Is the Pentax DA* 55mm f/1.4 a great "walk-around" optic with the K-5 in wet environs

stevelink · 10-02-2011, 04:18 PM

Greetings!
I have a Pentax K-5 with a few "WR" lenses (DA*16-50, DA*55, DA 50-200 WR). I plan to shoot landscape, city, and marathon shots in Portland, a city known to have "wet spells". I was planning to bring the DA* 16-50 and the DA 50-200 only, keeping it simple, but now think that the DA* 55mm f/1.4 would be a great "walk-around" lens for when I wanted a smaller, lighter kit. (The 16-50, while an awesome zoom, may be rather large and heavy for "discrete, fast", or night work.) Question- Would the DA* 55 make a good addition to the travel kit, or would it simply cause more "angst" in determining which lens to employ? I figured with the 2 lens kit, my decision-making would be much easier! Thank you for any advice you may provide.

joe.penn · 10-02-2011, 04:27 PM

Originally posted by stevelink

Question- Would the DA* 55 make a good addition to the travel kit

Absolutely a good addition to take along in a city environment! I find a 55 to be a great walk around in the city while shooting a bunch of things including people shots; not sure how useful it will be shooting landscape in the city but I think it would be a great lens to shoot marathons with...

---

hcc · 10-02-2011, 04:47 PM

I have to disagree. I think that the focal length 55mm is too long. If you intend to use an all-around prime lens, I would recommend a focal length about 30-40 mm.

My best all-around prime lens is the FA31m f1.8 Ltd. In addition of a great IQ, the focal length is just right: not too long not too short. The lens is also fast (f1.8) and I used it successfully in poor indoor lighting.

Some do prefer the DA40m pancake. With the smaller K-x/K-r, it is a neat package.

I have a range of prime lenses from 31 mm to 300mm, plus a true all-around (zoom) lens (18-250mm). For an all-around prime, nothing can beat the FA31mm Ltd IMHO.

Hope that the comment will help.

RonHendriks1966 · 10-02-2011, 04:55 PM

Originally posted by stevelink

Is the Pentax DA* 55mm f/1.4 a great "walk-around" optic with the K-5 in wet environs

The answer to this question is YES. You can sook it in a rainy day for hours and it wont let you down. It is a sharp lens and fast to make shots in every environment.

It's not your everyday lens for landscaping (but that is not my thing).

Ubuntu_user · 10-02-2011, 04:59 PM

Another, YES. It's a solid performer (in wet conditions too).

abacus07 · 10-02-2011, 05:49 PM

The 50mm focal length has grown on me a lot but I think it would be difficult as a single walk around lens in a city. I pretty much always have a 24/28 and a 50 with me.

TOUGEFC · 10-02-2011, 11:23 PM

Yes from me too, I could walk around all day with just the 55 and be happy, but thats me. Everyones preference is different tho

But if your traveling be sure that you have something on the wide end covered

Last edited by TOUGEFC; 10-02-2011 at 11:33 PM.

axl · 10-02-2011, 11:46 PM

Another yes here. My basic kit is 24/2 + 55/1.4. Although I am searching for a lens to bridge the gap left by these two, I can whole heartedly recommend DA*55 as walk around lens.

sterretje · 10-03-2011, 01:54 AM

As I see it, it will not result in real extra swapping. You're not going to decide that you want to be "discrete / fast" for one shot; you will decide that on forehand when you go out and think "today / tonight I want to be discrete / fast", you put the 55mm on the camera and it will stay there for a long time (you could even leave the other lenses in the hotel room or wherever you're staying so you're not tempted).

I'm in hcc's camp that 55mm might not be the most universal prime (something around 30mm does it for me as well) but if you have some space to move around, 55mm will work.

**Rondec** · 10-03-2011, 04:30 AM

It all depends on what focal length you like (55 works nicely for me) and what you are taking photos of. A 30-ish lens would be a more "normal" lens, but probably not long enough for some things -- not wide enough for others. As with all prime lenses, you have to decide on a compromise. And if you want to shoot wider, you can always shoot panoramas.

creampuff · 10-03-2011, 08:38 AM

The DA* 55mm is a great lens for subject isolation and picking out things which catch the eye. I feel there is a noticeable difference compared to the usual 50mm. Sure it's never gonna win any wide angle stakes but that's really not the point. To me the most versatile one lens has got to be the DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited but the 55mm makes a lot of sense when shooting at a good standoff distance.

Cambo · 10-03-2011, 09:26 AM

Originally posted by creampuff

The DA* 55mm is a great lens for subject isolation and picking out things which catch the eye. I feel there is a noticeable difference compared to the usual 50mm. Sure it's never gonna win any wide angle stakes but that's really not the point. To me the most versatile one lens has got to be the DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited but the 55mm makes a lot of sense when shooting at a good standoff distance.

55 = about a 77mm equivalent. I think that's why they brought out the 35 macro. That would be a 52mm equivalent, closer to a 'normal' lense. My personal favourite is the FA*24, which is about a 40. Not weatherproof, however, but great focal length for street shooting. Pentax needs to fill in some of these blank areas - we need a good 24, a 28, and definitely a 135.

Cheers,
Cameron

reeftool · 10-03-2011, 09:50 AM

I would say yes, bring it along. I think think the 16-50 would be a better choice as a walk-around. I have a couple of older MF 55's and while they are great lenses, I find them a little long for everyday use. However, my 55 Tak is always along. If I owned the DA 55*, I would bring it.

stevelink · 10-04-2011, 06:21 AM

Greetings!
First, let me thank everyone for all your excellent information and thoughts! After reviewing your suggestions and thinking about it, I decided that yes, I will bring it along. For one thing, though not very lightweight, it's physically smaller than the 16-50, and a tad sharper as well. It will serve me when I want to be a bit more discrete, or need that extra bit of sharpness for architecture or subject isolation. The 16-50 will serve as a general purpose lens for landscapes, cityscapes, and general use. Lastly, the 50-200 will be used if I need a longer reach for the marathoners at a distance. Of course, there are several other optics I wish I had, such as the DA* 50-135 or the 60-250, or the 35 Limited! However, I think I'll be covered with the 3 WR lenses mentioned, and I especially needed the "WR" variety, since it's notoriously "wet" in the Northwest. In any case, thank you, fellow Pentaxians, for your thoughtful and timely advice! If I get any "keepers", I'll be sure to post 'em! ~Steve

abacus07 · 10-04-2011, 08:31 AM

For a marathon specifically it seems that 100mm (DFA 100mm macro WR) would be an ideal focal length. Of course the 55mm can be cropped but it seems like you'll only have time to get one body shot with a 55mm. Or use continuous shooting.

10-02-2011, 04:18 PM	#1
stevelink Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Dallas TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 92	*Is the Pentax DA 55mm f/1.4 a great "walk-around" optic with the K-5 in wet environs** Greetings! I have a Pentax K-5 with a few "WR" lenses (DA16-50, DA55, DA 50-200 WR). I plan to shoot landscape, city, and marathon shots in Portland, a city known to have "wet spells". I was planning to bring the DA* 16-50 and the DA 50-200 only, keeping it simple, but now think that the DA* 55mm f/1.4 would be a great "walk-around" lens for when I wanted a smaller, lighter kit. (The 16-50, while an awesome zoom, may be rather large and heavy for "discrete, fast", or night work.) Question- Would the DA* 55 make a good addition to the travel kit, or would it simply cause more "angst" in determining which lens to employ? I figured with the 2 lens kit, my decision-making would be much easier! Thank you for any advice you may provide.

10-03-2011, 09:26 AM	#12
Cambo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,016	More of a 'Portrait' length lens... Originally posted by creampuff The DA* 55mm is a great lens for subject isolation and picking out things which catch the eye. I feel there is a noticeable difference compared to the usual 50mm. Sure it's never gonna win any wide angle stakes but that's really not the point. To me the most versatile one lens has got to be the DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited but the 55mm makes a lot of sense when shooting at a good standoff distance. 55 = about a 77mm equivalent. I think that's why they brought out the 35 macro. That would be a 52mm equivalent, closer to a 'normal' lense. My personal favourite is the FA*24, which is about a 40. Not weatherproof, however, but great focal length for street shooting. Pentax needs to fill in some of these blank areas - we need a good 24, a 28, and definitely a 135. Cheers, Cameron

10-04-2011, 06:21 AM	#14
stevelink Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Dallas TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 92 Original Poster	*The DA 55 as a "Walk-Around" lens Greetings! First, let me thank everyone** for all your excellent information and thoughts! After reviewing your suggestions and thinking about it, I decided that yes, I will bring it along. For one thing, though not very lightweight, it's physically smaller than the 16-50, and a tad sharper as well. It will serve me when I want to be a bit more discrete, or need that extra bit of sharpness for architecture or subject isolation. The 16-50 will serve as a general purpose lens for landscapes, cityscapes, and general use. Lastly, the 50-200 will be used if I need a longer reach for the marathoners at a distance. Of course, there are several other optics I wish I had, such as the DA* 50-135 or the 60-250, or the 35 Limited! However, I think I'll be covered with the 3 WR lenses mentioned, and I especially needed the "WR" variety, since it's notoriously "wet" in the Northwest. In any case, thank you, fellow Pentaxians, for your thoughtful and timely advice! If I get any "keepers", I'll be sure to post 'em! ~Steve Last edited by stevelink; 10-04-2011 at 06:23 AM. Reason: typos

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10-02-2011, 04:27 PM	#2
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Originally posted by stevelink Question- Would the DA* 55 make a good addition to the travel kit Absolutely a good addition to take along in a city environment! I find a 55 to be a great walk around in the city while shooting a bunch of things including people shots; not sure how useful it will be shooting landscape in the city but I think it would be a great lens to shoot marathons with... ---

10-02-2011, 04:47 PM	#3
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	I have to disagree. I think that the focal length 55mm is too long. If you intend to use an all-around prime lens, I would recommend a focal length about 30-40 mm. My best all-around prime lens is the FA31m f1.8 Ltd. In addition of a great IQ, the focal length is just right: not too long not too short. The lens is also fast (f1.8) and I used it successfully in poor indoor lighting. Some do prefer the DA40m pancake. With the smaller K-x/K-r, it is a neat package. I have a range of prime lenses from 31 mm to 300mm, plus a true all-around (zoom) lens (18-250mm). For an all-around prime, nothing can beat the FA31mm Ltd IMHO. Hope that the comment will help.

10-02-2011, 04:55 PM	#4
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by stevelink Is the Pentax DA* 55mm f/1.4 a great "walk-around" optic with the K-5 in wet environs The answer to this question is YES. You can sook it in a rainy day for hours and it wont let you down. It is a sharp lens and fast to make shots in every environment. It's not your everyday lens for landscaping (but that is not my thing).

10-02-2011, 04:59 PM	#5
Ubuntu_user Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,545	Another, YES. It's a solid performer (in wet conditions too).

10-02-2011, 05:49 PM	#6
abacus07 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Taiwan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,075	The 50mm focal length has grown on me a lot but I think it would be difficult as a single walk around lens in a city. I pretty much always have a 24/28 and a 50 with me.

10-02-2011, 11:23 PM	#7
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	Yes from me too, I could walk around all day with just the 55 and be happy, but thats me. Everyones preference is different tho But if your traveling be sure that you have something on the wide end covered Last edited by TOUGEFC; 10-02-2011 at 11:33 PM.

10-02-2011, 11:46 PM	#8
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Another yes here. My basic kit is 24/2 + 55/1.4. Although I am searching for a lens to bridge the gap left by these two, I can whole heartedly recommend DA*55 as walk around lens.

10-03-2011, 01:54 AM	#9
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	As I see it, it will not result in real extra swapping. You're not going to decide that you want to be "discrete / fast" for one shot; you will decide that on forehand when you go out and think "today / tonight I want to be discrete / fast", you put the 55mm on the camera and it will stay there for a long time (you could even leave the other lenses in the hotel room or wherever you're staying so you're not tempted). I'm in hcc's camp that 55mm might not be the most universal prime (something around 30mm does it for me as well) but if you have some space to move around, 55mm will work.

10-03-2011, 04:30 AM	#10
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	It all depends on what focal length you like (55 works nicely for me) and what you are taking photos of. A 30-ish lens would be a more "normal" lens, but probably not long enough for some things -- not wide enough for others. As with all prime lenses, you have to decide on a compromise. And if you want to shoot wider, you can always shoot panoramas.

10-03-2011, 08:38 AM	#11
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	The DA* 55mm is a great lens for subject isolation and picking out things which catch the eye. I feel there is a noticeable difference compared to the usual 50mm. Sure it's never gonna win any wide angle stakes but that's really not the point. To me the most versatile one lens has got to be the DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited but the 55mm makes a lot of sense when shooting at a good standoff distance.

10-03-2011, 09:50 AM	#13
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,554	I would say yes, bring it along. I think think the 16-50 would be a better choice as a walk-around. I have a couple of older MF 55's and while they are great lenses, I find them a little long for everyday use. However, my 55 Tak is always along. If I owned the DA 55*, I would bring it.

10-04-2011, 08:31 AM	#15
abacus07 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Taiwan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,075	For a marathon specifically it seems that 100mm (DFA 100mm macro WR) would be an ideal focal length. Of course the 55mm can be cropped but it seems like you'll only have time to get one body shot with a 55mm. Or use continuous shooting.