Help! Dilemma in choosing my new lenses setup

aaronius · 04-29-2010, 02:45 AM

I have going to sell off my DA 70 and is thinking of my revamping my current lenses line-up. I currently have the FA 35 and the 18-55 kit lens.

I love the IQ and colour rendering of my DA 70 but selling it off to get something more flexible yet provide similar IQ. My initial plan is to get the DFA 100 Macro WR to replace the DA 70 as I can use it as a medium telephoto for portraits and also for macro. But after coming back from a overseas trip recently, I think I might need a setup which is more flexible in terms of range and speed yet provides good IQ.

I have come up with a few combinations and would like to hear your comments on which is good and suitable for my needs? My priority is IQ followed closely by flexibility (when travelling). As you can see from the choices below, I might have to sacrifice my FA 35 too.

I am considering the DA*50-135 because I read many things about it being a combination of my prime lenses in one package and its IQ is comparable to the Limiteds.

1) FA 35 + DFA 100 WR + 18-55
2) Tamron 17-50 + DA*50-135
3) Tamron 17-50 + DFA 100 WR
4) FA 35 + Tamron 17-50 + DFA 100 WR

rustynail925 · 04-29-2010, 03:10 AM

I think they all are great in IQ
I would vote for the 17-50 and 50-150 or 100 macro
17-50, 50-150 = budget wise & flexibility.. If macro is not important to and you dont mind the weight

aaronius · 04-29-2010, 03:21 AM

Thanks rustynail! I am just worried if I will be losing out alot in terms of IQ if I sell off my FA 35 to get the Tamron 17-50mm? I do agree that in terms of flexibility, the Tamron 17-50 + DA*50-135 will cover most of my needs. I just don't want to sacrifice too much in terms of IQ.

Originally posted by rustynail925

I think they all are great in IQ
I would vote for the 17-50 and 50-150 or 100 macro
17-50, 50-150 = budget wise & flexibility.. If macro is not important to and you dont mind the weight

axl · 04-29-2010, 03:23 AM

there is huge difference between 70 and 100mm in terms of FOV. Personally I have always found above 100mm too long for general use on APSC. I used to have Sigma 105, DA*50-135, FA135, Hoya 135. Sold them all and VERY RARELY miss them. But that may be just me...
Why do you think DA70 is limiting you?
Personally, 100 is great for outdoor portraits but too tight for indoors. I'd pick 70-85 range over 100 any given day if I would be after bigger flexibility.
Out of those options you provide I wouldn't choose any. I'd keep 18-55 and 35 and add 50-135 if I were to change anything on your current setup.

BR
Peter

Eagle_Friends · 04-29-2010, 03:26 AM

get the tamron, its a great lens, and not too expensive too.

rustynail925 · 04-29-2010, 03:57 AM

Originally posted by aaronius

Thanks rustynail! I am just worried if I will be losing out alot in terms of IQ if I sell off my FA 35 to get the Tamron 17-50mm? I do agree that in terms of flexibility, the Tamron 17-50 + DA*50-135 will cover most of my needs. I just don't want to sacrifice too much in terms of IQ.

Dont sell the FA35 first, when you get the tamron you can compare the image taken w/ both lens. You'll lose 1 stop but the IQ wont be that much of a difference w/out pixel peeping.

**Lowell Goudge** · 04-29-2010, 04:02 AM

I think you might be missing something here. I would keep the 70mm if you likethe lens and replace the kit lens with something fast f2.8. You should be looking for an ultra wide. Either a 10-20 or 12-24 then a 16/17 to 50/70 to replace the kit lens. When I travel, unless the is a wildlife opportunity I take my 10-20, my 28-75 F2.8 and my 85 F1.4 or my 135 F2.5

aaronius · 04-29-2010, 04:30 AM

The DA 70 is not really limiting me but sometimes when I am taking a performance from a distance, the 70mm is not enough for me unless I can stand up and walk to the front which I can't as I am not the official photographer. I am thinking the DA*50-135 might be a good compromise on IQ and flexibility since it goes from 50 to 135.

Originally posted by axl

there is huge difference between 70 and 100mm in terms of FOV. Personally I have always found above 100mm too long for general use on APSC. I used to have Sigma 105, DA*50-135, FA135, Hoya 135. Sold them all and VERY RARELY miss them. But that may be just me...
Why do you think DA70 is limiting you?
Personally, 100 is great for outdoor portraits but too tight for indoors. I'd pick 70-85 range over 100 any given day if I would be after bigger flexibility.
Out of those options you provide I wouldn't choose any. I'd keep 18-55 and 35 and add 50-135 if I were to change anything on your current setup.

BR
Peter

aaronius · 04-29-2010, 04:32 AM

I like the FA35 but I don't know if my budget will allows me to keep both lenses. And if I get the Tamron, I don't know if I will still use my FA35 much since 35mm is covered by the Tamron too.

Originally posted by rustynail925

Dont sell the FA35 first, when you get the tamron you can compare the image taken w/ both lens. You'll lose 1 stop but the IQ wont be that much of a difference w/out pixel peeping.

aaronius · 04-29-2010, 04:34 AM

The DA 70 is a mighty fine lens but just that I need a longer reach sometimes..

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

I think you might be missing something here. I would keep the 70mm if you likethe lens and replace the kit lens with something fast f2.8. You should be looking for an ultra wide. Either a 10-20 or 12-24 then a 16/17 to 50/70 to replace the kit lens. When I travel, unless the is a wildlife opportunity I take my 10-20, my 28-75 F2.8 and my 85 F1.4 or my 135 F2.5

Pentaxor · 04-29-2010, 10:50 PM

Originally posted by aaronius

I like the FA35 but I don't know if my budget will allows me to keep both lenses. And if I get the Tamron, I don't know if I will still use my FA35 much since 35mm is covered by the Tamron too.

you do know that the 17-50 is 1/2 price cheaper than the 50-135. so why wont your budget allow it? it's more than enough juice to keep the lens.

but anyway, if you dont feel like keeping or needing the lens, the 17-50 + 100 would be enough.

Jasvox · 04-30-2010, 03:06 AM

Another option...

Keep the FA35/2 as it is an essential lens and will in most cases provide a sharper, more pleasing photo than the 17-50/2.8 at it's 35mm setting. Pickup the Tamron 17-50 and a Pentax DA55-300. Done! 3 fine lenses which will not break the bank and covers a wide array of width and reach.

Jason

aaronius · 04-30-2010, 09:48 AM

Thanks for the advices guys! I've sold off my DA 70 and got the DFA 100mm WR instead of the DA*50-135. I will keep the FA 35 and most likely get the Tamron 17-50mm sometimes in the near future to replace my kit lens.

Took some test shots with the DFA 100 WR just now and really like its IQ and colour rendering. Will post them up soon.

aaronius · 04-30-2010, 10:26 AM

Hey guys, I have posted the 1st few test shots I took with the DFA 100mm Macro WR.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/99799-streets-my-first-m...ml#post1026531

**Lowell Goudge** · 04-30-2010, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by aaronius

The DA 70 is a mighty fine lens but just that I need a longer reach sometimes..

When I travel light, I take 1 body, and 3 lenses.

the lenses are Sigma APO 10-20 F4-5.6 EX DC, Tamron XR Di 28-75 F2.8 and one of either my vivitar 85mmF1.4 and SMC-F1.7x AFTC or my SMC 135 F2.5

the idea is that the 10-20 and 28-75 are the two go to lenses, but I like also occasionally some extra reach so if I was really pressed about size and weight I would tame my 135, but for just a little more size and weight, the 85F1.4 plus the TC can do double duty as a portrait lens and with the TC a 145mm F2.5 medium tele, this pairing gives me AF and AE, something I don't get with the K mount 135.

04-29-2010, 02:45 AM	#1
aaronius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 188	Help! Dilemma in choosing my new lenses setup I have going to sell off my DA 70 and is thinking of my revamping my current lenses line-up. I currently have the FA 35 and the 18-55 kit lens. I love the IQ and colour rendering of my DA 70 but selling it off to get something more flexible yet provide similar IQ. My initial plan is to get the DFA 100 Macro WR to replace the DA 70 as I can use it as a medium telephoto for portraits and also for macro. But after coming back from a overseas trip recently, I think I might need a setup which is more flexible in terms of range and speed yet provides good IQ. I have come up with a few combinations and would like to hear your comments on which is good and suitable for my needs? My priority is IQ followed closely by flexibility (when travelling). As you can see from the choices below, I might have to sacrifice my FA 35 too. I am considering the DA50-135 because I read many things about it being a combination of my prime lenses in one package and its IQ is comparable to the Limiteds. 1) FA 35 + DFA 100 WR* + 18-55 2) Tamron 17-50 + *DA50-135 3) Tamron 17-50 + DFA 100 WR 4) FA 35 + Tamron 17-50 + DFA 100 WR**

04-30-2010, 09:48 AM	#13
aaronius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 188 Original Poster	Thanks for the advices guys! I've sold off my DA 70 and got the DFA 100mm WR instead of the DA50-135. I will keep the FA 35 and most likely get the Tamron 17-50mm sometimes in the near future to replace my kit lens. Took some test shots with the DFA 100 WR just now and really like its IQ and colour rendering. Will post them up soon. Last edited by aaronius; 04-30-2010 at 09:53 AM.*

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04-29-2010, 03:10 AM	#2
rustynail925 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,551	I think they all are great in IQ I would vote for the 17-50 and 50-150 or 100 macro 17-50, 50-150 = budget wise & flexibility.. If macro is not important to and you dont mind the weight

04-29-2010, 03:21 AM	#3
aaronius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 188 Original Poster	Thanks rustynail! I am just worried if I will be losing out alot in terms of IQ if I sell off my FA 35 to get the Tamron 17-50mm? I do agree that in terms of flexibility, the Tamron 17-50 + DA*50-135 will cover most of my needs. I just don't want to sacrifice too much in terms of IQ. Originally posted by rustynail925 I think they all are great in IQ I would vote for the 17-50 and 50-150 or 100 macro 17-50, 50-150 = budget wise & flexibility.. If macro is not important to and you dont mind the weight

04-29-2010, 03:23 AM	#4
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	there is huge difference between 70 and 100mm in terms of FOV. Personally I have always found above 100mm too long for general use on APSC. I used to have Sigma 105, DA*50-135, FA135, Hoya 135. Sold them all and VERY RARELY miss them. But that may be just me... Why do you think DA70 is limiting you? Personally, 100 is great for outdoor portraits but too tight for indoors. I'd pick 70-85 range over 100 any given day if I would be after bigger flexibility. Out of those options you provide I wouldn't choose any. I'd keep 18-55 and 35 and add 50-135 if I were to change anything on your current setup. BR Peter

04-29-2010, 03:26 AM	#5
Eagle_Friends Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 971	get the tamron, its a great lens, and not too expensive too.

04-29-2010, 03:57 AM	#6
rustynail925 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,551	Originally posted by aaronius Thanks rustynail! I am just worried if I will be losing out alot in terms of IQ if I sell off my FA 35 to get the Tamron 17-50mm? I do agree that in terms of flexibility, the Tamron 17-50 + DA*50-135 will cover most of my needs. I just don't want to sacrifice too much in terms of IQ. Dont sell the FA35 first, when you get the tamron you can compare the image taken w/ both lens. You'll lose 1 stop but the IQ wont be that much of a difference w/out pixel peeping.

04-29-2010, 04:02 AM	#7
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	I think you might be missing something here. I would keep the 70mm if you likethe lens and replace the kit lens with something fast f2.8. You should be looking for an ultra wide. Either a 10-20 or 12-24 then a 16/17 to 50/70 to replace the kit lens. When I travel, unless the is a wildlife opportunity I take my 10-20, my 28-75 F2.8 and my 85 F1.4 or my 135 F2.5

04-29-2010, 04:30 AM	#8
aaronius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 188 Original Poster	The DA 70 is not really limiting me but sometimes when I am taking a performance from a distance, the 70mm is not enough for me unless I can stand up and walk to the front which I can't as I am not the official photographer. I am thinking the DA50-135 might be a good compromise on IQ and flexibility since it goes from 50 to 135. Originally posted by axl there is huge difference between 70 and 100mm in terms of FOV. Personally I have always found above 100mm too long for general use on APSC. I used to have Sigma 105, DA50-135, FA135, Hoya 135. Sold them all and VERY RARELY miss them. But that may be just me... Why do you think DA70 is limiting you? Personally, 100 is great for outdoor portraits but too tight for indoors. I'd pick 70-85 range over 100 any given day if I would be after bigger flexibility. Out of those options you provide I wouldn't choose any. I'd keep 18-55 and 35 and add 50-135 if I were to change anything on your current setup. BR Peter

04-29-2010, 04:32 AM	#9
aaronius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 188 Original Poster	I like the FA35 but I don't know if my budget will allows me to keep both lenses. And if I get the Tamron, I don't know if I will still use my FA35 much since 35mm is covered by the Tamron too. Originally posted by rustynail925 Dont sell the FA35 first, when you get the tamron you can compare the image taken w/ both lens. You'll lose 1 stop but the IQ wont be that much of a difference w/out pixel peeping.

04-29-2010, 04:34 AM	#10
aaronius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 188 Original Poster	The DA 70 is a mighty fine lens but just that I need a longer reach sometimes.. Originally posted by Lowell Goudge I think you might be missing something here. I would keep the 70mm if you likethe lens and replace the kit lens with something fast f2.8. You should be looking for an ultra wide. Either a 10-20 or 12-24 then a 16/17 to 50/70 to replace the kit lens. When I travel, unless the is a wildlife opportunity I take my 10-20, my 28-75 F2.8 and my 85 F1.4 or my 135 F2.5

04-29-2010, 10:50 PM	#11
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by aaronius I like the FA35 but I don't know if my budget will allows me to keep both lenses. And if I get the Tamron, I don't know if I will still use my FA35 much since 35mm is covered by the Tamron too. you do know that the 17-50 is 1/2 price cheaper than the 50-135. so why wont your budget allow it? it's more than enough juice to keep the lens. but anyway, if you dont feel like keeping or needing the lens, the 17-50 + 100 would be enough.

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04-30-2010, 03:06 AM	#12
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	Another option... Keep the FA35/2 as it is an essential lens and will in most cases provide a sharper, more pleasing photo than the 17-50/2.8 at it's 35mm setting. Pickup the Tamron 17-50 and a Pentax DA55-300. Done! 3 fine lenses which will not break the bank and covers a wide array of width and reach. Jason

04-30-2010, 10:26 AM	#14
aaronius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 188 Original Poster	Hey guys, I have posted the 1st few test shots I took with the DFA 100mm Macro WR. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/99799-streets-my-first-m...ml#post1026531

04-30-2010, 03:13 PM	#15
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by aaronius The DA 70 is a mighty fine lens but just that I need a longer reach sometimes.. When I travel light, I take 1 body, and 3 lenses. the lenses are Sigma APO 10-20 F4-5.6 EX DC, Tamron XR Di 28-75 F2.8 and one of either my vivitar 85mmF1.4 and SMC-F1.7x AFTC or my SMC 135 F2.5 the idea is that the 10-20 and 28-75 are the two go to lenses, but I like also occasionally some extra reach so if I was really pressed about size and weight I would tame my 135, but for just a little more size and weight, the 85F1.4 plus the TC can do double duty as a portrait lens and with the TC a 145mm F2.5 medium tele, this pairing gives me AF and AE, something I don't get with the K mount 135.