16-50mm or 50-135mm

consiglieri · 06-29-2010, 05:34 AM

Hi

I am in new york next monday and want to buy a lense but have limited time.
What would you recommend for my Pentax K-7 the DA* 16-50 2.8 or the 50-135 2.8?

Or do you advise getting another lense? I have heard much good about the 35 mm 2.8 even though its not weather sealed.

I am an avid amateur and like to take the normal family and tourist pictures, and i also like landscape and low light pictures.

Adam · 06-29-2010, 05:42 AM

Do you like to take wider-angle shots and landscapes, or prefer to do portraits or close-up and longer focal lengths? If the former, you should grab the 16-50mm; otherwise, the 50-135mm.

Personally, I'm the type who prefers longer lenses, and thus I'd go with the 50-135mm (then again, I use the FA* 85mm as my walk-around lens, if that says anything

). The 50-135mm is also a better-reviewed lens overall:

Pentax Lens Review Database - SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] Lens Reviews (8.68/10 - 40 reviews)
Pentax Lens Review Database - SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] Lens Reviews (9.71/10 - 47 reviews)

Chuck-B&H · 06-29-2010, 08:00 AM

Originally posted by consiglieri

Hi

I am in new york next monday and want to buy a lense but have limited time.
What would you recommend for my Pentax K-7 the DA* 16-50 2.8 or the 50-135 2.8?

Or do you advise getting another lense? I have heard much good about the 35 mm 2.8 even though its not weather sealed.

I am an avid amateur and like to take the normal family and tourist pictures, and i also like landscape and low light pictures.

Hello,

Based on what you posted are your main subjects, the 16-50 would be the best choice. When shooting casual family photo's, you are usually near your family members. A telephoto lens would move you further away from your subjects. Many photographers use a telephoto lens to get more candid images of subjects where they do not want them aware they are being photographed. Landscapes are most often shot with wider angle lens.

Pentax - SMCP-DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED SDM Lens - 21650 - B&H Photo

Fixed focal length lens such as a 35mm lens will have better image quality than most zoom lens. As an "avid amateur" you may find this type of lens limiting. As you gain experience, I would suggest taking note of the images you take and what focal length setting you used. You will begin to notice what focal length range works best for you. At that time, you may want to look into getting a fixed or prime lens.

C h u c k C a p r i o l a
Live Chat and E-Mail Sales Manager B&H Photo-Video

Thank you, we appreciate your business.
*** Peace on Earth ***

06-29-2010, 05:34 AM	#1
consiglieri New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sverige Posts: 13	16-50mm or 50-135mm Hi I am in new york next monday and want to buy a lense but have limited time. What would you recommend for my Pentax K-7 the DA* 16-50 2.8 or the 50-135 2.8? Or do you advise getting another lense? I have heard much good about the 35 mm 2.8 even though its not weather sealed. I am an avid amateur and like to take the normal family and tourist pictures, and i also like landscape and low light pictures.

06-29-2010, 05:42 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Do you like to take wider-angle shots and landscapes, or prefer to do portraits or close-up and longer focal lengths? If the former, you should grab the 16-50mm; otherwise, the 50-135mm. Personally, I'm the type who prefers longer lenses, and thus I'd go with the 50-135mm (then again, I use the FA* 85mm as my walk-around lens, if that says anything ). The 50-135mm is also a better-reviewed lens overall: Pentax Lens Review Database - SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] Lens Reviews (8.68/10 - 40 reviews) Pentax Lens Review Database - SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] Lens Reviews (9.71/10 - 47 reviews) Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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06-29-2010, 08:00 AM	#3
Chuck-B&H B&H Photo Specialist Join Date: May 2010 Location: New York Posts: 935	Originally posted by consiglieri Hi I am in new york next monday and want to buy a lense but have limited time. What would you recommend for my Pentax K-7 the DA* 16-50 2.8 or the 50-135 2.8? Or do you advise getting another lense? I have heard much good about the 35 mm 2.8 even though its not weather sealed. I am an avid amateur and like to take the normal family and tourist pictures, and i also like landscape and low light pictures. Hello, Based on what you posted are your main subjects, the 16-50 would be the best choice. When shooting casual family photo's, you are usually near your family members. A telephoto lens would move you further away from your subjects. Many photographers use a telephoto lens to get more candid images of subjects where they do not want them aware they are being photographed. Landscapes are most often shot with wider angle lens. Pentax - SMCP-DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED SDM Lens - 21650 - B&H Photo Fixed focal length lens such as a 35mm lens will have better image quality than most zoom lens. As an "avid amateur" you may find this type of lens limiting. As you gain experience, I would suggest taking note of the images you take and what focal length setting you used. You will begin to notice what focal length range works best for you. At that time, you may want to look into getting a fixed or prime lens. C h u c k C a p r i o l a Live Chat and E-Mail Sales Manager B&H Photo-Video Thank you, we appreciate your business. * Peace on Earth *