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ncallender · 04-10-2018, 04:41 PM

Folks, I'm thinking of thinning down my kit. I currently have all the DA limited primes, and the FA50 and DFA 100. I find myself picking one or two lenses for a trip and leave the rest. So, what do all think of trading the 40, 50 and 70 for the DA* 55? I would be using this combo on a KP body. I would normally pair the 55 with either the 21 or 15 for general travel, and I would replace the 55 with the 100 macro for nature.

wed7 · 04-10-2018, 06:17 PM

I too have the same plan, but I'd gone the zoom route (20-40) and hopefully *55/1.4 and DFA100M for a complete WR set up without taking too much weight during trips. Before the 20-40, the 21 was mainly attached lens plus a short telephoto as an alternate lens, but sometimes, I longed for a fast glass especially night shots during trips, hence the *55/1.4 appeals me.

SSGGeezer · 04-10-2018, 06:29 PM

So far with my KP I have used the DA 20-40, DA 55-300 PLM and my FA 77 the most. In fact I think other than some Macro with my Vivitar Series 1 and a few dozen shots with my DA 17-70, those are the only lenses I have used so I have to agree with Wed7 here and tell you to get the 20-40 maybe keep your 70 with the 100. Two with WR and one for portrait type of shooting.

foto guy · 04-11-2018, 05:39 AM

Sounds like a good idea, so long as you're sure you won't regret the decision two months later.
The others have good recommendations, too, but the 55 would be nice for low light situations, bokeh, weather sealing and such.

**Alex645** · 04-11-2018, 10:30 AM

Originally posted by ncallender

So, what do all think of trading the 40, 50 and 70 for the DA* 55? I would normally pair the 55 with either the 21 or 15 for general travel, and I would replace the 55 with the 100 macro for nature.

I agree and think that replacing the 40/50/70 with the DA*55 and pairing with a 15 or 21 wide makes sense. Not so sure about it as a replacement for the 100 macro. Minimum focus is around 1.5 feet (vs. just under 1 foot on the 100macro) and max reproduction ratio is 1:6 (vs. 1:1).

**UncleVanya** · 04-11-2018, 10:35 AM

Originally posted by ncallender

Folks, I'm thinking of thinning down my kit. I currently have all the DA limited primes, and the FA50 and DFA 100. I find myself picking one or two lenses for a trip and leave the rest. So, what do all think of trading the 40, 50 and 70 for the DA* 55? I would be using this combo on a KP body. I would normally pair the 55 with either the 21 or 15 for general travel, and I would replace the 55 with the 100 macro for nature.

I'd say that two of my favorite portrait lenses on APSC are the DA 40 and DA 70 and I don't have a 55 1.4 to compare to... but your approach is rational and I can't fault it for you.

Dewman · 04-11-2018, 01:18 PM - **1 Like**

Lately, I've been using my DA 18-250mm more and more! Such convenience is hard to match!

SSGGeezer · 04-11-2018, 01:35 PM

Originally posted by Dewman

Lately, I've been using my DA 18-250mm more and more! Such convenience is hard to match!

I picked up a well loved one here on the forums and it really is an easy solution for many situations. If it was WR it would be pretty close to perfect for a screw drive lens. (Which means it works well with most TCs also!)

**aslyfox** · 04-11-2018, 01:51 PM

I'm at my minimum: 6 primes and 3 zooms plus the 1.4 rear converter

it ranges from WA ish to long telephoto and a dedicated macro along with fast (1.8, 2.0, 2.8 ) apertures

a couple of * lenses and a limited

I like to take vacations and try to capture wildlife photos so I like having the long telephotos

I have no problem picking what I think I might need for a specific situation and leaving the rest at home or in the car

PRIMES

SMC Pentax DA 21mm F3.2 Limited

Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm F2.0 MC P/KA

SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS

SMC Pentax-DA 1.8 50 mm prime

SMC Pentax-D FA 2.8 100 mm macro prime

SMC DA * 300mm F 4 ED (IF ) SDM
_________________________

ZOOMS

HD Pentax DA 3.5-5.6 16 - 85 mm wr

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW

HD Pentax-D FA 4.5 - 5.6 150-450mm ED DC AW
___________________________

HD Pentax -DA af rear converter 1.4 AW

[ easy to not buy more since spouse has said camera equipment or vacations - but the urge is still there ]

Dewman · 04-11-2018, 03:29 PM

I've got a 550 Pelican case that I pack around in the trunk of my car on just about every outing. In it, I've got lenses from a Tamron SPAF 10-24mm to a Sigma APO DG 70-300mm 1:2 Macro lens. I've got a few primes, a few zooms, a couple of older manual focus lenses ( M 100mm f:2.8, and a Sears 28mm Macro zone lens), two 1:1 Macro lenses, some old, comfortable favorites and a couple just because I have room in the case. Most never get used, but if.... IF.... the occasion ever arose when I needed to photograph that bull elk out in the meadow or the honey bee on the wild flower at my feet, I'm good to go!

Sandy Hancock · 04-11-2018, 03:43 PM - **4 Likes**

Thinning the herd? What is this madness? You have way too few lenses as it is

Personally though, despite its immaculate quality I didn't really bond with the DA40, and if the stellar DA*55 is calling you I'd consider ditching it and the FA50.

No way would I part with the 15, 21, 35 and 70 Limiteds, or the DFA100WR. That is crop Nirvana right there.

drypenn · 04-12-2018, 05:59 AM - **1 Like**

/End Thread.

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Thinning the herd? What is this madness? You have way too few lenses as it is

Personally though, despite its immaculate quality I didn't really bond with the DA40, and if the stellar DA*55 is calling you I'd consider ditching it and the FA50.

No way would I part with the 15, 21, 35 and 70 Limiteds, or the DFA100WR. That is crop Nirvana right there.

**monochrome** · 04-12-2018, 08:05 AM - **1 Like**

KP Travel Bag: HD 21/40/70 + 28~105. In the drawer for occasions: SMC15/4 + SMC35/2.8 Macro. I wouldn’t.

04-10-2018, 04:41 PM	#1
ncallender Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 128	Thinning the herd Folks, I'm thinking of thinning down my kit. I currently have all the DA limited primes, and the FA50 and DFA 100. I find myself picking one or two lenses for a trip and leave the rest. So, what do all think of trading the 40, 50 and 70 for the DA* 55? I would be using this combo on a KP body. I would normally pair the 55 with either the 21 or 15 for general travel, and I would replace the 55 with the 100 macro for nature.

04-10-2018, 06:17 PM	#2
wed7 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 1,421	I too have the same plan, but I'd gone the zoom route (20-40) and hopefully 55/1.4 and DFA100M for a complete WR set up without taking too much weight during trips. Before the 20-40, the 21 was mainly attached lens plus a short telephoto as an alternate lens, but sometimes, I longed for a fast glass especially night shots during trips, hence the 55/1.4 appeals me. Last edited by wed7; 04-10-2018 at 06:46 PM.

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04-10-2018, 06:29 PM	#3
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	So far with my KP I have used the DA 20-40, DA 55-300 PLM and my FA 77 the most. In fact I think other than some Macro with my Vivitar Series 1 and a few dozen shots with my DA 17-70, those are the only lenses I have used so I have to agree with Wed7 here and tell you to get the 20-40 maybe keep your 70 with the 100. Two with WR and one for portrait type of shooting.

04-11-2018, 05:39 AM	#4
foto guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vernon, Connecticut Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 292	Sounds like a good idea, so long as you're sure you won't regret the decision two months later. The others have good recommendations, too, but the 55 would be nice for low light situations, bokeh, weather sealing and such.

04-11-2018, 10:30 AM	#5
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,527	Originally posted by ncallender So, what do all think of trading the 40, 50 and 70 for the DA* 55? I would normally pair the 55 with either the 21 or 15 for general travel, and I would replace the 55 with the 100 macro for nature. I agree and think that replacing the 40/50/70 with the DA*55 and pairing with a 15 or 21 wide makes sense. Not so sure about it as a replacement for the 100 macro. Minimum focus is around 1.5 feet (vs. just under 1 foot on the 100macro) and max reproduction ratio is 1:6 (vs. 1:1).

04-11-2018, 10:35 AM	#6
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Originally posted by ncallender Folks, I'm thinking of thinning down my kit. I currently have all the DA limited primes, and the FA50 and DFA 100. I find myself picking one or two lenses for a trip and leave the rest. So, what do all think of trading the 40, 50 and 70 for the DA* 55? I would be using this combo on a KP body. I would normally pair the 55 with either the 21 or 15 for general travel, and I would replace the 55 with the 100 macro for nature. I'd say that two of my favorite portrait lenses on APSC are the DA 40 and DA 70 and I don't have a 55 1.4 to compare to... but your approach is rational and I can't fault it for you.

04-11-2018, 01:18 PM - 1 Like	#7
Dewman Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,492	Lately, I've been using my DA 18-250mm more and more! Such convenience is hard to match!

04-11-2018, 01:35 PM	#8
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Originally posted by Dewman Lately, I've been using my DA 18-250mm more and more! Such convenience is hard to match! I picked up a well loved one here on the forums and it really is an easy solution for many situations. If it was WR it would be pretty close to perfect for a screw drive lens. (Which means it works well with most TCs also!)

04-11-2018, 01:51 PM	#9
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	I'm at my minimum: 6 primes and 3 zooms plus the 1.4 rear converter it ranges from WA ish to long telephoto and a dedicated macro along with fast (1.8, 2.0, 2.8 ) apertures a couple of * lenses and a limited I like to take vacations and try to capture wildlife photos so I like having the long telephotos I have no problem picking what I think I might need for a specific situation and leaving the rest at home or in the car PRIMES SMC Pentax DA 21mm F3.2 Limited Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm F2.0 MC P/KA SMC Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS SMC Pentax-DA 1.8 50 mm prime SMC Pentax-D FA 2.8 100 mm macro prime SMC DA * 300mm F 4 ED (IF ) SDM _________________________ ZOOMS HD Pentax DA 3.5-5.6 16 - 85 mm wr HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW HD Pentax-D FA 4.5 - 5.6 150-450mm ED DC AW ___________________________ HD Pentax -DA af rear converter 1.4 AW [ easy to not buy more since spouse has said camera equipment or vacations - but the urge is still there ]

04-11-2018, 03:29 PM	#10
Dewman Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,492	I've got a 550 Pelican case that I pack around in the trunk of my car on just about every outing. In it, I've got lenses from a Tamron SPAF 10-24mm to a Sigma APO DG 70-300mm 1:2 Macro lens. I've got a few primes, a few zooms, a couple of older manual focus lenses ( M 100mm f:2.8, and a Sears 28mm Macro zone lens), two 1:1 Macro lenses, some old, comfortable favorites and a couple just because I have room in the case. Most never get used, but if.... IF.... the occasion ever arose when I needed to photograph that bull elk out in the meadow or the honey bee on the wild flower at my feet, I'm good to go!

04-11-2018, 03:43 PM - 4 Likes	#11
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,276	Thinning the herd? What is this madness? You have way too few lenses as it is Personally though, despite its immaculate quality I didn't really bond with the DA40, and if the stellar DA*55 is calling you I'd consider ditching it and the FA50. No way would I part with the 15, 21, 35 and 70 Limiteds, or the DFA100WR. That is crop Nirvana right there.

04-12-2018, 05:59 AM - 1 Like	#12
drypenn Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 963	/End Thread. Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Thinning the herd? What is this madness? You have way too few lenses as it is Personally though, despite its immaculate quality I didn't really bond with the DA40, and if the stellar DA*55 is calling you I'd consider ditching it and the FA50. No way would I part with the 15, 21, 35 and 70 Limiteds, or the DFA100WR. That is crop Nirvana right there.

04-12-2018, 08:05 AM - 1 Like	#13
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	KP Travel Bag: HD 21/40/70 + 28~105. In the drawer for occasions: SMC15/4 + SMC35/2.8 Macro. I wouldn’t.