[jeremy_c]

I think the Tamron and 16-50 DA* are the two lenses I am considering for my next purchase. What I am curious about is how do they compare to the Pentax 50mm FA 1.4? I know that the prime will be better, but I would just like some type of judge on how much better the prime is?

Currently I am using the Pentax SMC 18-55mm AL II as my walk around lens and really want something of better IQ. The Tamron for the price and reviews is very tempting but I am wondering if I will be disappointed with not having a bit wider on the low end. I have not used any Tamron lenses or any Pentax * lenses so I really do not know what to expect.

Thanks for any input,

Jeremy

For me the most important part of this question is missing... What do you shoot the most of?

I have kids, so the Tammy 28-75 is my main lens now. The FA 50 has not seen much action since I got the tammy. If I am going for arty oof or extreme low light, one of my fast 50's will be on the camera, but lately that has been one of the old MF lenses...

Tell us what your really like to shoot, it will really help with the answer.

[jeremy_c]

I guess this question spawned from this thread:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/43537-next-lens.html

What I like to shoot the most? I am all over the board. I do find myself shooting indoors w/family type activities more than other things right now, but it's bitter cold outside! (well, 20s and 30s).

Jeremy

[systemA]

^looking at your sig, I have the same setup minus the 50-200mm tele, plus jupiter 9. Basically just the 50/1.4, kit 18-55mm, J-9. I've been scouring for a new upgrade but haven't really found a justifiable reason since if I replace the kit lens, I feel that my 50/1.4 will have little/no use. :ugh:

[jeremy_c]

So are people saying that a Tamron 28-70 is as good IQ as the FA 50mm f1.4 prime?

Jeremy

I guess this question spawned from this thread:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/43537-next-lens.html

What I like to shoot the most? I am all over the board. I do find myself shooting indoors w/family type activities more than other things right now, but it's bitter cold outside! (well, 20s and 30s).

Jeremy

At 20 degrees I would be shooting indoors too... For me, the long end of the 28-75 gets more use, but I am not a wide angle shooter.
So in general I use the extra 25mm more than I miss the 12mm at the wide end. But I am a face shooter.

There have been a lot of threads about Qc issues with the 16-50 and I am not sure if that has been fixed yet, so also consider the Tamron 17-50 2.8 in that mix if you are definately a wide shooter. Also the 16-45 is a nice walk around if you can deal with the F4

good luck...