Originally posted by kpfeifle
Hi All:
I curently own the following:
K100D
18-55 DA Kit lens
50/1.4
Sigma 70-300 macro
Kevin, I had a look through your pbase shots and from what you shoot I'd say a few lenses come to mind.
First the shots in that portfolio are great. You have a very good eye and indeed the manhole cover is a long way from home!
Keep the DA 18-55. Very good kit lens and it may see less use as your collection expands but why buy another lens that almost replaces the same focal range. When you've filled the other spots in your bag then it's time to look at that range. But for me personally the primes, a macro or a wider zoom are the way to add to the bag first.
I'll suggest a couple of different choices. I also have no idea what your budget is but get the best you can afford because (in my experience) upgrading a lens in 6 months will just cost money most of the time unless you can sell and break even on the old lens. (I've regretted a couple of cheapo choices).
I think you have an interest in close ups since many of your shots isolate the subject from it's surroundings. Maybe the TAMRON SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1
which will offer a mid length telephoto and great macro ability. My own preference is that this lens is FF so if you ever want to pick up a film camera or there is a FF body a couple of years down the road, who knows. Plus (and I'd like to hear others thoughts on this) there may be less tendency of a FF lens to vignette at wide open.
Also a few of your shots ("Lines","No Boats") are wide and I'm wondering if your current lens bag limits you from shooting more like this. I have the Sigma 12-24 f/4.5-5.6 EX DG and it's a wonderful lens in many ways even at wide open. CA's seem well controlled and it is very sharp. It's very similar to the DA 12-24 and I think it just depends on which you can get for a better price.
Much of the rest of your work posted is in the mid tele range so maybe the 70mm Limited would be a good choice. Another longer and more economical lens could be the 135 A SMC f2.8. Fast and sharp just MF. But between the 70,90 and 135, I guess I'd suggest the Tamron first since it is multi purpose. You can use it as a mid tele to catch a longer shot and then shoot a bug or flower right in front of you.
And again if budget is not an issue then the 31mm Limited or try to find a 35mm f2.0 I've got that lens and it's a great 'normal' lens on a DSLR and almost as sharp as the Limited's. Great street shooting lens, closer portraits etc.
The huge advantage (lots has been written about the picture qualities) of the Limited's has to be the size. You can take 2-3 and your long Tele in a hip bag and go walk in the woods without feeling like a pack mule. They are all so fast that often a tripod is not required, which makes travel even better.