 50-135 this week. It's a wonderful lens, build quality is on a very high level. AF is very silent. I really love it.
Wow, great! Glad you are happy with your purchase
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