The Zoom to replace (all) Primes

Sandy Hancock · 06-11-2016, 02:03 AM

Originally posted by manufocus

I tried the SMC Version.

The improvement in build quality with the HD WR is remarkable.

manufocus · 06-11-2016, 03:02 AM

That sounds good, thanks for the info, but I think the logical upgrade from the 55 300 is the 70 200 in any case.
The 70 200 is about 100€ more expensive used than the 55 300 new so I think I'll still go for 70 200.

nanhi · 06-11-2016, 10:41 AM

Originally posted by manufocus

Hi!
So... I'm looking for a zoom lens to possibly replace a range of my primes. That is replace quality-wise and possibly speed-wise too. (Somewhat affordable would be quite nice as well)
Currently I'm owning:
DAL 18-55mm f3.5 --> Quite happy with this for the wide end.
SMC-M 50mm f1.7 --> Definitely want to keep this
SMC-M 100mm f2.8 --[
SMC-M 135mm f3.5 --[ This range I'd like to replace with a zoom lens and wouldn't mind for it to extend lower and/or higher.
SMC-M 200mm f4 --[
I don't know too much about the current gen of zooms available since I occupied myself mostly with the old, non-af lenses. So I hope it's OK to ask first and start reading into the suggestions afterwards.
cheers!

Dear Manufocus sorry for jumping in a bit late. Had you googled for "Zoom Lenses As A Stack of Primes", you would have got some interesting results.
Here is a Stack Of Primes for $ 40 to 100 depending upon the condition of the lens - Pentax A 35-105 mm f3.5 Macro. This is a legendary Lens, simply the best. It will bowl you over. But it is manual focus.

I am a zoom lens enthusiast but not the "star" rated variety as they are very expensive and heavy. So I will go on buying the same zoom lens till I have one that is brutally sharp.
Here are some lenses that I use regularly: Tamron 17-50 f2.8 & Tamron 28-75 f2.8. These are truly a stack of primes, compact, light weight and f2.8. Used one should cost you around $ 200 to 300.
The Pentax 18-135 WR is my walk about lens (40% of the time). My copy produces tack sharp photos with a riot of colors and contrast. And for the Tele end I use the HD 55-300 WR (about 12 % of the time).
For travel especially in Europe I use the Sigma 10-20 EX DC Lens - gives me tack sharp results from f 5.6 to F11. A used one should cost you around $ 250.

When in a quandary here are the lenses I will pack: Sigma 10-20, Pentax 18-135 (for WR) and Tamron 17-50 (for low light work). I will throw in the F 1.7x AF TC for some extra reach with the 18-135, if needed.

Hope I have been reasonably helpful at a pretty miserly price point but fun photography.

Regards.

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06-11-2016, 02:03 AM	#31
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	Originally posted by manufocus I tried the SMC Version. The improvement in build quality with the HD WR is remarkable.

06-11-2016, 03:02 AM	#32
manufocus Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 87 Original Poster	That sounds good, thanks for the info, but I think the logical upgrade from the 55 300 is the 70 200 in any case. The 70 200 is about 100€ more expensive used than the 55 300 new so I think I'll still go for 70 200.

06-11-2016, 10:41 AM	#33
nanhi Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bangalore, India Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 469	Originally posted by manufocus Hi! So... I'm looking for a zoom lens to possibly replace a range of my primes. That is replace quality-wise and possibly speed-wise too. (Somewhat affordable would be quite nice as well) Currently I'm owning: DAL 18-55mm f3.5 --> Quite happy with this for the wide end. SMC-M 50mm f1.7 --> Definitely want to keep this SMC-M 100mm f2.8 --[ SMC-M 135mm f3.5 --[ This range I'd like to replace with a zoom lens and wouldn't mind for it to extend lower and/or higher. SMC-M 200mm f4 --[ I don't know too much about the current gen of zooms available since I occupied myself mostly with the old, non-af lenses. So I hope it's OK to ask first and start reading into the suggestions afterwards. cheers! Dear Manufocus sorry for jumping in a bit late. Had you googled for "Zoom Lenses As A Stack of Primes", you would have got some interesting results. Here is a Stack Of Primes for $ 40 to 100 depending upon the condition of the lens - Pentax A 35-105 mm f3.5 Macro. This is a legendary Lens, simply the best. It will bowl you over. But it is manual focus. I am a zoom lens enthusiast but not the "star" rated variety as they are very expensive and heavy. So I will go on buying the same zoom lens till I have one that is brutally sharp. Here are some lenses that I use regularly: Tamron 17-50 f2.8 & Tamron 28-75 f2.8. These are truly a stack of primes, compact, light weight and f2.8. Used one should cost you around $ 200 to 300. The Pentax 18-135 WR is my walk about lens (40% of the time). My copy produces tack sharp photos with a riot of colors and contrast. And for the Tele end I use the HD 55-300 WR (about 12 % of the time). For travel especially in Europe I use the Sigma 10-20 EX DC Lens - gives me tack sharp results from f 5.6 to F11. A used one should cost you around $ 250. When in a quandary here are the lenses I will pack: Sigma 10-20, Pentax 18-135 (for WR) and Tamron 17-50 (for low light work). I will throw in the F 1.7x AF TC for some extra reach with the 18-135, if needed. Hope I have been reasonably helpful at a pretty miserly price point but fun photography. Regards.