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12-07-2012, 08:16 PM   #1
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LBA or do I need 1 more lens?

Hi All,

I have a k-7 & new k-01 with zoom range covered from 35 - 210. My primes are 40mm xs & 15 mm ltd. Would it be helpful to add a low light lens in 30, 35, or 50 range? Looking for suggestions, this is not a have to.

Thanks for your help.

12-07-2012, 08:23 PM   #2
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You need both wider and longer! How about the DA21 f/3.2? Or maybe the Sigma 24 or 28 f/1.8 or the Sigma 30 f/1.4?
12-07-2012, 08:32 PM   #3
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I didn't even read your question but trust me, you need one more lens. And after that one more and after that...

Don't fight it.
12-07-2012, 08:43 PM   #4
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Split The Difference?

Hello Kiteman,
The beauty (some would say "Curse") of LBA is that you never have to ask whether you need another lens. Of course you do!
Just kidding, sort of.
Anyway, I'd suggest that an medium WA between your 15-40 primes would be the ticket. There are many ways to choose one, let's try math;
40-15= 25 (mm)
1/2 of 25= 12.5
15 + 12.5= 27.5mm
40 - 12.5= 27.5mm
So, a 28mm would be nearly exactly between what you now have. A 24mm would serve well, also.
For low light, an f/2.8 would be as "slow" as I would go, f/2.0 would be even better, but usually more expensive.
If you give up auto-focus, you can easily stay under $200 USD. an A-series Pentax 28mm f/2.8 would be around $100-$150. The well-regarded Kiron 28mm f/2.0 can be found for under $200 also, in M or A configuration.
I recently purchased a Miranda "A" 24mm f/2.8 for about $120, and it is an excellent lens. The Sigma Super-Wide is also available in M, A or A/F versions.
If you decide you want A/F, I'd guess these prices would be double, or more.
The 28mm size is much more common, but I happen to prefer 24mm on the digital format.
Good Luck!
Ron

12-07-2012, 08:44 PM   #5
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+1 for the DA21. Or something else in the 20-to-30 mm range would be good to complement your setup. I can't see the point of having a 35 or 50 with the 40xs so close, and your existing zoom range covering that as well.

Of course it is a decision ultimately based on your own personal style and preferences ....
12-07-2012, 08:47 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by VoiceOfReason Quote
You need both wider and longer!
+1. You could consider a 31mm f1.8 and a fast fifty (50mm f1.4).

I have both K-7 and K-01. I agree that you need both wider and longer. My lens line up include 31 mmf1.8, 40mm xs and 58mm f1.4. It is almost LBA, but these focal lenses complement each other nicely with 2 cameras.

Hope that the comment may help.
12-07-2012, 09:03 PM   #7
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The Sigma 30 1.4 is on sale right now from B&H. Compare its sale price ($349) with what used copies go for in the marketplace archives, and it's pretty much a no-brainer purchase if you are looking for something in this range. Super fast, ultra sharp, low-light bang for buck bokeh cream machine monster.

New Pentax Lens Deals - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com

12-07-2012, 09:12 PM   #8
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$349? New from B&H? Wow, that is the lens. I went back to an FA 31/1.8 because I liked the colors better, but $349 - wow.
12-07-2012, 09:14 PM   #9
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You always need one more lens.
12-07-2012, 09:28 PM   #10
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QuoteQuote:
The Sigma 30 1.4 is on sale right now from B&H. Compare its sale price ($349) with what used copies go for in the marketplace archives, and it's pretty much a no-brainer purchase if you are looking for something in this range. Super fast, ultra sharp, low-light bang for buck bokeh cream machine monster.

New Pentax Lens Deals - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com
Note the lens is the DC version, though the database shows the DC EX version. Also, B&H says DC EX (clearly not) and once it's in the cart, also say HSM (clearly not). The DC EX HSM version is $439 at Adorama, however.
12-07-2012, 09:31 PM   #11
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I didn't know that that lens came in HSM version, the version I had was Screw Drive. Has Sigma updated this lens recently?

Anyways, I've owned the DA 21, Sigma 28/1.8, and 30/1.4. The DA 21 was my favorite of the three, but the Sigma 28/1.8 is really interesting for its close focus.
12-07-2012, 09:50 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by icywindow Quote
I didn't know that that lens came in HSM version, the version I had was Screw Drive. Has Sigma updated this lens recently?
Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM Lens f/Pentax DSLRs - USA 300-109

The description is possibly messed up as the lens does not have EX on the barrel. Definitely shows HSM, though.

Even worse it is the same manufacturer number as the non-HSM version at B&H which does not show the HSM.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=orderHistory&A=details&Q=&sku=433041&is=REG

Sigma page does not "show" HSM for Pentax, but says not available for Sony/Minolta. Also does not show EX.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/30mm-f14-ex-dc-hsm-sigma

Seems no one has a clue.

Last edited by SpecialK; 12-07-2012 at 10:03 PM.
12-07-2012, 10:01 PM   #13
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Sigma's website - 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM - DC Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com

Shows Pentax mount as not having HSM. Maybe Adorama is using a different lens mount as the representative photo? Or maybe Sigma hasn't updated their website? *shrug*
12-07-2012, 10:42 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by icywindow Quote
Sigma's website - 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM - DC Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com

Shows Pentax mount as not having HSM. Maybe Adorama is using a different lens mount as the representative photo? Or maybe Sigma hasn't updated their website? *shrug*
Adam says B&H and Adorama have the same lens #300-109. So both places have inaccurate descriptions. Sigma comes right out and says no HSM for Sony/Minolta, but just leaves it off the chart for Pentax...

Sorry to make this a long multi-post...
12-08-2012, 12:44 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
Note the lens is the DC version, though the database shows the DC EX version. Also, B&H says DC EX (clearly not) and once it's in the cart, also say HSM (clearly not). The DC EX HSM version is $439 at Adorama, however.
Yup, there's some listing errors in the description of the Pentax version on pretty much every site. What I've read though (I can't remember which thread) is that Sigma never made the HSM version for Pentax.

This lens will be loud, Oh well.

For the record, I bought one because of this sale.
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