Am I crazy ?

raymeedc · 08-21-2009, 07:51 PM

I guess by your definition that I too must be crazy (or at least partially demented). Not only do I shoot exclusively with early P/K mount & M42 mount Takumar primes, but I use handheld meters!..... I use my DSLR basically as a digital polaroid back. I would seriously consider committing myself for observation, but I fear I'm probably already too far gone for that to be a viable solution.

Last edited by raymeedc; 08-21-2009 at 09:50 PM.

**mtngal** · 08-21-2009, 09:14 PM

Interesting that there aren't more people defending zoom lenses. I have the DA*50-135 and have no intention of selling it any time soon. But I did a few comparison shots with the 50-135 on a brand new K-7 and the 77 Ltd on a K20. The 77 won every time - sometimes by not very much but every time. I've also noticed that, with the exception of the 10-17 or when I'm forced into it, I tend to forget that the zoom lenses can zoom and just shoot with whatever focal length they have when I put the camera to my eye, rather than fine-tuning the picture with the zoom. It made deciding on a fast lens longer than 135 easy - I skipped either of the 70-200 f2.8 zooms and bought the lighter DA*200. I'm finding myself using the 50-135 less and less now - opting for the 12-24, 77, 105 macro, 200 and 300 lenses as those most commonly used. So no, I don't think you are crazy.

You will give up versatility and going all prime isn't for everyone or every situation. But the quality will always be as good as it gets.

philbaum · 08-21-2009, 11:17 PM

Originally posted by Fred2726

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. Thinking that maybe I just enjoy to shoot with primes more than my zoom (DA* 50-135mm). Always seems that when I leave the house with the k10d my FA 50mm 1.4 is attatched. Almost have to force myself to put the DA* 50-135mm on the camera.

Love the DA* 50-135 and the range it covers, just sometimes the size is a factor. Weather resistance is great. No problem with sharpness, especially for a zoom.

Fred

Not crazy, no. I think when any of use are doing creative sorts of things, its important to have the tools that are right for you. So respect and go with your own thoughts on this. The 50-135 is bigger than i would like as well.

What pushed me into buying the DA 50-135 is a friend invited me to photograph the local playhouse productions with him for their publicity work. The 50-135 has been ideal for that work. I also like to do tripod stuff, and again the 50-135 fills out the range that i most often use.

So what i carry around are 3 lenses:

50-135
DA 35 macro
DA 21

But what works for me may not work for you.

Best wishes,

Fred2726 · 08-23-2009, 08:25 PM

In a crazy turn of events, the DA* 16-50 might just be in my future. I really do enjoy the DA* 50-135mm lens, and its super versitile. Weather sealed seems to be great during hot humid thunderstorm filled summers in the New Jersey/Philadelphia area.

So maybe go for the 16-50 and have from 16-135mm covered pretty darn well. Keep the FA 50mm for really low light. A whole lot more cost effective than the 31/43/77 combo. Unfortunately my photography is a hobby only right now, with some revenue being generated every now and then to help out the LBA. Like most others out there I guess.

Thanks for helping out.
Fred

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08-21-2009, 07:51 PM	#16
raymeedc Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 951	I guess by your definition that I too must be crazy (or at least partially demented). Not only do I shoot exclusively with early P/K mount & M42 mount Takumar primes, but I use handheld meters!..... I use my DSLR basically as a digital polaroid back. I would seriously consider committing myself for observation, but I fear I'm probably already too far gone for that to be a viable solution. Last edited by raymeedc; 08-21-2009 at 09:50 PM.

08-21-2009, 09:14 PM	#17
mtngal Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wherever I’m Parked Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,003	Interesting that there aren't more people defending zoom lenses. I have the DA50-135 and have no intention of selling it any time soon. But I did a few comparison shots with the 50-135 on a brand new K-7 and the 77 Ltd on a K20. The 77 won every time - sometimes by not very much but every time. I've also noticed that, with the exception of the 10-17 or when I'm forced into it, I tend to forget that the zoom lenses can zoom and just shoot with whatever focal length they have when I put the camera to my eye, rather than fine-tuning the picture with the zoom. It made deciding on a fast lens longer than 135 easy - I skipped either of the 70-200 f2.8 zooms and bought the lighter DA200. I'm finding myself using the 50-135 less and less now - opting for the 12-24, 77, 105 macro, 200 and 300 lenses as those most commonly used. So no, I don't think you are crazy. You will give up versatility and going all prime isn't for everyone or every situation. But the quality will always be as good as it gets.

08-21-2009, 11:17 PM	#18
philbaum Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Townsend, Washington State, USA Posts: 3,659	Originally posted by Fred2726 I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. Thinking that maybe I just enjoy to shoot with primes more than my zoom (DA* 50-135mm). Always seems that when I leave the house with the k10d my FA 50mm 1.4 is attatched. Almost have to force myself to put the DA* 50-135mm on the camera. Love the DA* 50-135 and the range it covers, just sometimes the size is a factor. Weather resistance is great. No problem with sharpness, especially for a zoom. Fred Not crazy, no. I think when any of use are doing creative sorts of things, its important to have the tools that are right for you. So respect and go with your own thoughts on this. The 50-135 is bigger than i would like as well. What pushed me into buying the DA 50-135 is a friend invited me to photograph the local playhouse productions with him for their publicity work. The 50-135 has been ideal for that work. I also like to do tripod stuff, and again the 50-135 fills out the range that i most often use. So what i carry around are 3 lenses: 50-135 DA 35 macro DA 21 But what works for me may not work for you. Best wishes,

08-23-2009, 08:25 PM	#19
Fred2726 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 93 Original Poster	In a crazy turn of events, the DA* 16-50 might just be in my future. I really do enjoy the DA* 50-135mm lens, and its super versitile. Weather sealed seems to be great during hot humid thunderstorm filled summers in the New Jersey/Philadelphia area. So maybe go for the 16-50 and have from 16-135mm covered pretty darn well. Keep the FA 50mm for really low light. A whole lot more cost effective than the 31/43/77 combo. Unfortunately my photography is a hobby only right now, with some revenue being generated every now and then to help out the LBA. Like most others out there I guess. Thanks for helping out. Fred