A lightweight prime kit, by Pentax.

Colbyt · 04-17-2011, 08:11 AM

You are right. It might make a major difference on inside or close shots. Thanks for posting those.

No I have not tried either of them. We have no local dealer so buying or renting to try would be my only options.

GeneV · 04-17-2011, 08:50 AM

Originally posted by Colbyt

You are right. It might make a major difference on inside or close shots. Thanks for posting those.

No I have not tried either of them. We have no local dealer so buying or renting to try would be my only options.

I had a version of the second one with a nice shot of my wife in it. She would barely have been noticeable in the DA15 shot.

Again, these should not be used to compare the lenses for anything other than FOV. They were taken on different days at different ISO, but both from in front of the door to our hotel room.

reeftool · 04-17-2011, 10:26 AM

Originally posted by MSD

Then do people just avoid wildlife photography when travelling (or, at least, telephoto wildlife photography)? Or is a TC the way to go? This seems a hassle, though.

That's a nice kit you're developing.

I think the thread is aimed at a lightweight lens collection suitable for hiking or a day where you would be walking. When I'm traveling, I will usually bring a long lens. On vacations, I usually bring a pretty good collection of gear. On hikes or just walking around town, I probably won't bring a long lens unless I'm planning on using it for a specific shot. I rarely encounter wildlife on hiking trails although I know where to likely have a good chance of finding some if I go into the woods for that purpose. Most of my hiking shots are macros or wide angle landscapes and a chance wildlife encounter would probably be missed due to having the wrong lens on the camera.

chrism_scotland · 04-17-2011, 10:27 AM

I'm swithering between the 15mm and 21mm myself or simply buying a 10-20 Sigma, does anyone have both and if so which do you use more?

GeneV · 04-17-2011, 11:11 AM

Originally posted by chrism_scotland

I'm swithering between the 15mm and 21mm myself or simply buying a 10-20 Sigma, does anyone have both and if so which do you use more?

I use the 21 more between the two primes. I also have the DA12-24mm. It is a great alternative, as would be the Sigma, but neither zoom qualifies IMHO as light or compact compared to the primes.

**Ahab** · 04-17-2011, 11:15 AM

I travel a lot and my new lightweight kit will include the DA15, DA 40, F50/1.4, and DA*200. While in Zimbabwe last year I learned if you had the right guide the DA*200 was more than suffiecient. I could have left the 300 at home.

scathontiphat · 04-17-2011, 02:26 PM

Another lightweight/small-kit obsessor here (spend a year on the road with only a 40L backpack, and even that I thought was too big).

If it helps, here's my kit at the moment: 15 f/4, 43 f/1.9, 77 f/1.8, K-135 f/2.5, tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and I keep a DCR-150 in the bag for macros

Used to have a 31ltd instead of the 43, but i much prefer the 43 focal length, size and weight. But that's just how i roll, 31 is a great lens, but too big, bulky and expensive for my tastes so I traded it for the 43+tammy 17-50.

The tamron 17-50 serves dual duty. I use it as a walk around lens when i'm expecting quick snaps and lots of action. I used to walk around with a 31mm ltd, but I find that a zoom gives me a higher success rate when I'm just trying to catch things as I'm walking around. But when i've got more time to consider a shot I treat it as a 24mm prime (that just happens to have a zoom ring) to fill my gap between 15 and 43 . Around 24mm-28mm this lens is amazingly sharp, so sharp that I've yet to see a prime in that range with a real performance increase to justify carrying around an extra lens.

I just got the K-135 f/2.5 instead of the 55-300 like you mentioned. I loved the thought of 55-300 due to it's size and weight, but I was afraid of the drop in IQ compared to my other primes that I've gotten used to. I'm sooooo happy that I went with the K-135 f/2.5. It's just an awesome lens. I've never tested a 55-300, but from the 100% crops I've seen from it, my k-135 f/2.5 blows it out of the water in a reasonably small package.

I'm veeery happy with this setup. In fact it's the first time that I'm not dying to buy some other lenses (although one day I would like a DA* 200mm f/2.8)

Last edited by scathontiphat; 04-17-2011 at 02:42 PM.

MSD · 04-17-2011, 02:54 PM

I've been getting a real craving lately to get a 43 and mount it on my K20 and go.

scathontiphat · 04-17-2011, 03:01 PM

Originally posted by MSD

I've been getting a real craving lately to get a 43 and mount it on my K20 and go.

I LOVE my 43mm. small, light, classic metal pentax lens. If I leave the house with only the camera (no bag) 9 times out of 10 I've got the 43mm on there.

mickeymon · 04-17-2011, 03:08 PM

Thx for the inputs. Since I have 40ltd and Tammy 17-50, now I think that 15ltd would actually be a better option for me than 21ltd.

@scathontiphat
Is there a way to make Tammy 17-50 work with the built-in flash?

GeneV · 04-17-2011, 06:59 PM

Originally posted by mickeymon

Thx for the inputs. Since I have 40ltd and Tammy 17-50, now I think that 15ltd would actually be a better option for me than 21ltd.

@scathontiphat
Is there a way to make Tammy 17-50 work with the built-in flash?

Well, that's not a setup of primes.

There is no reason why the Tammy shouldn't work with the flash, other than, perhaps, at 17.

chrism_scotland · 04-18-2011, 04:48 AM

Originally posted by GeneV

I use the 21 more between the two primes. I also have the DA12-24mm. It is a great alternative, as would be the Sigma, but neither zoom qualifies IMHO as light or compact compared to the primes.

Cheers mate, I'm getting itchy buying fingers, especially seeing some of the price rises that have hit over here, I was considering picking up a Sigma 8-16 or 10-20 before the price rises as the 10-20 can still be had for £330 over here and if it goes up I can imagine its going to be £400+.

That said I might just splash out on the 15mm its almost £600 over here and I can only imagine what it might rise to!

GeneV · 04-18-2011, 05:59 AM

Originally posted by chrism_scotland

Cheers mate, I'm getting itchy buying fingers, especially seeing some of the price rises that have hit over here, I was considering picking up a Sigma 8-16 or 10-20 before the price rises as the 10-20 can still be had for £330 over here and if it goes up I can imagine its going to be £400+.

That said I might just splash out on the 15mm its almost £600 over here and I can only imagine what it might rise to!

Yikes! Those are serious prices. The DA15 can be had for less than 600 dollars here.

wed7 · 04-18-2011, 06:29 AM

^ You're making me want to buy that 21 over the 15.

I already have my 40mm, that's why I am contemplating about the 15 or the 21.

Thanks for sharing

chrism_scotland · 04-18-2011, 07:38 AM

Originally posted by GeneV

Yikes! Those are serious prices. The DA15 can be had for less than 600 dollars here.

Yeah UK Prices are pretty bad with VAT added on and the fact that everything seems more expensive to begin with anyway!!!

If it was a little cheaper I'd have bought it now but its £589 for a 15mm, £400 almost for the 21mm, £330 for a 10-20 and £399 for the 8-16 so while I do want small and light the £330 10-20 is almost half the cost!

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04-17-2011, 08:11 AM	#31
Colbyt Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central Kentucky Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,417	You are right. It might make a major difference on inside or close shots. Thanks for posting those. No I have not tried either of them. We have no local dealer so buying or renting to try would be my only options.

04-17-2011, 08:50 AM	#32
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by Colbyt You are right. It might make a major difference on inside or close shots. Thanks for posting those. No I have not tried either of them. We have no local dealer so buying or renting to try would be my only options. I had a version of the second one with a nice shot of my wife in it. She would barely have been noticeable in the DA15 shot. Again, these should not be used to compare the lenses for anything other than FOV. They were taken on different days at different ISO, but both from in front of the door to our hotel room.

04-17-2011, 10:26 AM	#33
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,554	Originally posted by MSD Then do people just avoid wildlife photography when travelling (or, at least, telephoto wildlife photography)? Or is a TC the way to go? This seems a hassle, though. That's a nice kit you're developing. I think the thread is aimed at a lightweight lens collection suitable for hiking or a day where you would be walking. When I'm traveling, I will usually bring a long lens. On vacations, I usually bring a pretty good collection of gear. On hikes or just walking around town, I probably won't bring a long lens unless I'm planning on using it for a specific shot. I rarely encounter wildlife on hiking trails although I know where to likely have a good chance of finding some if I go into the woods for that purpose. Most of my hiking shots are macros or wide angle landscapes and a chance wildlife encounter would probably be missed due to having the wrong lens on the camera.

04-17-2011, 10:27 AM	#34
chrism_scotland Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 76	I'm swithering between the 15mm and 21mm myself or simply buying a 10-20 Sigma, does anyone have both and if so which do you use more?

04-17-2011, 11:11 AM	#35
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by chrism_scotland I'm swithering between the 15mm and 21mm myself or simply buying a 10-20 Sigma, does anyone have both and if so which do you use more? I use the 21 more between the two primes. I also have the DA12-24mm. It is a great alternative, as would be the Sigma, but neither zoom qualifies IMHO as light or compact compared to the primes.

04-17-2011, 11:15 AM	#36
Ahab Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Arnold, Md. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 762	I travel a lot and my new lightweight kit will include the DA15, DA 40, F50/1.4, and DA200. While in Zimbabwe last year I learned if you had the right guide the DA200 was more than suffiecient. I could have left the 300 at home.

04-17-2011, 02:26 PM	#37
scathontiphat Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: UK Photos: Albums Posts: 42	Another lightweight/small-kit obsessor here (spend a year on the road with only a 40L backpack, and even that I thought was too big). If it helps, here's my kit at the moment: 15 f/4, 43 f/1.9, 77 f/1.8, K-135 f/2.5, tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and I keep a DCR-150 in the bag for macros Used to have a 31ltd instead of the 43, but i much prefer the 43 focal length, size and weight. But that's just how i roll, 31 is a great lens, but too big, bulky and expensive for my tastes so I traded it for the 43+tammy 17-50. The tamron 17-50 serves dual duty. I use it as a walk around lens when i'm expecting quick snaps and lots of action. I used to walk around with a 31mm ltd, but I find that a zoom gives me a higher success rate when I'm just trying to catch things as I'm walking around. But when i've got more time to consider a shot I treat it as a 24mm prime (that just happens to have a zoom ring) to fill my gap between 15 and 43 . Around 24mm-28mm this lens is amazingly sharp, so sharp that I've yet to see a prime in that range with a real performance increase to justify carrying around an extra lens. I just got the K-135 f/2.5 instead of the 55-300 like you mentioned. I loved the thought of 55-300 due to it's size and weight, but I was afraid of the drop in IQ compared to my other primes that I've gotten used to. I'm sooooo happy that I went with the K-135 f/2.5. It's just an awesome lens. I've never tested a 55-300, but from the 100% crops I've seen from it, my k-135 f/2.5 blows it out of the water in a reasonably small package. I'm veeery happy with this setup. In fact it's the first time that I'm not dying to buy some other lenses (although one day I would like a DA* 200mm f/2.8) Last edited by scathontiphat; 04-17-2011 at 02:42 PM.

04-17-2011, 02:54 PM	#38
MSD Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 163 Original Poster	I've been getting a real craving lately to get a 43 and mount it on my K20 and go.

04-17-2011, 03:01 PM	#39
scathontiphat Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: UK Photos: Albums Posts: 42	Originally posted by MSD I've been getting a real craving lately to get a 43 and mount it on my K20 and go. I LOVE my 43mm. small, light, classic metal pentax lens. If I leave the house with only the camera (no bag) 9 times out of 10 I've got the 43mm on there.

04-17-2011, 03:08 PM	#40
mickeymon New Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 23	Thx for the inputs. Since I have 40ltd and Tammy 17-50, now I think that 15ltd would actually be a better option for me than 21ltd. @scathontiphat Is there a way to make Tammy 17-50 work with the built-in flash?

04-17-2011, 06:59 PM	#41
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by mickeymon Thx for the inputs. Since I have 40ltd and Tammy 17-50, now I think that 15ltd would actually be a better option for me than 21ltd. @scathontiphat Is there a way to make Tammy 17-50 work with the built-in flash? Well, that's not a setup of primes. There is no reason why the Tammy shouldn't work with the flash, other than, perhaps, at 17.

04-18-2011, 04:48 AM	#42
chrism_scotland Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 76	Originally posted by GeneV I use the 21 more between the two primes. I also have the DA12-24mm. It is a great alternative, as would be the Sigma, but neither zoom qualifies IMHO as light or compact compared to the primes. Cheers mate, I'm getting itchy buying fingers, especially seeing some of the price rises that have hit over here, I was considering picking up a Sigma 8-16 or 10-20 before the price rises as the 10-20 can still be had for £330 over here and if it goes up I can imagine its going to be £400+. That said I might just splash out on the 15mm its almost £600 over here and I can only imagine what it might rise to!

04-18-2011, 05:59 AM	#43
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by chrism_scotland Cheers mate, I'm getting itchy buying fingers, especially seeing some of the price rises that have hit over here, I was considering picking up a Sigma 8-16 or 10-20 before the price rises as the 10-20 can still be had for £330 over here and if it goes up I can imagine its going to be £400+. That said I might just splash out on the 15mm its almost £600 over here and I can only imagine what it might rise to! Yikes! Those are serious prices. The DA15 can be had for less than 600 dollars here.

04-18-2011, 06:29 AM	#44
wed7 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 1,421	^ You're making me want to buy that 21 over the 15. I already have my 40mm, that's why I am contemplating about the 15 or the 21. Thanks for sharing

04-18-2011, 07:38 AM	#45
chrism_scotland Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 76	Originally posted by GeneV Yikes! Those are serious prices. The DA15 can be had for less than 600 dollars here. Yeah UK Prices are pretty bad with VAT added on and the fact that everything seems more expensive to begin with anyway!!! If it was a little cheaper I'd have bought it now but its £589 for a 15mm, £400 almost for the 21mm, £330 for a 10-20 and £399 for the 8-16 so while I do want small and light the £330 10-20 is almost half the cost!