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06-30-2017, 11:13 AM   #1
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Decisions, Decisions

This week my husband got a surprise bonus on his paycheck. He told me $1000 is mine for a new lens or camera. At first I thought I could get a tamron 90mm macro and an 18-135 for the most versatility (probably get one of them used to save some money). Then I thought, no, I'll get the da 50-135 for the best quality and versatility. I don't always have a free $1000, and I can get the tamron later. Went to B&H, had it in the cart about to complete checkout, & started second guessing. Typical of me. Lol So, naturally, I decided to come here for opinions before pushing the button.

06-30-2017, 11:20 AM - 2 Likes   #2
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Save yourself $400 and buy a used DA*50-135 like I did. It is not worth $879.95 at BH. I had 0 problems with SDM and it was in excellent condition and very sharp. Buy a used FA 100 2.8 for $275 and you can still walk away with a few hundred dollars in your pocket

2 fantastic lenses for under $800.
06-30-2017, 11:30 AM   #3
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That sounds like an awesome idea to me. I was worried about going the used route with that one.
06-30-2017, 11:46 AM   #4
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When I bought mine some years ago, I returned 2 before I got the perfect 3rd one. First one has some decenting, and 2nd one is just not sharp after passing 90mm. 3rd one is great great.
I will suggest go and get a new one if you believe this is going to be the lens you will use often. And test it right after you get it.
Some used copies are not the best ones, of course, and returning because "not sharp enough" is a little hard.
BTW, a good copy of 50-135 is well worth the $ if you need it.

06-30-2017, 11:58 AM   #5
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More to think about. Lol Thank you both!
06-30-2017, 12:47 PM   #6
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Beautiful photos, as always! Thank you for the input. A Spyder would be a good idea. I'll definitely consider this.
06-30-2017, 02:21 PM - 4 Likes   #7
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Here's one with the DA*50-135 Can it do sports action? Oh yes it can....



And here's one with the FA 100 2.8 Macro. Undoubtedly one of the finest lenses Pentax ever made. It's got a suburb 3D quality about it.
I challenge any other lens to beat this kind of image quality.



06-30-2017, 02:32 PM   #8
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Very nice! I'm getting excited! Hubby is saying we should probably get the new 50-135, since there have been so many different experiences with the older ones. If we go that route, I'll probably ask for the macro for Christmas. I've debated between the tamron and Pentax versions, but I will probably end up going for the Pentax.
06-30-2017, 02:38 PM   #9
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One other thing to consider Tina. If you go the used route with the 50-135 and it ends up having SDM issues, you can convert it to screw drive since you own a K-5 IIs. It's very easy. I've done two. Don't need any cables or anything.

Also I agree with Driline. Prices have dropped on these recently too in the used market so you can take advantage and find a mint copy. There's at least one listed in the Marketplace right now.

Just food for thought .
06-30-2017, 02:44 PM   #10
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When asking yourself "Which lens(es)?", first ask yourself "For what purpose(s)?" and if you already have several other lenses, "What gap(s) does this fill?"

The rest flows from there.
06-30-2017, 02:45 PM   #11
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Thank you!
06-30-2017, 02:50 PM   #12
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I would also be asking if a new body would benefit my existing lens lineup...
06-30-2017, 03:01 PM - 1 Like   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by pathdoc Quote
When asking yourself "Which lens(es)?", first ask yourself "For what purpose(s)?" and if you already have several other lenses, "What gap(s) does this fill?"

The rest flows from there.
Although I have that range covered with my 55-300, 50-135 would be faster and better image quality. Sometimes, I do portraits, weddings, or other events, and that's when I usually wish I had this lens. It would be great for nature too. My only dedicated macro is a sears 28mm. I enjoy that lens, but would love the longer focal length and 1:1 magnification. So, both lenses are on the wish list.
I had considered the 18-135 for vacations and casual outings, but I will wait and decide later if I want to do that.
Current lenses:
Tamron 17-50
DA 55-300
Sears A 28 macro
Da 35 2.4
Da 50 1.8
Takumar 135 2.5
*Not counting the lenses (same ranges) I gave my husband with the K-x. lol

---------- Post added 06-30-17 at 05:04 PM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by pepperberry farm Quote
I would also be asking if a new body would benefit my existing lens lineup...
I've thought about it, but I just got the K5iis last year. I was thinking I would give it a couple of years and see what comes out.
06-30-2017, 03:15 PM   #14
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I sold my DA*50-135 when I migrated to full frame with the K-1. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for that lens. It provides excellent bokeh at large apertures and is pretty sharp wide open.

There are both pros and cons with buying used versus new. If you buy used, you can have the seller send pictures ahead of time (wide open perpendicular to brick wall at wide, middle and long zoom settings) to make sure the lens is sharp and not decentered before you get it, which is a plus along with the lower price. With new, you obviously have the plus of a lens in pristine condition, but should test it and be prepared to return/exchange it if you find it defective (decentered). Also with new, if you buy it using a credit card, typically the card company will warrant the lens for a year beyond manufacture's warranty at no additional charge, which is a nice plus. Whichever route you go with, if the focus fails, you can convert the lens to screwdrive only with some firmware mod's, though I probably would have spend the $150 or $200 to have mine fixed.

Bottom line, I recommend you buy the 50-135, especially if you like to shoot people with shallow DOF to make them stand out relative to the background.

Daryl
06-30-2017, 03:43 PM   #15
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Thank you, Daryl!
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