Your FF Travel Kit

Mountain Vision · 12-10-2018, 07:35 PM

Originally posted by northcoastgreg

. The FF prime line-up is also somewhat tilted toward the telephoto side of things, with only two wide angle primes and no primes wider than 31mm. Why is the FA and DFA line-up so heavily tilted toward the telephoto side of things? I thought one of the big advantages of FF was for use with wide angle lenses, but that doesn't seem to be Ricoh/Pentax's orientation at present.

We may disagree on the FE release schedule, but I think we are in total agreement on this. In fact, I'm looking at my DA lenses and thinking I'm almost better off sticking with my K-5IIs for wide angle and using my K-1 for everything else.

But if you look at the wide end of the DA lineup they released the 12-24 and 10-17 FE which we're Tokina/Pentax collaborations and never really went back to the UWA end of things over the next decade plus. There was no refresh of those lenses optically, no WR / HD coating update even. Which a lot of us were hoping for. In fact, there is no WR/AW/* lens below 16mm (24mm eq.) on the DA lens lineup.

I'd definitely love to see a little more emphasis on the wider end of the DFA lineup. Perhaps a refresh of the 20-35 f/4 or 20mm f/2.8. I really don't see myself buying and hauling around the DFA 15-30MM.

niblue · 12-11-2018, 01:03 AM

I'm new to the K1 so my travel kit is still evolving however for a longer trip (and one where I'm not trying to travel too light) my kit would currently be:

Tokina ATX-Pro 20-35mm F2.8: Pretty much unused since my film days but very useful on FF
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8: A recent aquisition but so far I like it.
Tokina ATX-Pro 80-200mm F2.8: Another lens kept from my film days although this one did get a fair bit of use on FF.
Sigma 50mm F2.8 1:1 Macro: Another recent aquisition and I'm not 100% convinced yet that it'll replace the Cosina 100mm F3.5 macro I've been using for years, but it seems a decent lens.
It's possible I might also throw something fast but reasonably light in as well - maybe the Porst 55mm F1.2

Still quite a heavy set-up though! I'm still on the lookout for a single walkabout lens - probably will try to find a Sigma 24-135 F2.8-4 to replace the one I sold a few years back.

mbukal · 02-12-2019, 02:02 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mbukal

I had the K30 sigma Sigma APO 70-300 and replaced the Pentax DA 55-300 and was better than sigma except in the focusing speed, now I think the FA 80-320 is better than both

Originally posted by aurele

May i encourage you to do a review of this lens in the Database ? It's very nice to have updated reviews of those old lenses on the K1.

Since the K1 everyone seems to look for this kind of review.

It would be very nice of you! Thanks you

Originally posted by mbukal

I always forget to point out that it is a FA 80-320 / 4,5-5,6 SILVER model (I have never used a black model because it is supposed to have some problems both optical and mechanical)

I will, I promise!

Here's how I promised my little review of the old lens Pentax FA 80-320/4,5-5,6. I hope it will help someone with the decision.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-80-320mm-F4-5.6-Zoom-Lens.html

mourya · 02-14-2019, 07:21 PM

Originally posted by Mountain Vision

We may disagree on the FE release schedule, but I think we are in total agreement on this. In fact, I'm looking at my DA lenses and thinking I'm almost better off sticking with my K-5IIs for wide angle and using my K-1 for everything else.

But if you look at the wide end of the DA lineup they released the 12-24 and 10-17 FE which we're Tokina/Pentax collaborations and never really went back to the UWA end of things over the next decade plus. There was no refresh of those lenses optically, no WR / HD coating update even. Which a lot of us were hoping for. In fact, there is no WR/AW/* lens below 16mm (24mm eq.) on the DA lens lineup.

I'd definitely love to see a little more emphasis on the wider end of the DFA lineup. Perhaps a refresh of the 20-35 f/4 or 20mm f/2.8. I really don't see myself buying and hauling around the DFA 15-30MM.

Agree with you.. dont understand why there is no wide prime for FF. Finally, I have purchased samyang 14.. but, will stick to K5iis and 12-24.

Mountain Vision · 02-14-2019, 07:55 PM

Originally posted by mourya

Agree with you.. dont understand why there is no wide prime for FF. Finally, I have purchased samyang 14.. but, will stick to K5iis and 12-24.

I got the Irix 15mm, but I'd still love something a little less wide and smaller. The Irix being weather sealed gave it an edge for me over the Samyang. Both seem to be good lenses.

Sandy Hancock · 02-14-2019, 08:10 PM

In my earlier post I should have added that my Full Frame travel kit usually also includes a crop body

**TwoUptons** · 02-15-2019, 03:23 PM

It depends on where I go and what I expect to get up to.

When I went to Singapore last June, I took a Tokina 20-35 (the slower one), a F35-70, and a M135 f3.5.

I hardly used the 135, but I was glad to have it...

I love the Tokina for architectural shots, but I wish I had the hood...

The 35-70 is better than it should be, but I really want a 24-70 that is better suited to travel than the f2.8...

The 135 is the only K-mount telephoto I own that would fit in my bag with the other two... it’s nice, but a 70-210 would have been better

- Eric

Paul the Sunman · 02-15-2019, 04:10 PM

Originally posted by TwoUptons

..., but I really want a 24-70 that is better suited to travel than the f2.8...

Don't discount the DFA 28-105 for travel. Not as fast (or wide) as the 24-70, but much easier to pack and excellent optically and in handling.

**clickclick** · 02-15-2019, 05:10 PM

Originally posted by TwoUptons

but I really want a 24-70 that is better suited to travel than the f2.8...

This is why I have kept my copy of a Tamron 28-75/2.8. You can pick up a used one typically for a bit under $200. Not bad for a lighter walk around on the K-1.

niblue · 02-16-2019, 04:40 AM

Bagged up my K1 travel kit into a Lowepro Minitrekker for a trip out today:
- K1 & Sigma 24-70 F2.8
- Tokina ATX-Pro 20-35 F2.8
- Tokina ATX-Pro 80-200 F2.8
- Sigma 14mm F2.8
- Sigma 50mm F2.8 macro
- 2 x TC
- Rollei carbon tripod
- spare battery, AF360FTZ flash and spare batteries, small Canon binoculars and a few other bits and bobs
- Voigtlander Bessa-L with snapshot Skopar 25mm F4 and a couple of rolls of B&W film

Quite a heavy old set-up but not too bad when actually on my back.

My son is doing the lightweight think with a K10D, Sigma 10-20, Pentax 16-45 F4 and a Tamron 70-300 in a Lowepro Slingshot 200AW. Wonder if he'd be willing to carry my kit instead!?

**Merv-O** · 02-22-2019, 02:05 AM

K-1 with:

SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 (fast and sharp walk-about lens)
Pentax 50mm f1.4 FA
Pentax 70mm f2.4 DA (fast crop mini telephoto)
SIGMA 12-24mm f4.5

Stuffed into a DOMKE F-2 standard bag that fits under the footwell in a coach seat with my MacBook Pro 13" on top...

Paul the Sunman · 02-22-2019, 02:25 AM

Originally posted by Merv-O

K-1 with:

SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 (fast and sharp walk-about lens)
Pentax 50mm f1.4 FA
Pentax 70mm f2.4 DA (fast crop mini telephoto)
SIGMA 12-24mm f4.5

Stuffed into a DOMKE F-2 standard bag that fits under the footwell in a coach seat with my MacBook Pro 13" on top...

Nice. The Domke F-2 looks good for that kit.

**Merv-O** · 02-22-2019, 02:31 AM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

Nice. The Domke F-2 looks good for that kit.

Thanks. I like the DOMKE, but if you do buy it, also get the optional lens padding accessory. The bag itself has no foam padding on the sides and/or top. I like the canvas' ability to be pliable in tight quarters (versus a Lowepro for example). My uncle was a journalist and his DOMKE lasted 20 years of beatings and excursions. They are not cheap, but they work for me in their simplicity. (I mean most here spend $1,000's on a kit, so what's dropping $200 for a time tested travel bag?). Cheers.

Paul the Sunman · 02-22-2019, 02:40 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Merv-O

Thanks. I like the DOMKE, but if you do buy it, also get the optional lens padding accessory.

I already have a Vanguard Up-Rise II 38 that is probably better suited to my kit, but the Domke range does look attractively retro.

**wizofoz** · 03-10-2019, 03:44 AM

I'm really struggling with this dilemma folks. We are headed to Japan, China and Hong Kong next month

I could take the 15-30, 24-70 and 60-250 and have superb IQ for my k-1, but that's a lot of heavy kit for my arthritic hip to handle. I could go minimalist and just carry the 3 amigo's and the Dfa 100 (maybe with a couple of TC's for the 100) and something wide and light, but the only lenses I have that are wide AND light are for crop sensors. I could take the magical DA15 and be prepared to crop off the vignetting (or shoot in crop mode) so I get a 21ishmm field of view. But I would sure miss the versatility and convenience of the zooms. Maybe I could take the 10-17 FE and defish? Could I live with 16mp images?

I bought a 28-105 after reading this forum, with a view of using it as a 'travel' lens in lieu of the 24-70, but after the experience of the superb build and image quality of the DFA 28-70, the DA 24-105 sort of leaves me a little in the 'meh' camp.

I could revert to my trusty K-3 and take the 12-24, 16-50 and 50-135 (or 60-250) and have superb IQ for a crop body, but boy oh boy I'd miss the K-1. At least I would have the convenience of a sometimes useful built in flash

first world problems, I know

Any suggestions would be appreciated

02-12-2019, 02:02 PM - 1 Like	#93
mbukal Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: zagreb Posts: 668	Originally posted by mbukal I had the K30 sigma Sigma APO 70-300 and replaced the Pentax DA 55-300 and was better than sigma except in the focusing speed, now I think the FA 80-320 is better than both Originally posted by aurele May i encourage you to do a review of this lens in the Database ? It's very nice to have updated reviews of those old lenses on the K1. Since the K1 everyone seems to look for this kind of review. It would be very nice of you! Thanks you Originally posted by mbukal I always forget to point out that it is a FA 80-320 / 4,5-5,6 SILVER model (I have never used a black model because it is supposed to have some problems both optical and mechanical) I will, I promise! Here's how I promised my little review of the old lens Pentax FA 80-320/4,5-5,6. I hope it will help someone with the decision. https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-FA-80-320mm-F4-5.6-Zoom-Lens.html Last edited by mbukal; 02-12-2019 at 02:21 PM.

03-10-2019, 03:44 AM	#105
wizofoz Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne, Outer east. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,695	I'm really struggling with this dilemma folks. We are headed to Japan, China and Hong Kong next month I could take the 15-30, 24-70 and 60-250 and have superb IQ for my k-1, but that's a lot of heavy kit for my arthritic hip to handle. I could go minimalist and just carry the 3 amigo's and the Dfa 100 (maybe with a couple of TC's for the 100) and something wide and light, but the only lenses I have that are wide AND light are for crop sensors. I could take the magical DA15 and be prepared to crop off the vignetting (or shoot in crop mode) so I get a 21ishmm field of view. But I would sure miss the versatility and convenience of the zooms. Maybe I could take the 10-17 FE and defish? Could I live with 16mp images? I bought a 28-105 after reading this forum, with a view of using it as a 'travel' lens in lieu of the 24-70, but after the experience of the superb build and image quality of the DFA 28-70, the DA 24-105 sort of leaves me a little in the 'meh' camp. I could revert to my trusty K-3 and take the 12-24, 16-50 and 50-135 (or 60-250) and have superb IQ for a crop body, but boy oh boy I'd miss the K-1. At least I would have the convenience of a sometimes useful built in flash first world problems, I know Any suggestions would be appreciated Last edited by wizofoz; 03-10-2019 at 04:46 PM.

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12-10-2018, 07:35 PM	#91
Mountain Vision Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: America's First Wilderness Posts: 529	Originally posted by northcoastgreg . The FF prime line-up is also somewhat tilted toward the telephoto side of things, with only two wide angle primes and no primes wider than 31mm. Why is the FA and DFA line-up so heavily tilted toward the telephoto side of things? I thought one of the big advantages of FF was for use with wide angle lenses, but that doesn't seem to be Ricoh/Pentax's orientation at present. We may disagree on the FE release schedule, but I think we are in total agreement on this. In fact, I'm looking at my DA lenses and thinking I'm almost better off sticking with my K-5IIs for wide angle and using my K-1 for everything else. But if you look at the wide end of the DA lineup they released the 12-24 and 10-17 FE which we're Tokina/Pentax collaborations and never really went back to the UWA end of things over the next decade plus. There was no refresh of those lenses optically, no WR / HD coating update even. Which a lot of us were hoping for. In fact, there is no WR/AW/* lens below 16mm (24mm eq.) on the DA lens lineup. I'd definitely love to see a little more emphasis on the wider end of the DFA lineup. Perhaps a refresh of the 20-35 f/4 or 20mm f/2.8. I really don't see myself buying and hauling around the DFA 15-30MM.

12-11-2018, 01:03 AM	#92
niblue Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 181	I'm new to the K1 so my travel kit is still evolving however for a longer trip (and one where I'm not trying to travel too light) my kit would currently be: Tokina ATX-Pro 20-35mm F2.8: Pretty much unused since my film days but very useful on FF Sigma 24-70mm F2.8: A recent aquisition but so far I like it. Tokina ATX-Pro 80-200mm F2.8: Another lens kept from my film days although this one did get a fair bit of use on FF. Sigma 50mm F2.8 1:1 Macro: Another recent aquisition and I'm not 100% convinced yet that it'll replace the Cosina 100mm F3.5 macro I've been using for years, but it seems a decent lens. It's possible I might also throw something fast but reasonably light in as well - maybe the Porst 55mm F1.2 Still quite a heavy set-up though! I'm still on the lookout for a single walkabout lens - probably will try to find a Sigma 24-135 F2.8-4 to replace the one I sold a few years back.

02-14-2019, 07:21 PM	#94
mourya Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 151	Originally posted by Mountain Vision We may disagree on the FE release schedule, but I think we are in total agreement on this. In fact, I'm looking at my DA lenses and thinking I'm almost better off sticking with my K-5IIs for wide angle and using my K-1 for everything else. But if you look at the wide end of the DA lineup they released the 12-24 and 10-17 FE which we're Tokina/Pentax collaborations and never really went back to the UWA end of things over the next decade plus. There was no refresh of those lenses optically, no WR / HD coating update even. Which a lot of us were hoping for. In fact, there is no WR/AW/* lens below 16mm (24mm eq.) on the DA lens lineup. I'd definitely love to see a little more emphasis on the wider end of the DFA lineup. Perhaps a refresh of the 20-35 f/4 or 20mm f/2.8. I really don't see myself buying and hauling around the DFA 15-30MM. Agree with you.. dont understand why there is no wide prime for FF. Finally, I have purchased samyang 14.. but, will stick to K5iis and 12-24.

02-14-2019, 07:55 PM	#95
Mountain Vision Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: America's First Wilderness Posts: 529	Originally posted by mourya Agree with you.. dont understand why there is no wide prime for FF. Finally, I have purchased samyang 14.. but, will stick to K5iis and 12-24. I got the Irix 15mm, but I'd still love something a little less wide and smaller. The Irix being weather sealed gave it an edge for me over the Samyang. Both seem to be good lenses.

02-14-2019, 08:10 PM	#96
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	In my earlier post I should have added that my Full Frame travel kit usually also includes a crop body

02-15-2019, 03:23 PM	#97
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,223	It depends on where I go and what I expect to get up to. When I went to Singapore last June, I took a Tokina 20-35 (the slower one), a F35-70, and a M135 f3.5. I hardly used the 135, but I was glad to have it... I love the Tokina for architectural shots, but I wish I had the hood... The 35-70 is better than it should be, but I really want a 24-70 that is better suited to travel than the f2.8... The 135 is the only K-mount telephoto I own that would fit in my bag with the other two... it’s nice, but a 70-210 would have been better - Eric

02-15-2019, 04:10 PM	#98
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846 Original Poster	Originally posted by TwoUptons ..., but I really want a 24-70 that is better suited to travel than the f2.8... Don't discount the DFA 28-105 for travel. Not as fast (or wide) as the 24-70, but much easier to pack and excellent optically and in handling.

02-15-2019, 05:10 PM	#99
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Originally posted by TwoUptons but I really want a 24-70 that is better suited to travel than the f2.8... This is why I have kept my copy of a Tamron 28-75/2.8. You can pick up a used one typically for a bit under $200. Not bad for a lighter walk around on the K-1.

02-16-2019, 04:40 AM	#100
niblue Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 181	Bagged up my K1 travel kit into a Lowepro Minitrekker for a trip out today: - K1 & Sigma 24-70 F2.8 - Tokina ATX-Pro 20-35 F2.8 - Tokina ATX-Pro 80-200 F2.8 - Sigma 14mm F2.8 - Sigma 50mm F2.8 macro - 2 x TC - Rollei carbon tripod - spare battery, AF360FTZ flash and spare batteries, small Canon binoculars and a few other bits and bobs - Voigtlander Bessa-L with snapshot Skopar 25mm F4 and a couple of rolls of B&W film Quite a heavy old set-up but not too bad when actually on my back. My son is doing the lightweight think with a K10D, Sigma 10-20, Pentax 16-45 F4 and a Tamron 70-300 in a Lowepro Slingshot 200AW. Wonder if he'd be willing to carry my kit instead!?

02-22-2019, 02:05 AM	#101
Merv-O Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Philadelphia Photos: Albums Posts: 2,098	K-1 with: SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 (fast and sharp walk-about lens) Pentax 50mm f1.4 FA Pentax 70mm f2.4 DA (fast crop mini telephoto) SIGMA 12-24mm f4.5 Stuffed into a DOMKE F-2 standard bag that fits under the footwell in a coach seat with my MacBook Pro 13" on top...

02-22-2019, 02:25 AM	#102
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846 Original Poster	Originally posted by Merv-O K-1 with: SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 (fast and sharp walk-about lens) Pentax 50mm f1.4 FA Pentax 70mm f2.4 DA (fast crop mini telephoto) SIGMA 12-24mm f4.5 Stuffed into a DOMKE F-2 standard bag that fits under the footwell in a coach seat with my MacBook Pro 13" on top... Nice. The Domke F-2 looks good for that kit.

02-22-2019, 02:31 AM	#103
Merv-O Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Philadelphia Photos: Albums Posts: 2,098	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman Nice. The Domke F-2 looks good for that kit. Thanks. I like the DOMKE, but if you do buy it, also get the optional lens padding accessory. The bag itself has no foam padding on the sides and/or top. I like the canvas' ability to be pliable in tight quarters (versus a Lowepro for example). My uncle was a journalist and his DOMKE lasted 20 years of beatings and excursions. They are not cheap, but they work for me in their simplicity. (I mean most here spend $1,000's on a kit, so what's dropping $200 for a time tested travel bag?). Cheers.

02-22-2019, 02:40 AM - 1 Like	#104
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846 Original Poster	Originally posted by Merv-O Thanks. I like the DOMKE, but if you do buy it, also get the optional lens padding accessory. I already have a Vanguard Up-Rise II 38 that is probably better suited to my kit, but the Domke range does look attractively retro.