Starting to upgrade lenses ?

Stoney · 01-30-2014, 01:52 AM

This is all great advice.
I'll look into

DA16-45
DA17-70
Tamron 17-50/2.8
Tamron 28-75/2.8
more.
As of now I'm looking towards either the
Tamron 17-50/2.8 or
Sigma 17-50/2.8
also researching the
DA16-45 &
DA17-70
Right now I think the 55-300mm would not fit my needs.

I do believe primes have superior IQ from the Minolta 50mm f/2 I had but I found that a bit to narrow. I'll do some more tests with my kit to find out what mm primes to look into.
Right now I'm looking towards the likes of the Rokinon 14mm

VoiceOfReason · 01-30-2014, 07:21 AM

If you did have the cash to spend then I would definitely still recommend the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, but if you get an awesome deal like I did on the Sigma 8-16 (got it for 400) definitely hit that up. It is REALLY wide, sharp too.

ChopperCharles · 01-30-2014, 11:16 AM - **1 Like**

My most-used lenses are a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 continuous and a FA 50mm f/1.7. That's where I'd recommend. Low light and small depth of field are lacking from your current AF roster.

Charles.

Stoney · 01-30-2014, 01:19 PM

Originally posted by VoiceOfReason

If you did have the cash to spend then I would definitely still recommend the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, but if you get an awesome deal like I did on the Sigma 8-16 (got it for 400) definitely hit that up. It is REALLY wide, sharp too.

Thanks. I'm torn between the Tamron 17-50f/2.8 and the Sigma 17-50f/2.8 because I can get the Sigma for about the same price.
About the 8-16, I'm nervous cause I've never shot anything under my kit 18 maybe I should rent first or see if anyone I know has something in that range. Or like you said if I find a deal go for it.

Last edited by Stoney; 01-31-2014 at 12:19 AM.

Stoney · 01-30-2014, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

My most-used lenses are a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 continuous and a FA 50mm f/1.7. That's where I'd recommend. Low light and small depth of field are lacking from your current AF roster.

Charles.

I did like how my Minolta 50 f/2 had way better bokah and was more capable in low light. That thing was quit old and did die do to cold weather sadly.

calsan · 01-30-2014, 06:06 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ILLmatic173

I guess I meant to say it was wider than the pentax 50mm 1.8 on a cropped sensor

Oh, that makes sense. Yep, I should have bought the 35 instead of the 50. Mind you, the fifty can be fun now and then. All lenses are!
On the wide angle side, I have 10-20 4-5.6 and it's ginormous. The 10-20 3.5 would be a total get left at home to save back strain lens. I much prefer my 15 limited, based on weight alone. Also, flare control is very important in a wide and the 15 is the best in this regard. 10-20 is for "real estate agent shots" - interiors and the like. At 10mm people quickly get really small, at 15, people can still be part of the subject. So you need to decide if you need ultra wide or just wide.

ILLmatic173 · 01-31-2014, 12:16 AM

Originally posted by calsan

Oh, that makes sense. Yep, I should have bought the 35 instead of the 50. Mind you, the fifty can be fun now and then. All lenses are!
On the wide angle side, I have 10-20 4-5.6 and it's ginormous. The 10-20 3.5 would be a total get left at home to save back strain lens. I much prefer my 15 limited, based on weight alone. Also, flare control is very important in a wide and the 15 is the best in this regard. 10-20 is for "real estate agent shots" - interiors and the like. At 10mm people quickly get really small, at 15, people can still be part of the subject. So you need to decide if you need ultra wide or just wide.

Hhhmm i never thought about it that way...i never done much research on the 15mm limited..only done research on the 12-24 and both 10-20 from sigma...so now im going to look into the 8-16mm and the 15 limited from pentax..i think the price range is about the same

fevbusch · 02-01-2014, 05:09 AM - **1 Like**

My biggest priority at the end of year 2013 (after buying my K30) was to get a really fine lens that had a wide enough angle to take family pictures and do well in low light. So, I bought the DA35mm 2.4 and found it to be not only more than
adequate for family pics in my narrow living room and dark restaurants, without flash, but was wonderfully sharp and colorful as a walkaround, shooting fall foliage and anything else that came into view. I am keenly looking forward to getting the DA50mm 1.8 this spring for under $200. new.
From what I have read it has a wonderful bokeh and even marginally better that the revered M50mm 1.7 ( A lens which I have never been able to focus, with these 74 year old eyes). My every instinct tells me I will be thrilled with the new 50.
Since I bought my K30 I am finding that these new lenses (and the DA55-300, which is marvelous) are a great match to the abilities and the range of the K30. I'm hoping that the 50 will get me some great , fairly close up shots of flowers
and small landscapes, and will do so with a fine bokeh. Those three lenses, along with my wide angle Da16-45, should give me all the tools I need for the kind of photography I do. Rock on Pentax! Freddy/ fevbusch.

ILLmatic173 · 02-01-2014, 08:11 AM

Originally posted by fevbusch

My biggest priority at the end of year 2013 (after buying my K30) was to get a really fine lens that had a wide enough angle to take family pictures and do well in low light. So, I bought the DA35mm 2.4 and found it to be not only more than
adequate for family pics in my narrow living room and dark restaurants, without flash, but was wonderfully sharp and colorful as a walkaround, shooting fall foliage and anything else that came into view. I am keenly looking forward to getting the DA50mm 1.8 this spring for under $200. new.
From what I have read it has a wonderful bokeh and even marginally better that the revered M50mm 1.7 ( A lens which I have never been able to focus, with these 74 year old eyes). My every instinct tells me I will be thrilled with the new 50.
Since I bought my K30 I am finding that these new lenses (and the DA55-300, which is marvelous) are a great match to the abilities and the range of the K30. I'm hoping that the 50 will get me some great , fairly close up shots of flowers
and small landscapes, and will do so with a fine bokeh. Those three lenses, along with my wide angle Da16-45, should give me all the tools I need for the kind of photography I do. Rock on Pentax! Freddy/ fevbusch.

I just bought the Pentax 35mm 2.4 and I'm I'm loving it so far..only had it for a couple of days but the bokeh looks great and the focus is fast(way better than my 18-55wr kit) can't wait till I take it to my next trip to the west coast..now all I want now is my ultra wide lens (sigma 10-20mm 3.5 or 8-16mm) but I'm hoping the 35mm can help me learn a few things being that ive only had my K30 for like 6 weeks now

lguckert79 · 02-01-2014, 08:29 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by DSims

See how you like the DA35/2.4 first (I just got one for my daughter - it's pretty good).

yes this lens is great I use it all the time and their is a thread for it also https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/196639-da35-f2-4-plastic-fantastic-club.html
look at some of the images and take your time and make the right choice. Imo it is the best bang for your buck

Azzy · 02-01-2014, 08:39 AM

Just get a used tamron 17-50 for ~$300, if you don't like it you can re-sell it for pretty much the same price.

Hands down the best bang for your buck for all APS-C camera

fevbusch · 02-01-2014, 09:36 AM - **1 Like**

Hey, ILL. Thanks for sharing your joy with the 35mm 2.4. It's definitely one of the best lenses Pentax ever made! I'm also going to check out the The Plastic Fantastic Club. Freddy

Sdenby · 02-01-2014, 09:49 AM - **1 Like**

My fourth lens for the K-30 was the 10-17mm pentax fisheye.
If you're into that kinda stuff (fisheye), its really nice. It creates some really interesting shots.

fevbusch · 02-01-2014, 10:17 AM

I'm definitely not into fisheye. My next and final lens will be the DA50mm 1.8 Plastic Fantastic. Freddy

ILLmatic173 · 02-01-2014, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by fevbusch

Hey, ILL. Thanks for sharing your joy with the 35mm 2.4. It's definitely one of the best lenses Pentax ever made! I'm also going to check out the The Plastic Fantastic Club. Freddy

Yea I've heard a lot of great things..also heard its great for beginners which is one of the reasons I invested in it..and because I got a good deal on from someone selling it here in the Pf market. I definitely might check out that club myself..I saw a lot of great shots on there. Hopefully I can contribute a few of my own soon..

02-01-2014, 05:09 AM - 1 Like	#23
fevbusch Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brooklyn, New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,064	DA35mm 2.4 and DA50mm 1.8 My biggest priority at the end of year 2013 (after buying my K30) was to get a really fine lens that had a wide enough angle to take family pictures and do well in low light. So, I bought the DA35mm 2.4 and found it to be not only more than adequate for family pics in my narrow living room and dark restaurants, without flash, but was wonderfully sharp and colorful as a walkaround, shooting fall foliage and anything else that came into view. I am keenly looking forward to getting the DA50mm 1.8 this spring for under $200. new. From what I have read it has a wonderful bokeh and even marginally better that the revered M50mm 1.7 ( A lens which I have never been able to focus, with these 74 year old eyes). My every instinct tells me I will be thrilled with the new 50. Since I bought my K30 I am finding that these new lenses (and the DA55-300, which is marvelous) are a great match to the abilities and the range of the K30. I'm hoping that the 50 will get me some great , fairly close up shots of flowers and small landscapes, and will do so with a fine bokeh. Those three lenses, along with my wide angle Da16-45, should give me all the tools I need for the kind of photography I do. Rock on Pentax! Freddy/ fevbusch.

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01-30-2014, 01:52 AM	#16
Stoney Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Northwest, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 37 Original Poster	This is all great advice. I'll look into DA16-45 DA17-70 Tamron 17-50/2.8 Tamron 28-75/2.8 more. As of now I'm looking towards either the Tamron 17-50/2.8 or Sigma 17-50/2.8 also researching the DA16-45 & DA17-70 Right now I think the 55-300mm would not fit my needs. I do believe primes have superior IQ from the Minolta 50mm f/2 I had but I found that a bit to narrow. I'll do some more tests with my kit to find out what mm primes to look into. Right now I'm looking towards the likes of the Rokinon 14mm

01-30-2014, 07:21 AM	#17
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	If you did have the cash to spend then I would definitely still recommend the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, but if you get an awesome deal like I did on the Sigma 8-16 (got it for 400) definitely hit that up. It is REALLY wide, sharp too.

01-30-2014, 11:16 AM - 1 Like	#18
ChopperCharles Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Durham, nc Photos: Albums Posts: 954	My most-used lenses are a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 continuous and a FA 50mm f/1.7. That's where I'd recommend. Low light and small depth of field are lacking from your current AF roster. Charles.

01-30-2014, 01:19 PM	#19
Stoney Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Northwest, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 37 Original Poster	Originally posted by VoiceOfReason If you did have the cash to spend then I would definitely still recommend the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, but if you get an awesome deal like I did on the Sigma 8-16 (got it for 400) definitely hit that up. It is REALLY wide, sharp too. Thanks. I'm torn between the Tamron 17-50f/2.8 and the Sigma 17-50f/2.8 because I can get the Sigma for about the same price. About the 8-16, I'm nervous cause I've never shot anything under my kit 18 maybe I should rent first or see if anyone I know has something in that range. Or like you said if I find a deal go for it. Last edited by Stoney; 01-31-2014 at 12:19 AM.

01-30-2014, 01:28 PM	#20
Stoney Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Northwest, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 37 Original Poster	Originally posted by ChopperCharles My most-used lenses are a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 continuous and a FA 50mm f/1.7. That's where I'd recommend. Low light and small depth of field are lacking from your current AF roster. Charles. I did like how my Minolta 50 f/2 had way better bokah and was more capable in low light. That thing was quit old and did die do to cold weather sadly.

01-30-2014, 06:06 PM - 1 Like	#21
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,548	Originally posted by ILLmatic173 I guess I meant to say it was wider than the pentax 50mm 1.8 on a cropped sensor Oh, that makes sense. Yep, I should have bought the 35 instead of the 50. Mind you, the fifty can be fun now and then. All lenses are! On the wide angle side, I have 10-20 4-5.6 and it's ginormous. The 10-20 3.5 would be a total get left at home to save back strain lens. I much prefer my 15 limited, based on weight alone. Also, flare control is very important in a wide and the 15 is the best in this regard. 10-20 is for "real estate agent shots" - interiors and the like. At 10mm people quickly get really small, at 15, people can still be part of the subject. So you need to decide if you need ultra wide or just wide.

01-31-2014, 12:16 AM	#22
ILLmatic173 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New York City Posts: 173	Originally posted by calsan Oh, that makes sense. Yep, I should have bought the 35 instead of the 50. Mind you, the fifty can be fun now and then. All lenses are! On the wide angle side, I have 10-20 4-5.6 and it's ginormous. The 10-20 3.5 would be a total get left at home to save back strain lens. I much prefer my 15 limited, based on weight alone. Also, flare control is very important in a wide and the 15 is the best in this regard. 10-20 is for "real estate agent shots" - interiors and the like. At 10mm people quickly get really small, at 15, people can still be part of the subject. So you need to decide if you need ultra wide or just wide. Hhhmm i never thought about it that way...i never done much research on the 15mm limited..only done research on the 12-24 and both 10-20 from sigma...so now im going to look into the 8-16mm and the 15 limited from pentax..i think the price range is about the same

02-01-2014, 08:11 AM	#24
ILLmatic173 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New York City Posts: 173	Originally posted by fevbusch My biggest priority at the end of year 2013 (after buying my K30) was to get a really fine lens that had a wide enough angle to take family pictures and do well in low light. So, I bought the DA35mm 2.4 and found it to be not only more than adequate for family pics in my narrow living room and dark restaurants, without flash, but was wonderfully sharp and colorful as a walkaround, shooting fall foliage and anything else that came into view. I am keenly looking forward to getting the DA50mm 1.8 this spring for under $200. new. From what I have read it has a wonderful bokeh and even marginally better that the revered M50mm 1.7 ( A lens which I have never been able to focus, with these 74 year old eyes). My every instinct tells me I will be thrilled with the new 50. Since I bought my K30 I am finding that these new lenses (and the DA55-300, which is marvelous) are a great match to the abilities and the range of the K30. I'm hoping that the 50 will get me some great , fairly close up shots of flowers and small landscapes, and will do so with a fine bokeh. Those three lenses, along with my wide angle Da16-45, should give me all the tools I need for the kind of photography I do. Rock on Pentax! Freddy/ fevbusch. I just bought the Pentax 35mm 2.4 and I'm I'm loving it so far..only had it for a couple of days but the bokeh looks great and the focus is fast(way better than my 18-55wr kit) can't wait till I take it to my next trip to the west coast..now all I want now is my ultra wide lens (sigma 10-20mm 3.5 or 8-16mm) but I'm hoping the 35mm can help me learn a few things being that ive only had my K30 for like 6 weeks now

02-01-2014, 08:29 AM - 1 Like	#25
lguckert79 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 601	Originally posted by DSims See how you like the DA35/2.4 first (I just got one for my daughter - it's pretty good). yes this lens is great I use it all the time and their is a thread for it also https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/196639-da35-f2-4-plastic-fantastic-club.html look at some of the images and take your time and make the right choice. Imo it is the best bang for your buck

02-01-2014, 08:39 AM	#26
Azzy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 201	Just get a used tamron 17-50 for ~$300, if you don't like it you can re-sell it for pretty much the same price. Hands down the best bang for your buck for all APS-C camera

02-01-2014, 09:36 AM - 1 Like	#27
fevbusch Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brooklyn, New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,064	Hey, ILL. Thanks for sharing your joy with the 35mm 2.4. It's definitely one of the best lenses Pentax ever made! I'm also going to check out the The Plastic Fantastic Club. Freddy

02-01-2014, 09:49 AM - 1 Like	#28
Sdenby Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 122	My fourth lens for the K-30 was the 10-17mm pentax fisheye. If you're into that kinda stuff (fisheye), its really nice. It creates some really interesting shots.

02-01-2014, 10:17 AM	#29
fevbusch Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brooklyn, New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,064	I'm definitely not into fisheye. My next and final lens will be the DA50mm 1.8 Plastic Fantastic. Freddy

02-01-2014, 11:04 AM	#30
ILLmatic173 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New York City Posts: 173	Originally posted by fevbusch Hey, ILL. Thanks for sharing your joy with the 35mm 2.4. It's definitely one of the best lenses Pentax ever made! I'm also going to check out the The Plastic Fantastic Club. Freddy Yea I've heard a lot of great things..also heard its great for beginners which is one of the reasons I invested in it..and because I got a good deal on from someone selling it here in the Pf market. I definitely might check out that club myself..I saw a lot of great shots on there. Hopefully I can contribute a few of my own soon..