[Neel1]

Imagine that you're just in front of a catwalk....The models will be moving in your direction. You want to take photos of the ensemble of the stage but also some close ups of some of those who are not so close to you! But you also want some very good definition, sharp images. I am working with a K200D, not the best choice of camera, I know. But what lens do you think would be more suitable in that situation. Please suggest some and insert some links if possible.

The problem I always have in that kind of situation is choosing the right lens. I don't want to have to change lenses during the show!

[joe.penn]

Sigma 28mm 1.8 EX
DA 35mm 2.4
FA 50mm 1.4

Sorry for no links, on mobile...

[crewl1]

Check with user benjikan Benjamin Kanarek Blog

[JinDesu]

I'd imagine a 16-50/17-50 or 24-70/28-75 would be best for a person sitting near the catwalk.

[Mareket]

I'd imagine a 16-50/17-50 or 24-70/28-75 would be best for a person sitting near the catwalk.

I'd agree with this. A fast prime would be handy, but if you can't get up and move then you want a zoom.

[joe.penn]

I'd agree with this. A fast prime would be handy, but if you can't get up and move then you want a zoom.

Biggest issue is the K200D, not stellar on high ISO performance, this really puts 2.8's out when shooting indoors with this body, now thinking about it, it probably knocks the DA 35 2.4 I mentioned off of the list.

But you also want some very good definition, sharp images. I am working with a K200D

Without a flash, fast primes are the only way to go on this (and you still might not be able to pull it off depending on the lighting). Any lens with an aperture of less than 2.0 (less meaning smaller f/number in numeric terms), you will have to bump your ISO which is going to mean loss in DR loss in detail and noisy photos - sure PP can smooth out some of the noise, but you will end up with plastic looking detail'less photos. The models are going to be moving you will need 1/200 minimum shutter speed OR only shoot when they hit the 1 second photo op stop [which will equate to having photos like everyone else and nothing unique].


EDIT: Your best option may be to rent something like a K5 for the high ISO capabilities, pair it up with some 1.4 ~ 1.8 glass and the shoot would probably be cake work...

[Ben_Edict]

I simply would do anything to use a second body! One with a 15mm or 21mm (the most) and one with the 50mm or slightly longer.

Ben

[Mareket]

Biggest issue is the K200D, not stellar on high ISO performance, this really puts 2.8's out when shooting indoors with this body, now thinking about it, it probably knocks the DA 35 2.4 I mentioned off of the list.

Oh eyah, totally forgot it wasn't the K-5. Never used a K200D but I can definitely see how you would need a fast prime on an older sensor. I wouldn't be too scared of overly noisy shots, I regularly shoot at ISO 6400 on my K-5 and get great results.

Looking at DPReviews tests... Ouch. You're looking at like, ISO 800 or something like that as a maximum :S SO yeah, Joe.penn is right, you need a fast prime.

What about the 30mm f/1.4? It's just a little more expensive than the 28, and the wider view over the 50/1.4 will be useful for cropping. None will have fantastic corner sharpness wide open anyway.

[Blue]

1 K200d body and 1 lens, I would suggest a flash and the DA* 16-50/2.8 or DA 16-45/4 These are in the forum data base and you can search images with the camera and lens combo at the Pentax Photo Gallery (PPG).

PPG > http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/#/section=EXIF-LENS&subSection=70&subSubSe...33&language=EN

[Neel1]

Thanks for all your replies...I've been buying quite a few lenses lately. I think instead I should have saved money and get a better body first! My Maximum ISO setting on K200D is 1600 at 10MP!

Things will go fast during this fashion show. I would prefer not to have to change lens during the show. As soon as I know where I'll be, I'll test out some of the lenses I have.

I have a Tamron 24-70m F2.8 but I've not been really satisfied with what I get from it. But recently I acquired a Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 and I hope to use it too if I can move around freely. Or else I will be forced to use the 24-70mm which I am not so happy about! I know I should think about upgrading to a new body now. The K200D had a good reputation when I bought it 5 years back though!!

[crewl1]

I have a Tamron 24-70m F2.8 but I've not been really satisfied with what I get from it

Do you mean Sigma? I could not find this lens in the Tamron list.

The Tamron 28-75 2.8 is a wonderful lens, I get great results from it.

[liukaitc]

for big fashion show. 70-200 f2.8 (full frame) is being used very often, so pentax 50-135 is good
for small fashion show tarmon 28-75 is a good choice. 16-50 might be fine..but when you can use FL wider than 20mm, the model must be very close to you. in that case, the body will be distorted, the model will not look very good. better zoom in take pic before they walk very close to you.
usually a zoom is a better chocie than prime in this situation
because you can not move, the model move. you do not want miss any shot because the focal length is not right.

[Neel1]

Sorry, i made a mistake. It is 25-75mm tamron. The problem i have with this one is that the focus is not smooth enough! It's'pretty hard to manipulate. To be honest I get better result with my cheaper telephoto lens 70-300 tamron. And i work faster with it. But in that situation i will be too close to the stage to use this one!

[Venturi]

Do you have a good flash to use? You can alleviate high ISO and/or shutter speed issues with a good strong flash.

The Pentax AF540, Sigma's 530 or 610, and the Metz 58 all have plenty of punch for all but the longest of shots. Half power on either of these flashes should get you at or below ISO 400 and let you run the shutter between 1/125 and 1/180.

I would go with the Tamron 28~75/2.8 that you already have. Primes are great, but if you're not free to move around the runway you'll be limited on the shots you can get. Shoot wide and crop for composition in post.

Auto-focus is going to be dodgy no matter what lens you choose, so just plan on going manual now and start practicing. The focus throw on the 28~75 is long enough and smooth enough to make manual focus workable with moving subjects.

[snake]

Two bodies: one with a 50mm equivalent, one with something that's a wideangle. However, you'll see lots of people there using zooms and two bodies.