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08-29-2011, 07:54 PM   #1
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which would you take 15mm or 16-50mm

I have to choose between taking the 15mm or 16-50mm. If I take the 15mm, I will need to take another lens for zoom. But I am not entirely pleased with the photos I took with the 16-50mm. Which would you take on a trip?

08-29-2011, 08:18 PM   #2
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on a trip, the 16-50mm. versatility is always nice to have
08-29-2011, 08:32 PM   #3
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I've found the 16-50mm to be an outstanding performer. Familiarity with any lens is what really determines whether it's a good lens or not, imho.
08-29-2011, 08:35 PM   #4
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What are you not entirely pleased with from the 16-50?
Sharpness? Colour? Bokeh?
I had it for over 2 years and couldn't fault it myself in terms of IQ.

08-29-2011, 09:12 PM   #5
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Having just come back from a 2 week trip I took more than 2,000 photos with the 16-50 and was pleased with it's overall performance. I took a second body which I did change lenses based on need. I even ended up using the 16-50 as a macro lens and got some fantastic photo's from it. I firmly believe that it is now my go to lens!!
08-29-2011, 09:26 PM   #6
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Unless you can take both, take the 16-50. 15mm is great but it is for a specific purpose, on a trip you need the versatility of the zoom.
08-29-2011, 10:56 PM   #7
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I take my DA 15 everywhere. It's really small enough as not to be a hassle which is one of the reasons I bought it. On a trip, you would want a zoom simply because they are more versatile as a walk around so if you really can't find a spot in your pocket for the 15, then take the zoom. Having only the 15 on a trip might present a problem although I often go out when I'm shooting mostly landscapes and only use the 15. It's very sharp and I can crop if I need to. That said, I wouldn't go on a trip with just the 15.

08-30-2011, 05:07 AM   #8
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I couldn't imagine just shooting at 15mm for a whole trip. I personally really like the 16-50. I know its weaknesses and avoid them, but it does have great colors and contrasts.
08-30-2011, 05:25 AM   #9
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If you really have to choose I wouldn't hesitate to bring the 16-50. Sure there is some distortion if you use it for wide angle work and some purple fringing appears with strong contrasts but that's manageable in post production. Having this weathersealed and versatile lens with me on long hikes is the main reason I still don't own the 15mm although it is hard to resist buying it. It is so small. Are you sure you can't bring both?
08-30-2011, 05:29 AM   #10
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I can't imagine only shooting 15mm for a whole trip, either, but nor does having a zoom just for the same of it being a zoom seem necessary. I mean, if those are the only two lenses you own, and getting a new lens for the occasion isn't going to happen, then zoom it is, but personally I'd take the 15 and DA40 (or DA35). Plus maybe a telephoto.
08-30-2011, 09:30 AM   #11
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Why must OP choose between the two? And if necessary, shooting with just the 15 would certainly be enlightening! Would the trip justify this?

Last edited by RioRico; 08-30-2011 at 09:41 AM.
10-02-2011, 03:18 PM   #12
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I contemplated getting the 16-50, but plumped for the 15, and then I'd hope to augment it with my 15, 35 and 50, to cover the range the zoom would cover anyway. I can limit myself for a challenge when I want to, I can carry less and shoot faster and wider if needs be. Sure I need to change lenses every now and then, but unless I'm on a job, I have the time to do that. And on a job I just take my K-x along with me.

But as everyone here says, the 16-50 is a great lens and you wouldn't go wrong with either, just know that the 15mm would need supplementing with a few other lenses, but it's a beautiful lens and it's a joy to use.
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