Which One On My KP

**monochrome** · 08-22-2019, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by northcoastgreg

HD DA 20-40 would have my vote. The KP is nearly tailor-made for that lens.

^^ This. Add 55-300 PLM in a small Carry bag. What more do you need?

**mhsp1948** · 08-29-2019, 05:03 PM - **1 Like**

Ok, I have done extensive shooting now with the 31mm, 20-40mm and the 18-135mm (which gave me operating trouble and washed out photos on two occasions) and none of these three really rang my bell or let me feel satisfied with a walk around so I put my Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Lens on my KP and I could not be happier. This is the one that will sit on the KP for the most part and especially when I travel while carrying along my 200mm prime for telephoto work. Can carry all easily and no trouble traveling.

Ronald Oakes · 08-29-2019, 10:20 PM

Originally posted by northcoastgreg

HD DA 20-40 would have my vote. The KP is nearly tailor-made for that lens.

I Second the Motion ! 20-40 all the way.

Jonathan Mac · 08-30-2019, 04:28 AM

Originally posted by mhsp1948

Ok, I have done extensive shooting now with the 31mm, 20-40mm and the 18-135mm (which gave me operating trouble and washed out photos on two occasions) and none of these three really rang my bell or let me feel satisfied with a walk around so I put my Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Lens on my KP and I could not be happier. This is the one that will sit on the KP for the most part and especially when I travel while carrying along my 200mm prime for telephoto work. Can carry all easily and no trouble traveling.

Another fine choice though bigger and heavier than any of the other options, but fast and with a good range and excellent IQ.

**mhsp1948** · 08-30-2019, 09:19 AM

Thanks Jonathan, it was a lot of work to finally settle on one main lens for the KP and a telephoto lens.

**mikesbike** · 08-30-2019, 10:51 AM

I have the DA 18-135mm DC WR (for years with no problems), the DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 DC WR LTD and the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC and I like them all a lot. The LTD mainly when needing compact size with fine IQ and WR, the 18-135mm when needing maximum-flexibility zoom range with compactness for such range and very good IQ with WR, and the fast Sigma lens when needing its aperture speed, very sharp ultimate IQ with its virtually absent field curvature, yet not too bad in size and weight. Works great in tandem with my DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 WR lens.

I just bought a Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC lens due to a spectacular deal from B&H. It arrived day before yesterday. I took some shots yesterday at a waterfront location with ships, a large bridge, people, etc. and WOW this is one awesome lens! I have had the excellent Pentax DA 12-24mm f/4 for years, but this Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 lens is fantastic!

**mhsp1948** · 08-30-2019, 10:22 PM - **4 Likes**

Here are some photos I took tonight with my Pentax KP and the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 at the Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Harbor and the Long Beach Mississippi, Harbor.

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

View Picture EXIF

**mikesbike** · 09-01-2019, 02:28 PM

Those shots turned out beautifully- great results! Some are obviously benefitting from this lens's low linear distortion, and absence of field curvature.

However, for nighttime still scene shots like these, using long exposure times and a tripod and mid apertures at most of these focal lengths, I believe the DA 18-135mm could have come reasonably close. Where this sigma lens especially shines for me is in low light situations where I will need adequate shutter speeds via near or fully wide open aperture for handheld shots, and possibly with movement by subjects. Also for indoor action events without flash. All-in-all this is one fine lens, versatile for handling many situations.

**mhsp1948** · 09-01-2019, 03:19 PM

Originally posted by mikesbike

Those shots turned out beautifully- great results! Some are obviously benefitting from this lens's low linear distortion, and absence of field curvature.

However, for nighttime still scene shots like these, using long exposure times and a tripod and mid apertures at most of these focal lengths, I believe the DA 18-135mm could have come reasonably close. Where this sigma lens especially shines for me is in low light situations where I will need adequate shutter speeds via near or fully wide open aperture for handheld shots, and possibly with movement by subjects. Also for indoor action events without flash. All-in-all this is one fine lens, versatile for handling many situations.

I agree mikesbike, thanks for the comments.

**mhsp1948** · 09-06-2019, 05:48 PM - **1 Like**

Walked out in my yard just before the light got to low and this is hand held with my Pentax KP and the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8

**mikesbike** · 09-08-2019, 01:46 PM

Great shot! I forgot to mention its exceptional close-focusing capability to go with all its other attributes. A great lens, and a great combo with the KP!

**Des** · 09-08-2019, 02:32 PM

Originally posted by northcoastgreg

HD DA 20-40 would have my vote. The KP is nearly tailor-made for that lens.

Originally posted by monochrome

This. Add 55-300 PLM in a small Carry bag. What more do you need?

These and a DA 15 Ltd. Then you have a compact, light-weight, travel-the-world kit. (Maybe throw in a DA 70 Ltd for low light and portraits.)

KP + DA 15 Ltd

**mhsp1948** · 09-09-2019, 08:50 AM - **2 Likes**

Well as many lenses as I have tried I just decided to bite the bullet and get a lens that can trump all of the ones I have tried when it comes to IQ.
So, today I bought the Pentax HD PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8ED DC AW Lens. Should be in sometime this week and I will post photos once it comes in.

**mhsp1948** · 09-10-2019, 03:11 PM

If this 11-18mm 2.8 meets my expectations and I fully expect it will surpass my expectations, I will use three lenses with my KP when I travel in my camera bag. The Pentax 11-18mm 2.8, the Sigma 18-50mm 2.8, and the Pentax 200mm 2.8

**Des** · 09-10-2019, 03:52 PM

Originally posted by mhsp1948

I will use three lenses with my KP when I travel in my camera bag. The Pentax 11-18mm 2.8, the Sigma 18-50mm 2.8, and the Pentax 200mm 2.8

My first thought about this was the weight (704g + 565g + 825g = 2.094kg). But it's still signficantly less than an equivalent FF lens kit: DFA 15-30 (1040g), Sigma 24-70 f2.8 (790g), Pentax DA*300 f4 (1070g) = 2.9kg. Not to mention the difference in weight between a KP and K-1ii.

08-30-2019, 10:51 AM	#51
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	I have the DA 18-135mm DC WR (for years with no problems), the DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 DC WR LTD and the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC and I like them all a lot. The LTD mainly when needing compact size with fine IQ and WR, the 18-135mm when needing maximum-flexibility zoom range with compactness for such range and very good IQ with WR, and the fast Sigma lens when needing its aperture speed, very sharp ultimate IQ with its virtually absent field curvature, yet not too bad in size and weight. Works great in tandem with my DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 WR lens. I just bought a Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC lens due to a spectacular deal from B&H. It arrived day before yesterday. I took some shots yesterday at a waterfront location with ships, a large bridge, people, etc. and WOW this is one awesome lens! I have had the excellent Pentax DA 12-24mm f/4 for years, but this Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 lens is fantastic! Last edited by mikesbike; 08-30-2019 at 11:02 AM.

09-08-2019, 02:32 PM	#57
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by northcoastgreg HD DA 20-40 would have my vote. The KP is nearly tailor-made for that lens. Originally posted by monochrome This. Add 55-300 PLM in a small Carry bag. What more do you need? These and a DA 15 Ltd. Then you have a compact, light-weight, travel-the-world kit. (Maybe throw in a DA 70 Ltd for low light and portraits.) KP + DA 15 Ltd Last edited by Des; 09-09-2019 at 01:31 PM.

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08-22-2019, 06:00 PM	#46
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by northcoastgreg HD DA 20-40 would have my vote. The KP is nearly tailor-made for that lens. ^^ This. Add 55-300 PLM in a small Carry bag. What more do you need?

08-29-2019, 05:03 PM - 1 Like	#47
mhsp1948 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Mississippi Photos: Gallery Posts: 617 Original Poster	Ok, I have done extensive shooting now with the 31mm, 20-40mm and the 18-135mm (which gave me operating trouble and washed out photos on two occasions) and none of these three really rang my bell or let me feel satisfied with a walk around so I put my Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Lens on my KP and I could not be happier. This is the one that will sit on the KP for the most part and especially when I travel while carrying along my 200mm prime for telephoto work. Can carry all easily and no trouble traveling.

08-29-2019, 10:20 PM	#48
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585	Originally posted by northcoastgreg HD DA 20-40 would have my vote. The KP is nearly tailor-made for that lens. I Second the Motion ! 20-40 all the way.

08-30-2019, 04:28 AM	#49
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,911	Originally posted by mhsp1948 Ok, I have done extensive shooting now with the 31mm, 20-40mm and the 18-135mm (which gave me operating trouble and washed out photos on two occasions) and none of these three really rang my bell or let me feel satisfied with a walk around so I put my Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Lens on my KP and I could not be happier. This is the one that will sit on the KP for the most part and especially when I travel while carrying along my 200mm prime for telephoto work. Can carry all easily and no trouble traveling. Another fine choice though bigger and heavier than any of the other options, but fast and with a good range and excellent IQ.

08-30-2019, 09:19 AM	#50
mhsp1948 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Mississippi Photos: Gallery Posts: 617 Original Poster	Thanks Jonathan, it was a lot of work to finally settle on one main lens for the KP and a telephoto lens.

09-01-2019, 02:28 PM	#53
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	Those shots turned out beautifully- great results! Some are obviously benefitting from this lens's low linear distortion, and absence of field curvature. However, for nighttime still scene shots like these, using long exposure times and a tripod and mid apertures at most of these focal lengths, I believe the DA 18-135mm could have come reasonably close. Where this sigma lens especially shines for me is in low light situations where I will need adequate shutter speeds via near or fully wide open aperture for handheld shots, and possibly with movement by subjects. Also for indoor action events without flash. All-in-all this is one fine lens, versatile for handling many situations.

09-01-2019, 03:19 PM	#54
mhsp1948 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Mississippi Photos: Gallery Posts: 617 Original Poster	Originally posted by mikesbike Those shots turned out beautifully- great results! Some are obviously benefitting from this lens's low linear distortion, and absence of field curvature. However, for nighttime still scene shots like these, using long exposure times and a tripod and mid apertures at most of these focal lengths, I believe the DA 18-135mm could have come reasonably close. Where this sigma lens especially shines for me is in low light situations where I will need adequate shutter speeds via near or fully wide open aperture for handheld shots, and possibly with movement by subjects. Also for indoor action events without flash. All-in-all this is one fine lens, versatile for handling many situations. I agree mikesbike, thanks for the comments.

09-08-2019, 01:46 PM	#56
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	Great shot! I forgot to mention its exceptional close-focusing capability to go with all its other attributes. A great lens, and a great combo with the KP!

09-09-2019, 08:50 AM - 2 Likes	#58
mhsp1948 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Mississippi Photos: Gallery Posts: 617 Original Poster	Well as many lenses as I have tried I just decided to bite the bullet and get a lens that can trump all of the ones I have tried when it comes to IQ. So, today I bought the Pentax HD PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8ED DC AW Lens. Should be in sometime this week and I will post photos once it comes in.

09-10-2019, 03:11 PM	#59
mhsp1948 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Mississippi Photos: Gallery Posts: 617 Original Poster	If this 11-18mm 2.8 meets my expectations and I fully expect it will surpass my expectations, I will use three lenses with my KP when I travel in my camera bag. The Pentax 11-18mm 2.8, the Sigma 18-50mm 2.8, and the Pentax 200mm 2.8

09-10-2019, 03:52 PM	#60
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by mhsp1948 I will use three lenses with my KP when I travel in my camera bag. The Pentax 11-18mm 2.8, the Sigma 18-50mm 2.8, and the Pentax 200mm 2.8 My first thought about this was the weight (704g + 565g + 825g = 2.094kg). But it's still signficantly less than an equivalent FF lens kit: DFA 15-30 (1040g), Sigma 24-70 f2.8 (790g), Pentax DA*300 f4 (1070g) = 2.9kg. Not to mention the difference in weight between a KP and K-1ii.