Primes and Zooms... where do Pentaxians stand in 2018?

ChristianRock · 06-05-2018, 09:41 AM

Pentaxians are known to love prime lenses... but we have some sweet sweet zooms as well, and people can be passionate about those.
So the way I will frame this question is, if you could have only one lens, would it be a prime or a zoom? And why?

I'll start by saying that it would be a prime, and it would be my Sigma 30 1.4 Art. I actually think it's the most flexible option for me because it can go down to f/1.4 and do it well (I have wonderful portraits of my kids taken with the lens, even head and shoulders came out pretty well!). I can always get closer to my subjects (I don't do birding or wild life, other than my wild kids...). I can also stand back and in the event that I can't, I can do take multiple pictures and stitch them... Or just live without a wider angle, it's not impossible!

victormeldrew · 06-05-2018, 09:45 AM - **2 Likes**

I can only really answer this by saying which of the lenses I have owned would be the last to go if I was forced...which would be my 20-40 Limited. Street, portrait, landscape...it can do it all if pushed and will shine in any conditions...

stevebrot · 06-05-2018, 09:46 AM

I plead the fifth, meaning that I have the right to not incriminate myself.

Steve

normhead · 06-05-2018, 09:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

I plead the fifth, meaning that I have the right to not incriminate myself.

Steve

In my mind that means for sure you're a criminal. That's why they won't let me on a jury.

Living without my 18-135 (K-3) or 28-105 (K-1), that's just not going to happen.
If it was one lens for both bodies, it would be the 28-105.
As much as I've argued against the need for modern lenses, my first choice is a modern lens.

See, I'm totally willing to incriminate myself.

---------- Post added 06-05-18 at 12:51 PM ----------

Come on folks we're trying to get to 40,000 this month here, no fair viewing the thread without voting, or posting.

victormeldrew · 06-05-2018, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by normhead

Come on folks we're trying to get to 40,000 this month here, no fair viewing the thread without voting, or posting.

I'll second that...

Cambo · 06-05-2018, 09:57 AM - **2 Likes**

I've had LOTS of lenses, including a BUNCH of legendary ones over the years, but I have never been so impressed with a lens as I am with the DA 21 F 3.2, or so addicted. Fabulous thing; just go buy one.

Cheers,
Cameron

DeadJohn · 06-05-2018, 10:01 AM - **2 Likes**

If I could keep just one of my current lenses, it would be the 28-105.

If I could pick any lens, then I would swap for the 24-70. I would want the faster aperture (night photography) and the extra 4mm width (architecture, landscape) compared to 28-105 if I couldn't own any additional lenses.

photoptimist · 06-05-2018, 10:01 AM

It would definitely pick a zoom as my "one lens" even if I have a dozen primes in my collection and generally use them whenever possible.

Sometimes the landscape is wide and sometimes the wildlife is far away. No single prime can do it all but a zoom can.

normhead · 06-05-2018, 10:06 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by DeadJohn

If I could keep just one of my current lenses, it would be the 28-105.

If I could pick any lens, then I would swap for the 24-70. I would want the faster aperture (night photography) and the extra 4mm width (architecture, landscape) compared to 28-105 if I couldn't own any additional lenses.

No kidding, if you only have one lens, you don't have to worry as much about how heavy it is. Does anyone make a 24-150 1.8 lens with built in 1.4 TC. I want that one.

**Kevin B123** · 06-05-2018, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by ChristianRock

I'll start by saying that it would be a prime, and it would be my Sigma 30 1.4 Art.

That's a surprise, most people think its a beastly lens

.I keep looking at the FA35mm f2, but then I think a D-FA 28-105 would be more suitable and useful. So I sit on the fence again

. It's not like I am short of lenses.

deezy339 · 06-05-2018, 10:15 AM - **1 Like**

With my KP, I try to give reason NOT bring my FA 31 with me anywhere I go. But end up taking it cause I'm addicted.

normhead · 06-05-2018, 10:17 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by deezy339

With my KP, I try to give reason NOT bring my FA 31 with me anywhere I go. But end up taking it cause I'm addicted.

Once you realize you have problem, you'll be able to get help.

DougieD · 06-05-2018, 10:35 AM

I get a lot of mileage out of my 28mm Tak. I just really like that lens, so it's the one I would choose if I had to live with one lens. If I was going to live with one zoom, I might take a good look at the Panasonic FZ2500 or a Sony RX10 III or IV.

timb64 · 06-05-2018, 10:41 AM

Definitely zoom for convenience and flexibility.

tvdtvdtvd · 06-05-2018, 10:49 AM - **2 Likes**

For many years I shot solely with a 50mm lens. I found the shots framed by that lens and didn't make excuses that it was not wide
enough or long enough. I now own a huge array of lenses, all primes(*).

If I could have only one lens on APS-C, it would be a prime, but probably something wider than 50mm. Of the lenses I currently own,
I'd say the SMCK 28/3.5 would keep me very content.

Zooms are like minivans. Generalist at everything, specialist at nothing. Incredibly convenient, but bulky, clumsy, awkward, and for
me, indecisive. I actually find it more difficult to frame a subject with a zoom than with a prime.

(*) - Strictly speaking, I 'own' a couple zooms, namely the DA18-55 and Q02, which came with my K10D and Q7, respectively. I never
use them. I also have possession of a half dozen or so manual zooms that I acquired in gear lots, but they are simply for resale; I have
no interest in using them either.

View Poll Results: If you could only have one lens today, would it be a prime or a zoom?
It would be a prime lens	63	40.65%
It would be a zoom lens	79	50.97%
I plead the fifth! (for non-americans that means "I couldn't possibly answer!")	13	8.39%
Voters: 155. You may not vote on this poll

06-05-2018, 09:41 AM	#1
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Primes and Zooms... where do Pentaxians stand in 2018? Pentaxians are known to love prime lenses... but we have some sweet sweet zooms as well, and people can be passionate about those. So the way I will frame this question is, if you could have only one lens, would it be a prime or a zoom? And why? I'll start by saying that it would be a prime, and it would be my Sigma 30 1.4 Art. I actually think it's the most flexible option for me because it can go down to f/1.4 and do it well (I have wonderful portraits of my kids taken with the lens, even head and shoulders came out pretty well!). I can always get closer to my subjects (I don't do birding or wild life, other than my wild kids...). I can also stand back and in the event that I can't, I can do take multiple pictures and stitch them... Or just live without a wider angle, it's not impossible!

06-05-2018, 09:57 AM - 2 Likes	#6
Cambo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,016	The 21mm I've had LOTS of lenses, including a BUNCH of legendary ones over the years, but I have never been so impressed with a lens as I am with the DA 21 F 3.2, or so addicted. Fabulous thing; just go buy one. Cheers, Cameron

06-05-2018, 10:13 AM	#10
Kevin B123 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,176	Originally posted by ChristianRock I'll start by saying that it would be a prime, and it would be my Sigma 30 1.4 Art. That's a surprise, most people think its a beastly lens.I keep looking at the FA35mm f2, but then I think a D-FA 28-105 would be more suitable and useful. So I sit on the fence again. It's not like I am short of lenses.

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06-05-2018, 09:45 AM - 2 Likes	#2
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	I can only really answer this by saying which of the lenses I have owned would be the last to go if I was forced...which would be my 20-40 Limited. Street, portrait, landscape...it can do it all if pushed and will shine in any conditions...

06-05-2018, 09:46 AM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	I plead the fifth, meaning that I have the right to not incriminate myself. Steve

06-05-2018, 09:47 AM - 1 Like	#4
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by stevebrot I plead the fifth, meaning that I have the right to not incriminate myself. Steve In my mind that means for sure you're a criminal. That's why they won't let me on a jury. Living without my 18-135 (K-3) or 28-105 (K-1), that's just not going to happen. If it was one lens for both bodies, it would be the 28-105. As much as I've argued against the need for modern lenses, my first choice is a modern lens. See, I'm totally willing to incriminate myself. ---------- Post added 06-05-18 at 12:51 PM ---------- Come on folks we're trying to get to 40,000 this month here, no fair viewing the thread without voting, or posting.

06-05-2018, 09:53 AM	#5
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Originally posted by normhead Come on folks we're trying to get to 40,000 this month here, no fair viewing the thread without voting, or posting. I'll second that...

06-05-2018, 10:01 AM - 2 Likes	#7
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834	If I could keep just one of my current lenses, it would be the 28-105. If I could pick any lens, then I would swap for the 24-70. I would want the faster aperture (night photography) and the extra 4mm width (architecture, landscape) compared to 28-105 if I couldn't own any additional lenses.

06-05-2018, 10:01 AM	#8
photoptimist Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,126	It would definitely pick a zoom as my "one lens" even if I have a dozen primes in my collection and generally use them whenever possible. Sometimes the landscape is wide and sometimes the wildlife is far away. No single prime can do it all but a zoom can.

06-05-2018, 10:06 AM - 2 Likes	#9
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by DeadJohn If I could keep just one of my current lenses, it would be the 28-105. If I could pick any lens, then I would swap for the 24-70. I would want the faster aperture (night photography) and the extra 4mm width (architecture, landscape) compared to 28-105 if I couldn't own any additional lenses. No kidding, if you only have one lens, you don't have to worry as much about how heavy it is. Does anyone make a 24-150 1.8 lens with built in 1.4 TC. I want that one.

06-05-2018, 10:15 AM - 1 Like	#11
deezy339 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 38	With my KP, I try to give reason NOT bring my FA 31 with me anywhere I go. But end up taking it cause I'm addicted.

06-05-2018, 10:17 AM - 2 Likes	#12
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by deezy339 With my KP, I try to give reason NOT bring my FA 31 with me anywhere I go. But end up taking it cause I'm addicted. Once you realize you have problem, you'll be able to get help.

06-05-2018, 10:35 AM	#13
DougieD Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Southwestern Ontario Posts: 88	I get a lot of mileage out of my 28mm Tak. I just really like that lens, so it's the one I would choose if I had to live with one lens. If I was going to live with one zoom, I might take a good look at the Panasonic FZ2500 or a Sony RX10 III or IV.

06-05-2018, 10:41 AM	#14
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	Definitely zoom for convenience and flexibility.

06-05-2018, 10:49 AM - 2 Likes	#15
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	For many years I shot solely with a 50mm lens. I found the shots framed by that lens and didn't make excuses that it was not wide enough or long enough. I now own a huge array of lenses, all primes(). If I could have only one lens on APS-C, it would be a prime, but probably something wider than 50mm. Of the lenses I currently own, I'd say the SMCK 28/3.5 would keep me very content. Zooms are like minivans. Generalist at everything, specialist at nothing. Incredibly convenient, but bulky, clumsy, awkward, and for me, indecisive. I actually find it more difficult to frame a subject with a zoom than with a prime. () - Strictly speaking, I 'own' a couple zooms, namely the DA18-55 and Q02, which came with my K10D and Q7, respectively. I never use them. I also have possession of a half dozen or so manual zooms that I acquired in gear lots, but they are simply for resale; I have no interest in using them either.