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07-16-2017, 11:42 AM - 1 Like   #1
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Replacing portrait lenses, need suggestions

I dropped two of my lenses in the ocean this week ---- it was a stupid mistake on my part (camera case open on the shore). They are full of salt water and not worth the money to repair. I'm looking for economical replacements. I'm a lifestyle portrait photographer although I love shooting landscapes and macro for fun. I'm shooting with the Pentax K50 for now (but saving up fir the K1)

One was my DA 35mm 2.4. I like that lens and might replace it. I didn't find it focused particularly sharply using the camera's focus but I did okay with it on manual focus. I tend to manual focus 90% of the time so I'd be happy to buy a M lens instead if anyone has suggestions. I need something between 24mm and 35mm for larger group shots and pull backs of people in landscapes. I usually shoot wide open so the wider I can go the better but f2.0 - f2.8 would suffice.

The other lens was an old manual 80-200 I'd had since my film days. I barely used this lens as its quality wasn't great and it weighs too much to bring most places. I've been looking to replace it for awhile but am torn on whether to buy a prime 100 or another zoom lens. I've considered the Tamron AF 70-300. Really open to any suggestions. I want it for shooting portraits from a bit further away during lifestyle sessions.

TIA for any suggestions or advice. I'm looking to spend less than $500 right now but can certainly save up for other excellent lenses.

07-16-2017, 11:46 AM   #2
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Tamron 28-75 f2.8 perhaps? I think I'd mix in something like the DA50 1.8 if you don't have something like that already.
07-16-2017, 11:49 AM   #3
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For portraits I give the FA 77 5 stars. But it's a little above the $500 mark. I picked up my FA 43 for just over $500 and it too is stellar. For a completely manual lens, the K 55 is a great lens for little money.

There are several zooms in your price that would do good, I use the DA 17-70 SDM. And although many have complained about the SDM failure, I've never had an issue and have used it for several weddings.
07-16-2017, 01:36 PM   #4
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Buying smart could get the Tamron 28-75, DA35 f2.4, and DA50 1.8 all used for about $500. Or the 28-75 and a DA70. But I think I'd get the plastic 35 and the 50 instead of the 70 first.

07-16-2017, 02:57 PM   #5
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some good suggestions to look into so far.

I do have a M 50mm 1.7. I might invest in the DA 50mm (or a WR one if there is one) at some point but my trusty old 50 is fine for now. And I'm using my kit lens for wide angle right now but I really need a wider aperture.

Last edited by AshleytheIslander; 07-16-2017 at 03:07 PM.
07-16-2017, 05:14 PM   #6
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If you're looking to buy a K-1 in the future, you may want to consider buying lenses that support the full frame image circle. Then, when you get the K-1, you'll have a set of Full Frame capable lenses already.

DA 50 and the DA* 55 both do pretty well.. despite being designed for crop. I think the DA 35mm vignettes unless stopped down.
07-19-2017, 12:23 PM - 1 Like   #7
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It's manual focus but I absolutely love the Samyang 135mm

07-20-2017, 06:36 PM   #8
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If you are sticking with APS-C, the 70mm f/2.4 is vastly underrated as a portrait lens and is a much better price than the 55mm or 77mm. Character is different than the 77mm, but still very good.
07-20-2017, 06:43 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by englishphotographer Quote
It's manual focus but I absolutely love the Samyang 135mm
Well, that's a nice pic if the OP does end up with a K-1 as they hope, Ben.

Inconveniently long by itself on APS-C, though! For 3/4 length shots you're going to have to communicate with your model by text message
07-23-2017, 06:05 AM   #10
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I've been pricing older 35 mm lenses, and even the old M35mm f2.8 lenses end up costing about the same as a DA35mm f2.4. If I didn't need to fit mine to a K1000, I would go with the DA in a second.

I like the Tamron 70-300 better than the M80-200 it replaced. It purple fringes a lot, though, but it works well on the K1.

-Eric
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