[wizofoz]

I'm off to Thailand on Thursday morning, (August 30th) primarily to attend and photograph a good friends wedding, but I have a problem.

My initial plan was to take my Da* lenses 18-50, 50-135 and maybe the 60-250, but I broke the 18-50 by falling on it, and it's away in a Japanese repair shop being mended. The odds of it returning in time for my trip are limited. I have a pretty good selection of primes, including the 3 Amigo's, (which go everywhere with me) and a FA50 F/1.4 for extreme low light but for a wedding, I'd like the convenience of a zoom

So, what do I take to cover the wide end? I could use the trusty kit 18-55, but I'm concerned about the IQ. I have a tamron 18-250, but again, is the IQ going to be good enough? I'm thinking about purchasing a DA 18-135 as it would be a good weather sealed 'all rounder' and maybe become a walkabout lens. Does any one have a comment about this lens at the extremes? Or maybe I should look at the 16-45, as I understand it is a sharp and contrasty performer. Funding a lens purchase is not in itself a problem.

I have a 12 -24, but that leaves a big gap between 24 and 50 if I use this in combination with the 50-135.

I'm also thinking about packing a Sigma 70-200, but it is not my favourite lens, and I have trouble with it backfocussing, even with a -10 adjustment on the K-5

Spoiled by choice, I know, but I'd like to know what a few of you worthy Pentaxians would do in my position.

[adpo]

answer seems pretty simple to me
you have a 12-24 and 50-135, you can fill the gap between the two with a 35 or the 31

[northcoastgreg]

If you cannot stomach the kit lens, just rent a lens of your choosing, whether the DA* 16-50, the DA 16-45, the DA 18-135, or a 3rd party lens. Rent whatever you're comfortable with and/or wish to explore.

[jimr-pdx]

Were it my problem I'd take 15-21-[35 or 40] and the 50-135. Given your list of lenses I fear the 18-135 would not measure up; it's a decent lens for sure, but not of DA* or prime caliber. (and I think your DA* is 16-50 right? Your post says 18-50)

[wizofoz]

answer seems pretty simple to me
you have a 12-24 and 50-135, you can fill the gap between the two with a 35 or the 31

I thought of this as I was driving around this afternoon, it may be the answer. Thanks adpo

If you cannot stomach the kit lens, just rent a lens of your choosing, whether the DA* 16-50, the DA 16-45, the DA 18-135, or a 3rd party lens. Rent whatever you're comfortable with and/or wish to explore.

Greg, renting Pentax gear in Oz is all but impossible. I have looked and can find nothing. Thanks for the suggestion.

Were it my problem I'd take 15-21-[35 or 40] and the 50-135. Given your list of lenses I fear the 18-135 would not measure up; it's a decent lens for sure, but not of DA* or prime caliber. (and I think your DA* is 16-50 right? Your post says 18-50)

Thanks Jim, yes I meant the 16-50, of course. I'll have the 31, 43 and 77 with me, as I do at all times, I might even throw in the 35 for Macro's of the details. Something different.

So the question now is, do I take the 15 and 21, or the 12-24? Of course it will be less convenient to have to change primes, but I get a boost in IQ, and the two primes will take up less space in the bag and are easier to pack....decisions... decisions.


Thanks a lot for your help guys..