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08-03-2018, 09:40 AM - 1 Like   #61
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QuoteOriginally posted by 24thNomad Quote
WOW, that default hood is comically large. You were not kidding.
But it works well. Ignore the Exif since my camera did not change to DST. All shot at High Noon! Dragonfly manual focus due to too much brown grass under the dragonfly. Tomato flowers at 50mm, f5.6, PP in DxO and heavily cropped to near 1k x 1k to not get reduced further in forums. Put correct dragonfly image in post.

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Last edited by SSGGeezer; 08-03-2018 at 10:04 AM.
08-03-2018, 03:08 PM   #62
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a lot depends on where you're shooting and what type of portrait you're going for. In a studio setting or other large space, the FA77 is the best lens I own for portraits. If you are in a cramped space, you'll have to get a wider lens, so, 50mm to 58mm is nice. I will say that I own the DA* 55mm 1.4 and while it is designed for portraits, it does not provide the presence the FA77 does. It does work better in bright light and it is my only weather sealed lens, so it gets called into service in bad weather. Actually, its really not much better than you're 50mm 1.8 which was my first lens an opinion that DXOmark roughly supports. Overall, I like the FA43 better than either the 55 or 50mm although you may find yourself doing a lot of cropping for tighter portraits. If you can deal without autofocus, the Helios 77m-4 50mm has a nice rendering and the bokeh is not as florid as the Helios 44 series. I've seen some really spectacular, natural light photos with this lens from the Russians, particularly Alexandra Bochkareva.

Last edited by kernos; 08-03-2018 at 04:17 PM.
08-03-2018, 03:45 PM - 1 Like   #63
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Adding to the confusion. While I think the DA* 50-135 is the right choice based on all that you want to do with the lens (and they can be had for cheap in screw drive) I do take portraits with a lot of different tools. Here's my SMC DA 40mm Limited:

08-03-2018, 03:50 PM   #64
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
Here's my SMC DA 40mm Limited:
Is this shot cropped at all? I feel like there is so little compression and he's pretty big in the frame.. unless you were really close to him, no?

08-03-2018, 04:12 PM - 1 Like   #65
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QuoteOriginally posted by FozzFoster Quote
Is this shot cropped at all? I feel like there is so little compression and he's pretty big in the frame.. unless you were really close to him, no?
I do not think so but I can't promise. I was close. Not breathing on his face close but no more than arms length if I recall.

I just looked and the uncropped image is what I posted. The flickr resolutions offered for the original are max size for the K-3. I do not upsample before uploading. If I had cropped the size would be smaller.
08-03-2018, 04:28 PM   #66
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Tamron 70-200 2.8 is quite good, and can be purchased within your budget.
08-03-2018, 04:53 PM - 1 Like   #67
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Don't forget 1.4 is useful for every now and then, most of the time you'll stop down the lens to have enough depth of field to have the subject's face or body (or subjects) in focus.

This is 50-135 at f3.5, 65mm. Very, very smooth bokeh, considering it's a sunflower's field

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08-03-2018, 04:58 PM - 1 Like   #68
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Tamron 70-200 on K-1, at 3.2 (~160mm).

Mat & Amanda
by Timur Dzhambinov, on Flickr
08-03-2018, 05:10 PM - 1 Like   #69
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QuoteOriginally posted by awscreo Quote
Tamron 70-200 2.8 is quite good, and can be purchased within your budget.
The OP mentioned that 70mm on crop was too tight for some of his needs. That may factor into this. That 70-200 f/2.8 is a good event lens even on crop but can be a little tight depending on the venue.
08-03-2018, 06:16 PM   #70
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
The OP mentioned that 70mm on crop was too tight for some of his needs. That may factor into this. That 70-200 f/2.8 is a good event lens even on crop but can be a little tight depending on the venue.
Oops, I missed that point. Also, it's rather large. I'd say 55 1.4 then, seems like a very good lens, and I've seen plenty used on ebay, seem to be in good condition.
08-03-2018, 06:37 PM   #71
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QuoteOriginally posted by Viennese Quote
You can get used Sigmas and out-resolve your Sensor.
.

I've heard that phrase before but frankly don't know what it means. Would you please share with us your definition of "out-resolve the sensor".

Also, how can one prove/verify which lenses in-fact out-resolve modern sensors? Is there an inventory of such lenses on-line somewhere?

Last edited by Fenwoodian; 08-03-2018 at 06:43 PM.
08-03-2018, 06:58 PM - 1 Like   #72
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QuoteOriginally posted by Fenwoodian Quote
.

I've heard that phrase before but frankly don't know what it means. Would you please share with us your definition of "out-resolve the sensor".

Also, how can one prove/verify which lenses in-fact out-resolve modern sensors? Is there an inventory of such lenses on-line somewhere?
Yes, Dave, I'd like to see proof of this.

08-03-2018, 07:01 PM - 3 Likes   #73
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This thread really whet my desire for a 50-135. I tried to order one from McBain's, but they don't take US credit cards.It would have been $545 US, shipped and taxed. I took a look at Amazon and ended up ordering a used lens (from Adorama) in "like new, E+" condition with a 180 day warranty for $449.

You folks pushed me over the edge.
08-03-2018, 07:54 PM - 1 Like   #74
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QuoteOriginally posted by rogerstg Quote
This thread really whet my desire for a 50-135. I tried to order one from McBain's, but they don't take US credit cards.It would have been $545 US, shipped and taxed. I took a look at Amazon and ended up ordering a used lens (from Adorama) in "like new, E+" condition with a 180 day warranty for $449.

You folks pushed me over the edge.
You are going to love it! Just skip trying to shoot butterflies in flight with SDM!

I feel like I need another KP body so I can always have mine mounted and use the second body for all my other lenses!
08-07-2018, 02:32 PM - 1 Like   #75
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For portraits I could recommend the DA*55, DA70 Limited(overlooked at times it seems), and the DA* 50-135. The DA*50-135 is simply one of the best lenses I own. The used prices right now are an extreme bargain. The lens has no focal lengths were it is weakest. It is sharp right through the entire range. The DA*55 was designed to compete with 85 1.4 on full frame. The classic portrait focal length. I love my DA*55 and use it on my K-1 all time. Since you are not looking at the K-1 the DA 70 may be a better way to go. Much, much cheaper and a fantastic lens. All of the FA Limiteds are highly regarded and for good reason. However with that high recognition comes high prices. I have the Tamron 70-200 but that is twice the size of the 50-135 and a bit long on the narrow end for indoor portraits on ASP-C.
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