All Purpose Lens

tjstimbo · 10-02-2017, 09:23 AM

Hello, I'm looking for some advice.

My wife currently uses a Pentax K5 IIS with a Pentax 18-270 lens. Now although she likes the variability of the focal length she is starting to get a bit more adventurous in the shots she takes and is becoming a little frustrated with the speed of the lens, both from an aperture and how long it takes to focus. Now she has tried the same lens with a K3 and that doesn't seem to help and has tried my 16-50 F2.8 which is much better but don't give her the all in one focal range.

Does anyone have any suggestions on which lens might help. It doesn't have to be fully 18-270, something a bit shorter, probably at the long end might suffice. But as long as it's a bit faster focussing than the 18-270.

Cheers

Tim

**pearsaab** · 10-02-2017, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by tjstimbo

Hello, I'm looking for some advice.

My wife currently uses a Pentax K5 IIS with a Pentax 18-270 lens. Now although she likes the variability of the focal length she is starting to get a bit more adventurous in the shots she takes and is becoming a little frustrated with the speed of the lens, both from an aperture and how long it takes to focus. Now she has tried the same lens with a K3 and that doesn't seem to help and has tried my 16-50 F2.8 which is much better but don't give her the all in one focal range.

Does anyone have any suggestions on which lens might help. It doesn't have to be fully 18-270, something a bit shorter, probably at the long end might suffice. But as long as it's a bit faster focussing than the 18-270.

Cheers

Tim

you don't mention price range but i would suggest da60-250.... a big difference in what she currently has in quality and price

tjstimbo · 10-02-2017, 09:36 AM

Originally posted by pearsaab

you don't mention price range but i would suggest da60-250.... a big difference in what she currently has in quality and price

Sorry - price isn't a factor. I have some older lenses as well but don't want to make things too heavy I'll get her to try your suggestion. Also if I can get her to be able to change lenses with confidence I could pair the 60-250 with the 16-50.

Cheers

Tim

Parallax · 10-02-2017, 10:11 AM

This is neither news nor rumor.
Moved to the proper forum.

Bad Boy · 10-02-2017, 10:43 AM

You mentioned, being comfortable with changing lenses. That has many advantages. Using only one lens will be limiting. The 18-270 is versatile until you need wider aperture.

Another option is to continue to use the 18-270 when you do not need the wide aperture and have some fast light weight primes for when you need the faster glass. Could start with a DA 35 and DA 50. They are good, light, and affordable. With primes one can learn to zoom with your feet instead of your fingers or a little cropping. What is nice about this is the lighter weight and size.

A couple of F2.8 zooms would also be a good option if size and weight is not an issue.

My wife is learning with the 18-55 kit lens. She is starting to use the DA 35 or DA 50 for shooting the grand kids indoors.

VoiceOfReason · 10-02-2017, 10:43 AM - **1 Like**

The 18-135 will focus pretty fast, however it is still a slower aperture lens at f/3.5-5.6. The closest you might get is the DFA 24-70 f/2.8 for the most range and faster aperture. You're not going to get a superzoom with a fast constant aperture.

**Madaboutpix** · 10-02-2017, 10:54 AM - **2 Likes**

Your wife may want an HD16-85. Not much faster aperture-wise, but likely faster to focus. Probably the closest you get to a premium-quality-all-purpose lens in the K Mount line-up right now.

For a cheapo but excellent-IQ fast prime, you may want to check out the DA50. But be warned, that one may lead her to develop a taste for prime lenses ...

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Last edited by Madaboutpix; 10-02-2017 at 11:03 AM.

Adam · 10-02-2017, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by tjstimbo

Hello, I'm looking for some advice.

My wife currently uses a Pentax K5 IIS with a Pentax 18-270 lens. Now although she likes the variability of the focal length she is starting to get a bit more adventurous in the shots she takes and is becoming a little frustrated with the speed of the lens, both from an aperture and how long it takes to focus. Now she has tried the same lens with a K3 and that doesn't seem to help and has tried my 16-50 F2.8 which is much better but don't give her the all in one focal range.

Does anyone have any suggestions on which lens might help. It doesn't have to be fully 18-270, something a bit shorter, probably at the long end might suffice. But as long as it's a bit faster focussing than the 18-270.

Cheers

Tim

The DA 16-85mm or 18-135mm are both good choices, with the former being a bit wider and having better image quality at the expense of less reach.

If/when you upgrade the body, you might also want to consider the 55-300mm PLM, which is insanely fast to focus.

dsmithhfx · 10-02-2017, 11:15 AM

Prime. A 35mm focal length is reckoned to be the most versatile for FF, so for a 1.5x crop factor a 24mm would do nicely. @f2.8 reasonably fast without breaking the bank. Excellent DoF, so pre-focusing/zone focusing becomes feasible.

**UncleVanya** · 10-02-2017, 11:51 AM

Have her look through her pictures. Have her pull the focal length of the ones she is most drawn to. If they cluster around any numbers then a zoom that covers those is probably OK - if not then you may need two lenses. The 16-50 and 50-135 are excellent lenses but neither is a speed demon on focus. The 60-250 is a little slower (f/4 vs. f/2.8) and again no speed demon on focus.

The 16-85 (or 18-135) paired up with the PLM version of the 55-300 f/4.5-f/6.3 is a quick focusing wide range combo but not super fast from a light gathering perspective.

The DFA 24-70 and DFA 70-200 are superb large fast lenses that might interest her but they are probably overkil as they are full frame designed for use on the K-1.

disconnekt · 10-02-2017, 11:55 AM - **1 Like**

There's the 17-70mm f4 and the 60-250mm f4

builttospill · 10-02-2017, 12:02 PM - **1 Like**

Uncle makes a great suggestion. Review focal lengths on some shots and then get the first FA Limited lens closest to that range. Then buy the other two FA Limited lenses. They are small, lightweight, and very high quality.

08amczb · 10-02-2017, 12:08 PM

My current all purpose lens is the FA* 24 F2.0 on APS-C.

I can suggest the 18-135 also and I like builttospill's suggestion to get the FA limiteds.

**david94903** · 10-02-2017, 12:57 PM

Your wife might want to look at what focal length/range the majority of her pictures are taken at, and use that as a benchmark spot to start from. I used to use the 16-50mm as my daily driver but disliked the bulkiness. I looked at how I was shooting, and discovered I shot 80% of my pics at 16mm, so I dumped the 16-50 and bought a DA15mm, love the size and quality of that lens. Additionally, my wife has a 18-135, which is a very versatile lens, so I bought that as my second. So now if I'm out with my APS sensor, I only bring two lenses, and most of the time the DA15 lives on the body.

tjstimbo · 10-02-2017, 02:03 PM - **1 Like**

Excellent thanks all for your replies. I think the best advice is to do what Uncle suggests and look at the popular focal length of the pictures taken. Never even thought of the 55-300! Will take a look at it. The key is getting her to change lenses with confidence then I have a bag full of primes she can consider.

Cheers

Tim

10-02-2017, 09:23 AM	#1
tjstimbo Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Daventry Posts: 84	All Purpose Lens Hello, I'm looking for some advice. My wife currently uses a Pentax K5 IIS with a Pentax 18-270 lens. Now although she likes the variability of the focal length she is starting to get a bit more adventurous in the shots she takes and is becoming a little frustrated with the speed of the lens, both from an aperture and how long it takes to focus. Now she has tried the same lens with a K3 and that doesn't seem to help and has tried my 16-50 F2.8 which is much better but don't give her the all in one focal range. Does anyone have any suggestions on which lens might help. It doesn't have to be fully 18-270, something a bit shorter, probably at the long end might suffice. But as long as it's a bit faster focussing than the 18-270. Cheers Tim

10-02-2017, 10:55 AM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by tjstimbo Hello, I'm looking for some advice. My wife currently uses a Pentax K5 IIS with a Pentax 18-270 lens. Now although she likes the variability of the focal length she is starting to get a bit more adventurous in the shots she takes and is becoming a little frustrated with the speed of the lens, both from an aperture and how long it takes to focus. Now she has tried the same lens with a K3 and that doesn't seem to help and has tried my 16-50 F2.8 which is much better but don't give her the all in one focal range. Does anyone have any suggestions on which lens might help. It doesn't have to be fully 18-270, something a bit shorter, probably at the long end might suffice. But as long as it's a bit faster focussing than the 18-270. Cheers Tim The DA 16-85mm or 18-135mm are both good choices, with the former being a bit wider and having better image quality at the expense of less reach. If/when you upgrade the body, you might also want to consider the 55-300mm PLM, which is insanely fast to focus. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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10-02-2017, 09:30 AM	#2
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900	Originally posted by tjstimbo Hello, I'm looking for some advice. My wife currently uses a Pentax K5 IIS with a Pentax 18-270 lens. Now although she likes the variability of the focal length she is starting to get a bit more adventurous in the shots she takes and is becoming a little frustrated with the speed of the lens, both from an aperture and how long it takes to focus. Now she has tried the same lens with a K3 and that doesn't seem to help and has tried my 16-50 F2.8 which is much better but don't give her the all in one focal range. Does anyone have any suggestions on which lens might help. It doesn't have to be fully 18-270, something a bit shorter, probably at the long end might suffice. But as long as it's a bit faster focussing than the 18-270. Cheers Tim you don't mention price range but i would suggest da60-250.... a big difference in what she currently has in quality and price

10-02-2017, 09:36 AM	#3
tjstimbo Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Daventry Posts: 84 Original Poster	Originally posted by pearsaab you don't mention price range but i would suggest da60-250.... a big difference in what she currently has in quality and price Sorry - price isn't a factor. I have some older lenses as well but don't want to make things too heavy I'll get her to try your suggestion. Also if I can get her to be able to change lenses with confidence I could pair the 60-250 with the 16-50. Cheers Tim

10-02-2017, 10:11 AM	#4
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	This is neither news nor rumor. Moved to the proper forum.

10-02-2017, 10:43 AM	#5
Bad Boy Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Western Washington State Posts: 41	You mentioned, being comfortable with changing lenses. That has many advantages. Using only one lens will be limiting. The 18-270 is versatile until you need wider aperture. Another option is to continue to use the 18-270 when you do not need the wide aperture and have some fast light weight primes for when you need the faster glass. Could start with a DA 35 and DA 50. They are good, light, and affordable. With primes one can learn to zoom with your feet instead of your fingers or a little cropping. What is nice about this is the lighter weight and size. A couple of F2.8 zooms would also be a good option if size and weight is not an issue. My wife is learning with the 18-55 kit lens. She is starting to use the DA 35 or DA 50 for shooting the grand kids indoors.

10-02-2017, 10:43 AM - 1 Like	#6
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	The 18-135 will focus pretty fast, however it is still a slower aperture lens at f/3.5-5.6. The closest you might get is the DFA 24-70 f/2.8 for the most range and faster aperture. You're not going to get a superzoom with a fast constant aperture.

10-02-2017, 11:15 AM	#9
dsmithhfx Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Toronto Posts: 5,146	Prime. A 35mm focal length is reckoned to be the most versatile for FF, so for a 1.5x crop factor a 24mm would do nicely. @f2.8 reasonably fast without breaking the bank. Excellent DoF, so pre-focusing/zone focusing becomes feasible.

10-02-2017, 11:51 AM	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,404	Have her look through her pictures. Have her pull the focal length of the ones she is most drawn to. If they cluster around any numbers then a zoom that covers those is probably OK - if not then you may need two lenses. The 16-50 and 50-135 are excellent lenses but neither is a speed demon on focus. The 60-250 is a little slower (f/4 vs. f/2.8) and again no speed demon on focus. The 16-85 (or 18-135) paired up with the PLM version of the 55-300 f/4.5-f/6.3 is a quick focusing wide range combo but not super fast from a light gathering perspective. The DFA 24-70 and DFA 70-200 are superb large fast lenses that might interest her but they are probably overkil as they are full frame designed for use on the K-1.

10-02-2017, 11:55 AM - 1 Like	#11
disconnekt Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal/I.E. Photos: Albums Posts: 1,699	There's the 17-70mm f4 and the 60-250mm f4

10-02-2017, 12:02 PM - 1 Like	#12
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	Uncle makes a great suggestion. Review focal lengths on some shots and then get the first FA Limited lens closest to that range. Then buy the other two FA Limited lenses. They are small, lightweight, and very high quality.

10-02-2017, 12:08 PM	#13
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796	My current all purpose lens is the FA* 24 F2.0 on APS-C. I can suggest the 18-135 also and I like builttospill's suggestion to get the FA limiteds.

10-02-2017, 12:57 PM	#14
david94903 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Rafael, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 806	Your wife might want to look at what focal length/range the majority of her pictures are taken at, and use that as a benchmark spot to start from. I used to use the 16-50mm as my daily driver but disliked the bulkiness. I looked at how I was shooting, and discovered I shot 80% of my pics at 16mm, so I dumped the 16-50 and bought a DA15mm, love the size and quality of that lens. Additionally, my wife has a 18-135, which is a very versatile lens, so I bought that as my second. So now if I'm out with my APS sensor, I only bring two lenses, and most of the time the DA15 lives on the body.

10-02-2017, 02:03 PM - 1 Like	#15
tjstimbo Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Daventry Posts: 84 Original Poster	Excellent thanks all for your replies. I think the best advice is to do what Uncle suggests and look at the popular focal length of the pictures taken. Never even thought of the 55-300! Will take a look at it. The key is getting her to change lenses with confidence then I have a bag full of primes she can consider. Cheers Tim