Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
10-15-2013, 09:53 AM   #1
Veteran Member




Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 331
What is a really awesome walkaround or everyday lens?

There are probably threads about this already but i'm not good at finding them... I'm looking for suggestions on a really good everyday kind of "walk around" lens... I have the 18-55mm WR lens but it seems to struggle in low light and the IQ seems to be average....

I just picked up a Pentax 35mm f/2.4 lens which so far I really like, but without zoom it's not really going to cut it for certain things....

If this topic has been beaten to death on here, I apologize ... If anyone has any links to prior threads about what folks favorite walk around lenses are, that'd be great... it seems like a lot of people talk about 17-50mm's quite a bit...

10-15-2013, 10:00 AM   #2
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
gofour3's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 8,076
For a film camera?

Phil.
10-15-2013, 10:00 AM   #3
Administrator
Site Webmaster
Adam's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Arizona
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 51,558
IMO this lens is not to be overlooked:
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)



PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:
10-15-2013, 10:06 AM   #4
Veteran Member
Na Horuk's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Slovenia, probably
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 11,186
I was about to suggest the DA 35mm or DA 40mm
Zooms.. Pentax used to make a well-loved DA 16-45mm lens, but it is discontinued. You can get it used, people seem to really like it.
The 17-50mm lenses were reviewed by the forum:
DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com
You might also want to think about 17-70mm lenses. Just one thing, if you are buying a Pentax lens with SDM, make sure it is not old, because SDM focus mechanisms used to have a relatively high risk of problems. The newer series were improved, though.

Btw what camera are you using?

10-15-2013, 10:10 AM   #5
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
Moe49's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Santa Cruz Mtns.
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 874
You may want to post/move this in the Digital Section ( I do not see a film Pentax in your signature ). You seem to prefer zooms, so I will not recommend any primes.

For Digital APSc: the Sigma/Tamron 17-50mm's you mention have good reputations. The DA*16-50mm is a nice 'walk-about', and if you suffer a SDM event the SDM can now be by-passed.

Film K-mount zoom: I think the FA*28-70mm f/2.8 is "really awesome" for 'walk-about', and I like the Vivitar Series 1 28-105mm f/2.8, too.

M42 mount zoom: I like the Vivitar Series 1 35-85mm f/2.8.

Last edited by Moe49; 10-29-2013 at 09:12 AM.
10-15-2013, 10:12 AM   #6
Veteran Member




Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 331
Original Poster
Oops, I posted this in the wrong section.... Sorry guys, can I move it or do we need a mod? Meant to put this in Pentax DSLR....

I am using a Pentax K-30.
10-15-2013, 10:44 AM   #7
Emperor and Senpai
Loyal Site Supporter
VoiceOfReason's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Mishawaka IN area
Photos: Albums
Posts: 6,124
For lower light the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, for a longer range one (and don't be afraid to bump the ISO up to 3200 if needed) the 18-135WR.

10-15-2013, 10:52 AM   #8
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
seventysixersfan's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 2,049
Everything that has been said above is good advice. Here's my 2 cents that incorporates some of what has already been said. This is also assuming that we're sticking to zooms:

(1) Keep your DA 18-55 WR for times when you need a WR lens to go along with your K-30 WR body.

and then add the new Sigma 17-70 contemporary lens. Faster, quiet HSM focusing, nice zoom range, and excellent IQ.

(2) Sell your DA 18-55 WR and acquire the DA 18-135mm WR. Slightly better IQ, quiet DC focusing, nice zoom range, very good IQ.

(3) Keep DA 18-55 WR, and add either Tamron 17-50 or Sigma 17-50. Excellent image quality and f/2.8 constant throughout zoom range will give you speed for indoor shooting. Get Tamron 17-50 if you want to spend less and have a very compact and light zoom. Get Sigma 17-50 if you can afford it, and want quiet HSM focusing, but realize that the Sigma is much bigger and heavier in size.

(4) Keep DA 18-55 WR, and then get a used DA 16-45 f/4. Great image quality, very reasonable price on used market, but you may find yourself limited by the zoom range that stops at 45mm.

(5) Keep DA 18-55WR for WR needs and wider-angle applications. Get Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 zoom for nice walkaround, with the limitation that it starts at only 28mm.

Good luck!!
10-15-2013, 11:26 AM - 1 Like   #9
Site Supporter
Site Supporter




Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
Posts: 328
QuoteOriginally posted by seventysixersfan Quote
(2) Sell your DA 18-55 WR and acquire the DA 18-135mm WR. Slightly better IQ, quiet DC focusing, nice zoom range, very good IQ.
The above is the way I have gone for shots for the outdoors/bush. This 18-135 lens still surprises me.
(1/80, f8, Iso 6400, K5iis) (the 2nd is a the same but with a bit of flash at Iso 80)
Attached Images
   

Last edited by ak_kiwi; 10-15-2013 at 11:48 AM.
10-15-2013, 01:51 PM   #10
Senior Member
Action Jackson's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Markham, Ontario, CANADA
Posts: 243
Between my Sigma 17-70 (2nd version) and Tamron 17-50, I preferred the Sigma for it's better ability to take pics in lower light.
10-28-2013, 08:05 PM   #11
Veteran Member




Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 331
Original Poster
Of all the lenses mentioned in this thread, which do you guys think has the best IQ? Sounds like the Sigma 17-70mm perhaps?
10-30-2013, 04:29 AM   #12
Senior Member




Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sydney
Photos: Albums
Posts: 232
If you need the convenience of a zoom and good IQ, get the Sigma 17-50....

If you wish to take it to another level and don't mind a prime, get the FA 31.
10-30-2013, 05:58 AM   #13
Veteran Member
Gray's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cape Town
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 536
I second Adam's recommendation of the Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 "C". IQ is much better than the Pentax 18-135 WR. I have both and have no hesitation in punting the Sigma. It's well made and excellent value for money.
10-30-2013, 06:05 AM   #14
Veteran Member




Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 331
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Gray Quote
I second Adam's recommendation of the Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 "C". IQ is much better than the Pentax 18-135 WR. I have both and have no hesitation in punting the Sigma. It's well made and excellent value for money.
By "C" do you mean the third generation of that lens? This is the one I have been leaning towards.
10-30-2013, 06:11 AM   #15
Pentaxian
LennyBloke's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Worcestershire, UK
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 675
It depends very much on what the short and long ends of a zoom range suit you. The 18-135 is very popular and extremely versatile, but most of the time I'm happy with an FA 20-35 f4 - it's fairly small, lightweight, excellent IQ and just suits my preferences. Having said that, it's not often that I would go out with just a single lens - 1 on the camera (FA20-35) and a couple in the pockets ( a 15 Ltd and 100 WR Macro)
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
k-mount, lens, pentax lens, slr lens, threads
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Suggestions for a fast everyday lens sharepointalex Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 9 12-05-2012 10:06 AM
Black & White K-30 is either a really good camera, or I'm becoming a better photographer... Julie Post Your Photos! 14 09-22-2012 10:59 AM
Misc Guess what this picture really is? charliezap Post Your Photos! 13 02-02-2012 11:03 AM
What is a good aperture rating for a zoom lens (or any lens)? justtakingpics Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 7 04-09-2011 06:32 PM
Standard (or walkaround) zoom lens comparisons Buschmaster Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 18 12-31-2009 11:41 AM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:46 PM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top