One Lens for indoor weddings/parties

tafzal · 07-23-2012, 01:04 PM

I currently have following lenses:

Pentax 16-50; Pentax 18-250; Pentax 50-135; Pentax 50 1.4; Tamron 90 macro; Pentax 28-80

Since I got my K5 few months ago I have found that I use it mostly for indoor parties, weddings, birthdays. For this I am always using Pentax 16-50. This gives good results but I often find it short at 50 mm if I need to take close ups. Of course I can use 18-250 to give much broader range but I am concerned about the image quality. Penatx 28-80 would be a better choice but I am not happy about its IQ either. I do have 50-135 to pair with 16-50 and that is a fine combination. However, in many fast chnaging situations I cannot change between the two.

So here is my question: What lens would you recommend to give me wider range (say 20mm ish - 100mm ish) with as good image quality as 16-50 or better?
I am considering Pentax 24-90; pentax 18-135; Sigma 17-70; Price is not a concern as I will probably sell one of the other lenses to fund new one. Any comments / suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thank You.

Docrwm · 07-23-2012, 01:15 PM

First, would 24 on the 24-90 be wide enough indoors for those events? Don't you have a lot of photos that are <24mm from the 16-50?

Second, would the 70 on the 17-70 be long enough for the closeups you are not getting with the 16-50?

RonHendriks1966 · 07-23-2012, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by tafzal

I currently have following lenses:

Pentax 16-50; Pentax 18-250; Pentax 50-135; Pentax 50 1.4; Tamron 90 macro; Pentax 28-80

Since I got my K5 few months ago I have found that I use it mostly for indoor parties, weddings, birthdays. For this I am always using Pentax 16-50. This gives good results but I often find it short at 50 mm if I need to take close ups. Of course I can use 18-250 to give much broader range but I am concerned about the image quality. Penatx 28-80 would be a better choice but I am not happy about its IQ either. I do have 50-135 to pair with 16-50 and that is a fine combination. However, in many fast changing situations I cannot change between the two.

So here is my question: What lens would you recommend to give me wider range (say 20mm ish - 100mm ish) with as good image quality as 16-50 or better?
I am considering Pentax 24-90; pentax 18-135; Sigma 17-70; Price is not a concern as I will probably sell one of the other lenses to fund new one. Any comments / suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thank You.

You need a second camerabody! Wait to see what PhotoKina is bringing, unless you have some party's coming on, then just buy a second K-5 now!

**jatrax** · 07-23-2012, 01:27 PM

The only answer in the current line up is the 18-135 which likely is not going to give you the same IQ as the 16-50 but still might be good enough. 24-90 is not going to be wide enough, 17-70 is not long enough. So you either need to carry two lenses, get the 18-135, or as suggested above get another body. Two bodies with the 16-50 and 50-135 is a good combination.

Docrwm · 07-23-2012, 01:29 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

The only answer in the current line up is the 18-135 which likely is not going to give you the same IQ as the 16-50 but still might be good enough. 24-90 is not going to be wide enough, 17-70 is not long enough. So you either need to carry two lenses, get the 18-135, or as suggested above get another body. Two bodies with the 16-50 and 50-135 is a good combination.

And there are some very nice two camera carry systems and belt clip devices available to help manage the two cameras.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/192529-ca...ggestions.html

tafzal · 07-23-2012, 01:56 PM

Thank You all for your quick replies.

I agree, 70 is too short and 24 probably too long at wide end for what I am looking for.

I never thought about carrying two cameras but, Yes, its one solution. I would still prefer one camera though. Has anyone done comparison of 18-250 and 18-135 for IQ in that range?

Docrwm · 07-23-2012, 02:00 PM

Originally posted by tafzal

Thank You all for your quick replies.

I agree, 70 is too short and 24 probably too long at wide end for what I am looking for.

I never thought about carrying two cameras but, Yes, its one solution. I would still prefer one camera though. Has anyone done comparison of 18-250 and 18-135 for IQ in that range?

I own both lenses but have only had the 18-250 for a week and use them on two different cameras (the 18-135 nearly lives on my K-5 and the 18-250 is for my K-x). I will try some shots if I can find the time of each in the 70-135 range and see what I get but perhaps someone else has had both for longer and can already offer their views on that for you.

alphanerd · 07-23-2012, 02:00 PM

Wait and find out what the new DA* zoom's range is? Some people seem to think it's a 16-85 on the roadmap. That might suit your needs. The only other option is probably Sigma 18-125.

Docrwm · 07-23-2012, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by alphanerd

Wait and find out what the new DA* zoom's range is? Some people seem to think it's a 16-85 on the roadmap. That might suit your needs. The only other option is probably Sigma 18-125.

There's only one review of the 18-125 and its far from encouraging about that lens. The initial roadmap seemed to indicate something like a DA* zoom in the ~20-80mm range at f2.8.

Bob from Aus · 07-23-2012, 03:47 PM

If money is no answer then buy a second K5 and use your 16-50 and 50-135. There really isn't anything that can replace that combo that you already have. A pair of rapid straps or equivalent and you are ready for action. The penatx 17-70 I think is a good lens but you are giving away a lot indoors not having 2.8. i have the sigma 17-70 and my copy does not do anything exceptional.

Scorg · 07-23-2012, 05:08 PM

As daft as this may sound, But on the indoor receptions i've shot at, out of the lenses I use, as in the 35mm f2.4, 100mm f2.8 and the 18-250, I always seem to get better, must have/keep shots with the 18-250 then the prime lenses.
Now I am not sure why that is, might be the zoom range framing the shot the way I want better but it always ends up pulling the surprises when I use that lens.

tafzal · 07-24-2012, 02:30 AM

Thanks Again for all your kind suggestions.

Docwrm, thank you. Please try the 18-135 range shots with 18-135 and 18-250. You stated 70-135 but it could be a typing error.

I was not aware of lens roadmap from pentax. Is this something official that pentax have provided, or wishful thinkinging on Pentaxians part (like full frame )

Docrwm · 07-24-2012, 04:39 AM

Originally posted by tafzal

Thanks Again for all your kind suggestions.

Docwrm, thank you. Please try the 18-135 range shots with 18-135 and 18-250. You stated 70-135 but it could be a typing error.

I was not aware of lens roadmap from pentax. Is this something official that pentax have provided, or wishful thinkinging on Pentaxians part (like full frame )

No there is a chart with the various lenses that includes current offerings and they those to be introduced in 2012 and 2013. I have uploaded the PDF of it that I saved back in February. The 50/1.8 that was just released is on it and there is a 560mm that is also scheduled for release this year. The Zoom is probably an 18-200 and will arrive later in the year. I think it is drawn so the lenses toward the top of the year come out earlier than the ones lower in that years section. At least the 50 was the first released this year so I am guessing.

tafzal · 07-24-2012, 12:12 PM

Thanks. This is very useful. Guess I'll haveto wait for the orange line D* Zoom .

GeneV · 07-24-2012, 12:49 PM

If I am mounting the AF540FGZ for a wedding, then I may use the DA17-70. For indoors, I'm usually shooting primes. The FA 35/2 gets the most use, followed by the DA21, then the DA15 and the FA77 and the FA50/1.4. I do often have two bodies, and I change lenses pretty quickly.

07-23-2012, 01:04 PM	#1
tafzal New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 18	One Lens for indoor weddings/parties I currently have following lenses: Pentax 16-50; Pentax 18-250; Pentax 50-135; Pentax 50 1.4; Tamron 90 macro; Pentax 28-80 Since I got my K5 few months ago I have found that I use it mostly for indoor parties, weddings, birthdays. For this I am always using Pentax 16-50. This gives good results but I often find it short at 50 mm if I need to take close ups. Of course I can use 18-250 to give much broader range but I am concerned about the image quality. Penatx 28-80 would be a better choice but I am not happy about its IQ either. I do have 50-135 to pair with 16-50 and that is a fine combination. However, in many fast chnaging situations I cannot change between the two. So here is my question: What lens would you recommend to give me wider range (say 20mm ish - 100mm ish) with as good image quality as 16-50 or better? I am considering Pentax 24-90; pentax 18-135; Sigma 17-70; Price is not a concern as I will probably sell one of the other lenses to fund new one. Any comments / suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank You.

07-24-2012, 04:39 AM	#13
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by tafzal Thanks Again for all your kind suggestions. Docwrm, thank you. Please try the 18-135 range shots with 18-135 and 18-250. You stated 70-135 but it could be a typing error. I was not aware of lens roadmap from pentax. Is this something official that pentax have provided, or wishful thinkinging on Pentaxians part (like full frame ) No there is a chart with the various lenses that includes current offerings and they those to be introduced in 2012 and 2013. I have uploaded the PDF of it that I saved back in February. The 50/1.8 that was just released is on it and there is a 560mm that is also scheduled for release this year. The Zoom is probably an 18-200 and will arrive later in the year. I think it is drawn so the lenses toward the top of the year come out earlier than the ones lower in that years section. At least the 50 was the first released this year so I am guessing. Last edited by Docrwm; 05-06-2013 at 08:13 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Lens for indoor photography	godavari	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	6	09-29-2011 11:14 PM
What Zoom Lens for Weddings? K5 user	10speeduk	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	26	06-22-2011 07:54 PM
Indoor gymnastics lens	lkjr	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	19	02-03-2011 06:30 PM
Indoor Basketball - what lens?	Docrwm	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	14	11-08-2010 08:44 AM
A lens for weddings...	dudlew	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	09-20-2007 06:55 AM

07-23-2012, 01:15 PM	#2
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	First, would 24 on the 24-90 be wide enough indoors for those events? Don't you have a lot of photos that are <24mm from the 16-50? Second, would the 70 on the 17-70 be long enough for the closeups you are not getting with the 16-50?

07-23-2012, 01:23 PM	#3
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by tafzal I currently have following lenses: Pentax 16-50; Pentax 18-250; Pentax 50-135; Pentax 50 1.4; Tamron 90 macro; Pentax 28-80 Since I got my K5 few months ago I have found that I use it mostly for indoor parties, weddings, birthdays. For this I am always using Pentax 16-50. This gives good results but I often find it short at 50 mm if I need to take close ups. Of course I can use 18-250 to give much broader range but I am concerned about the image quality. Penatx 28-80 would be a better choice but I am not happy about its IQ either. I do have 50-135 to pair with 16-50 and that is a fine combination. However, in many fast changing situations I cannot change between the two. So here is my question: What lens would you recommend to give me wider range (say 20mm ish - 100mm ish) with as good image quality as 16-50 or better? I am considering Pentax 24-90; pentax 18-135; Sigma 17-70; Price is not a concern as I will probably sell one of the other lenses to fund new one. Any comments / suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank You. You need a second camerabody! Wait to see what PhotoKina is bringing, unless you have some party's coming on, then just buy a second K-5 now!

07-23-2012, 01:27 PM	#4
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	The only answer in the current line up is the 18-135 which likely is not going to give you the same IQ as the 16-50 but still might be good enough. 24-90 is not going to be wide enough, 17-70 is not long enough. So you either need to carry two lenses, get the 18-135, or as suggested above get another body. Two bodies with the 16-50 and 50-135 is a good combination.

07-23-2012, 01:29 PM	#5
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by jatrax The only answer in the current line up is the 18-135 which likely is not going to give you the same IQ as the 16-50 but still might be good enough. 24-90 is not going to be wide enough, 17-70 is not long enough. So you either need to carry two lenses, get the 18-135, or as suggested above get another body. Two bodies with the 16-50 and 50-135 is a good combination. And there are some very nice two camera carry systems and belt clip devices available to help manage the two cameras. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/192529-ca...ggestions.html

07-23-2012, 01:56 PM	#6
tafzal New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 18 Original Poster	Thank You all for your quick replies. I agree, 70 is too short and 24 probably too long at wide end for what I am looking for. I never thought about carrying two cameras but, Yes, its one solution. I would still prefer one camera though. Has anyone done comparison of 18-250 and 18-135 for IQ in that range?

07-23-2012, 02:00 PM	#7
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by tafzal Thank You all for your quick replies. I agree, 70 is too short and 24 probably too long at wide end for what I am looking for. I never thought about carrying two cameras but, Yes, its one solution. I would still prefer one camera though. Has anyone done comparison of 18-250 and 18-135 for IQ in that range? I own both lenses but have only had the 18-250 for a week and use them on two different cameras (the 18-135 nearly lives on my K-5 and the 18-250 is for my K-x). I will try some shots if I can find the time of each in the 70-135 range and see what I get but perhaps someone else has had both for longer and can already offer their views on that for you.

07-23-2012, 02:00 PM	#8
alphanerd Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 119	Wait and find out what the new DA* zoom's range is? Some people seem to think it's a 16-85 on the roadmap. That might suit your needs. The only other option is probably Sigma 18-125.

07-23-2012, 02:19 PM	#9
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by alphanerd Wait and find out what the new DA* zoom's range is? Some people seem to think it's a 16-85 on the roadmap. That might suit your needs. The only other option is probably Sigma 18-125. There's only one review of the 18-125 and its far from encouraging about that lens. The initial roadmap seemed to indicate something like a DA* zoom in the ~20-80mm range at f2.8.

07-23-2012, 03:47 PM	#10
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	If money is no answer then buy a second K5 and use your 16-50 and 50-135. There really isn't anything that can replace that combo that you already have. A pair of rapid straps or equivalent and you are ready for action. The penatx 17-70 I think is a good lens but you are giving away a lot indoors not having 2.8. i have the sigma 17-70 and my copy does not do anything exceptional.

07-23-2012, 05:08 PM	#11
Scorg New Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 14	As daft as this may sound, But on the indoor receptions i've shot at, out of the lenses I use, as in the 35mm f2.4, 100mm f2.8 and the 18-250, I always seem to get better, must have/keep shots with the 18-250 then the prime lenses. Now I am not sure why that is, might be the zoom range framing the shot the way I want better but it always ends up pulling the surprises when I use that lens.

07-24-2012, 02:30 AM	#12
tafzal New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 18 Original Poster	Thanks Again for all your kind suggestions. Docwrm, thank you. Please try the 18-135 range shots with 18-135 and 18-250. You stated 70-135 but it could be a typing error. I was not aware of lens roadmap from pentax. Is this something official that pentax have provided, or wishful thinkinging on Pentaxians part (like full frame )

07-24-2012, 12:12 PM	#14
tafzal New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 18 Original Poster	Thanks. This is very useful. Guess I'll haveto wait for the orange line D* Zoom .

07-24-2012, 12:49 PM	#15
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	If I am mounting the AF540FGZ for a wedding, then I may use the DA17-70. For indoors, I'm usually shooting primes. The FA 35/2 gets the most use, followed by the DA21, then the DA15 and the FA77 and the FA50/1.4. I do often have two bodies, and I change lenses pretty quickly.