Looking for help on an everyday lens

Anvh · 06-25-2012, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by SpecialK

I second this. The Tamron 70-200 has excellent IQ and I would not be quick to use something lesser (though lighter :-)

I have the older Sigma 17-70 and though not quite the top IQ, it is pretty good, and a definite step up from the kit. It also is slightly wider which is important to me.

Depends on your use, for family snapshots you don't need a f/2.8 tele zoom.

I've the DA*16-50 & 50-135 but i, thinking of the 18-135 just for family outing where i just want to capture the moment rather then be busy with composition and such.

rwfarnell · 06-25-2012, 11:10 AM

Thanks everyone again.
The main reason I was thinking of the 18-250 is that I always seem to have the wrong lens on when I’m just out walking around. I pretty much use the 70-200 for the most part and I really love that lens and get very good results with it. But my thinking was (or is) if I wanted to leave my backpack in the jeep and just go out with one lens what would it be?

Money is an issue and I am thinking $500 tops.

Or, I just get a better backpack that holds everything more securely than the one I have now and deal with dust spots from changing my lens in the field when I get them.

Thanks again ,
Rob

paperbag846 · 06-25-2012, 07:16 PM

Originally posted by lytrytyr

Since you're still undecided, let me pose you a question:

A single zoom covering a wide range
is likely to give you lower IQ than your current setup
of DA 18-55 and Tamron 70-200/2.8 or DA 55-300.

Do you want to trade quality for convenience?

Put more sharply:
Do you want to waste the potential that sits in your K5?

If the answer is "No," you may do better selecting one of the following lenses for your next purchase:
DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

I agree with this. If you don't want a wide angle, I would suggest you look at the Tamron 17-50 to replace your kit lens. You could do a lot with just the Tamron and your 55-300.

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06-25-2012, 09:48 AM	#16
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Originally posted by SpecialK I second this. The Tamron 70-200 has excellent IQ and I would not be quick to use something lesser (though lighter :-) I have the older Sigma 17-70 and though not quite the top IQ, it is pretty good, and a definite step up from the kit. It also is slightly wider which is important to me. Depends on your use, for family snapshots you don't need a f/2.8 tele zoom. I've the DA*16-50 & 50-135 but i, thinking of the 18-135 just for family outing where i just want to capture the moment rather then be busy with composition and such.

06-25-2012, 11:10 AM	#17
rwfarnell Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Elko, Nevada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 150 Original Poster	Thanks everyone again. The main reason I was thinking of the 18-250 is that I always seem to have the wrong lens on when I’m just out walking around. I pretty much use the 70-200 for the most part and I really love that lens and get very good results with it. But my thinking was (or is) if I wanted to leave my backpack in the jeep and just go out with one lens what would it be? Money is an issue and I am thinking $500 tops. Or, I just get a better backpack that holds everything more securely than the one I have now and deal with dust spots from changing my lens in the field when I get them. Thanks again , Rob

06-25-2012, 07:16 PM	#18
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	Originally posted by lytrytyr Since you're still undecided, let me pose you a question: A single zoom covering a wide range is likely to give you lower IQ than your current setup of DA 18-55 and Tamron 70-200/2.8 or DA 55-300. Do you want to trade quality for convenience? Put more sharply: Do you want to waste the potential that sits in your K5? If the answer is "No," you may do better selecting one of the following lenses for your next purchase: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com I agree with this. If you don't want a wide angle, I would suggest you look at the Tamron 17-50 to replace your kit lens. You could do a lot with just the Tamron and your 55-300.