Originally posted by Soybomb Hey folks,
I am looking at getting another lens, specifically a prime for indoor portraits. Im pretty set on a 35mm, but I don't know which one I should go for.
I am interested in the 35mm Limited Macro, but I had some questions. First, would it do everything the DA 35mm would do, just better? Does the Macro ability of the lens take away from its performance for standard photos? I am not big into macro, but I don't mind fooling around with the odd flower on a day out shooting, so it would be nice to have a the macro ability as I won't likely (for a long time, anyway) buy a dedicated macro lens. But, my priority is great low light and indoor shots, so if there is another lens that will do this better Id rather forgo the macro.
If this makes any sense at all Id appreciate feedback. You guys rock.
Actually for portraits in side you will need a lens somewhere between 50mm and 85mm in focal length. This corresponds to the 85mm to 135mm typically used for portraits using a 35mm film camera.
Shorter than 50mm focal length lenses can be used but they tend to distort the person's features because you have to get close to the subject for the head and shoulders to fill the frame.
Longer than 85mm focal length lenses can also be used but they tens to flatten a person's features because you are father away from the subject for the head and shoulder to till the frame.
You will also be looking for a lens with a large maximum aperture. Something like f1.4, 1.7 or 2.0 . You can use this aperture to provide a shallow depth of field in the photo or to cope with the low indoor light allowing a faster shutter speed.
If you are looking for a low cost lens, you could look for for an SMC Pentax-A 50mm f1.4, 1.7, or 2.0 . This lens would be manual focus. If you wanted auto focus you could buy a Pentax-F or -FA 50mm f1.4 or 1.7. If you wanted Pentax's latest portrait lens then go for the smc Pentax-DA* 55mm f1.4 .
Regards
Chris