Which one?

axl · 01-30-2008, 04:02 AM

Hi guys,
long time now, I've been thinking about getting lens, for indoor shooting, portraiture, and maybe landsacapes, which would be good quality build, good IQ, and not too expensive. I'm planning to sell some of my lenses, to raise money. Recently I found on internet these lenses. And I can get them all from shop nearby, which has them in stock.
So I'm asking you for advise. Which one would you choose and why?

Pentax 50mm F1.4 P-FA SMC Lens - 149GBP
Pentax 40mm F2.8 SMC P-DA ED Digital AF Lens - 199GBP
Pentax 35mm F2 P-FA SMC AL Wide Angle AF Lens - 199GBP
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 - 259GBP

christinelandon · 01-30-2008, 04:12 AM

Axl, good question. I'd have to choose between the 50mm f/1.4 and the 35mm f/2 for indoor work. If I was looking to do group scenes or work in smaller rooms, I'd go with the 35. If I was shooting indoor portraiture or working in clubs or other darker indoor scenes, I'd go with the 50. If I could only buy one, I think I'd buy the 50mm.

Peter Zack · 01-30-2008, 04:32 AM

Given what you listed to do with the lens I'd have to say the zoom. The 50 is great for portrait work and some larger indoor stuff and of course is the fastest of the group for low light work so that lens would be second on the list and I'd add it to the kit when possible. The zoom is just more versatile for the various and different needs. Plus it's very fast for a zoom, so should do most of the things you want. Long enough for portraits. Wide enough for landscape shooting in most cases.

DJey · 01-30-2008, 05:56 AM

I'd go with the zoom.. have a 50mm and once used in indoor.. It was great until I was asked to take a photo of 4 people.. It was hard but manageable.. 35 would be the best shot but still wants the flexibility of the zoom..

Mikhail · 01-30-2008, 06:30 AM

Id also go with the zoom just because you want it for "indoor shooting, portraiture, and maybe landsacapes". The primes will at most cover 2 of the 3, while the zoom will cover all 3 and do it quite well.
So Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 seems to suite you best.

Thanks

Alfie1965 · 01-30-2008, 06:38 AM

Axl
Given the varied use you want it for it would have to be the zoom, but, looking at the lenses you have in your collection, I would go for the 50/1.4 as this is the best for portraiture and low indoor light, why do you need a new lens for landscape? As I can see you already have two or three lenses ideal for landscapes.
The scope for indoor use with the 50mm however is limited if you are shooting in small rooms, so you may want to compromise and go for the 35/f2.
All of the lenses you are looking at are good lenses, and I'm sure whichever you choose will make you happy!

Peter Zack · 01-30-2008, 06:44 AM

I can't change my vote but after reading Alfie'S comments I looked at your lens list. Should have done that first Duh! Assuming that you are not selling any lenses in the signature, then get the 50mm first and the 35mm next down the road. I think you already have the landscape area covered.

That being said maybe you should tell us if you're keeping those lenses or selling any of them to do this.

jsherman999 · 01-30-2008, 08:01 AM

Originally posted by christinelandon

Axl, good question. I'd have to choose between the 50mm f/1.4 and the 35mm f/2 for indoor work. If I was looking to do group scenes or work in smaller rooms, I'd go with the 35. If I was shooting indoor portraiture or working in clubs or other darker indoor scenes, I'd go with the 50. If I could only buy one, I think I'd buy the 50mm.

Spot on. 50 or 35, edge to 50 IMO.

Being able to go down to 1.4 when it's necessary is invaluable. And at f4.0 and above in better light, it's sharp as a tack.

.

Gooshin · 01-30-2008, 08:12 AM

the 50, personaly, has a retarded field of view on a DSLR, ever one of my friends that started out with a 50mm prime (including myself) always ended up complaining and moved on to something a bit wider

the 40 is very SMALL... i think its the smallest lens for a consumer DSLR in the WORLD, also the field of view is much more pleasing

the 35, IF you have a 35, and also a 43 and a 50 in your collection, you will realize that the 35 will get used way more often if you're into indoor/bar portrait photography, and photographing stuff across the street from you

the field of view is much easier to work with than the 50, also the FA35 at 2.0 is very sharp compared to most lenses in the same aperture

the zoom... well a zoom is just bigger and heavier, typicaly zooms sorta suck at the end focal ranges, and produce a different approach to taking pictures...

so really... it really depends on what you need out of your gear...

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-30-2008, 08:50 AM

in looking at the options I would take the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 (perhaps the 24-60 or tamron 28-75) but something in that range at F2.8 and sell your 28-200 mm as it is no longer needed, and too slow.

If you are concerned about the gap between the 10-20 and the 28-75 tamron, you use your kit lens,

My lenses are very close to yours

sigma 10-20, tamron 28-75 F2.8 Sigma 70-200 F2.8 (plus 1.4x and 2x TCs)

I fill the gap 20-28mm with my 18-35 FAJ lens from my *istD.

COnsider when purchasing, the filter size, although the 24-70 is a good lens, it has a BIG filter, 82mm I believe,

the sigma 10-20 and 24-60 both have 77 mm.

My 18-35 and 28-75 both have 67mm filters, and I can use the same polarizing and graduated ND filters on multiple lenses. This will become very important.

JeffP30t · 01-30-2008, 01:02 PM

Doh! I also answered the poll before I saw the discussion. Having read your question, I have to agree with the others that the Sigma zoom is going to meet all of your requirements best. The biggest compromise would be speed, but f/2.8 still isn't too shabby. You didn't mention lens size, so I assume it doesn't matter.

The irony here is that I own all of the other lenses, but not the Sigma!

barbosas · 01-30-2008, 01:45 PM

Go for the FA35, i sold my F50 a couple of months after i bought the FA35.

It's a beautiful lens.

CWL · 01-30-2008, 05:39 PM

I would go for FA35. It is much more flexible for indoor.

paden501 · 01-30-2008, 06:46 PM

I have the 50 and I honestly am always wishing it were wider... I like having the fast 1:1.4 aperature but if I had it to do all over again, I'd have gotten the 35.

That said, the 'fast 50' is amazingly sharp, especially stopped a little and it's good in just about any light.

roentarre · 01-30-2008, 07:20 PM

I will go for the sigma zoom instead.

View Poll Results: Which one would you buy?
Pentax 50 f1.4	35	36.84%
Pentax 40 f2.8	10	10.53%
Pentax 35 f2	27	28.42%
Sigma 24-70 f2.8	23	24.21%
Voters: 95. You may not vote on this poll

01-30-2008, 04:02 AM	#1
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Which one? Hi guys, long time now, I've been thinking about getting lens, for indoor shooting, portraiture, and maybe landsacapes, which would be good quality build, good IQ, and not too expensive. I'm planning to sell some of my lenses, to raise money. Recently I found on internet these lenses. And I can get them all from shop nearby, which has them in stock. So I'm asking you for advise. Which one would you choose and why? Pentax 50mm F1.4 P-FA SMC Lens - 149GBP Pentax 40mm F2.8 SMC P-DA ED Digital AF Lens - 199GBP Pentax 35mm F2 P-FA SMC AL Wide Angle AF Lens - 199GBP Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 - 259GBP

01-30-2008, 04:12 AM	#2
christinelandon Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 812	Axl, good question. I'd have to choose between the 50mm f/1.4 and the 35mm f/2 for indoor work. If I was looking to do group scenes or work in smaller rooms, I'd go with the 35. If I was shooting indoor portraiture or working in clubs or other darker indoor scenes, I'd go with the 50. If I could only buy one, I think I'd buy the 50mm.

01-30-2008, 04:32 AM	#3
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Given what you listed to do with the lens I'd have to say the zoom. The 50 is great for portrait work and some larger indoor stuff and of course is the fastest of the group for low light work so that lens would be second on the list and I'd add it to the kit when possible. The zoom is just more versatile for the various and different needs. Plus it's very fast for a zoom, so should do most of the things you want. Long enough for portraits. Wide enough for landscape shooting in most cases.

01-30-2008, 05:56 AM	#4
DJey Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 284	I'd go with the zoom.. have a 50mm and once used in indoor.. It was great until I was asked to take a photo of 4 people.. It was hard but manageable.. 35 would be the best shot but still wants the flexibility of the zoom..

01-30-2008, 06:30 AM	#5
Mikhail Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: York Region, ON Posts: 277	Id also go with the zoom just because you want it for "indoor shooting, portraiture, and maybe landsacapes". The primes will at most cover 2 of the 3, while the zoom will cover all 3 and do it quite well. So Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 seems to suite you best. Thanks

01-30-2008, 06:38 AM	#6
Alfie1965 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Yorkshire, England Photos: Gallery Posts: 80	Axl Given the varied use you want it for it would have to be the zoom, but, looking at the lenses you have in your collection, I would go for the 50/1.4 as this is the best for portraiture and low indoor light, why do you need a new lens for landscape? As I can see you already have two or three lenses ideal for landscapes. The scope for indoor use with the 50mm however is limited if you are shooting in small rooms, so you may want to compromise and go for the 35/f2. All of the lenses you are looking at are good lenses, and I'm sure whichever you choose will make you happy!

01-30-2008, 06:44 AM	#7
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	I can't change my vote but after reading Alfie'S comments I looked at your lens list. Should have done that first Duh! Assuming that you are not selling any lenses in the signature, then get the 50mm first and the 35mm next down the road. I think you already have the landscape area covered. That being said maybe you should tell us if you're keeping those lenses or selling any of them to do this.

01-30-2008, 08:01 AM	#8
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by christinelandon Axl, good question. I'd have to choose between the 50mm f/1.4 and the 35mm f/2 for indoor work. If I was looking to do group scenes or work in smaller rooms, I'd go with the 35. If I was shooting indoor portraiture or working in clubs or other darker indoor scenes, I'd go with the 50. If I could only buy one, I think I'd buy the 50mm. Spot on. 50 or 35, edge to 50 IMO. Being able to go down to 1.4 when it's necessary is invaluable. And at f4.0 and above in better light, it's sharp as a tack. .

01-30-2008, 08:12 AM	#9
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	the 50, personaly, has a retarded field of view on a DSLR, ever one of my friends that started out with a 50mm prime (including myself) always ended up complaining and moved on to something a bit wider the 40 is very SMALL... i think its the smallest lens for a consumer DSLR in the WORLD, also the field of view is much more pleasing the 35, IF you have a 35, and also a 43 and a 50 in your collection, you will realize that the 35 will get used way more often if you're into indoor/bar portrait photography, and photographing stuff across the street from you the field of view is much easier to work with than the 50, also the FA35 at 2.0 is very sharp compared to most lenses in the same aperture the zoom... well a zoom is just bigger and heavier, typicaly zooms sorta suck at the end focal ranges, and produce a different approach to taking pictures... so really... it really depends on what you need out of your gear...

01-30-2008, 08:50 AM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	in looking at the options I would take the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 (perhaps the 24-60 or tamron 28-75) but something in that range at F2.8 and sell your 28-200 mm as it is no longer needed, and too slow. If you are concerned about the gap between the 10-20 and the 28-75 tamron, you use your kit lens, My lenses are very close to yours sigma 10-20, tamron 28-75 F2.8 Sigma 70-200 F2.8 (plus 1.4x and 2x TCs) I fill the gap 20-28mm with my 18-35 FAJ lens from my *istD. COnsider when purchasing, the filter size, although the 24-70 is a good lens, it has a BIG filter, 82mm I believe, the sigma 10-20 and 24-60 both have 77 mm. My 18-35 and 28-75 both have 67mm filters, and I can use the same polarizing and graduated ND filters on multiple lenses. This will become very important.

01-30-2008, 01:02 PM	#11
JeffP30t New Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 14	Doh! I also answered the poll before I saw the discussion. Having read your question, I have to agree with the others that the Sigma zoom is going to meet all of your requirements best. The biggest compromise would be speed, but f/2.8 still isn't too shabby. You didn't mention lens size, so I assume it doesn't matter. The irony here is that I own all of the other lenses, but not the Sigma!

01-30-2008, 01:45 PM	#12
barbosas Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lisbon Photos: Gallery Posts: 683	Go for the FA35, i sold my F50 a couple of months after i bought the FA35. It's a beautiful lens.

01-30-2008, 05:39 PM	#13
CWL Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Syracuse NY Posts: 40	I would go for FA35. It is much more flexible for indoor.

01-30-2008, 06:46 PM	#14
paden501 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 234	I have the 50 and I honestly am always wishing it were wider... I like having the fast 1:1.4 aperature but if I had it to do all over again, I'd have gotten the 35. That said, the 'fast 50' is amazingly sharp, especially stopped a little and it's good in just about any light.

01-30-2008, 07:20 PM	#15
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	I will go for the sigma zoom instead.