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07-07-2013, 01:18 AM   #1
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Whats a good sharp lens for my K20?

Hey all, been using my K20D for awhile and ive been pretty impressed wit the pictures its been taking. At the moment im using the 18-55m kit lens for it. Ive just started getting into commercial photography an im looking for a better lens. Preferably one that is a zoom lens and a tad bit quieter. I had the chance to check out some nikon cameras in a photo class i took an I was really impressed by how quiet the nikon's autofocus was.

Any recommendations?

07-07-2013, 01:23 AM   #2
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Something with SDM or HSM (allthough SDM can be too silent sometimes..), but in order to give you better advice, please define "commercial photography"? You mean stockphotography?

Last edited by TenZ.NL; 07-07-2013 at 01:41 AM.
07-07-2013, 01:37 AM   #3
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For product photography I don't see how your lens is not sharp enough nor why would you need it to be silent
07-07-2013, 02:20 AM   #4
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Yep, stockphotography. Thing is, this isn't the new 18-55m that comes with the K-30 or something. This is the kit lens from the original istDS, which dates all the way back to 2003.

Heres an example. I would like to be able to capture more detail in the hair for example.


Last edited by neostyles; 02-07-2015 at 12:51 PM.
07-07-2013, 02:23 AM   #5
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Well, the good news is that pretty much every lens in the current Pentax lineup is better than the kit, so you can't really go wrong.
07-07-2013, 02:25 AM   #6
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Kind of hard to see in the attatched pic, and it wouldnt let me remove, so heres the full size image
http://i42.tinypic.com/np1axi.jpg
07-07-2013, 02:37 AM   #7
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In the same range as your kitlens you have the Tamron 17-50 F2.8, the Sigma 17-50 F2.8 HSM and the Pentax DA* 16-50 F2.8 SDM. Both the sigma and the Pentax are virtually silent with the Pentax being the most expensive (and also WR) but the SDM (silent drive motor aka sudden death motor) has a reputation of breaking down on a frequent basis. Not sure how silent/loud the Tamron is but is a very shap optic and the cheapest of the 3.

07-07-2013, 02:46 AM   #8
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You can't really blame a lens for horrible lighting.
07-07-2013, 03:07 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by kcobain1992 Quote
You can't really blame a lens for horrible lighting.
hm? What do you mean?
07-07-2013, 03:22 AM   #10
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Well, in the example you posted, she is standing in the shade and is heavily backlit, no wonder you don't see enough detail in her hair.
07-07-2013, 03:44 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by kcobain1992 Quote
You can't really blame a lens for horrible lighting.
No need to be so harsh!
But, he is right... Not a good example for what you want. Perhaps investing in a lighting setup would suit you better
07-07-2013, 04:04 AM   #12
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It wasn't intended to be harsh - I myself have taken some of the best lenses and took some awfully crappy pictures with them because of poor lighting.
07-07-2013, 04:38 AM   #13
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Well it is true, lenses are important, but light is #1. Without light or with a contrast thats too big, no lens can help you.
In the sample photo posted, a simple deflector could brighten up the model and bring out the detail in the dress and hair
07-07-2013, 07:33 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by TenZ.NL Quote
(allthough SDM can be too silent sometimes..),
Ain't it the truth!
07-07-2013, 07:40 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by neostyles Quote
I would like to be able to capture more detail in the hair for example
There is detail in the hair, it just needs a wee tweak or two in PP, especially the shadows slider or local contrast adjustment.
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