Which lens (without using flash) for indoor use?

vmax84 · 06-30-2009, 07:53 AM

I have the K100D body (really enjoy the camera) and the standard kit lens (18-55?) which I use for indoor use, but will have to use the flash if the room is too dark................which lens would be best for this situation? I've heard of the "fast 50", but honestly don't know much about it.

Suggestions or links? Thanks.

vmax84

Niki · 06-30-2009, 07:58 AM

hello vmax

I had a similar problem and opted for the 50mm f1.4 at amazon. Its a sharp little prime with a wide aperture for lower light situations and not very expensive.
Im enjoying it immensely!
this is the link, unfortunately its gone up in price $60 since I bought it about 6 weeks ago.

Amazon.com: Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Lens: Electronics

vmax84 · 06-30-2009, 08:01 AM

Originally posted by Niki

hello vmax

I had a similar problem and opted for the 50mm f1.4 at amazon. Its a sharp little prime with a wide aperture for lower light situations and not very expensive.
Im enjoying it immensely!
this is the link, unfortunately its gone up in price $60 since I bought it about 6 weeks ago.

Amazon.com: Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Lens: Electronics

Thank you very much!!! I was just looking for a place to start and this helps a lot. :-)

vmax84

vmax84 · 06-30-2009, 08:03 AM

"You can use this lens with all Pentax SLR cameras, but the AF system only works with Pentax AF cameras".

Stupid question, but will my K100D camera autofocus this lens? Sounds like it will, but I want to be sure.

vmax84

Just12hvFun · 06-30-2009, 08:22 AM

I use the K100D Super and it auto focuses well with the FA50/1.4

Recently, prices of all lenses have gone up substantially. You may want to consider getting a good 2nd hand copy from our Photographers' Marketplace.

Personally, I actually prefer getting them 2nd hand. I tend to be too careful with brand new ones and don't get to enjoy them as much

vmax84 · 06-30-2009, 08:31 AM

Originally posted by Just12hvFun

I use the K100D Super and it auto focuses well with the FA50/1.4

Recently, prices of all lenses have gone up substantially. You may want to consider getting a good 2nd hand copy from our Photographers' Marketplace.

Personally, I actually prefer getting them 2nd hand. I tend to be too careful with brand new ones and don't get to enjoy them as much

I have purchased a lens (Tamron 75-300mm lens) on the marketplace a couple months ago with very good luck, so, yeah, good place to look.

Also, is there another lens (or lens) I should also consider? Thanks again.

vmax84

Just12hvFun · 06-30-2009, 08:51 AM

Originally posted by vmax84

I have purchased a lens (Tamron 75-300mm lens) on the marketplace a couple months ago with very good luck, so, yeah, good place to look.

Also, is there another lens (or lens) I should also consider? Thanks again.

vmax84

You may want to consider getting yourself a wide angle prime or zoom

The DA14, DA 12-24 and DA 16-45 are good choices

Marc Sabatella · 06-30-2009, 08:59 AM

Sure, any lens that has a larger maximum aperture than the kit lens would be an improvement. Figure out using the kit lens what focal length or focal lengths you want. 50mm iis one the long side for me - I prefer something more in the 30-40 range. The DA40/2.8 is relatively inexpensive if you are limiting your search to autofocus lenses. It's a better focal length for me, but at f/2.8 instead of f/1.4, that's not *as* large an aperture, so you can't get as fast a shutter speed. Fast *enough*, though, most of the time.

If you can still find an FA35/2, tht would be worth considering. And if you don't mind manual focus, there are a host of other options, too.

newarts · 06-30-2009, 09:52 AM

I use a 50mm F 1:1.7 & like it. I'm not sure if the 1.4 version's extra speed would compensate for its shallower DOF when wide open (1/3 faster, 1/5 less DOF); maybe someday I'll switch to the 1.4 & see. The numbers look like the 1.4 would be preferable.

Dave in Iowa

superfuzzy · 06-30-2009, 10:31 AM

Originally posted by vmax84

I have the K100D body (really enjoy the camera) and the standard kit lens (18-55?) which I use for indoor use, but will have to use the flash if the room is too dark................which lens would be best for this situation? I've heard of the "fast 50", but honestly don't know much about it.

Suggestions or links? Thanks.

vmax84

the FA 35mm f/2 will be more useful than the 50mm focal lenght. 50MM just isn't wide enough for general purpose indoor family type photography. Also consider constant f/2.8 zooms, in the 17-50mm range. For my use at least, constant f4 zooms are unacceptable indoors.

Good luck!

redpigeons · 06-30-2009, 10:58 AM

for me indoor lens should be f/2.8 or fester (smaller #) that should cover you

focal length is relay depend on what you are going for , if you want to shoot the whole room you will need a wide lens. if you are going for a portrait of a person in a room you will need a longer lens

if you like zooms and you have the money get something like the DA * 16-50 f/2.8 and you done

Mike Cash · 06-30-2009, 11:11 AM

Originally posted by vmax84

I have the K100D body (really enjoy the camera) and the standard kit lens (18-55?) which I use for indoor use, but will have to use the flash if the room is too dark................which lens would be best for this situation? I've heard of the "fast 50", but honestly don't know much about it.

Suggestions or links? Thanks.

vmax84

Forgive me if this question insults your intelligence, but do you understand why the kit lens is too dark and what feature of a different lens would make it better suited? Understanding that will make it easy for you to make a judgment about the suitability of any substitute lens for yourself.

It's all about the maximum aperture.

Forgive the short answer, but I have to run out the door to go to work. If you need help with this I feel certain some kind soul will be glad to elaborate on it.

thirdofthree · 06-30-2009, 11:13 AM

Originally posted by superfuzzy

Also consider constant f/2.8 zooms, in the 17-50mm range.

I'd also consider the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8. Not real wide, but I've found mine very useful for indoor shots of mobile youngsters. Also won't break the bank, especially if purchased second hand in the marketplace.

vmax84 · 07-01-2009, 03:03 AM

Most of my shots use to be soccer, softball, etc., but am working on more indoor shots now, and am surprised how pricey the "little lens" can be!!!

Thank you to all who have posted..........a little bit of info leads me to google and then more reading!!!

PentaxForums is a great site!

vmax84

BBear · 07-01-2009, 07:30 AM

FA 35 f/2 hands down.

You won't find anything wider and faster for that price range.

06-30-2009, 07:53 AM	#1
vmax84 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 307	Which lens (without using flash) for indoor use? I have the K100D body (really enjoy the camera) and the standard kit lens (18-55?) which I use for indoor use, but will have to use the flash if the room is too dark................which lens would be best for this situation? I've heard of the "fast 50", but honestly don't know much about it. Suggestions or links? Thanks. vmax84

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Is f/2.8 enough for indoor shooting w/o using flash or tripod?	shang	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	19	07-13-2010 03:22 PM
Indoor /no flash	seacapt	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	22	01-08-2010 12:09 AM
Lens vs Flash for indoor use?	MrApollinax	Photographic Technique	63	01-05-2009 10:25 AM
2.8 Lens for Indoor Sports without Flash?	joelovotti	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	08-13-2008 07:36 PM
PL Filter / Indoor with Flash	zenzenyoyo	Pentax DSLR Discussion	8	11-01-2007 04:24 PM

06-30-2009, 07:58 AM	#2
Niki Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 244	hello vmax I had a similar problem and opted for the 50mm f1.4 at amazon. Its a sharp little prime with a wide aperture for lower light situations and not very expensive. Im enjoying it immensely! this is the link, unfortunately its gone up in price $60 since I bought it about 6 weeks ago. Amazon.com: Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Lens: Electronics

06-30-2009, 08:01 AM	#3
vmax84 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 307 Original Poster	Originally posted by Niki hello vmax I had a similar problem and opted for the 50mm f1.4 at amazon. Its a sharp little prime with a wide aperture for lower light situations and not very expensive. Im enjoying it immensely! this is the link, unfortunately its gone up in price $60 since I bought it about 6 weeks ago. Amazon.com: Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Lens: Electronics Thank you very much!!! I was just looking for a place to start and this helps a lot. :-) vmax84

06-30-2009, 08:03 AM	#4
vmax84 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 307 Original Poster	"You can use this lens with all Pentax SLR cameras, but the AF system only works with Pentax AF cameras". Stupid question, but will my K100D camera autofocus this lens? Sounds like it will, but I want to be sure. vmax84

06-30-2009, 08:22 AM	#5
Just12hvFun Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Singapore Posts: 384	I use the K100D Super and it auto focuses well with the FA50/1.4 Recently, prices of all lenses have gone up substantially. You may want to consider getting a good 2nd hand copy from our Photographers' Marketplace. Personally, I actually prefer getting them 2nd hand. I tend to be too careful with brand new ones and don't get to enjoy them as much

06-30-2009, 08:31 AM	#6
vmax84 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 307 Original Poster	Originally posted by Just12hvFun I use the K100D Super and it auto focuses well with the FA50/1.4 Recently, prices of all lenses have gone up substantially. You may want to consider getting a good 2nd hand copy from our Photographers' Marketplace. Personally, I actually prefer getting them 2nd hand. I tend to be too careful with brand new ones and don't get to enjoy them as much I have purchased a lens (Tamron 75-300mm lens) on the marketplace a couple months ago with very good luck, so, yeah, good place to look. Also, is there another lens (or lens) I should also consider? Thanks again. vmax84

06-30-2009, 08:51 AM	#7
Just12hvFun Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Singapore Posts: 384	Originally posted by vmax84 I have purchased a lens (Tamron 75-300mm lens) on the marketplace a couple months ago with very good luck, so, yeah, good place to look. Also, is there another lens (or lens) I should also consider? Thanks again. vmax84 You may want to consider getting yourself a wide angle prime or zoom The DA14, DA 12-24 and DA 16-45 are good choices

06-30-2009, 08:59 AM	#8
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Sure, any lens that has a larger maximum aperture than the kit lens would be an improvement. Figure out using the kit lens what focal length or focal lengths you want. 50mm iis one the long side for me - I prefer something more in the 30-40 range. The DA40/2.8 is relatively inexpensive if you are limiting your search to autofocus lenses. It's a better focal length for me, but at f/2.8 instead of f/1.4, that's not as large an aperture, so you can't get as fast a shutter speed. Fast enough, though, most of the time. If you can still find an FA35/2, tht would be worth considering. And if you don't mind manual focus, there are a host of other options, too.

06-30-2009, 09:52 AM	#9
newarts Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ames, Iowa, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 2,965	I use a 50mm F 1:1.7 & like it. I'm not sure if the 1.4 version's extra speed would compensate for its shallower DOF when wide open (1/3 faster, 1/5 less DOF); maybe someday I'll switch to the 1.4 & see. The numbers look like the 1.4 would be preferable. Dave in Iowa

06-30-2009, 10:31 AM	#10
superfuzzy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NJ, USA (close to NYC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 278	Originally posted by vmax84 I have the K100D body (really enjoy the camera) and the standard kit lens (18-55?) which I use for indoor use, but will have to use the flash if the room is too dark................which lens would be best for this situation? I've heard of the "fast 50", but honestly don't know much about it. Suggestions or links? Thanks. vmax84 the FA 35mm f/2 will be more useful than the 50mm focal lenght. 50MM just isn't wide enough for general purpose indoor family type photography. Also consider constant f/2.8 zooms, in the 17-50mm range. For my use at least, constant f4 zooms are unacceptable indoors. Good luck!

06-30-2009, 10:58 AM	#11
redpigeons Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 943	for me indoor lens should be f/2.8 or fester (smaller #) that should cover you focal length is relay depend on what you are going for , if you want to shoot the whole room you will need a wide lens. if you are going for a portrait of a person in a room you will need a longer lens if you like zooms and you have the money get something like the DA * 16-50 f/2.8 and you done

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

06-30-2009, 11:11 AM	#12
Mike Cash Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,950	Originally posted by vmax84 I have the K100D body (really enjoy the camera) and the standard kit lens (18-55?) which I use for indoor use, but will have to use the flash if the room is too dark................which lens would be best for this situation? I've heard of the "fast 50", but honestly don't know much about it. Suggestions or links? Thanks. vmax84 Forgive me if this question insults your intelligence, but do you understand why the kit lens is too dark and what feature of a different lens would make it better suited? Understanding that will make it easy for you to make a judgment about the suitability of any substitute lens for yourself. It's all about the maximum aperture. Forgive the short answer, but I have to run out the door to go to work. If you need help with this I feel certain some kind soul will be glad to elaborate on it.

06-30-2009, 11:13 AM	#13
thirdofthree Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Highland Park, IL Posts: 217	Originally posted by superfuzzy Also consider constant f/2.8 zooms, in the 17-50mm range. I'd also consider the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8. Not real wide, but I've found mine very useful for indoor shots of mobile youngsters. Also won't break the bank, especially if purchased second hand in the marketplace.

07-01-2009, 03:03 AM	#14
vmax84 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 307 Original Poster	Most of my shots use to be soccer, softball, etc., but am working on more indoor shots now, and am surprised how pricey the "little lens" can be!!! Thank you to all who have posted..........a little bit of info leads me to google and then more reading!!! PentaxForums is a great site! vmax84

07-01-2009, 07:30 AM	#15
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	FA 35 f/2 hands down. You won't find anything wider and faster for that price range.