Suggestion for which lens to bring to Japan

okitoki · 03-15-2012, 08:40 PM

wow... thanks for you links to your photos... those are the kind of shots I am hoping to get with the WA lens... specially the Nara/Kyoto/Koyasan folder... Last time I was at Thailand, I was at the sleeping Budha temple, and struggle to get the right shots with my kit lens, and thought a SWA lens would have made the shots alot easier in the confined space...

Nuff · 03-15-2012, 08:46 PM

Well, the Nara/Kyoto/Koyasan was shot with Olympus e-p1. It's before I got my K5. On that trip I only had 2 lenses with me, 20mm (40mm equivalent) and 14mm (28mm equivalent). Also the iso performance of that camera was terrible, I didn't like taking it over 320, since the noise got really bad. At least for me, having less primes makes me take better photos. It makes me think a lot more about composition.

lytrytyr · 03-15-2012, 08:47 PM

Originally posted by okitoki

As much as everyone raves about the 15mm, should I be worried that it is not that fast of a lens, as I am the type that would take low light pictures without using a Tripod

Based on my experience with that lens, I'd say no.
For reportage type interior or low-light shots,
you can use low shutter speeds and shake reduction,
bumping up the ISO if need be.

chickenandavocado · 03-16-2012, 08:59 AM

Just don't expect good corner sharpness at f4 however

lytrytyr · 03-16-2012, 09:25 AM

Originally posted by chickenandavocado

Just don't expect good corner sharpness at f4 however

By Photozone's criteria, you can expect "good" corner sharpness, if not "very good."
Field curvature can work in your favor when the corners are closer than the center.

bilybianca · 03-16-2012, 12:45 PM

If I ever get an opportunity to visit Tokyo, I'll bring very few lenses and as much money I can. IMO you don't bring lenses to Japan, you find them there and bring them home! :-)

Kjell

Frogfish · 03-16-2012, 01:15 PM

Originally posted by chickenandavocado

Just don't expect good corner sharpness at f4 however

You don't get good corner sharpness with any WA lens, nature of the beast, however the 15 Ltd is up there with the best. Maybe the VL 15 is one of the best (but for RF only), otherwise if you want across the frame sharpness then use a sharp 28mm and stitch.

abmj · 03-16-2012, 04:54 PM

Originally posted by bilybianca

If I ever get an opportunity to visit Tokyo, I'll bring very few lenses and as much money I can. IMO you don't bring lenses to Japan, you find them there and bring them home! :-)

Actually, that is a myth. Unless Pentax gear is significantly inflated in price where you live, you will not find many "deals" in Tokyo. I can't speak for Scandinavia but prices here in the US tend to be better than what you will get in Japan when you factor in the horrendous exchange rate. In addition, for new cameras and lenses, you would be stuck with a Japan-only warranty. If something goes bad, the item would have to be sent back to Japan for service instead of to your local service center.

aleonx3 · 03-16-2012, 05:51 PM

Originally posted by abmj

Actually, that is a myth. Unless Pentax gear is significantly inflated in price where you live, you will not find many "deals" in Tokyo. I can't speak for Scandinavia but prices here in the US tend to be better than what you will get in Japan when you factor in the horrendous exchange rate. In addition, for new cameras and lenses, you would be stuck with a Japan-only warranty. If something goes bad, the item would have to be sent back to Japan for service instead of to your local service center.

I have been to Japan several times, I don't usually find the lens price cheap there compare to North America. Also, they don't seem to have promotions there regularly as we have in North America. On the other hand, if you are looking for some pristine older hard-to-find lenses, you have more chances of getting what you are looking for.

aleonx3 · 03-16-2012, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by okitoki

wow... thanks for you links to your photos... those are the kind of shots I am hoping to get with the WA lens... specially the Nara/Kyoto/Koyasan folder... Last time I was at Thailand, I was at the sleeping Budha temple, and struggle to get the right shots with my kit lens, and thought a SWA lens would have made the shots alot easier in the confined space...

During my last trip to Japan, my primary lens is the DA 12-24 which is excellent to use as street lens. A large percentage of my shots with that lens is between 16-24 FL, (and mostly at 24mm). However, on my trip to Fuji mountain, I wish I brought my DA 55-300 with me. I am also planning a trip to Japan during Sakura time, I think my main lens would be DA 18-135 with either DA55-300 or the DA12-24 on a given day. In the evening, I would prefer faster lens such as DA43, M135/3.5 or DA77.

okitoki · 03-16-2012, 07:15 PM

I have heard of a street in Tokyo (Sinjuku sp? i think ) that suppose to be the place to be able to find cheap used camera.... not sure where exactly. but will be interesting to have a wonder... like you said, it would be good to be able to find an old gem...

However, at the same time I dont want to go there with a false expectation to be able to find a good lens and not bring a decent one along to take normal photo....

I went to a local pawn shop and found a old sigma 28-80 f3.5-5.6 that is pretty small in hand... plus at $20, it should work well as a disposable one, but handy enough for those shots if I do need it...

Will be picking up the 15 today... have a outdoor wedding tomorrow so would be a good time to test it out with my old 50 f1.4 in my jacket pocket

aleonx3 · 03-16-2012, 07:38 PM

Originally posted by okitoki

I have heard of a street in Tokyo (Sinjuku sp? i think ) that suppose to be the place to be able to find cheap used camera.... not sure where exactly. but will be interesting to have a wonder... like you said, it would be good to be able to find an old gem...

However, at the same time I dont want to go there with a false expectation to be able to find a good lens and not bring a decent one along to take normal photo....

I went to a local pawn shop and found a old sigma 28-80 f3.5-5.6 that is pretty small in hand... plus at $20, it should work well as a disposable one, but handy enough for those shots if I do need it...

Will be picking up the 15 today... have a outdoor wedding tomorrow so would be a good time to test it out with my old 50 f1.4 in my jacket pocket

You mean Shinjuku, which is North-western part of Tokyo and a few subway stops on the JR line from Shibuya. I will try my luck there to see if I can find a M or K 20/4 or FA24/2 in nice condition; would be nice if I do. I will also bring along my MF Porst 55/1.2 just to see how the bokeh looks like with the Sukura blossom in the background; should be fun.

abmj · 03-16-2012, 09:07 PM

Shijuku is a neighborhood, not a street but essentially you have the right idea. Several of the large camera stores have outlets there and there are some used dealers. Just be aware that some of the "used" dealers are actually antique camera sellers and they want pretty high prices for the collectors stuff.

Another place to look might be Akihabara ("Electric Town") but the primary emphasis there is to get your money not help you save it.

On the other hand, Akihabara is almost a must-see just for the culture.

Lots to see and do in Tokyo.

Nuff · 03-16-2012, 11:40 PM

Shinjuku has a very nice used store. I can't give you directions since it's hidden in all the alleys. I actually couldn't find it when I went there in February. I scored a mint condition 50mm f1.4 Leica lens from 60s and sold it for double the price back home. If you find the right place, you can get some mint old lenses at bargain prices. Just go to walk a lot and explore. When I went to Akihabara on weekend there was a market and few people were selling old cameras and lesnes as well. But none of them grabbed my interest.

My tip for japan is not to stay on any main streets. Dive into all the small alleys, since that's where the real attraction is.

okitoki · 03-17-2012, 12:34 AM

thanks for the heads up... will look forward to it...

And met up with the guy today... you know when it is a bad idea to ask the guy to bring his other lenses for me to have a look.... but after $1K, these babies came home with me...

My old 50mm

The 35mm

The 15mm

The guy I bought it from.... he does have a K5 he is trying to temp me with

All these are jpegs and untouched

cant wait to try them out tomorrow

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03-15-2012, 08:40 PM	#31
okitoki Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 150 Original Poster	wow... thanks for you links to your photos... those are the kind of shots I am hoping to get with the WA lens... specially the Nara/Kyoto/Koyasan folder... Last time I was at Thailand, I was at the sleeping Budha temple, and struggle to get the right shots with my kit lens, and thought a SWA lens would have made the shots alot easier in the confined space...

03-15-2012, 08:46 PM	#32
Nuff Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Sydney Posts: 671	Well, the Nara/Kyoto/Koyasan was shot with Olympus e-p1. It's before I got my K5. On that trip I only had 2 lenses with me, 20mm (40mm equivalent) and 14mm (28mm equivalent). Also the iso performance of that camera was terrible, I didn't like taking it over 320, since the noise got really bad. At least for me, having less primes makes me take better photos. It makes me think a lot more about composition.

03-15-2012, 08:47 PM	#33
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by okitoki As much as everyone raves about the 15mm, should I be worried that it is not that fast of a lens, as I am the type that would take low light pictures without using a Tripod Based on my experience with that lens, I'd say no. For reportage type interior or low-light shots, you can use low shutter speeds and shake reduction, bumping up the ISO if need be.

03-16-2012, 08:59 AM	#34
chickenandavocado Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 327	Just don't expect good corner sharpness at f4 however

03-16-2012, 09:25 AM	#35
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by chickenandavocado Just don't expect good corner sharpness at f4 however By Photozone's criteria, you can expect "good" corner sharpness, if not "very good." Field curvature can work in your favor when the corners are closer than the center.

03-16-2012, 12:45 PM	#36
bilybianca Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hassleholm, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 334	If I ever get an opportunity to visit Tokyo, I'll bring very few lenses and as much money I can. IMO you don't bring lenses to Japan, you find them there and bring them home! :-) Kjell

03-16-2012, 01:15 PM	#37
Frogfish Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shanghai Posts: 4,490	Originally posted by chickenandavocado Just don't expect good corner sharpness at f4 however You don't get good corner sharpness with any WA lens, nature of the beast, however the 15 Ltd is up there with the best. Maybe the VL 15 is one of the best (but for RF only), otherwise if you want across the frame sharpness then use a sharp 28mm and stitch.

03-16-2012, 04:54 PM	#38
abmj Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Central California Posts: 600	Originally posted by bilybianca If I ever get an opportunity to visit Tokyo, I'll bring very few lenses and as much money I can. IMO you don't bring lenses to Japan, you find them there and bring them home! :-) Actually, that is a myth. Unless Pentax gear is significantly inflated in price where you live, you will not find many "deals" in Tokyo. I can't speak for Scandinavia but prices here in the US tend to be better than what you will get in Japan when you factor in the horrendous exchange rate. In addition, for new cameras and lenses, you would be stuck with a Japan-only warranty. If something goes bad, the item would have to be sent back to Japan for service instead of to your local service center.

03-16-2012, 05:51 PM	#39
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by abmj Actually, that is a myth. Unless Pentax gear is significantly inflated in price where you live, you will not find many "deals" in Tokyo. I can't speak for Scandinavia but prices here in the US tend to be better than what you will get in Japan when you factor in the horrendous exchange rate. In addition, for new cameras and lenses, you would be stuck with a Japan-only warranty. If something goes bad, the item would have to be sent back to Japan for service instead of to your local service center. I have been to Japan several times, I don't usually find the lens price cheap there compare to North America. Also, they don't seem to have promotions there regularly as we have in North America. On the other hand, if you are looking for some pristine older hard-to-find lenses, you have more chances of getting what you are looking for.

03-16-2012, 06:00 PM	#40
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by okitoki wow... thanks for you links to your photos... those are the kind of shots I am hoping to get with the WA lens... specially the Nara/Kyoto/Koyasan folder... Last time I was at Thailand, I was at the sleeping Budha temple, and struggle to get the right shots with my kit lens, and thought a SWA lens would have made the shots alot easier in the confined space... During my last trip to Japan, my primary lens is the DA 12-24 which is excellent to use as street lens. A large percentage of my shots with that lens is between 16-24 FL, (and mostly at 24mm). However, on my trip to Fuji mountain, I wish I brought my DA 55-300 with me. I am also planning a trip to Japan during Sakura time, I think my main lens would be DA 18-135 with either DA55-300 or the DA12-24 on a given day. In the evening, I would prefer faster lens such as DA43, M135/3.5 or DA77.

03-16-2012, 07:15 PM	#41
okitoki Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 150 Original Poster	I have heard of a street in Tokyo (Sinjuku sp? i think ) that suppose to be the place to be able to find cheap used camera.... not sure where exactly. but will be interesting to have a wonder... like you said, it would be good to be able to find an old gem... However, at the same time I dont want to go there with a false expectation to be able to find a good lens and not bring a decent one along to take normal photo.... I went to a local pawn shop and found a old sigma 28-80 f3.5-5.6 that is pretty small in hand... plus at $20, it should work well as a disposable one, but handy enough for those shots if I do need it... Will be picking up the 15 today... have a outdoor wedding tomorrow so would be a good time to test it out with my old 50 f1.4 in my jacket pocket

03-16-2012, 07:38 PM	#42
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by okitoki I have heard of a street in Tokyo (Sinjuku sp? i think ) that suppose to be the place to be able to find cheap used camera.... not sure where exactly. but will be interesting to have a wonder... like you said, it would be good to be able to find an old gem... However, at the same time I dont want to go there with a false expectation to be able to find a good lens and not bring a decent one along to take normal photo.... I went to a local pawn shop and found a old sigma 28-80 f3.5-5.6 that is pretty small in hand... plus at $20, it should work well as a disposable one, but handy enough for those shots if I do need it... Will be picking up the 15 today... have a outdoor wedding tomorrow so would be a good time to test it out with my old 50 f1.4 in my jacket pocket You mean Shinjuku, which is North-western part of Tokyo and a few subway stops on the JR line from Shibuya. I will try my luck there to see if I can find a M or K 20/4 or FA24/2 in nice condition; would be nice if I do. I will also bring along my MF Porst 55/1.2 just to see how the bokeh looks like with the Sukura blossom in the background; should be fun.

03-16-2012, 09:07 PM	#43
abmj Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Central California Posts: 600	Shijuku is a neighborhood, not a street but essentially you have the right idea. Several of the large camera stores have outlets there and there are some used dealers. Just be aware that some of the "used" dealers are actually antique camera sellers and they want pretty high prices for the collectors stuff. Another place to look might be Akihabara ("Electric Town") but the primary emphasis there is to get your money not help you save it. On the other hand, Akihabara is almost a must-see just for the culture. Lots to see and do in Tokyo.

03-16-2012, 11:40 PM	#44
Nuff Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Sydney Posts: 671	Shinjuku has a very nice used store. I can't give you directions since it's hidden in all the alleys. I actually couldn't find it when I went there in February. I scored a mint condition 50mm f1.4 Leica lens from 60s and sold it for double the price back home. If you find the right place, you can get some mint old lenses at bargain prices. Just go to walk a lot and explore. When I went to Akihabara on weekend there was a market and few people were selling old cameras and lesnes as well. But none of them grabbed my interest. My tip for japan is not to stay on any main streets. Dive into all the small alleys, since that's where the real attraction is.

03-17-2012, 12:34 AM	#45
okitoki Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 150 Original Poster	thanks for the heads up... will look forward to it... And met up with the guy today... you know when it is a bad idea to ask the guy to bring his other lenses for me to have a look.... but after $1K, these babies came home with me... My old 50mm The 35mm The 15mm The guy I bought it from.... he does have a K5 he is trying to temp me with All these are jpegs and untouched cant wait to try them out tomorrow