just got k5 lens help

spineguy · 05-15-2011, 06:30 PM

now im confused.... so f/4 would be ok for inside sports? thinking of just returning the 55-300 and keeping the 60-250 as my zoom workhorse. Dont want to make a 1600 mistake.

I think the 60-250 is more portable than the 70-200 as well... especially if it is my go to lens...whichever I choose, will probably be on the camera 80 percent.

feedback on other inside sports using the f.4?

i need speeds to be in the 640 at min to get clean shots...

twitch · 05-15-2011, 06:41 PM

Can you post either example pics with EXIF you took at the venue, or at least the key data for the pics (ie ISO, shutter, aperture, focal length).

I can't see how anyone can recommend an F/4 zoom for indoor sports to be honest, I can only imagine their experience of indoor lighting is different from mine, or perhaps they didn't need 1/250 shutter speed?

Of course it also varies from venue to venue. I've been at some where f/2.8 was fine, I've been at other where I struggled with an f/1.8 prime. I can't think of too many places where f4 is OK except perhaps for a music concert where people aren't moving around very fast....

spineguy · 05-15-2011, 07:07 PM

Oh I need faster than 1/250 even for my daughter's dance. The hunt for a used sigma 70-200 starts. I messages the only one for sale in marketplace earlier today but I haven't heard back.

Spine guy

P.s. I will post a picture and it's exif info tomorrow morning.

Winder · 05-15-2011, 07:40 PM

Originally posted by twitch

Can you post either example pics with EXIF you took at the venue, or at least the key data for the pics (ie ISO, shutter, aperture, focal length).

I can't see how anyone can recommend an F/4 zoom for indoor sports to be honest, I can only imagine their experience of indoor lighting is different from mine, or perhaps they didn't need 1/250 shutter speed?

Of course it also varies from venue to venue. I've been at some where f/2.8 was fine, I've been at other where I struggled with an f/1.8 prime. I can't think of too many places where f4 is OK except perhaps for a music concert where people aren't moving around very fast....

My comment was that the K-5 should have clean enough high ISO to run at F/4. I shoot indoor with my 5D at f/4 with my 135L and the K-5 is pretty close to my 5D.

I would not try it with my K-7.

rfortson · 05-16-2011, 11:57 AM

Go with f/2.8. Cheaper, faster, and image quality is probably on par with 60-250.

You'll definitely need f/2.8 (or faster) for indoor sports.

spineguy · 05-16-2011, 01:23 PM

i guess i will starting hunting for both... first good used one I find I buy....

**crewl1** · 05-16-2011, 01:31 PM

With the sigma i could have used 2.8 but reason I used higher f-stop for the indoor dance competition was to get a little more dof.
Shot in shutter priority with iso fixed at 3200. Aperture floated between 4-5.6.

Previously tried to use slower zoom 18-200 Tamron for these events but since best iq is at f8 pictures were coming out blurry due to slow shutter.

Out of town now but when I get back can post samples if you care to see them.

spineguy · 05-16-2011, 02:32 PM

with the k5 and its high ISO capabilities, thinking the f/4 will be ok.

the sense of urgency is only because i have the 55-300 that I got with the k5 from BH and they have a 15 day return policy. The pentax is more of a carry around lens plus because of the cost, will have to return.

the sigma 2.8 used would allow me to keep the 55-300 but then again, how much would it get used?

decisions decisions

plus, the chances of finding a good condition used 60-250 might be tough

twitch · 05-16-2011, 03:49 PM

Stating the obvious, but you can always stop a f2.8 lens down to f4, but you can't open up an f4 to f2.8 if you need it.

**crewl1** · 05-16-2011, 03:51 PM

For hiking and such you will prefer the lightness and size of the 55-300.
The 70-200 sigma is not a beast but I'd rather have something lighter with more reach for the great outdoors.

**DRabbit** · 05-16-2011, 04:28 PM

The problem I see here is that shooting gymnastics and shooting dance are two very different things. Stage lighting is way different than gymnasium lighting. Distance to stage can be a whole lot shorter than distance to floor from bleachers. Also, with dance, sometimes it's important to get a wider shot, so you can see the whole group dancing at once.

I shoot a lot of theater for my daughter's performances and I love the DA* 50-135 for it. I can crop to get closer if necessary, but the 50 gives me good group perspectives on stage. Sometimes it's not as long as I'd like, but it's long enough.

I don't shoot anything like gymnastics in a gym, but I'd imagine longer would be better, and the lighting can be dismal. I would not go for f/4. Fluorescents in a gym can be terrible, even though it seems bright. It's usually not bright enough.

with the DA* 50-135mm... this was on a K-x before I had the K-5...

**crewl1** · 05-16-2011, 05:19 PM

This is the only shot I had on my flickr acct, to be able to post remotely - sorry it is not the best example.

Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II @ F4, 1/400, 3200 ISO 78mm

psychdoc · 05-16-2011, 06:51 PM

Originally posted by spineguy

hello all:

im just a photo enthusiast that loves to catch the kids in their activities. Outside and indoor as gymnastics and dance is one of my most challenging shots.
............................
question: whats my next step? 70-200mm? is the reach long enough? sigma? id love the afford the 60-250 pentax but I just dont know if I can justify having 3000 in camera equipment being just a dad if you know what I mean.

I look forward to heading your thoughts...

From one dad to another: The 70-200mm lenses are heavy. Get the 50-135 f2.8. Takes lovely pics. But a word of warning. An unknown percentage of lenses with sdm motors have failed. Get an extended warranty. Mack warranties are pretty cheap. I think I got a 7 year warranty for 50 dollars. Cant vouch for Mack.

Here are some pics. The first two shot at f2.8, the last at f4

rvannatta · 05-16-2011, 09:00 PM

Amen to the 50-135. The view is similar to what you got with an 80-200 at Full Frame and with the resolution of this lens, some optical zoom in photoshop isn't a problem either.

Over the years, I've taken a lot of photos in churches and they tend to be really dark and my best results have tended to be from fast primes, though the K5 is sort of a game changer in that it works so well at high ISO settings. My preferred solution is to carry two cameras--- one of which has a fast prime, but whatever I'm doing I always try to stick a fast prime wide angle in my pocket because when you least expect it you end up on the front row

**crewl1** · 05-17-2011, 06:25 PM

This is a soloist in mid -twirl shot with the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II @ F3.2, 1/500, 3200ISO, 200mm, using a K-x

05-16-2011, 01:23 PM	#21
spineguy Junior Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 31 Original Poster	the hunt begins i guess i will starting hunting for both... first good used one I find I buy....

05-16-2011, 02:32 PM	#23
spineguy Junior Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 31 Original Poster	ya post some pics with the k5 and its high ISO capabilities, thinking the f/4 will be ok. the sense of urgency is only because i have the 55-300 that I got with the k5 from BH and they have a 15 day return policy. The pentax is more of a carry around lens plus because of the cost, will have to return. the sigma 2.8 used would allow me to keep the 55-300 but then again, how much would it get used? decisions decisions plus, the chances of finding a good condition used 60-250 might be tough

05-16-2011, 06:51 PM	#28
psychdoc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bham Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 949	Originally posted by spineguy hello all: im just a photo enthusiast that loves to catch the kids in their activities. Outside and indoor as gymnastics and dance is one of my most challenging shots. ............................ question: whats my next step? 70-200mm? is the reach long enough? sigma? id love the afford the 60-250 pentax but I just dont know if I can justify having 3000 in camera equipment being just a dad if you know what I mean. I look forward to heading your thoughts... From one dad to another: The 70-200mm lenses are heavy. Get the 50-135 f2.8. Takes lovely pics. But a word of warning. An unknown percentage of lenses with sdm motors have failed. Get an extended warranty. Mack warranties are pretty cheap. I think I got a 7 year warranty for 50 dollars. Cant vouch for Mack. Here are some pics. The first two shot at f2.8, the last at f4 Last edited by psychdoc; 04-09-2013 at 11:06 AM.

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05-15-2011, 06:30 PM	#16
spineguy Junior Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 31 Original Poster	now im confused.... so f/4 would be ok for inside sports? thinking of just returning the 55-300 and keeping the 60-250 as my zoom workhorse. Dont want to make a 1600 mistake. I think the 60-250 is more portable than the 70-200 as well... especially if it is my go to lens...whichever I choose, will probably be on the camera 80 percent. feedback on other inside sports using the f.4? i need speeds to be in the 640 at min to get clean shots...

05-15-2011, 06:41 PM	#17
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Can you post either example pics with EXIF you took at the venue, or at least the key data for the pics (ie ISO, shutter, aperture, focal length). I can't see how anyone can recommend an F/4 zoom for indoor sports to be honest, I can only imagine their experience of indoor lighting is different from mine, or perhaps they didn't need 1/250 shutter speed? Of course it also varies from venue to venue. I've been at some where f/2.8 was fine, I've been at other where I struggled with an f/1.8 prime. I can't think of too many places where f4 is OK except perhaps for a music concert where people aren't moving around very fast....

05-15-2011, 07:07 PM	#18
spineguy Junior Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 31 Original Poster	Oh I need faster than 1/250 even for my daughter's dance. The hunt for a used sigma 70-200 starts. I messages the only one for sale in marketplace earlier today but I haven't heard back. Spine guy P.s. I will post a picture and it's exif info tomorrow morning.

05-15-2011, 07:40 PM	#19
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Originally posted by twitch Can you post either example pics with EXIF you took at the venue, or at least the key data for the pics (ie ISO, shutter, aperture, focal length). I can't see how anyone can recommend an F/4 zoom for indoor sports to be honest, I can only imagine their experience of indoor lighting is different from mine, or perhaps they didn't need 1/250 shutter speed? Of course it also varies from venue to venue. I've been at some where f/2.8 was fine, I've been at other where I struggled with an f/1.8 prime. I can't think of too many places where f4 is OK except perhaps for a music concert where people aren't moving around very fast.... My comment was that the K-5 should have clean enough high ISO to run at F/4. I shoot indoor with my 5D at f/4 with my 135L and the K-5 is pretty close to my 5D. I would not try it with my K-7.

05-16-2011, 11:57 AM	#20
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	Go with f/2.8. Cheaper, faster, and image quality is probably on par with 60-250. You'll definitely need f/2.8 (or faster) for indoor sports.

05-16-2011, 01:31 PM	#22
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	With the sigma i could have used 2.8 but reason I used higher f-stop for the indoor dance competition was to get a little more dof. Shot in shutter priority with iso fixed at 3200. Aperture floated between 4-5.6. Previously tried to use slower zoom 18-200 Tamron for these events but since best iq is at f8 pictures were coming out blurry due to slow shutter. Out of town now but when I get back can post samples if you care to see them.

05-16-2011, 03:49 PM	#24
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Stating the obvious, but you can always stop a f2.8 lens down to f4, but you can't open up an f4 to f2.8 if you need it.

05-16-2011, 03:51 PM	#25
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	For hiking and such you will prefer the lightness and size of the 55-300. The 70-200 sigma is not a beast but I'd rather have something lighter with more reach for the great outdoors.

05-16-2011, 04:28 PM	#26
DRabbit Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 593	The problem I see here is that shooting gymnastics and shooting dance are two very different things. Stage lighting is way different than gymnasium lighting. Distance to stage can be a whole lot shorter than distance to floor from bleachers. Also, with dance, sometimes it's important to get a wider shot, so you can see the whole group dancing at once. I shoot a lot of theater for my daughter's performances and I love the DA* 50-135 for it. I can crop to get closer if necessary, but the 50 gives me good group perspectives on stage. Sometimes it's not as long as I'd like, but it's long enough. I don't shoot anything like gymnastics in a gym, but I'd imagine longer would be better, and the lighting can be dismal. I would not go for f/4. Fluorescents in a gym can be terrible, even though it seems bright. It's usually not bright enough. with the DA* 50-135mm... this was on a K-x before I had the K-5...

05-16-2011, 05:19 PM	#27
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	This is the only shot I had on my flickr acct, to be able to post remotely - sorry it is not the best example. Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II @ F4, 1/400, 3200 ISO 78mm

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05-16-2011, 09:00 PM	#29
rvannatta Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Apiary, Oregon Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,181	Amen to the 50-135. The view is similar to what you got with an 80-200 at Full Frame and with the resolution of this lens, some optical zoom in photoshop isn't a problem either. Over the years, I've taken a lot of photos in churches and they tend to be really dark and my best results have tended to be from fast primes, though the K5 is sort of a game changer in that it works so well at high ISO settings. My preferred solution is to carry two cameras--- one of which has a fast prime, but whatever I'm doing I always try to stick a fast prime wide angle in my pocket because when you least expect it you end up on the front row

05-17-2011, 06:25 PM	#30
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	This is a soloist in mid -twirl shot with the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II @ F3.2, 1/500, 3200ISO, 200mm, using a K-x