I read a couple of older threads about this, but I think it's been long enough that it's worth asking anew:
What "cheap" AF capable lenses are best for low light indoor photography? (e.g. family parties)
Used is fine. "Cheap" means less than $300, less than $200 would be fantastic.
You can recommend manual primes all day long, but this is for my girlfriend, and she doesn't like prime lenses, and almost never uses any MF lenses.
Despite that, I'm still looking at some AF primes, because I feel like she might like primes more if she didn't have to deal with the twice-over change of both losing zoom and AF at the same time. If you have a recommendation for a good low-light manual (A, not M) zoom for less than $200, I'll listen to that, too.
Here are the lenses I'm aware of that might make a good choice:
Pentax DA35/2.4 (new)(or used if I see one for more than 10% less than the new price)
Pentax F 50/1.7 (used)
**Pentax DA 50/1.8 (new)(adding this one now that they've dropped the price below $200)
Tamron 28-75/2.8 (used)
Sigma 28-70/2.8 (used)
Tamron 28-105/2.8 (used)
Any recommendations, either of those against each other, or of other lenses to consider that can be had in that price range?
Does anyone have experience with the Sigma x/2.8-4 zooms? (e.g. 28-70/2.8-4, or 28-105/2.8-4) Do they work well in low-light indoor situations, or is the f/4 max aperture at the long end too slow? My guess is that most indoor shooting happens between 28-35, although I haven't taken the time to check through our collection and see what focal lengths she's been using indoors (with the 18-55 kit lens--I will do this before actually purchasing something).
Other info that might be useful:
Her current camera is a K-x, looking at upgrading to a K-30 if the Hunt's deal lasts long enough.
Current lenses:
18-55 kit (most used)
70-300 tele-macro (used a lot outdoors, less indoors)
50/2.8 Sigma MF macro (rarely used)
135/2.8 Sears MF (just got this)
(edited to add the DA 50/1.8 due to price drop--I didn't consider it worth it at $250, at $180 I might give it a shot)
Last edited by thornburg; 08-01-2013 at 10:07 AM.