Originally posted by vlastaw Hi everyone,
I am visiting US in a couple of weeks and decided to spend up to a 1000 dollars on a lens or maybe two. My primary goal is to get better portrait lens, but I am uncertain and would welcome suggestions, what would make sense according to your experiences. One thing that I am sure of is that considering my other plans this is to be my last spending on a photo gear for at least a year.
Currently have K-70 &
SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM
Sigma 17-50mm f/2,8 EX DC OS HSM
Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4,0-5,6 Di LD Macro
Actually the Pentax lens is to be delivered (new one) to me on Monday. I plan to compare it to the Sigma and eventually keep both or let one go. Unfortunately my piece of Sigma is missing focus (DoF on f/2.8) outside the scope of the camera compensation (+1 focuses too close and +2 is already too far), which for portraits with f/2.8 means that focusing on the subjects nose actually focuses the ear. That's the reason I want to try the Pentax and decide if the CA issue would be too much of a no go for me, or if I go with it in favor of (presumably) more precise AF. You can fix the CA in Lightroom, you don't fix focus. The Tamron is of course in use rarely, it's a cheap lens for holiday photos where tele is needed.
My favorites to buy are:
SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM - I am not sure about its benefits over my current lenses, especially with this close focal length.
Tamron AF SP 90mm f/2,8 Di Macro - Said to be a good portrait lens, but maybe too long already? Pro is the Macro, Con is the brand (don't want to spend money for something out of focus again).
SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR - The same as with the Tamron 90. Even longer, but Pentax.
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art - A little short for portraits? Although produces wonderful images. But again, it's Sigma (focusing?). And of course price for this one is a bit higher.
Maybe some Pentax Limited prime?
I would be glad for your thoughts, opinions and experiences. Thanks!
FWIW, I would say sell the Sigma 17-50mm and consider the Pentax 50-135mm as well as one prime.
For Portraits, the Pentax FA 77mm is fabulous and/or pick up a Fast 50mm (F 50mm f1.7 used will be relatively inexpensive) if need be.
As I have not used the Pentax DA 55mm F1.4 I cannot render an opinion even though this one is on my to get list as well.
Please careful of LBA Syndrome as its hard to stop with just one .....