DA 35mm 2.4 or 50 1.8 for first non kit lens and concert/bar band photography

Pen-A · 10-03-2018, 08:02 PM - **1 Like**

Here´s a few shots from 2012 with K-x and da70, too many to post here:

SpineFeast At Sea 19.-20.1.2012

Since those days for wider shots in similar conditions I´ve used the GR right in front of stage.

K-x had some trouble focusing @ f/2.4 though..

**pres589** · 10-03-2018, 08:10 PM - **1 Like**

I shot a lot of pictures of bands in a small bar to get better at photography and to try and get the word out about local bands that performed in a space I liked. I used a 28mm f2.8 manual focus prime because it's what I had and it's a nice focal length on crop. If you're five feet or more away you can get multiple band members in the shot. 12 feet or so and the whole band was in the frame. That was nice. The DA 50 1.8 is great because it's fast to autofocus and that max aperture makes things easier to shoot and it's decently sharp at 1.8. The DA 35 f2.4 was kind of a bad middle ground; not much wider than the 28 and not much faster, but still kind of subject isolating like the 50. It's pretty sharp at 2.4, really sharp actually, but a bit lifeless.

I would either get a 28mm f2.8 (or faster) prime, or the DA 50 1.8. The 35 is just a bad compromise focal length on a crop body. In my opinion, your mileage may vary, etc.

liaztraht · 10-03-2018, 09:00 PM

Originally posted by pres589

I shot a lot of pictures of bands in a small bar to get better at photography and to try and get the word out about local bands that performed in a space I liked. I used a 28mm f2.8 manual focus prime because it's what I had and it's a nice focal length on crop. If you're five feet or more away you can get multiple band members in the shot. 12 feet or so and the whole band was in the frame. That was nice. The DA 50 1.8 is great because it's fast to autofocus and that max aperture makes things easier to shoot and it's decently sharp at 1.8. The DA 35 f2.4 was kind of a bad middle ground; not much wider than the 28 and not much faster, but still kind of subject isolating like the 50. It's pretty sharp at 2.4, really sharp actually, but a bit lifeless.

I would either get a 28mm f2.8 (or faster) prime, or the DA 50 1.8. The 35 is just a bad compromise focal length on a crop body. In my opinion, your mileage may vary, etc.

50-55 is where the kit lens struggles, but at 18 where I can get it as wide as possible is serviceable. Especially with flash. I could find myself rocking the 50 and ask the bands if a flash is ok for a nice full band action shot. No flash was still usable at that point. Anything wider than the 35 is a bit out of budget at the moment.

Looking through the data of the of the shots I took, I was at 55 probably 70 percent of the time, and being able to open up to at least f2-2.8 over being stuck at 5.6 would be a huge improvement. Since the stock lens is was designed for the same sensor type, the difference should be negligible.

Pioneer · 10-03-2018, 09:10 PM

Save a few more pennies and find a used 30/1.8 Limited. Not sure if your camera can focus it fast enough since it is screw focus but my K-5iis has no problem.

**pres589** · 10-03-2018, 09:30 PM

Here's what I did in bars shooting bands; run the lens wide open, like f1.8 or wider, ISO 1600, and 1/30th of a second exposure. No flash. With the 28 it was either 1/15th or ISO 3200. This was with a K-5 II which isn't the same as your camera but not miles apart.

My goal was to find the best settings that I could use with a fast lens that would allow me to not need a flash. Here's an example of that with the lens I'm suggesting you don't get;

liaztraht · 10-03-2018, 10:10 PM

Originally posted by pres589

Here's what I did in bars shooting bands; run the lens wide open, like f1.8 or wider, ISO 1600, and 1/30th of a second exposure. No flash. With the 28 it was either 1/15th or ISO 3200. This was with a K-5 II which isn't the same as your camera but not miles apart.

My goal was to find the best settings that I could use with a fast lens that would allow me to not need a flash. Here's an example of that with the lens I'm suggesting you don't get;

That looks worse than the lighting I was dealing with!

bladerunner6 · 10-03-2018, 11:40 PM

Originally posted by Pioneer

Save a few more pennies and find a used 30/1.8 Limited. Not sure if your camera can focus it fast enough since it is screw focus but my K-5iis has no problem.

That is a lot more than a few pennies. At that amount of money he could start thinking about a new body and one of these lenses.

liaztraht · 10-04-2018, 12:11 AM

I found a couple fa35 f2s for 218 and 262 respectively in excellent condition. I may talk that over with the wife. Still sorting through piles of used lenses online.

08amczb · 10-04-2018, 01:00 AM - **1 Like**

Both are great for a first prime lens. Cheap and the IQ is good.

Make some statistics about your photos which focal length do you like/use more. You can crop, but you can not extend your photos so if the majority of your photos is between 30mm-45mm, then choose the DA35, if the majority beyond 45mm choose the DA50. (Do not account wider then 30mm and longer then 100mm photos in this decision, cropping more then 2x will eliminate near all the advantage of the lens.)

**TwoUptons** · 10-04-2018, 06:24 AM

Originally posted by 08amczb

Both are great for a first prime lens. Cheap and the IQ is good.

Make some statistics about your photos which focal length do you like/use more.

This won’t work if you can’t get good results at the point where you want without the new lens 🙂

-Eric

ChatMechant · 10-04-2018, 07:51 AM

For hardcore/punk up close and personal, check out the work of the master, Glen E. Friedman. He shot some with the Pentax 17mm fisheye and on camera flash.(on film of course)

**pres589** · 10-04-2018, 07:58 AM

My 2 cents, that sounds awful. Some guy taking a picture of you that close with a fish eye lens and flash when you're in a dark space? I wonder how many times he got punched.

And there's something off with my setup and color profiles; the shot I shared looks great in Lightroom, flat and dark here in the browser. It's not as bad "in real life" but the venue was not a bright space that evening.

ChatMechant · 10-04-2018, 08:34 AM

It's possible he got hit a time or two, lol.

Canid · 10-04-2018, 08:48 AM

You're trying to pick between a faster lens, and the focal length you actually NEED (35mm) but there is an option that actually does both that you're not considering.... the FA 35mm f2

I was fortunate enough to pick up mine before the K-1 was announced and demand went up...
It is more expensive than the DA, but still a lower cost lens, and the difference between f1.8 and f2 isn't much.

liaztraht · 10-04-2018, 12:39 PM

I am eyeballing a used FA 35mm f2 right now, 218 in excellent condition with the hood and lens caps. Also a Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC, but reading, that one is a bit slow on auto focus. That one is 182.
I am willing to bump the budget if the price is right

---------- Post added 10-04-18 at 01:09 PM ----------

Originally posted by ChatMechant

It's possible he got hit a time or two, lol.

Good thing shows aren't that violent around here!
I did get some good shots for personal use of my wife hugging one singer while he was singing.
He also told the crowd to get in close with him and he would hug them, so it was approved before hand.
The heavier music scene around here is close, we all share the same passion for our music, and treat each other like family.

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10-03-2018, 08:02 PM - 1 Like	#16
Pen-A Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 675	Here´s a few shots from 2012 with K-x and da70, too many to post here: SpineFeast At Sea 19.-20.1.2012 Since those days for wider shots in similar conditions I´ve used the GR right in front of stage. K-x had some trouble focusing @ f/2.4 though..

10-03-2018, 08:10 PM - 1 Like	#17
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	I shot a lot of pictures of bands in a small bar to get better at photography and to try and get the word out about local bands that performed in a space I liked. I used a 28mm f2.8 manual focus prime because it's what I had and it's a nice focal length on crop. If you're five feet or more away you can get multiple band members in the shot. 12 feet or so and the whole band was in the frame. That was nice. The DA 50 1.8 is great because it's fast to autofocus and that max aperture makes things easier to shoot and it's decently sharp at 1.8. The DA 35 f2.4 was kind of a bad middle ground; not much wider than the 28 and not much faster, but still kind of subject isolating like the 50. It's pretty sharp at 2.4, really sharp actually, but a bit lifeless. I would either get a 28mm f2.8 (or faster) prime, or the DA 50 1.8. The 35 is just a bad compromise focal length on a crop body. In my opinion, your mileage may vary, etc.

10-03-2018, 09:00 PM	#18
liaztraht New Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 21 Original Poster	Originally posted by pres589 I shot a lot of pictures of bands in a small bar to get better at photography and to try and get the word out about local bands that performed in a space I liked. I used a 28mm f2.8 manual focus prime because it's what I had and it's a nice focal length on crop. If you're five feet or more away you can get multiple band members in the shot. 12 feet or so and the whole band was in the frame. That was nice. The DA 50 1.8 is great because it's fast to autofocus and that max aperture makes things easier to shoot and it's decently sharp at 1.8. The DA 35 f2.4 was kind of a bad middle ground; not much wider than the 28 and not much faster, but still kind of subject isolating like the 50. It's pretty sharp at 2.4, really sharp actually, but a bit lifeless. I would either get a 28mm f2.8 (or faster) prime, or the DA 50 1.8. The 35 is just a bad compromise focal length on a crop body. In my opinion, your mileage may vary, etc. 50-55 is where the kit lens struggles, but at 18 where I can get it as wide as possible is serviceable. Especially with flash. I could find myself rocking the 50 and ask the bands if a flash is ok for a nice full band action shot. No flash was still usable at that point. Anything wider than the 35 is a bit out of budget at the moment. Looking through the data of the of the shots I took, I was at 55 probably 70 percent of the time, and being able to open up to at least f2-2.8 over being stuck at 5.6 would be a huge improvement. Since the stock lens is was designed for the same sensor type, the difference should be negligible.

10-03-2018, 09:10 PM	#19
Pioneer Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Wandering the Streets Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,411	Save a few more pennies and find a used 30/1.8 Limited. Not sure if your camera can focus it fast enough since it is screw focus but my K-5iis has no problem.

10-03-2018, 09:30 PM	#20
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	Here's what I did in bars shooting bands; run the lens wide open, like f1.8 or wider, ISO 1600, and 1/30th of a second exposure. No flash. With the 28 it was either 1/15th or ISO 3200. This was with a K-5 II which isn't the same as your camera but not miles apart. My goal was to find the best settings that I could use with a fast lens that would allow me to not need a flash. Here's an example of that with the lens I'm suggesting you don't get;

10-03-2018, 10:10 PM	#21
liaztraht New Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 21 Original Poster	Originally posted by pres589 Here's what I did in bars shooting bands; run the lens wide open, like f1.8 or wider, ISO 1600, and 1/30th of a second exposure. No flash. With the 28 it was either 1/15th or ISO 3200. This was with a K-5 II which isn't the same as your camera but not miles apart. My goal was to find the best settings that I could use with a fast lens that would allow me to not need a flash. Here's an example of that with the lens I'm suggesting you don't get; That looks worse than the lighting I was dealing with!

10-03-2018, 11:40 PM	#22
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080	Originally posted by Pioneer Save a few more pennies and find a used 30/1.8 Limited. Not sure if your camera can focus it fast enough since it is screw focus but my K-5iis has no problem. That is a lot more than a few pennies. At that amount of money he could start thinking about a new body and one of these lenses.

10-04-2018, 12:11 AM	#23
liaztraht New Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 21 Original Poster	I found a couple fa35 f2s for 218 and 262 respectively in excellent condition. I may talk that over with the wife. Still sorting through piles of used lenses online.

10-04-2018, 01:00 AM - 1 Like	#24
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796	Both are great for a first prime lens. Cheap and the IQ is good. Make some statistics about your photos which focal length do you like/use more. You can crop, but you can not extend your photos so if the majority of your photos is between 30mm-45mm, then choose the DA35, if the majority beyond 45mm choose the DA50. (Do not account wider then 30mm and longer then 100mm photos in this decision, cropping more then 2x will eliminate near all the advantage of the lens.)

10-04-2018, 06:24 AM	#25
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,213	Originally posted by 08amczb Both are great for a first prime lens. Cheap and the IQ is good. Make some statistics about your photos which focal length do you like/use more. This won’t work if you can’t get good results at the point where you want without the new lens 🙂 -Eric

10-04-2018, 07:51 AM	#26
ChatMechant Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Matsuyama Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,284	For hardcore/punk up close and personal, check out the work of the master, Glen E. Friedman. He shot some with the Pentax 17mm fisheye and on camera flash.(on film of course)

10-04-2018, 07:58 AM	#27
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	My 2 cents, that sounds awful. Some guy taking a picture of you that close with a fish eye lens and flash when you're in a dark space? I wonder how many times he got punched. And there's something off with my setup and color profiles; the shot I shared looks great in Lightroom, flat and dark here in the browser. It's not as bad "in real life" but the venue was not a bright space that evening.

10-04-2018, 08:34 AM	#28
ChatMechant Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Matsuyama Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,284	It's possible he got hit a time or two, lol.

10-04-2018, 08:48 AM	#29
Canid Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 98	You're trying to pick between a faster lens, and the focal length you actually NEED (35mm) but there is an option that actually does both that you're not considering.... the FA 35mm f2 I was fortunate enough to pick up mine before the K-1 was announced and demand went up... It is more expensive than the DA, but still a lower cost lens, and the difference between f1.8 and f2 isn't much.

10-04-2018, 12:39 PM	#30
liaztraht New Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 21 Original Poster	I am eyeballing a used FA 35mm f2 right now, 218 in excellent condition with the hood and lens caps. Also a Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC, but reading, that one is a bit slow on auto focus. That one is 182. I am willing to bump the budget if the price is right ---------- Post added 10-04-18 at 01:09 PM ---------- Originally posted by ChatMechant It's possible he got hit a time or two, lol. Good thing shows aren't that violent around here! I did get some good shots for personal use of my wife hugging one singer while he was singing. He also told the crowd to get in close with him and he would hug them, so it was approved before hand. The heavier music scene around here is close, we all share the same passion for our music, and treat each other like family.