[WVRICK]

Well I ordered the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 now I am wanting something for general use like travel, indoors and street use. So far I have looked at the Sigma New 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM, Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM (Art) and the Pentax DA HD 20-40 f2.8-4. Any opinions? I realize the Sigma 18035 isn't out yet for Pentax.

[Adam]

Well I ordered the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 now I am wanting something for general use like travel, indoors and street use. So far I have looked at the Sigma New 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM, Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM (Art) and the Pentax DA HD 20-40 f2.8-4. Any opinions? I realize the Sigma 18035 isn't out yet for Pentax.

I think the 17-70mm is the only one that fits the bill as a true walkaround lens, unless you plan on shooting in rainy conditions often with the 20-40mm.

It's a very nice lens:
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

[jatrax]

DA 18-135? WR and covers most of the range needed for general touristy stuff. Much lighter than the 70-200 if you are walking much. The 20-40 looks interesting for street but I don't have any experience with it. The Sigma 17-70 would make a nice match for your 70-200 though....

[WVRICK]

I have the 18-135 but wanted something faster and with better IQ, not that this is a bad lens I just want really sharp shots. I am leaning toward the Sigma Contemporary since it fills the missing range of the 70-200, but the reviews on the 18-35 are amazing. I do have a Pentax DA 50 f1.4 as well. Hmmm, it will be interesting to see the other comments that come in but Adam is making a lot of sense with his recommendation.

[SpecialK]

Here are some threads on this and related subjects.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-pentax-beginners-corner-q/247777-what-lens-buy.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-pentax-beginners-corner-q/230257-whats...round-kit.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/245289-good...ly-w-zoom.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/233391-da-4...ound-lens.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/239757-what...yday-lens.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/237998-sigm...e-quality.html

[WVRICK]

Here are some threads on this and related subjects.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-pentax-beginners-corner-q/247777-what-lens-buy.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-pentax-beginners-corner-q/230257-whats...round-kit.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/245289-good...ly-w-zoom.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/233391-da-4...ound-lens.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/239757-what...yday-lens.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/237998-sigm...e-quality.html

Hmmm, now I am have a lot to think about. You gave me some really good links, thanks.

[WVRICK]

DA 18-135? WR and covers most of the range needed for general touristy stuff. Much lighter than the 70-200 if you are walking much. The 20-40 looks interesting for street but I don't have any experience with it. The Sigma 17-70 would make a nice match for your 70-200 though....

I keep thinking the 20-40 looks interesting and it is WR which is a plus since I will be vacationing in damp areas like the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland and other damp places. But then there is a part of me that still agrees with Adam and the 17-70 recommendation. Is there a good way to protect a lens from drizzle?

[normhead]

If you're carrying a 70-200, how about the Tamron 17-50? Mind you it doesn't test that much better than an 18-135, there isn't much that tests better than the 18-135, but it is faster. My wife prefers it to the 18-135.

[WVRICK]

If you're carrying a 70-200, how about the Tamron 17-50? Mind you it doesn't test that much better than an 18-135, there isn't much that tests better than the 18-135, but it is faster. My wife prefers it to the 18-135.

Checking it now, thanks. After the input and reviews I am thinking the 18-135 might fill the bill, since I already own it, and save me cash for better eats on the vacation.

[jatrax]

Is there a good way to protect a lens from drizzle?

Despite a WR camera and a WR lens I still don't feel right exposing them to actual rain/drizzle. And I'm in Oregon so we do get drizzle. Actually we get 5 sunny days a year but those are scheduled only when I'm at work
I use an op/tech sling strap which lets the camera hang at my waist on the right side, which is under my long rain coat. So unless I'm actually shooting it is covered up. So, process is lift camera up, focus and shoot and then back under rain coat. And my big floppy hat keeps the wet off even when shooting. And the strap allows the camera to hang lens down so any water on it should run off without running into the lens.

Just because it it is WR does not make me feel compelled to test it.

[Kozlok]

If you already have the 18-135, then case closed! The 17-70 is slightly better, a little faster, and not WR. But in the present case, the Pentax is free, so it's the obvious choice. My personal favorite walking around set is the 18-135, my Sigma 30/1.4 for when I want shallow DOF or low light, and my 70-200 Tamron. I usually have the DA15 in the bag for when the sun is blasting right at me, and the 35 Ltd. is in if I'm going out for flowers. For vacations, it's just the 18-135 + Sigma 30/1.4. Super team.

[WVRICK]

Despite a WR camera and a WR lens I still don't feel right exposing them to actual rain/drizzle. And I'm in Oregon so we do get drizzle. Actually we get 5 sunny days a year but those are scheduled only when I'm at work
I use an op/tech sling strap which lets the camera hang at my waist on the right side, which is under my long rain coat. So unless I'm actually shooting it is covered up. So, process is lift camera up, focus and shoot and then back under rain coat. And my big floppy hat keeps the wet off even when shooting. And the strap allows the camera to hang lens down so any water on it should run off without running into the lens.

Just because it it is WR does not make me feel compelled to test it.

I tend to do the same as you, rain coat and big hat. It might just be us but I never really felt like testing the WR thing, it just makes me feel better if I accidentally get water on the camera and lens.

[WVRICK]

If you already have the 18-135, then case closed! The 17-70 is slightly better, a little faster, and not WR. But in the present case, the Pentax is free, so it's the obvious choice. My personal favorite walking around set is the 18-135, my Sigma 30/1.4 for when I want shallow DOF or low light, and my 70-200 Tamron. I usually have the DA15 in the bag for when the sun is blasting right at me, and the 35 Ltd. is in if I'm going out for flowers. For vacations, it's just the 18-135 + Sigma 30/1.4. Super team.

Yeah and already paid for is always good. Maybe it is just cabin fever making me shop like a fiend.

[SpecialK]

Is there a good way to protect a lens from drizzle?

Op/Tech 9001132 18in SLR Rainsleeve for Cameras 9001132

There must be others.

[VoiceOfReason]

I just had my 18-135 out in the rain with the K5 in San Luis Potosi Mexico last Sunday evening. It worked well, and even at night I still got decent shots of the buildings and inside some of the churches. It sees way more use than my Tamron 17-50.