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05-31-2015, 06:21 AM   #16
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On Film, the FA43 is just perfect, I am a broken record but I just LOVE this lens. Second to that is my K55, just for the uber smooth bokeh.

On the K-01, its was probably the DA14, in terms of most used. The FA20-35 would be the walk around but in the last year I have been shooting mostly film, mostly down to the FA43 and K55 with the MZ-S/MZ-5N.

05-31-2015, 07:24 AM   #17
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Most often it's the DA 55-300/4-5.8 -- it's light, fairly small, and reasonably sharp, and I have to be ready for critters.
05-31-2015, 08:10 AM   #18
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I'm a little surprised you don't use your DA 18-135mm much. That's a great walk-around lens. It's exceptionally sharp at the wide end and very sharp at the tele end when used properly. You can consider the recently released DA 16-85mm. Recent forum threads indicate it flips the performance of the DA 18-135. You give up a little bit of sharpness on the wide end for more sharpness on the tele end.

If you like your DA 40mm Limited then compliment it with a DA 21mm and/or a DA 70mm. Those three lenses plus a versatile zoom should be enough. You mentioned the DA * 50-135mm. It's probably a wonderful lens but if you don't use the DA 18-135mm then you may not use this lens either after the honeymoon period wears off.

The FA 35mm won't offer you much compared to the DA 40 Limited. They are too close together in focal length. You can get a DA 35 f/2.4 for less than the FA 35 f/2.0 and save some money. The DA 35mm works on film bodies as long as you have Av mode in the body. Use the money saved to get a flash, a good bag, and a tripod instead.
05-31-2015, 08:44 AM   #19
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My all-purpose / walking around lens is the DA 18-135mm. In spring and fall we get a lot of rain, in winter we get snow, and it's simply too cold to change lenses. In the woods, the 18-135 on a K20D is a great complement to my K-3/DA*300/1.4X TC. For a lighter kit; K-3, Sigma 17-50, 55-300mm WR, FA 35mm.

I love the normal FOV. The FA 35mm is almost always with me, along with 49mm CPL & ND filters. I rarely use my DA 40mm or FA 28mm, because I consider the FA 35 a more capable lens. I have a D FA 100mm macro, but I tend to shoot macros with a full-blown rig (external flash, flash bracket, diffuser, TC). If I'm not specifically shooting macros, then 1:4 magnification is sufficient, and several of my lenses can do that.


Last edited by audiobomber; 05-31-2015 at 09:03 AM.
05-31-2015, 09:51 AM   #20
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50-200 kit
if the aperture was functional it would be my vivitar series 1, 28-105/2.8........ if I had the money the 18-135
05-31-2015, 12:11 PM   #21
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QuoteOriginally posted by noelpolar Quote
Mostly the 31, 77 and F*300 4.5 does this for me
I'm missing the 77. Seriously considering dumping my DA* zooms and shoot primes only. If the "Aussie" can do it....well then so can I
05-31-2015, 12:27 PM   #22
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I think I don't use the 18-135 much because most of the time when I go out with the camera I have a particular FOV or look in mind, and I don't want to carry the extra weight. There are exceptions, for example the pair of weddings I'm shooting this summer or events like the Yukon Quest, Iditarod, some motocross if I can make it out this summer where the reach and weather sealing are welcome. I'm trying to shoot more portrait work and people in general too.

I did put together a wireless flash setup, using a yongnuo 560iv, 560tx, a stand, and umbrella.

05-31-2015, 12:45 PM   #23
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I am surprised no one mentioned the DA 20-40 Limited. I just spent several days in New York doing the usual tourist things (Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, The Met, Central Park) and it barely came off the camera even though I had both 15 and 70 Limited in the bag. The 20-40 is still very new to me, but it is truly a member of Limited family and a joy to use.
05-31-2015, 12:47 PM - 1 Like   #24
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QuoteOriginally posted by skierd Quote
I keep thinking maybe I should just replace all three with the DA 35mm Macro limited? How is it as a general purpose walkaround lens compared to those three?
The 35mm Ltd is my walk around, and I've been known to talk it up a bit around here.

Far more experienced lens-addicts have called it an "optical paragon".

Here are some of my walk around shots with it, demonstrating it's versatility.







05-31-2015, 01:36 PM   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by lenp Quote
I am surprised no one mentioned the DA 20-40 Limited. I just spent several days in New York doing the usual tourist things (Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, The Met, Central Park) and it barely came off the camera even though I had both 15 and 70 Limited in the bag. The 20-40 is still very new to me, but it is truly a member of Limited family and a joy to use.
I thought about it suggesting it as well, since it's one of my favorite lenses, but the OP is looking for primes.

Skierd from your list would go with the DA 35 limited (its the one I am lusting for). As an alternative the FA 31 limited. The Da 21 is great too, but I am liking the 30mm to 35 mm FOV more and more lately.
05-31-2015, 01:58 PM   #26
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Tamron 17-50 f2.8

but I have my bag with a couple of lenses with me all the time. So *shrug*
05-31-2015, 02:00 PM   #27
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Walkaround to me means small. Most often that means the 43 on the camera and the DA15 in my pocket.

Bigger lenses, such as the DFA100 and FA31 usually won't come along unless I specifically know why. They're very, very good, but too much to carry on a casual walk.

I find the FA28 to be a good smaller alternative to the 31. Not quite as good, but fits easily in a pocket.

Walkaround zoom would be the 18-135, despite its size. It's such a versatile lens, and wr. I use it mostly on family holidays, though.
05-31-2015, 04:20 PM   #28
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QuoteOriginally posted by Driline Quote
I'm missing the 77. Seriously considering dumping my DA* zooms and shoot primes only. If the "Aussie" can do it....well then so can I
It's nice to know that whatever comes at you in the world today, you can fit into two or three constructs.....
05-31-2015, 04:31 PM   #29
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Walk in the woods - DA35 macro limited
Walk in the city - DA21 limited
06-01-2015, 01:47 AM   #30
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I prefer 30 to 35mm on APS-C for walkaround. FA31 and Sigma 30mm were my favorite.
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