Originally posted by monochrome If you’re carrying a KP why not just use a HD DA21/3.2 Limited for your tight group shots? It’s an exquisite lens on APSc (but vignetteson FF). Your main cam of course is K-1 with 85/1.4 and the KP + DA21 with a sling strap would be nearly weightless on your left hip. You might need to leave space on either edge to crop out distortion of the outer people
I used to have that HD DA 21, didn't gravitate to it much, and then I had the HD DA 15, sold that too. Two reasons, 1, both those lenses are kinda 'landscapey', and whilst they do ok they are soft at the edges and I didn't appreciate the naff star bursts they produce (if I own one again it would be a non HD variant). 2, 21mm is prolly still too wide for what I'm kinda looking form however cropping is necessary (as the sides are too soft for portrait edge to edge), it's also f3.2, could really do with a stop or more light).
Anyway, I'm onto my 3rd HD DA, I chose the HD DA 35mm/2.8 Macro (arriving today).
Here's why;
The 35mm Macro might seem odd, but then if you've done weddings before a macro here or there can be a fantastic addition to the album. A close up of the rings or rims of champagne glasses on a table etc, something that adds a stronger dynamic to the overall event of the day. Currently I have been using and keeping my DFA 100 for that sort of work, and prior to obtaining the 85/1.4 it was also my preferred head and shoulder shooter. But now that I have the 85/1.4 I feel its putting the DFA 100 on the shelf, keeping only for Macro work. I realise that the Macro option on the 35mm means you need to get real close, but I really don't think that's an issue of taking shots of some inanimate rings or glasses, it's only the insects and bugs that appreciate getting snapped from a distance, and that kinda shooting is not a massive priority to me.
So... 35mm is in-between 20-40 and also 24-70, can I make do without the other focal lengths? Well... I'm a fit and able prime shooter so I don't mind moving about a bit to get the framing and composition right. I've also heard its edges are sharper and cleaner than the DA 21 and DA 15, and it does Macros too! Awesum that means I can ferry one less lens around on the day (ie DFA100). In fact... (I thought).. it might even allow for the sale of the DFA and thus save some money (rather than extend my current lens collection), god knows I need the money spent in other directions (more lighting equipment, more backdrops etc).
I also like that teh 35mm Macro is compatible with the K-1, even in FF mode! I've seen images submitted that easily prove this, you just want to have the lens hood retracted, that makes a huge difference, it might mean in non event situations the 35mm will see more action on my K-1!
So... I'm really hoping that basically heading into the wedding I can pretty much cover all shooting scenarios with a KP+35mm Macro and the K-1+85/1.4 and not need to lens swap at all. I do have a Sigma 10-20 (the not so great one), that can work on the KP if I really need that massive group shot, so I think I have enough bases covered.