At last, my ultimate kit

Bob from Aus · 07-18-2011, 02:28 PM

Would it be true that almost everyone on this blog dreams of the ultimate kit? Well I have been having visions and a wish list since about 1970. It wasn’t until 1974 I got my first SLR a Pentax Spotmatic II.

A couple of weeks ago my 16th lens arrived since I went digital six years ago. It was the 15mm Ltd. When I got my first Ltd lens, the 35mm macro, I decided it was going to do away with zooms in the wide angle and normal range and go for primes. I have been ecstatic with my 21mm Ltd over the past year. I have toyed for about two years, the 14mm or the 15mm. I had some poor reviews on the 15mm, but 2 factors swung me back to the 15mm, the reviews on this blog and the knowledge that if I got the heavier 14mm whenever I pack my kit to travel I would need to decide if I leave my Sigma 10mm fisheye or the 14mm behind.

When I had tested my new 15mm Ltd lens and the excitement had died down something twigged about the ultimate kit. After all these years of dreaming, I think I actually have got there. I do a lot of wildlife photography and that is why my kit is so bulky. But to just do photography for the fun of creating lovely images I think this kit can’t really be beaten. I suspect everyone will have a different range of lenses to meet their special interests. But I am talking about a solid kit that will stand up to and surpass any other kit. For me it only takes four of 16 lenses to make an ultimate kit.
Pentax K5
15mm Ltd
21mm Ltd
35mm macro Ltd
DA 50-135mm zoom

With this kit I can achieve an amazing range of general photography in a small and very elegant package. I have three lovely small metal lenses and a relatively light and high quality zoom. The K5 camera is beyond sensational or any other measurement scale as far as I am concerned. I am ready to take on the word. Just think what it would like to replicate that with a canon, it would weigh more like a panzer tank than a field canon.

twitch · 07-18-2011, 03:26 PM

Originally posted by Bob from Aus

When I had tested my new 15mm Ltd lens and the excitement had died down something twigged about the ultimate kit. After all these years of dreaming, I think I actually have got there. I do a lot of wildlife photography and that is why my kit is so bulky. But to just do photography for the fun of creating lovely images I think this kit can’t really be beaten. I suspect everyone will have a different range of lenses to meet their special interests. But I am talking about a solid kit that will stand up to and surpass any other kit. For me it only takes four of 16 lenses to make an ultimate kit.
Pentax K5
15mm Ltd
21mm Ltd
35mm macro Ltd
DA 50-135mm zoom

With this kit I can achieve an amazing range of general photography in a small and very elegant package. I have three lovely small metal lenses and a relatively light and high quality zoom. The K5 camera is beyond sensational or any other measurement scale as far as I am concerned. I am ready to take on the word. Just think what it would like to replicate that with a canon, it would weigh more like a panzer tank than a field canon.

That is a fantastic kit, not a dud lens amongst those. Those lenses and body can cover most situations and with superb IQ.

Glad you've reached Pentax nivanna

**Ash** · 07-18-2011, 03:33 PM

Congrats. A fine kit indeed. Some of us have a small wishlist for specialist Limited or * lenses for a little extra WA or telephoto range, but I'm also quite happy with my setup at present. I can shoot just about anything I'd like to with it, and the quality is not seen for thousands more dollars in competitor brands.

So enjoy the difference.

paperbag846 · 07-18-2011, 04:06 PM

Originally posted by Bob from Aus

Pentax K5
15mm Ltd
21mm Ltd
35mm macro Ltd
DA 50-135mm zoom

I'm happy for you, that looks like a really wonderful, and compact, kit.

I do wonder - how does the 21 stack up to a 24 (looking for that moderate wide FOV)? I'm assuming that is how you use the 21, considering your 15.

I really want something akin to the 20-35-85 set up that people used to carry around. I have the 20, and in a way, he 85 covered, but I'm settling for the kit lens w.r.t the 35mm, because I can't seem to find a prime that is worth the coin (the kit is pretty good at 24mm, even wide open).

Bob from Aus · 07-18-2011, 04:19 PM

At first I though the 21mm was an odd focal length. I had purchased a secondhand 28mm which I didn't like and thought my zoom was better. I was tempted by a secondhand 24mm but it was too expensive. What surprised me about the 21mm is seemed to take the place of my old loved and trusted 35mm takamar lens. I like the small size and the strange lens hood and now owning, I wouldn't replace it. keeping the UV filter clean is a challenge.

foxhead · 07-18-2011, 06:16 PM

Great kit. I have almost the same line up and the DA 21 has become my goto lens for landscape and interior shots. I'm thinking that it might be best for street photos too, getting in close in a crowd.

The only difference I have is I'm using a FA35 f2.0 but have found that I'm using the 21mm almost all the time and have stopped carrying the 35mm around. For macros I have a D FA50 but I don't consider that as a part of my kit because I don't do macros often.

Bob from Aus · 07-18-2011, 06:34 PM

Hi Foxhead - your epitar looks like me. LOL Pentax has so many great choices around the 35mm including the 40mm pancake. I do a lot of macro, so that was a great choice for me, but I am sure I would love most of the others as well.

Eagle_Friends · 07-18-2011, 09:26 PM

haha, that is exactly what i have right now, with a trusty K-x instead of the K5

looking to get a FA 77mm in the lineup for solely portraits.

Bob from Aus · 07-18-2011, 09:53 PM

I can see why a 77mm would be a great addition. I have sigma 70mm macro that does excellent portraits, but I no longer use for macro since I got pentax100mm WR macro. I have a lot of overlap so unfortunately can't find an excuse.

gut1kor · 07-19-2011, 12:07 AM

I never had a single ltd lens...i am jealous...Grrr....

very nice collection though and enjoy your possessions...

Bob from Aus · 07-19-2011, 12:13 AM

Sorry gut1kor. I did have to wait 40 years. i hope you get there faster

TOUGEFC · 07-19-2011, 01:40 AM

Congrats Bob! Great kit!
I only have a few lenses left to get and I will have my Ultimate kit, but for now I love what Ive got.

abacus07 · 07-19-2011, 08:50 AM

I also completed my ultimate travel kit with a $13 M50/2.

I tend to be a little rough with my equipment and I now have a $100 kit of M's that can be easily replaced if necessary.

Of course a kit of limiteds is what everyone dreams about. But my first limited might happen in a few months. The 15...

RioRico · 07-19-2011, 09:01 AM

Nice kit and 'way beyond my budget. I'll have to rob a couple minimarts. Bother.

kenafein · 07-19-2011, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by Bob from Aus

I had some poor reviews on the 15mm, but 2 factors swung me back to the 15mm, the reviews on this blog...

The opinions on this site and the pictures to prove them really have me excited about the 15mm, but you're right all the review sites say bad things about it. I'm still trying to decide between the 15mm and the 12-24. I will buy one for Christmas. The 12-24 is well reviewed and gives me options, but the 15 is so delightfully small.

07-18-2011, 02:28 PM	#1
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	At last, my ultimate kit Would it be true that almost everyone on this blog dreams of the ultimate kit? Well I have been having visions and a wish list since about 1970. It wasn’t until 1974 I got my first SLR a Pentax Spotmatic II. A couple of weeks ago my 16th lens arrived since I went digital six years ago. It was the 15mm Ltd. When I got my first Ltd lens, the 35mm macro, I decided it was going to do away with zooms in the wide angle and normal range and go for primes. I have been ecstatic with my 21mm Ltd over the past year. I have toyed for about two years, the 14mm or the 15mm. I had some poor reviews on the 15mm, but 2 factors swung me back to the 15mm, the reviews on this blog and the knowledge that if I got the heavier 14mm whenever I pack my kit to travel I would need to decide if I leave my Sigma 10mm fisheye or the 14mm behind. When I had tested my new 15mm Ltd lens and the excitement had died down something twigged about the ultimate kit. After all these years of dreaming, I think I actually have got there. I do a lot of wildlife photography and that is why my kit is so bulky. But to just do photography for the fun of creating lovely images I think this kit can’t really be beaten. I suspect everyone will have a different range of lenses to meet their special interests. But I am talking about a solid kit that will stand up to and surpass any other kit. For me it only takes four of 16 lenses to make an ultimate kit. Pentax K5 15mm Ltd 21mm Ltd 35mm macro Ltd DA 50-135mm zoom With this kit I can achieve an amazing range of general photography in a small and very elegant package. I have three lovely small metal lenses and a relatively light and high quality zoom. The K5 camera is beyond sensational or any other measurement scale as far as I am concerned. I am ready to take on the word. Just think what it would like to replicate that with a canon, it would weigh more like a panzer tank than a field canon.

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07-18-2011, 03:26 PM	#2
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Originally posted by Bob from Aus When I had tested my new 15mm Ltd lens and the excitement had died down something twigged about the ultimate kit. After all these years of dreaming, I think I actually have got there. I do a lot of wildlife photography and that is why my kit is so bulky. But to just do photography for the fun of creating lovely images I think this kit can’t really be beaten. I suspect everyone will have a different range of lenses to meet their special interests. But I am talking about a solid kit that will stand up to and surpass any other kit. For me it only takes four of 16 lenses to make an ultimate kit. Pentax K5 15mm Ltd 21mm Ltd 35mm macro Ltd DA 50-135mm zoom With this kit I can achieve an amazing range of general photography in a small and very elegant package. I have three lovely small metal lenses and a relatively light and high quality zoom. The K5 camera is beyond sensational or any other measurement scale as far as I am concerned. I am ready to take on the word. Just think what it would like to replicate that with a canon, it would weigh more like a panzer tank than a field canon. That is a fantastic kit, not a dud lens amongst those. Those lenses and body can cover most situations and with superb IQ. Glad you've reached Pentax nivanna

07-18-2011, 03:33 PM	#3
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Congrats. A fine kit indeed. Some of us have a small wishlist for specialist Limited or * lenses for a little extra WA or telephoto range, but I'm also quite happy with my setup at present. I can shoot just about anything I'd like to with it, and the quality is not seen for thousands more dollars in competitor brands. So enjoy the difference.

07-18-2011, 04:06 PM	#4
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	Originally posted by Bob from Aus Pentax K5 15mm Ltd 21mm Ltd 35mm macro Ltd DA 50-135mm zoom I'm happy for you, that looks like a really wonderful, and compact, kit. I do wonder - how does the 21 stack up to a 24 (looking for that moderate wide FOV)? I'm assuming that is how you use the 21, considering your 15. I really want something akin to the 20-35-85 set up that people used to carry around. I have the 20, and in a way, he 85 covered, but I'm settling for the kit lens w.r.t the 35mm, because I can't seem to find a prime that is worth the coin (the kit is pretty good at 24mm, even wide open).

07-18-2011, 04:19 PM	#5
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094 Original Poster	At first I though the 21mm was an odd focal length. I had purchased a secondhand 28mm which I didn't like and thought my zoom was better. I was tempted by a secondhand 24mm but it was too expensive. What surprised me about the 21mm is seemed to take the place of my old loved and trusted 35mm takamar lens. I like the small size and the strange lens hood and now owning, I wouldn't replace it. keeping the UV filter clean is a challenge.

07-18-2011, 06:16 PM	#6
foxhead Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 55	Great kit. I have almost the same line up and the DA 21 has become my goto lens for landscape and interior shots. I'm thinking that it might be best for street photos too, getting in close in a crowd. The only difference I have is I'm using a FA35 f2.0 but have found that I'm using the 21mm almost all the time and have stopped carrying the 35mm around. For macros I have a D FA50 but I don't consider that as a part of my kit because I don't do macros often.

07-18-2011, 06:34 PM	#7
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094 Original Poster	Hi Foxhead - your epitar looks like me. LOL Pentax has so many great choices around the 35mm including the 40mm pancake. I do a lot of macro, so that was a great choice for me, but I am sure I would love most of the others as well.

07-18-2011, 09:26 PM	#8
Eagle_Friends Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 971	haha, that is exactly what i have right now, with a trusty K-x instead of the K5 looking to get a FA 77mm in the lineup for solely portraits.

07-18-2011, 09:53 PM	#9
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094 Original Poster	I can see why a 77mm would be a great addition. I have sigma 70mm macro that does excellent portraits, but I no longer use for macro since I got pentax100mm WR macro. I have a lot of overlap so unfortunately can't find an excuse.

07-19-2011, 12:07 AM	#10
gut1kor Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bangalore Photos: Albums Posts: 176	I never had a single ltd lens...i am jealous...Grrr.... very nice collection though and enjoy your possessions...

07-19-2011, 12:13 AM	#11
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094 Original Poster	Sorry gut1kor. I did have to wait 40 years. i hope you get there faster

07-19-2011, 01:40 AM	#12
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	Congrats Bob! Great kit! I only have a few lenses left to get and I will have my Ultimate kit, but for now I love what Ive got.

07-19-2011, 08:50 AM	#13
abacus07 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Taiwan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,075	I also completed my ultimate travel kit with a $13 M50/2. I tend to be a little rough with my equipment and I now have a $100 kit of M's that can be easily replaced if necessary. Of course a kit of limiteds is what everyone dreams about. But my first limited might happen in a few months. The 15...

07-19-2011, 09:01 AM	#14
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Nice kit and 'way beyond my budget. I'll have to rob a couple minimarts. Bother.

07-19-2011, 01:46 PM	#15
kenafein Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southern California Photos: Albums Posts: 4,082	Originally posted by Bob from Aus I had some poor reviews on the 15mm, but 2 factors swung me back to the 15mm, the reviews on this blog... The opinions on this site and the pictures to prove them really have me excited about the 15mm, but you're right all the review sites say bad things about it. I'm still trying to decide between the 15mm and the 12-24. I will buy one for Christmas. The 12-24 is well reviewed and gives me options, but the 15 is so delightfully small.