lens help

karelson · 07-05-2012, 08:18 AM

Hello,

I hope you can help me.

I shoot everything.....

I have the following lenses:

Pentax F 28mm
Pentax FA 31mm
Pentax DA 40mm
Pentax F 50mm 1.7.
Pentax DA 70mm
Pentax F 35-70mm
Pentax 18-250mm
Pentax 18-135mm

I need to downsize my lens amount, I love them all.

What would you keep and why and for what purpose.

Thanks.

Vasyl · 07-05-2012, 08:24 AM

Just buy an additional camera...:-)

Very nice set of lenses...

JinDesu · 07-05-2012, 08:24 AM

On that list, I would keep the FA 31mm, F50, DA70, F35-70 and either the 18-250/18-235.

My reasoning is this: The FA31mm is an amazing lens, and the F28 and DA40 are too close to it in focal length.
The F50 F1.7 will give you the short telephoto on APS-C.
The DA 70 will give you the medium telephoto.

The F 35-70 is a lovely, tiny, fast autofocus zoom lens that is great for walking around. Although if you have the 31 and the 70, you may not need to keep the F 35-70.

The 18-135 is a great lens with weather sealing that a lot of people like. The 18-250 is a superzoom that covers practically all the ranges, but that's it's only good point.

Docrwm · 07-05-2012, 08:29 AM

I'd keep the 31, 50, 70, and the 18-135. You have a great prime setup without real overlap and a WR all-arounder when needed that way.

**TER-OR** · 07-05-2012, 08:36 AM

I agree, for what it's worth. Unless you're holding out for a Full Frame camera in the future, some of those lenses seem superfluous.

Which do you reach for when you go shooting? Are there a couple you just don't use? That 31mm probably covers your sub-50mm prime requirements, but if you use the 40mm more frequently for its size and "coolness" you might keep that instead.

That's a tough lineup to pare down, though they do seem to overlap a fair amount. I don't envy your decision (though I do envy a couple of those lenses).

**blackcloudbrew** · 07-05-2012, 08:49 AM - **3 Likes**

Get rid of? You don't have anywhere near enough. Buy more!

seventysixersfan · 07-05-2012, 09:03 AM

You "need" to downsize because you want to raise some money for other lenses / camera bodies or non-camera stuff? Or you "need" to downsize because you think you don't use every one of these lenses enough to justify owning all of them?

In any case, I agree with what has been stated so far; you do have some overlap (e.g., no need for both F 28 and FA 31, and F 50 and DA 70 are a little close too in focal length and portrait shot purpose) and you could then parlay some of these lenses into other focal lengths. For example, swap F 28mm and DA 40 for a DA 15 or an ultra wide-angle zoom. Sell DA 40 and F 50 and get a FA 43. Keep FA 31 and DA 70 because they're amazing lenses. Keep F 35-70 because it's not worth that much ($50-70) and it's a great lens to keep around for its optical quality and small size. Sell 18-250 and keep 18-135 unless you need the reach past 135mm. If you do need a telephoto zoom, sell 18-250 and get a DA 55-300 for better optical quality. Finally, you could consider getting a D FA 100mm WR if you want to do some macro work.

bobpur · 07-05-2012, 09:41 AM

Or you can wait till the FF comes out and the prices go up on those !

karelson · 07-05-2012, 11:38 AM

WOW, Thank you for your excellent advice.

a few more questions:

1. the 28mm is so rare and inexpensive, so I don't want to let go. I have not seen may go for sale here or on eBay, what do you say?

2. what do you say about sigma 70mm and 105mm compared to Pentax 70mm and 100mm? price and performance wise?

3. I also was thinking to buy this one Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database to replace the 18-250?

The problem Is I cant use them all but want to keep them all, LBA problem from my part since I bought the K-5, three months ago.

Thank you.

seventysixersfan · 07-05-2012, 11:59 AM

I'll only answer question #1 because I don't have the Sigma lenses you mention in questions #2 and 3.

The F 28mm is indeed rare, well regarded, and its value may only increase if/when a FF is released. They do not go on sale often in the PF marketplace nor on eBay; I recently lost out on an eBay bid for one. But I just got one from KEH so I'm super happy and feel lucky to own it-- but then again, I don't have a FA 31 so I view the F 28mm as my "poor-man's FA 31." You may not want to let the 28mm go but then again, you have FA 31 which is clearly better (although at least 3 times the cost). The main differences (which you obviously know) is that FA 31 is heavier and a little tighter FOV, but what awesome build quality and fast aperture speed, and pixie dust! But since you have both, you need to ask yourself-- are there situations where you want want to use the F 28 instead of FA 31? When you want a more compact/lighter camera? A slightly wider FOV? If you would choose FA 31 90% of the time over the F 28, then you might consider selling the F 28 to get the maximum value for it and put that money towards another focal length that would expand your creative abilities, such as an ultrawide angle prime/zoom or a macro lens.

JinDesu · 07-05-2012, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by karelson

WOW, Thank you for your excellent advice.

a few more questions:

2. what do you say about sigma 70mm and 105mm compared to Pentax 70mm and 100mm? price and performance wise?

3. I also was thinking to buy this one Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database to replace the 18-250?

The problem Is I cant use them all but want to keep them all, LBA problem from my part since I bought the K-5, three months ago.

Thank you.

2) The Sigma 70mm is a macro lens, and is also quite large. The Sigma 105mm is pretty equal to the Pentax 100mm macro - although the Pentax WR version is very very good.

3) The 18-250 is probably as good or better than the 70-300.

seventysixersfan · 07-05-2012, 12:06 PM

Of course, there is also the unthinkable option -- sell your FA 31, keep your F 28 and DA 40 and put that $1000 towards other lenses that you can use, such as DA 15mm and D FA 100mm WR! But you'd be losing a lot of speed and flexibility that way; f/1.8 at 47mm equivalent is so brilliant!

Docrwm · 07-05-2012, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by karelson

WOW, Thank you for your excellent advice.

a few more questions:
1. the 28mm is so rare and inexpensive, so I don't want to let go. I have not seen may go for sale here or on eBay, what do you say?
2. what do you say about sigma 70mm and 105mm compared to Pentax 70mm and 100mm? price and performance wise?
3. I also was thinking to buy this one Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database to replace the 18-250?

The problem Is I cant use them all but want to keep them all, LBA problem from my part since I bought the K-5, three months ago.
Thank you.

I can only address #3 above - the only downside to the Sigma 70-300 is weight at 1.25 pounds. The Pentax 55-300 is slightly lighter. The images appear to be very good with the Sigma across its range and its cheaper than the Pentax. I have the DAL55-300 that came with my K-x and have not seen enough difference to change it out but if I were buying new, I'd probably go with the Sigma at this point.

karelson · 07-05-2012, 12:30 PM

can I get more input for the sigma lenses?

Thanks

seventysixersfan · 07-05-2012, 12:40 PM

Here are previous threads from people who wanted to choose from Sigma 70-300 or a DA 55-300; the consensus seems to be that the pentax is better optically than the Sigma although Sigma is cheaper.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/174435-should-...-55-300-a.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/185377-sigma-7...-55-300-a.html

Everyone says the Sigma 70 macro is excellent and has an advantage over the DA 70 in that it has such a short focusing distance. But it's a much larger/heavier lens than the DA 70. Do you enjoy the compactness of the DA 70?

But, you could just get the Sigma 70macro and that would fit the FOV position currently filled by your DA 70 plus add the macro capability.

The D FA 100 WR is a nice match for your K-5 if/when the weather gets rainy... The D FA 100WR is also lighter and more compact than the Sigma 105.

07-05-2012, 11:38 AM	#9
karelson Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 49 Original Poster	wow amazing input Thank you. WOW, Thank you for your excellent advice. a few more questions: 1. the 28mm is so rare and inexpensive, so I don't want to let go. I have not seen may go for sale here or on eBay, what do you say? 2. what do you say about sigma 70mm and 105mm compared to Pentax 70mm and 100mm? price and performance wise? 3. I also was thinking to buy this one Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database to replace the 18-250? The problem Is I cant use them all but want to keep them all, LBA problem from my part since I bought the K-5, three months ago. Thank you.

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07-05-2012, 08:18 AM	#1
karelson Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 49	lens help Hello, I hope you can help me. I shoot everything..... I have the following lenses: Pentax F 28mm Pentax FA 31mm Pentax DA 40mm Pentax F 50mm 1.7. Pentax DA 70mm Pentax F 35-70mm Pentax 18-250mm Pentax 18-135mm I need to downsize my lens amount, I love them all. What would you keep and why and for what purpose. Thanks.

07-05-2012, 08:24 AM	#2
Vasyl Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 648	Just buy an additional camera...:-) Very nice set of lenses...

07-05-2012, 08:24 AM	#3
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	On that list, I would keep the FA 31mm, F50, DA70, F35-70 and either the 18-250/18-235. My reasoning is this: The FA31mm is an amazing lens, and the F28 and DA40 are too close to it in focal length. The F50 F1.7 will give you the short telephoto on APS-C. The DA 70 will give you the medium telephoto. The F 35-70 is a lovely, tiny, fast autofocus zoom lens that is great for walking around. Although if you have the 31 and the 70, you may not need to keep the F 35-70. The 18-135 is a great lens with weather sealing that a lot of people like. The 18-250 is a superzoom that covers practically all the ranges, but that's it's only good point.

07-05-2012, 08:29 AM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	I'd keep the 31, 50, 70, and the 18-135. You have a great prime setup without real overlap and a WR all-arounder when needed that way.

07-05-2012, 08:36 AM	#5
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	I agree, for what it's worth. Unless you're holding out for a Full Frame camera in the future, some of those lenses seem superfluous. Which do you reach for when you go shooting? Are there a couple you just don't use? That 31mm probably covers your sub-50mm prime requirements, but if you use the 40mm more frequently for its size and "coolness" you might keep that instead. That's a tough lineup to pare down, though they do seem to overlap a fair amount. I don't envy your decision (though I do envy a couple of those lenses).

07-05-2012, 08:49 AM - 3 Likes	#6
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461	Get rid of? You don't have anywhere near enough. Buy more!

07-05-2012, 09:03 AM	#7
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	You "need" to downsize because you want to raise some money for other lenses / camera bodies or non-camera stuff? Or you "need" to downsize because you think you don't use every one of these lenses enough to justify owning all of them? In any case, I agree with what has been stated so far; you do have some overlap (e.g., no need for both F 28 and FA 31, and F 50 and DA 70 are a little close too in focal length and portrait shot purpose) and you could then parlay some of these lenses into other focal lengths. For example, swap F 28mm and DA 40 for a DA 15 or an ultra wide-angle zoom. Sell DA 40 and F 50 and get a FA 43. Keep FA 31 and DA 70 because they're amazing lenses. Keep F 35-70 because it's not worth that much ($50-70) and it's a great lens to keep around for its optical quality and small size. Sell 18-250 and keep 18-135 unless you need the reach past 135mm. If you do need a telephoto zoom, sell 18-250 and get a DA 55-300 for better optical quality. Finally, you could consider getting a D FA 100mm WR if you want to do some macro work.

07-05-2012, 09:41 AM	#8
bobpur Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 328	Or you can wait till the FF comes out and the prices go up on those !

07-05-2012, 11:59 AM	#10
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	I'll only answer question #1 because I don't have the Sigma lenses you mention in questions #2 and 3. The F 28mm is indeed rare, well regarded, and its value may only increase if/when a FF is released. They do not go on sale often in the PF marketplace nor on eBay; I recently lost out on an eBay bid for one. But I just got one from KEH so I'm super happy and feel lucky to own it-- but then again, I don't have a FA 31 so I view the F 28mm as my "poor-man's FA 31." You may not want to let the 28mm go but then again, you have FA 31 which is clearly better (although at least 3 times the cost). The main differences (which you obviously know) is that FA 31 is heavier and a little tighter FOV, but what awesome build quality and fast aperture speed, and pixie dust! But since you have both, you need to ask yourself-- are there situations where you want want to use the F 28 instead of FA 31? When you want a more compact/lighter camera? A slightly wider FOV? If you would choose FA 31 90% of the time over the F 28, then you might consider selling the F 28 to get the maximum value for it and put that money towards another focal length that would expand your creative abilities, such as an ultrawide angle prime/zoom or a macro lens.

07-05-2012, 12:02 PM	#11
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by karelson WOW, Thank you for your excellent advice. a few more questions: 2. what do you say about sigma 70mm and 105mm compared to Pentax 70mm and 100mm? price and performance wise? 3. I also was thinking to buy this one Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database to replace the 18-250? The problem Is I cant use them all but want to keep them all, LBA problem from my part since I bought the K-5, three months ago. Thank you. 2) The Sigma 70mm is a macro lens, and is also quite large. The Sigma 105mm is pretty equal to the Pentax 100mm macro - although the Pentax WR version is very very good. 3) The 18-250 is probably as good or better than the 70-300.

07-05-2012, 12:06 PM	#12
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Of course, there is also the unthinkable option -- sell your FA 31, keep your F 28 and DA 40 and put that $1000 towards other lenses that you can use, such as DA 15mm and D FA 100mm WR! But you'd be losing a lot of speed and flexibility that way; f/1.8 at 47mm equivalent is so brilliant!

07-05-2012, 12:07 PM	#13
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by karelson WOW, Thank you for your excellent advice. a few more questions: 1. the 28mm is so rare and inexpensive, so I don't want to let go. I have not seen may go for sale here or on eBay, what do you say? 2. what do you say about sigma 70mm and 105mm compared to Pentax 70mm and 100mm? price and performance wise? 3. I also was thinking to buy this one Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database to replace the 18-250? The problem Is I cant use them all but want to keep them all, LBA problem from my part since I bought the K-5, three months ago. Thank you. I can only address #3 above - the only downside to the Sigma 70-300 is weight at 1.25 pounds. The Pentax 55-300 is slightly lighter. The images appear to be very good with the Sigma across its range and its cheaper than the Pentax. I have the DAL55-300 that came with my K-x and have not seen enough difference to change it out but if I were buying new, I'd probably go with the Sigma at this point.

07-05-2012, 12:30 PM	#14
karelson Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 49 Original Poster	can I get more input for the sigma lenses? Thanks

07-05-2012, 12:40 PM	#15
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	Here are previous threads from people who wanted to choose from Sigma 70-300 or a DA 55-300; the consensus seems to be that the pentax is better optically than the Sigma although Sigma is cheaper. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/174435-should-...-55-300-a.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/185377-sigma-7...-55-300-a.html Everyone says the Sigma 70 macro is excellent and has an advantage over the DA 70 in that it has such a short focusing distance. But it's a much larger/heavier lens than the DA 70. Do you enjoy the compactness of the DA 70? But, you could just get the Sigma 70macro and that would fit the FOV position currently filled by your DA 70 plus add the macro capability. The D FA 100 WR is a nice match for your K-5 if/when the weather gets rainy... The D FA 100WR is also lighter and more compact than the Sigma 105.