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03-05-2012, 06:15 PM   #16
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Don't forget the tripod if you want the sharpest pictures, distance between camera and subject + distance between subject and background, mid-range f-stop for depth sufficient to get all 3-4 people in solid focus, lowest ISO you can use, and adequate lighting should equal a great graduate series of photos.

03-05-2012, 07:20 PM   #17
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If the shot's as important to the subjects as it sounds, perhaps they'll let you try both the FA31 and M50/1.7 with them.

You might be glad you did.

Last edited by DSims; 03-05-2012 at 07:49 PM.
03-05-2012, 07:46 PM   #18
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I'd suggest you just use the kit lens and the M50/1.7.
To have enough DOF to have everyone in focus, you'd need to stop down anyway, so the kit lens does just fine.
If you use the M50/1.7 stopped down for DOF, your focus confirmation on the camera should give you sharp shots.
Else mount it on a tripod and you LV to focus (zoom in on the LV of course)


Since you are renting and not buying and already have the 50mm and kit lens, I won't suggest renting the FA50.
Give the FA77/1.8 a try instead.
03-05-2012, 07:50 PM   #19
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QuoteOriginally posted by pinholecam Quote
Give the FA77/1.8 a try instead.
Don't rent the FA77 - you'll want to buy one!

03-05-2012, 09:07 PM   #20
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oh no, rentals are just a gateway to LBA...if you rent the 31 or the 77, you will soon need to own it.
03-06-2012, 12:37 PM   #21
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lol yeah i'm sure i'm going to end up wanting to buy a lens. im really looking at that 31 to buy...i think this will sway me..
03-06-2012, 01:03 PM   #22
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QuoteOriginally posted by pinholecam Quote
I'd suggest you just use the kit lens and the M50/1.7.
To have enough DOF to have everyone in focus, you'd need to stop down anyway, so the kit lens does just fine.
If you use the M50/1.7 stopped down for DOF, your focus confirmation on the camera should give you sharp shots.
Else mount it on a tripod and you LV to focus (zoom in on the LV of course)


Since you are renting and not buying and already have the 50mm and kit lens, I won't suggest renting the FA50.
Give the FA77/1.8 a try instead.

+1 on this.

Your kit lens is actually very decent when stopped down (and I guess you'll be shooting at F5.6 or maybe even more) and with the M50 and the superb FA77 you can then get a little artistic too. BTW the 77 is not too long when you take a few paces back ... I'll even used it for portraits over dinner !

03-06-2012, 03:12 PM   #23
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I'd use the 31 ltd for group shots and a 50 for shots closer to portrait. After using the 31 ltd, you'll want to buy it. I absolutely love mine!
03-06-2012, 04:42 PM   #24
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sadly i was only able to afford the 40

QuoteOriginally posted by jremick Quote
After using the 31 ltd, you'll want to buy it. I absolutely love mine!
LOL i really wish i was able to use the 31mm.. *hint hint* lol jk
03-06-2012, 06:07 PM   #25
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Are the limiteds worth the price difference in terms of IQ compared to the cheaper plastic DAs? I've heard/read good things about the da 35 f2.4
03-07-2012, 01:00 AM   #26
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QuoteOriginally posted by ninjasaurusrex Quote
Are the limiteds worth the price difference in terms of IQ compared to the cheaper plastic DAs? I've heard/read good things about the da 35 f2.4
I can't comment on the limiteds since I don't own any, but I can tell you that I just got myself a DA 35mm f/2.4 and it blows my mind that this image quality is what 170 bucks can buy nowadays. In this focal range, it's a complete no-brainer in my opinion, unless you need macro, something tinier or something faster. It is perfectly suitable for the group shot portion of the assignment you were talking about in the original post, but I would suggest something longer for individual portraits. This is a 100% center crop, f/8, ISO 200, straight out of the K-x.
Attached Images
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PENTAX K-x  Photo 

Last edited by Ikarus; 03-07-2012 at 01:33 AM.
03-07-2012, 01:53 AM   #27
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If FA 31 Ltd is not within your budget, try Sigma 30 f1.4.
If that is also stretching your budget, then 35 f2.4 will be a good choice. You will need f2.8 and smaller to get the required DOF.
There is not much difference between 40mm vs 50mm.
I use FA 31 for group shots all the time.
All the best!
03-07-2012, 11:12 AM   #28
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QuoteOriginally posted by Ikarus Quote
I can't comment on the limiteds since I don't own any, but I can tell you that I just got myself a DA 35mm f/2.4 and it blows my mind that this image quality is what 170 bucks can buy nowadays. In this focal range, it's a complete no-brainer in my opinion, unless you need macro, something tinier or something faster. It is perfectly suitable for the group shot portion of the assignment you were talking about in the original post, but I would suggest something longer for individual portraits. This is a 100% center crop, f/8, ISO 200, straight out of the K-x.
that's a wonderful image...i actually gave in and bought the lens....my wallet isn't too happy about that..haha
03-07-2012, 02:43 PM   #29
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QuoteOriginally posted by ninjasaurusrex Quote
that's a wonderful image...i actually gave in and bought the lens....my wallet isn't too happy about that..haha
It was really just a test shot to check for focusing accuracy, but thanks! I'm sure you won't regret getting it. Just tell your wallet what you saved with respect to the DA 35/2.8 macro and it'll be much happier.
03-07-2012, 10:14 PM   #30
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thanks again to everyone..

i know this isn't the right thread, but instead of making another one...any tips or anything i should avoid or be sure to do to make these picture as good as i can...fill light..reflectors..etc..thanksss
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