K-7 and "stealth" lens

netuser · 08-31-2009, 02:47 PM

Hi all

What do you guys think it's the best "stealth" lens for street photography with k-7?

(Meaning using k-7 as a P&S style

)

Think opinions will focus on fixed lens, so, what is your opinion and why ?

Thanks in advance

jerrymouse · 08-31-2009, 03:11 PM

DA 21, DA 40

-- size

pasipasi · 08-31-2009, 03:21 PM

I'm waiting to get DA21 in the mail for stealth street shooting. It's small and wide. I found that with the DA16-50 I like to shoot wide on street, but it's so huge everyone will notice.

ivoire · 08-31-2009, 03:23 PM

Originally posted by jerrymouse

DA 21, DA 40

-- size

gets my vote

netuser · 08-31-2009, 04:31 PM

Think I'm going to try one or two weeks to stay at 21mm on a zoom to see the feeling and then the same to the da40.

Let's see if I would like the testing.

Frank B · 08-31-2009, 04:33 PM

I just got a K2000 (about the same size as the K-7 I think) specifically for use with a DA 40, for pretty much the type of use you are thinking of. It makes for a really small package, and the focal length is not all that far off of the old 50mm film camera "standard" lens.

I've had the 40 for a while now, and after only a few days of shooting with the K2000/DA40 combo I can say that the size and portability is really nice. My other camera is a K20D; the difference is noticeable. Hanging around my neck or shoulder it looks more like one of those "bridge" cameras than an SLR. It just disappears when held in the hand at your side.

Here are a few shots to give you a feel for the FOV of the 40, nothing really artistic, I was just out walking around to get a feel for the light weight body/focal length combo.

The other lens I can think of would be the DA 21, which is slightly bigger but a really nice "walking around" lens. I took most of the shots on my last 2-week trip with the DA 21, on the K20D.

Here's are 2 shots, first one with the DA 40, followed by the same shot with the DA 21, both taken with a K20D, just enough time between them to change lenses:

Now with the DA 21, from the same spot:

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-31-2009, 04:43 PM

I should know better than to ask, but if you want to treat the camera as a point and shoot, why did you get a K7,

if you want something inconspicous for street shots why not use pentax's new bridge camera. Small emough no one will take you seriously.

That is the whole point of stealth isn't it, to hide in plain sight

netuser · 08-31-2009, 04:54 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

I should know better than to ask, but if you want to treat the camera as a point and shoot, why did you get a K7,

if you want something inconspicous for street shots why not use pentax's new bridge camera. Small emough no one will take you seriously.

That is the whole point of stealth isn't it, to hide in plain sight

Hi

Point is my wife don't like zooms and wants to use a fixed lens on the k200d that she prefers over our k-7. So, instead of thinking on x70 that would mean another camera (with zoom) I went the path you see on this post

Wheatfield · 08-31-2009, 05:12 PM

I like wides. The DA 15 and/or DA 21 get my vote.

Damn Brit · 08-31-2009, 05:22 PM

The 10-17 FE is a true stealth street lens, you don't have to point it at someone to take their picture.

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-31-2009, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by netuser

Hi

Point is my wife don't like zooms and wants to use a fixed lens on the k200d that she prefers over our k-7. So, instead of thinking on x70 that would mean another camera (with zoom) I went the path you see on this post

in that case, I would go for 2 different ones, a very fast ~30mm, and something in the 18-20mm range.

Logic is as follows, the fast 30mm would be like the old fast 50, for normal shots and night shots. (I used to walk around with my smc 50mm F1.4 and Tri-x exposed at 3200ISO, at night. No one took me seroiusly because they didn't think a photo would turn out.

the 18-20mm would be a lens that you could set the hyper focal distance to something very good, leave the lens stopped down in Av mode, and take shots without really worrying about framing. it would be a quick shooter, gauranteed focus and great for candids, because no one would think you were taking their photo with a little lens

Marc Sabatella · 08-31-2009, 07:17 PM

I'm guessing that since you talk abou "stealth", when you say street photography, you don't mean architecture, but candids. In hich case, I'd skip the 21 and 40 and go for the 70, which would be better for getting shots of people from a distance.

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-31-2009, 07:31 PM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

I'm guessing that since you talk abou "stealth", when you say street photography, you don't mean architecture, but candids. In hich case, I'd skip the 21 and 40 and go for the 70, which would be better for getting shots of people from a distance.

interesting approach, long enough to stay away but short enough that you don't look like a paparazzi.

what about your beloved 135 Marc? really get's you away from the subject and a nie portrait lens

Marc Sabatella · 08-31-2009, 11:05 PM

I do like the M135/3.5 for this, yeah, but it's just too long at times. My M100/2.8 is a bit better. Also, the need to focus manually takes some of the stealth factor away. I figure the 70 is a pretty good compromise.

Nesster · 09-01-2009, 02:41 AM

When I take my 70 out for a day, I end up not liking it - the focal length is just too long and too short at the same time, for me.

However, I love shooting with the 43. Outside, people wise, often a 'long normal' is a good thing. I suppose the 40 will work about as well.

Depending on the kind of shooting you want to do, autofocus isn't always the best option. Another cool kit would be a couple of manual focus lenses, say in the 28/35/50 range.

08-31-2009, 02:47 PM	#1
netuser Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Azores Islands, Portugal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,236	K-7 and "stealth" lens Hi all What do you guys think it's the best "stealth" lens for street photography with k-7? (Meaning using k-7 as a P&S style ) Think opinions will focus on fixed lens, so, what is your opinion and why ? Thanks in advance

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08-31-2009, 03:11 PM	#2
jerrymouse Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pilsen, Czech Republic Posts: 224	DA 21, DA 40 -- size

08-31-2009, 03:21 PM	#3
pasipasi Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Oulu Photos: Gallery Posts: 532	I'm waiting to get DA21 in the mail for stealth street shooting. It's small and wide. I found that with the DA16-50 I like to shoot wide on street, but it's so huge everyone will notice.

08-31-2009, 03:23 PM	#4
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	Originally posted by jerrymouse DA 21, DA 40 -- size gets my vote

08-31-2009, 04:31 PM	#5
netuser Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Azores Islands, Portugal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,236 Original Poster	Think I'm going to try one or two weeks to stay at 21mm on a zoom to see the feeling and then the same to the da40. Let's see if I would like the testing.

08-31-2009, 04:33 PM	#6
Frank B Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 149	I just got a K2000 (about the same size as the K-7 I think) specifically for use with a DA 40, for pretty much the type of use you are thinking of. It makes for a really small package, and the focal length is not all that far off of the old 50mm film camera "standard" lens. I've had the 40 for a while now, and after only a few days of shooting with the K2000/DA40 combo I can say that the size and portability is really nice. My other camera is a K20D; the difference is noticeable. Hanging around my neck or shoulder it looks more like one of those "bridge" cameras than an SLR. It just disappears when held in the hand at your side. Here are a few shots to give you a feel for the FOV of the 40, nothing really artistic, I was just out walking around to get a feel for the light weight body/focal length combo. The other lens I can think of would be the DA 21, which is slightly bigger but a really nice "walking around" lens. I took most of the shots on my last 2-week trip with the DA 21, on the K20D. Here's are 2 shots, first one with the DA 40, followed by the same shot with the DA 21, both taken with a K20D, just enough time between them to change lenses: Now with the DA 21, from the same spot:

08-31-2009, 04:43 PM	#7
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	I should know better than to ask, but if you want to treat the camera as a point and shoot, why did you get a K7, if you want something inconspicous for street shots why not use pentax's new bridge camera. Small emough no one will take you seriously. That is the whole point of stealth isn't it, to hide in plain sight

08-31-2009, 04:54 PM	#8
netuser Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Azores Islands, Portugal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,236 Original Poster	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge I should know better than to ask, but if you want to treat the camera as a point and shoot, why did you get a K7, if you want something inconspicous for street shots why not use pentax's new bridge camera. Small emough no one will take you seriously. That is the whole point of stealth isn't it, to hide in plain sight Hi Point is my wife don't like zooms and wants to use a fixed lens on the k200d that she prefers over our k-7. So, instead of thinking on x70 that would mean another camera (with zoom) I went the path you see on this post

08-31-2009, 05:12 PM	#9
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,975	I like wides. The DA 15 and/or DA 21 get my vote.

08-31-2009, 05:22 PM	#10
Damn Brit Guest	The 10-17 FE is a true stealth street lens, you don't have to point it at someone to take their picture.

08-31-2009, 06:34 PM	#11
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by netuser Hi Point is my wife don't like zooms and wants to use a fixed lens on the k200d that she prefers over our k-7. So, instead of thinking on x70 that would mean another camera (with zoom) I went the path you see on this post in that case, I would go for 2 different ones, a very fast ~30mm, and something in the 18-20mm range. Logic is as follows, the fast 30mm would be like the old fast 50, for normal shots and night shots. (I used to walk around with my smc 50mm F1.4 and Tri-x exposed at 3200ISO, at night. No one took me seroiusly because they didn't think a photo would turn out. the 18-20mm would be a lens that you could set the hyper focal distance to something very good, leave the lens stopped down in Av mode, and take shots without really worrying about framing. it would be a quick shooter, gauranteed focus and great for candids, because no one would think you were taking their photo with a little lens

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08-31-2009, 07:17 PM	#12
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	I'm guessing that since you talk abou "stealth", when you say street photography, you don't mean architecture, but candids. In hich case, I'd skip the 21 and 40 and go for the 70, which would be better for getting shots of people from a distance.

08-31-2009, 07:31 PM	#13
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella I'm guessing that since you talk abou "stealth", when you say street photography, you don't mean architecture, but candids. In hich case, I'd skip the 21 and 40 and go for the 70, which would be better for getting shots of people from a distance. interesting approach, long enough to stay away but short enough that you don't look like a paparazzi. what about your beloved 135 Marc? really get's you away from the subject and a nie portrait lens

08-31-2009, 11:05 PM	#14
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	I do like the M135/3.5 for this, yeah, but it's just too long at times. My M100/2.8 is a bit better. Also, the need to focus manually takes some of the stealth factor away. I figure the 70 is a pretty good compromise.

09-01-2009, 02:41 AM	#15
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	When I take my 70 out for a day, I end up not liking it - the focal length is just too long and too short at the same time, for me. However, I love shooting with the 43. Outside, people wise, often a 'long normal' is a good thing. I suppose the 40 will work about as well. Depending on the kind of shooting you want to do, autofocus isn't always the best option. Another cool kit would be a couple of manual focus lenses, say in the 28/35/50 range.