[jerryleejr]

Looking for suggestions on a lens to use with my K1MKii at my sons graduation. It will be at an outdoor amphitheater at night. Currently the only lens I have worth trying is my F70-210.
SMC Pentax-F 70-210mm F4-5.6 Reviews - F Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I’m not opposed to picking up a better lens but don’t want a one trick pony. I’d like something that has multiple uses.

JJ

[Sidney Porter]

I assume lighting and reach are your concerns. I do not have a k1 but I assume it handles high iso and cropping. Unless you are really far back I would think you will get a shot with your lens.

But since spending other people's money is fun. I think a 70-200 f2.8 should be in everyone's bag the IQ is usually very good. It works for portrait, sports, theater, graduation, zoo, some wildlife if really close, etc. Pentax makes a great one, used you can also find tamron and sigma. Pentax 150-450 f4-5.6 will give you plenty of reach but not faster. I don't have the lens but it is well liked, although unless wildlife, sports and birds are your thing it it might not get as much usage as the 70-200. The 300 f4 would also be a consideration would give you more reach and a stop faster than what you currently have

Another thought is go cheap for reach. You can find a 70-300 or 100-300 with a 5.6, 6.3 or 6.7 on the long end for less than $100. It will not help you on speed but will reduce cropping. Research the reviews to figure out which ones are good. IQ might be the same as what you currently have. although these lenses are often better at shorter focal lengths so the 300 might be better at 210 than the 210

[jerryleejr]

I assume lighting and reach are your concerns. I do not have a k1 but I assume it handles high iso and cropping. Unless you are really far back I would think you will get a shot with your lens.

But since spending other people's money is fun. I think a 70-200 f2.8 should be in everyone's bag the IQ is usually very good. It works for portrait, sports, theater, graduation, zoo, some wildlife if really close, etc. Pentax makes a great one, used you can also find tamron and sigma. Pentax 150-450 f4-5.6 will give you plenty of reach but not faster. I don't have the lens but it is well liked, although unless wildlife, sports and birds are your thing it it might not get as much usage as the 70-200. The 300 f4 would also be a consideration would give you more reach and a stop faster than what you currently have

Another thought is go cheap for reach. You can find a 70-300 or 100-300 with a 5.6, 6.3 or 6.7 on the long end for less than $100. It will not help you on speed but will reduce cropping. Research the reviews to figure out which ones are good. IQ might be the same as what you currently have. although these lenses are often better at shorter focal lengths so the 300 might be better at 210 than the 210

Yeah I’m currently going through the review, I will be on a tripod in the back so speed isn’t really a concern. The 70-200 has got mixed reviews and I’ve found an inexpensive 80-200 Pentax lens I may pick up. And yea I’d love the 300…

JJ

[mattt]

So think of it in terms of what photos you are going to get, and if there is a pro at the event.

The walk across the stage will be artificially illuminated - so f5.6 ISO3200 will get you plenty of shutter speed and print fine.

The best pics at grad are the ones after the graduation ceremony with friends and family. As the guy behind the camera you will be absent from all.

My experience with that type of shooting is you need a short/normal zoom - exactly what the 24-70 was built for.

Good luck and don’t forget to consider the event pro - they will probably have flash to make a more polished look.

[aslyfox]

Consider renting if you don't have what you want

Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent
an issue has arisen, at least in my small mind, that it might be helpful for members to know what businesses reliably offer rental of cameras, lenses and other gear

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/137-photographic-industry-professionals/...ml#post4542890

[steephill]

You could try renting the DFA*70-200 f2.8 for the event. It fully lives up to its * rating.

[jerryleejr]

Consider renting if you don't have what you want

That’s a possibility KEH is close to the event so may be an option but I kind of wanted time to get used to the lens…

JJ

[aslyfox]

You could try renting the DFA*70-200 f2.8 for the event. It fully lives up to its * rating.

I agree

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW
Introduction
In order to cater to professional photographers, a manufacturer must meet several requirements. In addition to a full frame body, a 70-200mm F2.8 telephoto lens is very high on the list. It is thus not very surprising that Pentax released its own version of that lens just prior to the launch of the Pentax K-1 itself.

Read more at: HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Description:
The HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW telephoto zoom lens was announced at the CP+ tradeshow in February, 2015 preceding the announcement of the K-1 Pentax 24x36mm full-frame DSLR. Together with the HD Pentax 150-450mm extreme telephoto zoom lens these are the first Pentax lenses to cover the 24x36 mm full-frame format since the D FA 100mm F2.8 WR lens, which was introduced back in 2009.

While this lens is designed for the 24x36mm full-frame format it can also be used on cameras with the APS-C sensor format. With a respectable maximum aperture of F2.8 and rounded diaphragm blades for smooth Bokeh this zoom can be used as a portrait lens in addition to its more traditional use for sports, wild life and distant landscapes. . . .

Read more at: HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW Reviews - D FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
The HD PENTAX-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW telephoto zoom lens was announced at the CP+ tradeshow in February, 2015 preceding the announcement of the K-1 Pentax 24x36mm full-

[aslyfox]

That’s a possibility KEH is close to the event so may be an option but I kind of wanted time to get used to the lens…

JJ

in my experience, LensRental usually ships early to make sure it gets there on time, that gives you some time to work with the lens

call them, they have always treated me nice and are nice to talk to

[jerryleejr]

in my experience, LensRental usually ships early to make sure it gets there on time, that gives you some time to work with the lens

call them, they have always treated me nice and are nice to talk to

The 70-200 is unavailable for the dates needed, the new DFA70-210 is available, sadly the 70-200 is the only Pentax lens currently shown at borrowed lens…

JJ

[Smoke665]

I just shot an indoor graduation with the K1MII and a HD-D FA 70-200mm f/2.8. I was far enough back that DOF wasn't an issue at f2.8. Shot AV and used EC to adjust. ISO on most was 1600 to 3200. There is noise but as long as you get a good exposure, it isn't overly objectionable.

The downside, is this combo is HEAVY. Without a tripod my arms were feeling the burn before the event was over.

[UncleVanya]

DA* 200 f2.8 is lighter and cheaper than the 70-200 f2.8, and you might like it for more than the ceremony.

[jerryleejr]

DA* 200 f2.8 is lighter and cheaper than the 70-200 f2.8, and you might like it for more than the ceremony.

At that price point I would either get the DA 300 or 60-250.

JJ

[UncleVanya]

At that price point I would either get the DA 300 or 60-250.

JJ

Both are a full stop slower and they are much larger and heavier.

[jerryleejr]

Both are a full stop slower and they are much larger and heavier.

Good point…

JJ