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11-15-2014, 06:00 PM - 1 Like   #1
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Low-light indoors?

First of all I have a K-50 and the 18-135mm WR lens. That's it.

I have nothing to compare it with but I have no complaints of my 18-135 for the use I give it (walk-around zoom). However, when I have tried to use it indoors with low lighting it disappoints me, which I understand.

My wife is pregnant and I know I will be taking a lot of pictures, I assume most of them being indoors low lighting. So I need a new lens.

Is the Pentax DA* 50mm f/1.4 perfect for my intended use or are there some other type of lens that fit better?

Thanks

11-15-2014, 06:04 PM   #2
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I'd suggest one of the (16)17-50/2.8 zooms. 50 is a bit too long for indoors shooting, and you'd want the flexibility of a zoom when taking photos of a baby.
11-15-2014, 06:19 PM   #3
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I think you mean the DA*55mm f/1.4 (there is also a FA 50mm f/1.4). The DA*55mm was intended as a portrait lens and is quite good at that, being similar to an 85mm field of view on a film 35mm camera which was traditionally a portrait length. It is very fast and an excellent lens but likely too long for indoor photography unless you are in a studio environment or have the space to get far enough back.

I would also suggest one of the 17-50 or 16-50 zooms. The Pentax DA*16-50 is one of my favorites and produces excellent images. The sigma and Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 lenses are also good. Here is the comparison review of those: Review: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Many here will jump in with various prime lenses which will all be good, but unless you are prepared to buy several or can always shoot from a fixed distance such as in a studio a good zoom is much more flexible.

You may also want to consider getting some flash gear, either P-TTL or all manual with triggers. I just completed a photo session with my new granddaughter using the DA*16-50 plus manual flash. I set the flash up hidden in some pillows so that it bounced off the ceiling and used natural window light to put some shadow and detail into the images. With the flash gear your 18-135 would work just fine.
11-15-2014, 06:21 PM   #4
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I would consider the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 for indoor work. It is fast and sharp. Otherwise the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is fine, and much cheaper.

11-15-2014, 07:47 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Moropo Quote
My wife is pregnant and I know I will be taking a lot of pictures, I assume most of them being indoors low lighting.
Congratulations, You will enjoy.
In terms of photography, you want a lens that is AF, fast (for low light) and will give you great IQ (no matter). Based upon a similar experience, I would recommend three lenses:
FA31mm f1.8 - Fast, great IQ, work extremely well indoor and outdoor
DA*55mm f1.4 - Fast, excellent IQ based upon many PF reviews (I do not have it)
FA77mm f1.8 - Superb, fast, the best Pentax lens in a recent PF vote, short tele

I would suggest that you use first your DA18-55 and see what focal length your wife and you favor: 30mm, 40 mm or 50-55mm. Then you can refine your choice. Persoanlly I love the FA77mm for portrait and it works well with family shots. That would be my recommendation No. 1. My second recommendation would be to buy it used from PF marketplace, keh.com or reputed dealers on the bay. There are excellent 2nd hand/used copies on the market and they are as good as the new ones IMHO.

Hope that the advice will help.
11-15-2014, 08:06 PM   #6
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I agree with everybody that says the 50 is generally too long for indoors, not totally useless though. But one of those fast zooms will probably serve you better. If you haven't, maybe try using the 18-135 on shutter priority and set your ISO to 100-6400.
11-15-2014, 08:38 PM   #7
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I agree that 50mm is a little to long for indoors... it's likely that you'll not have space to back off more often than not. As a cheap solution I will recommend the 35mm f2.4... but probably the Sigma 18-35 f1.8 would be the best choice.

11-15-2014, 09:32 PM   #8
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I also think the 35 2.4 would be a big improvement coming from the 18-135. And affordable.
11-15-2014, 09:54 PM   #9
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I'll 3rd the recommendation for the 35/2.4. Fast lens, very affordable, decent AF, and good focal range for what you want.

If you want a 2nd lens recommendation, I'd say consider the D FA 50/2.8 Macro lens for close-ups of your new addition to the family and to double as a head/shoulders portrait lens.
11-15-2014, 10:28 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by bpjod Quote
I'll 3rd the recommendation for the 35/2.4. Fast lens, very affordable, decent AF, and good focal range for what you want.

If you want a 2nd lens recommendation, I'd say consider the D FA 50/2.8 Macro lens for close-ups of your new addition to the family and to double as a head/shoulders portrait lens.
Or the SMC or HD Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro could be a wise alternative...
11-16-2014, 01:04 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by VoiceOfReason Quote
I would consider the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 for indoor work.
I wouldn't, for three good reasons: #1 It doesn't focus accurately, #2 it is big and heavy, #3 I would only recommend a lens like this to someone who is using a camera with a more advanced AF module than the K-50, the K5II(s) and K3 both have enough trouble with this lens as things are.

The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 or the DA35mm f/2.4 would both serve your purposes well.
11-16-2014, 03:47 AM   #12
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I thing that the right solution is *55.

Here is some demo:

ISO 6400


ISO3200


From here...
11-16-2014, 03:50 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Digitalis Quote
I wouldn't, for three good reasons: #1 It doesn't focus accurately
I have the Sigma 35mm f1.4 and I think it's also not focusing accurately (tendency to backfocus). Do you think I should submit my copy for a recalibration ? I have a free recalibration guaranteed. Or I can solve it myself with the new USB dock for Pentax that I will be ordering soon.
11-16-2014, 04:35 AM   #14
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I would recomment the Sigma 30 1.4 with an off camera flash. Used that setup a lot for pictures of my own kids
11-16-2014, 04:58 AM   #15
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I'd still suggest you go with a zoom. Little children indoors are very tricky. Those unique moments will not wait for you to change lenses and there is only so much space to zoom with your feet. Also bounced flash with your 18-135 will work for pretty much anything except boheky stuff where any 2.8 zoom will help.
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