Trip to Europe - which lens to purchase

formercanuck · 05-16-2017, 02:42 PM

I'm planning on heading to Europe, I have a relatively new K-70 (Xmas), and a set of decent lenses for outdoor walking, etc.
I do think that I may want to get a budget fast/wide fast/ultra-wide lens for indoors (Palace of Versailles, castles in Scotland/Ireland/England)

My current lenses include:
DA 18-135mm WR
DA 18-55 (old)
Sigma 18-200
Rokinon 85mm f/1.4
Pentax M50 f/1.4
Pentax M200 f/4
Sigma 24mm f/2.8

I'm considering:
Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8
Rokinon/Samyang 10mm f/2.8
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5
Irix 15mm f/2.4
Pentax 12-24mm ($$)
Pentax 15mm f/4
Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5

I'm considering the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 due to cost and optics/focal length.

BullsOnParade81 · 05-16-2017, 02:56 PM

Have you considered the sigma 10-20mm f3.5?

**aslyfox** · 05-16-2017, 02:58 PM

Originally posted by formercanuck

I'm planning on heading to Europe, I have a relatively new K-70 (Xmas), and a set of decent lenses for outdoor walking, etc.
I do think that I may want to get a budget fast/wide fast/ultra-wide lens for indoors (Palace of Versailles, castles in Scotland/Ireland/England)

My current lenses include:
DA 18-135mm WR
DA 18-55 (old)
Sigma 18-200
Rokinon 85mm f/1.4
Pentax M50 f/1.4
Pentax M200 f/4
Sigma 24mm f/2.8

I'm considering:
Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8
Rokinon/Samyang 10mm f/2.8
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5
Irix 15mm f/2.4
Pentax 12-24mm ($$)
Pentax 15mm f/4
Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5

I'm considering the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 due to cost and optics/focal length.

i'm certainly no expert but I do like my 16 - 85 mm zoom

HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR

have you gone up to the top of the page and checked out what info you can find under "lenses" yet

you might want to investigate renting equipment

I have had good luck with LensRental.com out of Tennessee

LensRentals.com - Rent Lenses and Cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, Leica, and more

VoiceOfReason · 05-16-2017, 03:12 PM

Either the Tamron 10-24 or Sigma 10-20. Your 18-135 will serve you very well for walk around.

Kozlok · 05-16-2017, 03:16 PM

Will you be indoors (museums, etc) or outdoors? If outdoors, in the country or in the city?

My guess is the Sigma 10-20 along with the 18-135 will be perfect. If funds allow, trading the 18-135 for the 16-85 would be great as well, but I'd prioritize the 10-20. I think you'll also want something fast along with you. I'd take my Sigma 30/1.4, you can pick up one of those used pretty cheaply. I think the 50's will be too long indoors. Take one along, though.

**mattb123** · 05-16-2017, 03:22 PM - **1 Like**

Lots of potentially good choices there. I have two of those lenses and either might work well for you.

DA 15 is great and small but not fast.
Rokinon 14 is fast, had good IQ, but is not small. FF image if that might matter in the future.

I'd probably just go with the 18-135 and DA 15 myself. In fact I think I'll be climbing Kilimanjaro with a K-3 and those lenses this summer.

**RobA_Oz** · 05-16-2017, 03:52 PM - **1 Like**

I've done lots of walk-around photography in Europe, with just the DA15 and the DA18-135. Just be aware that you'll need to stop the 18-135 down a fair amount, for it to perform at its best. While that's not a problem for outdoor work, low lighting indoors can be an issue. However, you have the K70, so high ISO to compensate should lessen the problem. That combination is also light to carry. I've also toured with the DA*16-50 and DA*50-135, which are fine pieces of glass, but you notice when you've been carrying them for a while.

**Pentax Syntax** · 05-16-2017, 04:02 PM

The Pentax DA 14 2.8 is fast and wide. Under-rated lens and will match your needs well and mesh with the 18-135. Not useable on FF but if that's not in your future, the DA 14 is a winner. I own the DA 12-24 (slow and not so close focusing), the DA 15 (also slow but better close focusing and good flare resistance) and the DA 14 2.8....fast and excellent close focusing with decent flare reistance. It is perfect for the photos you are talking about. I also have the 16-85 and second the suggestions for that as a solo travel lens. It is excellent.

SpecialK · 05-16-2017, 04:13 PM

I always recommend the 12-24 for these threads.

formercanuck · 05-16-2017, 04:15 PM

Originally posted by BullsOnParade81

Have you considered the sigma 10-20mm f3.5?

Its in the list..

C_Jones · 05-16-2017, 04:17 PM

I have the Pentax 16-85, and would recommend it, but with the 18-135 and the primes you already have it looks like you have enough to choose from other than the 14 mm you mentioned. That is unless you want the wide to medium zoom range of the 16-85, which is very handy.

BullsOnParade81 · 05-16-2017, 04:25 PM

Originally posted by formercanuck

Its in the list..

Sorry missed that it was already there

formercanuck · 05-16-2017, 04:26 PM - **1 Like**

The main focus for the fast-wide/fast-ultrawide is for museums/castles. I think the 18-135mm will do well for most outdoor items that I plan to shoot.
I have used BorrowLenses in the past (tested the 18-135mm actually on a trip to Hawaii through them).
I do see the Sigma 10-20mm 3.5 through LensRentals which might be worth a try for the price.

**LaurenOE** · 05-16-2017, 04:28 PM

Honestly, if you are going to supplement a "vacation" loadout, I would invest - if you have not already - in a good set of Lee ND grads or NDs. Vacations always have tons of "sky" in them, and even the best lens could benefit from some graduation.

formercanuck · 05-16-2017, 04:40 PM

Originally posted by LaurenOE

Honestly, if you are going to supplement a "vacation" loadout, I would invest - if you have not already - in a good set of Lee ND grads or NDs. Vacations always have tons of "sky" in them, and even the best lens could benefit from some graduation.

Thanks. I've used filters in the past - typically when I end up in the forest or beach, and they're a good bang for the buck.
This trip will be more of a drag by my nose style (Cruise ship - 12 days, 9 ports) - if I can still book it.

05-16-2017, 02:42 PM	#1
formercanuck Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: SoCal Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 518	Trip to Europe - which lens to purchase I'm planning on heading to Europe, I have a relatively new K-70 (Xmas), and a set of decent lenses for outdoor walking, etc. I do think that I may want to get a budget fast/wide fast/ultra-wide lens for indoors (Palace of Versailles, castles in Scotland/Ireland/England) My current lenses include: DA 18-135mm WR DA 18-55 (old) Sigma 18-200 Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Pentax M50 f/1.4 Pentax M200 f/4 Sigma 24mm f/2.8 I'm considering: Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8 Rokinon/Samyang 10mm f/2.8 Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 Irix 15mm f/2.4 Pentax 12-24mm ($$) Pentax 15mm f/4 Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 I'm considering the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 due to cost and optics/focal length.

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05-16-2017, 02:56 PM	#2
BullsOnParade81 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Tampa Florida Posts: 287	Have you considered the sigma 10-20mm f3.5?

05-16-2017, 02:58 PM	#3
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,582	Originally posted by formercanuck I'm planning on heading to Europe, I have a relatively new K-70 (Xmas), and a set of decent lenses for outdoor walking, etc. I do think that I may want to get a budget fast/wide fast/ultra-wide lens for indoors (Palace of Versailles, castles in Scotland/Ireland/England) My current lenses include: DA 18-135mm WR DA 18-55 (old) Sigma 18-200 Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Pentax M50 f/1.4 Pentax M200 f/4 Sigma 24mm f/2.8 I'm considering: Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8 Rokinon/Samyang 10mm f/2.8 Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 Irix 15mm f/2.4 Pentax 12-24mm ($$) Pentax 15mm f/4 Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 I'm considering the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 due to cost and optics/focal length. i'm certainly no expert but I do like my 16 - 85 mm zoom HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR have you gone up to the top of the page and checked out what info you can find under "lenses" yet you might want to investigate renting equipment I have had good luck with LensRental.com out of Tennessee LensRentals.com - Rent Lenses and Cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, Leica, and more

05-16-2017, 03:12 PM	#4
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Either the Tamron 10-24 or Sigma 10-20. Your 18-135 will serve you very well for walk around.

05-16-2017, 03:16 PM	#5
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	Will you be indoors (museums, etc) or outdoors? If outdoors, in the country or in the city? My guess is the Sigma 10-20 along with the 18-135 will be perfect. If funds allow, trading the 18-135 for the 16-85 would be great as well, but I'd prioritize the 10-20. I think you'll also want something fast along with you. I'd take my Sigma 30/1.4, you can pick up one of those used pretty cheaply. I think the 50's will be too long indoors. Take one along, though.

05-16-2017, 03:22 PM - 1 Like	#6
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,873	Lots of potentially good choices there. I have two of those lenses and either might work well for you. DA 15 is great and small but not fast. Rokinon 14 is fast, had good IQ, but is not small. FF image if that might matter in the future. I'd probably just go with the 18-135 and DA 15 myself. In fact I think I'll be climbing Kilimanjaro with a K-3 and those lenses this summer.

05-16-2017, 03:52 PM - 1 Like	#7
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,200	I've done lots of walk-around photography in Europe, with just the DA15 and the DA18-135. Just be aware that you'll need to stop the 18-135 down a fair amount, for it to perform at its best. While that's not a problem for outdoor work, low lighting indoors can be an issue. However, you have the K70, so high ISO to compensate should lessen the problem. That combination is also light to carry. I've also toured with the DA16-50 and DA50-135, which are fine pieces of glass, but you notice when you've been carrying them for a while.

05-16-2017, 04:02 PM	#8
Pentax Syntax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 595	The Pentax DA 14 2.8 is fast and wide. Under-rated lens and will match your needs well and mesh with the 18-135. Not useable on FF but if that's not in your future, the DA 14 is a winner. I own the DA 12-24 (slow and not so close focusing), the DA 15 (also slow but better close focusing and good flare resistance) and the DA 14 2.8....fast and excellent close focusing with decent flare reistance. It is perfect for the photos you are talking about. I also have the 16-85 and second the suggestions for that as a solo travel lens. It is excellent.

05-16-2017, 04:13 PM	#9
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	I always recommend the 12-24 for these threads.

05-16-2017, 04:15 PM	#10
formercanuck Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: SoCal Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 518 Original Poster	Originally posted by BullsOnParade81 Have you considered the sigma 10-20mm f3.5? Its in the list..

05-16-2017, 04:17 PM	#11
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,077	I have the Pentax 16-85, and would recommend it, but with the 18-135 and the primes you already have it looks like you have enough to choose from other than the 14 mm you mentioned. That is unless you want the wide to medium zoom range of the 16-85, which is very handy.

05-16-2017, 04:25 PM	#12
BullsOnParade81 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Tampa Florida Posts: 287	Originally posted by formercanuck Its in the list.. Sorry missed that it was already there

05-16-2017, 04:26 PM - 1 Like	#13
formercanuck Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: SoCal Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 518 Original Poster	The main focus for the fast-wide/fast-ultrawide is for museums/castles. I think the 18-135mm will do well for most outdoor items that I plan to shoot. I have used BorrowLenses in the past (tested the 18-135mm actually on a trip to Hawaii through them). I do see the Sigma 10-20mm 3.5 through LensRentals which might be worth a try for the price.

05-16-2017, 04:28 PM	#14
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Honestly, if you are going to supplement a "vacation" loadout, I would invest - if you have not already - in a good set of Lee ND grads or NDs. Vacations always have tons of "sky" in them, and even the best lens could benefit from some graduation.

05-16-2017, 04:40 PM	#15
formercanuck Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: SoCal Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 518 Original Poster	Originally posted by LaurenOE Honestly, if you are going to supplement a "vacation" loadout, I would invest - if you have not already - in a good set of Lee ND grads or NDs. Vacations always have tons of "sky" in them, and even the best lens could benefit from some graduation. Thanks. I've used filters in the past - typically when I end up in the forest or beach, and they're a good bang for the buck. This trip will be more of a drag by my nose style (Cruise ship - 12 days, 9 ports) - if I can still book it.