Suggestion for wide angle lens and travel lens

VCtwo · 05-25-2018, 05:25 PM

Being an owner of Pentax *ist DL and K7, I have the following lens:

pentax DA 18-55 AL and AL WR (both came as kit)
tamron 28-75 f2.8
Pentax DA 40mm f2.8
pentax FA 50 f1.4
pentax DFA 100 f2.8 macro
pentax M 135 f3.5
pentax DA 55-300 f4-5.6 (came with kit)
tamron AF 70-300 f4-5.6

Haven't use most of the lens for a while. I am not going to move to full frame body soon since I mostly shot for kids activities, family photos, as well as landscape and flower macro for my hobby. I haven't fully explore my K7 yet. And haven't check for the news in Pentax for almost 8 years.

I am going to travel to China, and thinking to bring tamron 28-75, a prime lens (either 40 or 50). Do I need a wide angle lens or not?

I am not going to use some lens any more, such as the 18-55, Tamron 70-300 or pentax DA 55-300. For such old lens, is there still market for them?

When I consider new lens, I am considering FF compatible. I might change my idea in a few years and switch to FF body.

Thanks for advice.

C_Jones · 05-25-2018, 05:29 PM

The Pentax 18-55 AL II I hand took really nice pictures (wide angle). If you are satisfied with your 18-55 that might be a good lens to take. I ended up selling mine and buying a Pentax 16-85 in case you were possibly interested in something like that. It takes excellent pictures.

Besides that you may want to take your 55-300 or 70-300, depending on which one you may feel performs the best and the range you need.

hcc · 05-25-2018, 05:36 PM

DA15mm Ltd. (I know that you listed FF, but the DA15mm on the K-7 is a great combo IMHO).I have a K-7 and K-3, and continue to use my K-7. For travel, the DA15mm Ltd is a fantastic lens for landscape and city views.

I share some experience of my DA15mm Ltd in comparison with other primes at:
Primes in Paris - PentaxForums.com

I just come back from a trip in Europe, where I brought the DA18-270mm, DA15mm Ltd and FA77mm Ltd. Again the DA15mm Ltd was great. Highly recommended.

My 5 cents, hoping that it may help.

Sandy Hancock · 05-25-2018, 05:46 PM

Your DA18-55WR and DFA100WR macro makes a pretty useful kit. Throw in the FA50 for low light and portraits.

I would also suggest adding the DA15, for all the reasons hcc mentioned. It's tiny and the output is outstanding.

Wild Mark · 05-25-2018, 06:15 PM

I recently went to China and took the fa20 fa31 fa43 and fa77. I used them on ff

This is clearly not your kit but if I can relay my experience with these focal lengths then perhaps you might get some idea of what to take.

The forbidden city in Beijing is a must see and is best shot with wide angle. I used the 31mm most of the time but used the other lenses sometimes. This would be equivalent to a 20mm on apsc. I suspect the 28-75mm lens would be good for this well lit environment but you will want something wider.

In the streets I enjoyed the 43 and 77mm focal lengths the most. Again your 28-75mm will be great for that.

With both of the above conditions considered you might want to consider a 24mm prime for wide angle and compact shooting.

I really didn’t use the 20mm that much. That would be the same as the da15mm fov. I guess you would benefit from having it but imho I wouldn’t seek it out as a must.

In summary I would agree with others who recommend the 28-75mm. Pack the 40mm and perhaps add a 24mm for street shooting. I never really felt like I needed any telephoto with 77mm almost always being adequate.

I hope this helps

The Squirrel Mafia · 05-25-2018, 06:18 PM

I know you don't want to use them, but the 18-55 & 55-300 will cover a very useful range. You can catch just about everything with those 2 lenses. Less stuff to pack too.

**UncleVanya** · 05-25-2018, 10:08 PM

If you like the 28-75 and you are worried about wide angle just take the 18-55 WR with you. It gives you a bad weather lens and a bit wider. The 50 f1.4 is a good choice for super low light as well as being fairly small.

VCtwo · 05-25-2018, 10:27 PM

Originally posted by C_Jones

The Pentax 18-55 AL II I hand took really nice pictures (wide angle). If you are satisfied with your 18-55 that might be a good lens to take. I ended up selling mine and buying a Pentax 16-85 in case you were possibly interested in something like that. It takes excellent pictures.

Besides that you may want to take your 55-300 or 70-300, depending on which one you may feel performs the best and the range you need.

Thank you. I do like my 18-55 WR and took a lot of picture with it. It was my most used lens at the first few years.

VCtwo · 05-25-2018, 10:30 PM

Originally posted by hcc

DA15mm Ltd. (I know that you listed FF, but the DA15mm on the K-7 is a great combo IMHO).I have a K-7 and K-3, and continue to use my K-7. For travel, the DA15mm Ltd is a fantastic lens for landscape and city views.

I share some experience of my DA15mm Ltd in comparison with other primes at:
Primes in Paris - PentaxForums.com

I just come back from a trip in Europe, where I brought the DA18-270mm, DA15mm Ltd and FA77mm Ltd. Again the DA15mm Ltd was great. Highly recommended.

My 5 cents, hoping that it may help.

Thank you. Your photos at Paris is impressive. I checked the review on DA 15 just now and impressed by its performance, light weight and price.

VCtwo · 05-25-2018, 10:31 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

Your DA18-55WR and DFA100WR macro makes a pretty useful kit. Throw in the FA50 for low light and portraits.

I would also suggest adding the DA15, for all the reasons hcc mentioned. It's tiny and the output is outstanding.

Thank you for the suggestion.

---------- Post added 05-25-18 at 10:39 PM ----------

Originally posted by Wild Mark

I recently went to China and took the fa20 fa31 fa43 and fa77. I used them on ff

This is clearly not your kit but if I can relay my experience with these focal lengths then perhaps you might get some idea of what to take.

The forbidden city in Beijing is a must see and is best shot with wide angle. I used the 31mm most of the time but used the other lenses sometimes. This would be equivalent to a 20mm on apsc. I suspect the 28-75mm lens would be good for this well lit environment but you will want something wider.

In the streets I enjoyed the 43 and 77mm focal lengths the most. Again your 28-75mm will be great for that.

With both of the above conditions considered you might want to consider a 24mm prime for wide angle and compact shooting.

I really didn’t use the 20mm that much. That would be the same as the da15mm fov. I guess you would benefit from having it but imho I wouldn’t seek it out as a must.

In summary I would agree with others who recommend the 28-75mm. Pack the 40mm and perhaps add a 24mm for street shooting. I never really felt like I needed any telephoto with 77mm almost always being adequate.

I hope this helps

Appreciate your detailed information. Yes I didn't use my 70-300 or 55-300 much when travel within states. Those tele lens I mostly used for kids' sports.

---------- Post added 05-25-18 at 10:40 PM ----------

Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia

I know you don't want to use them, but the 18-55 & 55-300 will cover a very useful range. You can catch just about everything with those 2 lenses. Less stuff to pack too.

Thanks. Definite reconsider 18-55

---------- Post added 05-25-18 at 10:46 PM ----------

Originally posted by UncleVanya

If you like the 28-75 and you are worried about wide angle just take the 18-55 WR with you. It gives you a bad weather lens and a bit wider. The 50 f1.4 is a good choice for super low light as well as being fairly small.

Thank you all for the suggestion. I am clear now that I will bring 18-55, 28-75 and 50 f1.4 for the trip. I had a business trip to China two years ago and didn't bring DSLR because of tight schedule. From now on I plan to rediscover my camera and lens and improve my skill.

ZombieArmy · 05-26-2018, 01:08 PM - **1 Like**

DA40 should always be with you. Perfect normal lens on APSC in such a tiny body, perfect for portraits and landscapes!

AntonioS · 03-23-2019, 12:03 PM

Originally posted by hcc

DA15mm Ltd. (I know that you listed FF, but the DA15mm on the K-7 is a great combo IMHO).I have a K-7 and K-3, and continue to use my K-7. For travel, the DA15mm Ltd is a fantastic lens for landscape and city views.

I share some experience of my DA15mm Ltd in comparison with other primes at:
Primes in Paris - PentaxForums.com

I just come back from a trip in Europe, where I brought the DA18-270mm, DA15mm Ltd and FA77mm Ltd. Again the DA15mm Ltd was great. Highly recommended.

My 5 cents, hoping that it may help.

I also like the DA 15mm. Great lens, I use it with the K3-II and K5-II.

05-25-2018, 05:25 PM	#1
VCtwo New Member Join Date: May 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 6	Suggestion for wide angle lens and travel lens Being an owner of Pentax *ist DL and K7, I have the following lens: pentax DA 18-55 AL and AL WR (both came as kit) tamron 28-75 f2.8 Pentax DA 40mm f2.8 pentax FA 50 f1.4 pentax DFA 100 f2.8 macro pentax M 135 f3.5 pentax DA 55-300 f4-5.6 (came with kit) tamron AF 70-300 f4-5.6 Haven't use most of the lens for a while. I am not going to move to full frame body soon since I mostly shot for kids activities, family photos, as well as landscape and flower macro for my hobby. I haven't fully explore my K7 yet. And haven't check for the news in Pentax for almost 8 years. I am going to travel to China, and thinking to bring tamron 28-75, a prime lens (either 40 or 50). Do I need a wide angle lens or not? I am not going to use some lens any more, such as the 18-55, Tamron 70-300 or pentax DA 55-300. For such old lens, is there still market for them? When I consider new lens, I am considering FF compatible. I might change my idea in a few years and switch to FF body. Thanks for advice.

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05-25-2018, 05:29 PM	#2
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	The Pentax 18-55 AL II I hand took really nice pictures (wide angle). If you are satisfied with your 18-55 that might be a good lens to take. I ended up selling mine and buying a Pentax 16-85 in case you were possibly interested in something like that. It takes excellent pictures. Besides that you may want to take your 55-300 or 70-300, depending on which one you may feel performs the best and the range you need.

05-25-2018, 05:36 PM	#3
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	DA15mm Ltd. (I know that you listed FF, but the DA15mm on the K-7 is a great combo IMHO).I have a K-7 and K-3, and continue to use my K-7. For travel, the DA15mm Ltd is a fantastic lens for landscape and city views. I share some experience of my DA15mm Ltd in comparison with other primes at: Primes in Paris - PentaxForums.com I just come back from a trip in Europe, where I brought the DA18-270mm, DA15mm Ltd and FA77mm Ltd. Again the DA15mm Ltd was great. Highly recommended. My 5 cents, hoping that it may help.

05-25-2018, 05:46 PM	#4
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Your DA18-55WR and DFA100WR macro makes a pretty useful kit. Throw in the FA50 for low light and portraits. I would also suggest adding the DA15, for all the reasons hcc mentioned. It's tiny and the output is outstanding.

05-25-2018, 06:15 PM	#5
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	I recently went to China and took the fa20 fa31 fa43 and fa77. I used them on ff This is clearly not your kit but if I can relay my experience with these focal lengths then perhaps you might get some idea of what to take. The forbidden city in Beijing is a must see and is best shot with wide angle. I used the 31mm most of the time but used the other lenses sometimes. This would be equivalent to a 20mm on apsc. I suspect the 28-75mm lens would be good for this well lit environment but you will want something wider. In the streets I enjoyed the 43 and 77mm focal lengths the most. Again your 28-75mm will be great for that. With both of the above conditions considered you might want to consider a 24mm prime for wide angle and compact shooting. I really didn’t use the 20mm that much. That would be the same as the da15mm fov. I guess you would benefit from having it but imho I wouldn’t seek it out as a must. In summary I would agree with others who recommend the 28-75mm. Pack the 40mm and perhaps add a 24mm for street shooting. I never really felt like I needed any telephoto with 77mm almost always being adequate. I hope this helps

05-25-2018, 06:18 PM	#6
The Squirrel Mafia Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3,054	I know you don't want to use them, but the 18-55 & 55-300 will cover a very useful range. You can catch just about everything with those 2 lenses. Less stuff to pack too.

05-25-2018, 10:08 PM	#7
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,400	If you like the 28-75 and you are worried about wide angle just take the 18-55 WR with you. It gives you a bad weather lens and a bit wider. The 50 f1.4 is a good choice for super low light as well as being fairly small.

05-25-2018, 10:27 PM	#8
VCtwo New Member Join Date: May 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by C_Jones The Pentax 18-55 AL II I hand took really nice pictures (wide angle). If you are satisfied with your 18-55 that might be a good lens to take. I ended up selling mine and buying a Pentax 16-85 in case you were possibly interested in something like that. It takes excellent pictures. Besides that you may want to take your 55-300 or 70-300, depending on which one you may feel performs the best and the range you need. Thank you. I do like my 18-55 WR and took a lot of picture with it. It was my most used lens at the first few years.

05-25-2018, 10:30 PM	#9
VCtwo New Member Join Date: May 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by hcc DA15mm Ltd. (I know that you listed FF, but the DA15mm on the K-7 is a great combo IMHO).I have a K-7 and K-3, and continue to use my K-7. For travel, the DA15mm Ltd is a fantastic lens for landscape and city views. I share some experience of my DA15mm Ltd in comparison with other primes at: Primes in Paris - PentaxForums.com I just come back from a trip in Europe, where I brought the DA18-270mm, DA15mm Ltd and FA77mm Ltd. Again the DA15mm Ltd was great. Highly recommended. My 5 cents, hoping that it may help. Thank you. Your photos at Paris is impressive. I checked the review on DA 15 just now and impressed by its performance, light weight and price.

05-25-2018, 10:31 PM	#10
VCtwo New Member Join Date: May 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock Your DA18-55WR and DFA100WR macro makes a pretty useful kit. Throw in the FA50 for low light and portraits. I would also suggest adding the DA15, for all the reasons hcc mentioned. It's tiny and the output is outstanding. Thank you for the suggestion. ---------- Post added 05-25-18 at 10:39 PM ---------- Originally posted by Wild Mark I recently went to China and took the fa20 fa31 fa43 and fa77. I used them on ff This is clearly not your kit but if I can relay my experience with these focal lengths then perhaps you might get some idea of what to take. The forbidden city in Beijing is a must see and is best shot with wide angle. I used the 31mm most of the time but used the other lenses sometimes. This would be equivalent to a 20mm on apsc. I suspect the 28-75mm lens would be good for this well lit environment but you will want something wider. In the streets I enjoyed the 43 and 77mm focal lengths the most. Again your 28-75mm will be great for that. With both of the above conditions considered you might want to consider a 24mm prime for wide angle and compact shooting. I really didn’t use the 20mm that much. That would be the same as the da15mm fov. I guess you would benefit from having it but imho I wouldn’t seek it out as a must. In summary I would agree with others who recommend the 28-75mm. Pack the 40mm and perhaps add a 24mm for street shooting. I never really felt like I needed any telephoto with 77mm almost always being adequate. I hope this helps Appreciate your detailed information. Yes I didn't use my 70-300 or 55-300 much when travel within states. Those tele lens I mostly used for kids' sports. ---------- Post added 05-25-18 at 10:40 PM ---------- Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia I know you don't want to use them, but the 18-55 & 55-300 will cover a very useful range. You can catch just about everything with those 2 lenses. Less stuff to pack too. Thanks. Definite reconsider 18-55 ---------- Post added 05-25-18 at 10:46 PM ---------- Originally posted by UncleVanya If you like the 28-75 and you are worried about wide angle just take the 18-55 WR with you. It gives you a bad weather lens and a bit wider. The 50 f1.4 is a good choice for super low light as well as being fairly small. Thank you all for the suggestion. I am clear now that I will bring 18-55, 28-75 and 50 f1.4 for the trip. I had a business trip to China two years ago and didn't bring DSLR because of tight schedule. From now on I plan to rediscover my camera and lens and improve my skill.

05-26-2018, 01:08 PM - 1 Like	#11
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	DA40 should always be with you. Perfect normal lens on APSC in such a tiny body, perfect for portraits and landscapes!

03-23-2019, 12:03 PM	#12
AntonioS Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 113	Originally posted by hcc DA15mm Ltd. (I know that you listed FF, but the DA15mm on the K-7 is a great combo IMHO).I have a K-7 and K-3, and continue to use my K-7. For travel, the DA15mm Ltd is a fantastic lens for landscape and city views. I share some experience of my DA15mm Ltd in comparison with other primes at: Primes in Paris - PentaxForums.com I just come back from a trip in Europe, where I brought the DA18-270mm, DA15mm Ltd and FA77mm Ltd. Again the DA15mm Ltd was great. Highly recommended. My 5 cents, hoping that it may help. I also like the DA 15mm. Great lens, I use it with the K3-II and K5-II.