16-45 + 55-300 or 21 + 70

khanh_zui · 02-10-2011, 06:26 AM

Should I change from 16-45 + 55-300 (1) to 21 LTD + 70 LTD (2)
I like it (2) because it's small
I used to take life and portraits
Sorry my bad english. Thanks all

the swede · 02-10-2011, 07:41 AM

Thats a question only you can answer

The 16-45 and 55-300 is probably the best zoom lens combo today, of any brand. Why?
Because the have great optical quality and they are really cheap! Replacing them with the 21' and 70' is a drastic move in my opinion. Only having the 21 and 70 will leave big holes in the entire range. Better to think 21, 40, 70. Or 15, 40, 70. Or 15, 35, 70.

You should keep the zooms AND complement with one prime at a time, to see what you like!

theperception2008 · 02-10-2011, 07:57 AM

Originally posted by the swede

Thats a question only you can answer

The 16-45 and 55-300 is probably the best zoom lens combo today, of any brand. Why?
Because the have great optical quality and they are really cheap! Replacing them with the 21' and 70' is a drastic move in my opinion. Only having the 21 and 70 will leave big holes in the entire range. Better to think 21, 40, 70. Or 15, 40, 70. Or 15, 35, 70.

You should keep the zooms AND complement with one prime at a time, to see what you like!

Last summer I took (1) with me and I couldn't be happier! I also took my FA77 and my F 50 1.7 to have some low light abilities.

The 16-45 is an excellent lens and very much under-rated. The DA 55-300 is a great lens with a nice weight to it. Dont get rid of the zooms! I love my primes but when I go traveling, my two zooms and a nice prime to go with it . Minimizes what can get stolen if that misfortune should befall me again... :-(

The first picture was taken at 16mm f/14
The second picture was taken at 300 f/9

gnaztee · 02-10-2011, 08:10 AM

If you know that those two focal lengths are suitable for your photography subjects and style, I say go for it! You don't always have to cover a broad range of focal lengths. The simplicity of having two excellent lenses and knowing exactly how to "see" with them and what you'll get out of them can make for very strong photography.

On the other hand, if you find yourself shooting mostly at 16mm on one zoom and 250mm on the other, the 21/70 might not work. Disclaimer: my city-travel kit is the K-7 with 21/70, so I think it's an excellent combo...but I do own a few other lenses as well.

SpecialK · 02-10-2011, 08:35 AM

I would have a hard time shooting what I shoot with only those 2 primes.

the swede · 02-10-2011, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by the swede

You should keep the zooms AND complement with one prime at a time, to see what you like!

I quote myself here ;-) this is the best advice to follow when one wants to go for primes.

gnaztee · 02-10-2011, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by SpecialK

I would have a hard time shooting what I shoot with only those 2 primes.

Understood, which is why I prefaced my remarks with this:

Originally posted by gnaztee

If you know that those two focal lengths are suitable for your photography subjects and style, I say go for it!

And I disagree with this a little:

Originally posted by the swede

I quote myself here ;-) this is the best advice to follow when one wants to go for primes.

There is no "best advice" when it comes to matters of personal preference. People photograph myriad subjects and have all kinds of ideas and tolerances when it comes to handling of the lens, how much they want to carry, how much they want to spend, etc., etc., etc. Ultimately, this is where every thread like this goes: everyone shares their own personal preferences (me included) and makes a case for why they would go that route if they were OP (me included). How much any of this helps in maing a final decision, who knows?

epqwerty · 02-10-2011, 11:32 AM

Those are pretty big changes in terms of focal lengths. In my opinion, after awhile you will feel very limited. In terms of 21 just isn't wide enough and 70 is just too short. I think the 21 or 70 could be good as a third lens as the 55-300 doesn't do 2.4 at 70mm and the 16-45 doesn't do 3.2 at 21mm. That would be where those third lenses could help you out. Other than that I don't think I would abandon your zooms just yet.

reeftool · 02-10-2011, 11:45 AM

If you aren't using the telephoto much then I can understand not wanting to carry it around. The 21mm and 70mm Ltds are wonderful lenses and if you would prefer shooting with them, why not? A short zoom is a pretty handy lens to have in your bag and the 16-45 is one of the best. That said, you know your needs better than any of us. I would say if money is no object, own all of them but that is something few can afford to do. Buy what you will use and get the best shots for your style of photography.

the swede · 02-10-2011, 02:53 PM

Originally posted by gnaztee

There is no "best advice" when it comes to matters of personal preference. People photograph myriad subjects and have all kinds of ideas and tolerances when it comes to handling of the lens, how much they want to carry, how much they want to spend, etc., etc., etc. Ultimately, this is where every thread like this goes: everyone shares their own personal preferences (me included) and makes a case for why they would go that route if they were OP (me included). How much any of this helps in maing a final decision, who knows?

You are absolutely right!

What i really meant but didnt type out clear enough was: Dont sell the zooms before trying the primes. Try one, and see if it fits. If it doesnt...well, the zoom will be there. Just in case

Imho, Personal preferences comes after you tried different things, finding out what you like.

SpecialK · 02-10-2011, 05:23 PM

gnatzee, I was not replying to you :-)

gnaztee · 02-10-2011, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by the swede

You are absolutely right!

What i really meant but didnt type out clear enough was: Dont sell the zooms before trying the primes. Try one, and see if it fits. If it doesnt...well, the zoom will be there. Just in case

Imho, Personal preferences comes after you tried different things, finding out what you like.

Gotcha...I should have understood that, my bad

Originally posted by SpecialK

gnatzee, I was not replying to you :-)

Well then...nevermind.

twitch · 02-10-2011, 06:01 PM

I own 3 of the 4 lenses in question. No I would not sell your zooms which are both excellent good value zooms, to get only primes especially as you dont have any now. Instead I would slowly add primes and keep your zooms.

khanh_zui · 02-10-2011, 06:02 PM

Thanks for all
16-46 I used to use in 20-30
55-300 I used to use in 55-150 My little sketchy tele
I need a good image color and sharpness
My 55-300 just for self-portraits

twitch · 02-10-2011, 06:04 PM

Originally posted by khanh_zui

Thanks for all
16-46 I used to use in 20-30
55-300 I used to use in 55-150 My little sketchy tele
I need a good image color and sharpness
My 55-300 just for self-portraits

Self portraits with the 55-300???

02-10-2011, 06:26 AM	#1
khanh_zui New Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 5	16-45 + 55-300 or 21 + 70 Should I change from 16-45 + 55-300 (1) to 21 LTD + 70 LTD (2) I like it (2) because it's small I used to take life and portraits Sorry my bad english. Thanks all

02-10-2011, 07:57 AM	#3
theperception2008 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Łódź, Poland and Riverside, California, U.S.A Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 488	Originally posted by the swede Thats a question only you can answer The 16-45 and 55-300 is probably the best zoom lens combo today, of any brand. Why? Because the have great optical quality and they are really cheap! Replacing them with the 21' and 70' is a drastic move in my opinion. Only having the 21 and 70 will leave big holes in the entire range. Better to think 21, 40, 70. Or 15, 40, 70. Or 15, 35, 70. You should keep the zooms AND complement with one prime at a time, to see what you like! Last summer I took (1) with me and I couldn't be happier! I also took my FA77 and my F 50 1.7 to have some low light abilities. The 16-45 is an excellent lens and very much under-rated. The DA 55-300 is a great lens with a nice weight to it. Dont get rid of the zooms! I love my primes but when I go traveling, my two zooms and a nice prime to go with it . Minimizes what can get stolen if that misfortune should befall me again... :-( The first picture was taken at 16mm f/14 The second picture was taken at 300 f/9 Attached Images

02-10-2011, 02:53 PM	#10
the swede Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,310	Originally posted by gnaztee There is no "best advice" when it comes to matters of personal preference. People photograph myriad subjects and have all kinds of ideas and tolerances when it comes to handling of the lens, how much they want to carry, how much they want to spend, etc., etc., etc. Ultimately, this is where every thread like this goes: everyone shares their own personal preferences (me included) and makes a case for why they would go that route if they were OP (me included). How much any of this helps in maing a final decision, who knows? You are absolutely right! What i really meant but didnt type out clear enough was: Dont sell the zooms before trying the primes. Try one, and see if it fits. If it doesnt...well, the zoom will be there. Just in case Imho, Personal preferences comes after you tried different things, finding out what you like. Last edited by the swede; 02-10-2011 at 03:08 PM.

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02-10-2011, 07:41 AM	#2
the swede Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,310	Thats a question only you can answer The 16-45 and 55-300 is probably the best zoom lens combo today, of any brand. Why? Because the have great optical quality and they are really cheap! Replacing them with the 21' and 70' is a drastic move in my opinion. Only having the 21 and 70 will leave big holes in the entire range. Better to think 21, 40, 70. Or 15, 40, 70. Or 15, 35, 70. You should keep the zooms AND complement with one prime at a time, to see what you like!

02-10-2011, 08:10 AM	#4
gnaztee Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 772	If you know that those two focal lengths are suitable for your photography subjects and style, I say go for it! You don't always have to cover a broad range of focal lengths. The simplicity of having two excellent lenses and knowing exactly how to "see" with them and what you'll get out of them can make for very strong photography. On the other hand, if you find yourself shooting mostly at 16mm on one zoom and 250mm on the other, the 21/70 might not work. Disclaimer: my city-travel kit is the K-7 with 21/70, so I think it's an excellent combo...but I do own a few other lenses as well.

02-10-2011, 08:35 AM	#5
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	I would have a hard time shooting what I shoot with only those 2 primes.

02-10-2011, 10:13 AM	#6
the swede Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2,310	Originally posted by the swede You should keep the zooms AND complement with one prime at a time, to see what you like! I quote myself here ;-) this is the best advice to follow when one wants to go for primes.

02-10-2011, 10:56 AM	#7
gnaztee Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 772	Originally posted by SpecialK I would have a hard time shooting what I shoot with only those 2 primes. Understood, which is why I prefaced my remarks with this: Originally posted by gnaztee If you know that those two focal lengths are suitable for your photography subjects and style, I say go for it! And I disagree with this a little: Originally posted by the swede I quote myself here ;-) this is the best advice to follow when one wants to go for primes. There is no "best advice" when it comes to matters of personal preference. People photograph myriad subjects and have all kinds of ideas and tolerances when it comes to handling of the lens, how much they want to carry, how much they want to spend, etc., etc., etc. Ultimately, this is where every thread like this goes: everyone shares their own personal preferences (me included) and makes a case for why they would go that route if they were OP (me included). How much any of this helps in maing a final decision, who knows?

02-10-2011, 11:32 AM	#8
epqwerty Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 550	Those are pretty big changes in terms of focal lengths. In my opinion, after awhile you will feel very limited. In terms of 21 just isn't wide enough and 70 is just too short. I think the 21 or 70 could be good as a third lens as the 55-300 doesn't do 2.4 at 70mm and the 16-45 doesn't do 3.2 at 21mm. That would be where those third lenses could help you out. Other than that I don't think I would abandon your zooms just yet.

02-10-2011, 11:45 AM	#9
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,554	If you aren't using the telephoto much then I can understand not wanting to carry it around. The 21mm and 70mm Ltds are wonderful lenses and if you would prefer shooting with them, why not? A short zoom is a pretty handy lens to have in your bag and the 16-45 is one of the best. That said, you know your needs better than any of us. I would say if money is no object, own all of them but that is something few can afford to do. Buy what you will use and get the best shots for your style of photography.

02-10-2011, 05:23 PM	#11
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	gnatzee, I was not replying to you :-)

02-10-2011, 05:32 PM	#12
gnaztee Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 772	Originally posted by the swede You are absolutely right! What i really meant but didnt type out clear enough was: Dont sell the zooms before trying the primes. Try one, and see if it fits. If it doesnt...well, the zoom will be there. Just in case Imho, Personal preferences comes after you tried different things, finding out what you like. Gotcha...I should have understood that, my bad Originally posted by SpecialK gnatzee, I was not replying to you :-) Well then...nevermind.

02-10-2011, 06:01 PM	#13
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	I own 3 of the 4 lenses in question. No I would not sell your zooms which are both excellent good value zooms, to get only primes especially as you dont have any now. Instead I would slowly add primes and keep your zooms.

02-10-2011, 06:02 PM	#14
khanh_zui New Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 5 Original Poster	Thanks for all 16-46 I used to use in 20-30 55-300 I used to use in 55-150 My little sketchy tele I need a good image color and sharpness My 55-300 just for self-portraits

02-10-2011, 06:04 PM	#15
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Originally posted by khanh_zui Thanks for all 16-46 I used to use in 20-30 55-300 I used to use in 55-150 My little sketchy tele I need a good image color and sharpness My 55-300 just for self-portraits Self portraits with the 55-300???