[SKwan]

I have got a DA18-135, DA55-300 and Kenko SHQ TC 1.5x. My budget is around US$1000-1200. What below lens should I further recruit?

$630 - New DA10-17 Fisheye
$620 - New DA35 Macro Limited
$650 - New DFA100 Macro WR
$320 - Used DA40 Limited
$520 - Used DFA100 Macro WR
$420 - Used FA100 Macro
$550 - Used DA12-24

I like shooting birds and butterflies. Above lens are not suitable but I really want to experience how a super-wide can make me feel and how the IQ of prime lens can reach. I also think 1)if DFA100 or FA100 can work well with my TC1.5X for shooting butterflies; 2)if any Sigma lens are good for this purpose?

This Sunday I have got a chance to take photos of fireworks which will last for 30min. What lens and what approaches should be used? Any advice?

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Last edited by SKwan; 06-26-2012 at 06:54 AM.

[Sandy Hancock]

I'd buy the DA10-17 for fun and the DFA100WR for your butterflies.
The fisheye will be great for the fireworks if you're close, otherwise your existing zooms will suffice.

[Sagitta]

For fireworks you want relatively wide and fast. Wide so you can actually catch the things (unless you don't mind tracking shots all night long), and fast because you want to reduce blur (or not, depending on your goals). Probably a zoom would be best, so that you CAN zoom in at times if need be, but you're probably better off just shooting wide and cropping later if you want to keep your sanity.

EDIT: What Sandy said... :-D

[Mister Horrible]

DFA 100 for shooting butterflies.

For fireworks, a medium wide to normal lens with a tripod You don't really need "fast"-- and depth of field shouldn't be an issue at those distances, but you'll want to shoot them with relatively long exposures. I like ~2 seconds, which means a tripod.


This was shot with a 35mm macro at f/4.5 and iso 400, 2 seconds. Nothing magical about those settings-- I wanted ISO at 400 in case I wanted to take non-fireworks pics, and the 35 needed to be stopped down to make those settings. Could have easily been ISO 150ish at f/2.8, if I did my math right. I would have, in hindsight, preferred a wider angle lens.

Fisheyes are ... unique. And if you are buying one with the thoughts of defishing the image, you're probably better off just getting a wide angle lens such as the 12-24 you mentioned.

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Last edited by Mister Horrible; 06-26-2012 at 06:52 AM.

[mickey]

You've got a good budget to work around.
If I were in your shoes, I'd go for the used 12-24 and new/used DFA 100WR.
Perhaps even consider the DA 15.

[TER-OR]

The 100mm is perfect for most insects. Trying to track flying dragonflies? Maybe not...

I bought the 10-17 after renting it - I pretty much fell for that lens. It's surprisingly useful. I shot a whole day at the Shedd Aquarium (fisheye) and it was very fun.

[audiobomber]

I have got a DA18-135, DA55-300 and Kenko SHQ TC 1.5x. My budget is around US$1000-1200. What below lens should I further recruit?

I would add a DA 35mm f/2.4 for higher resolution and low light shooting, and a D FA 100mm WR for macro, tight portrait and fast tele.

Do you own an external flash? That would be high on my list as well.

[SKwan]

Do you own an external flash? That would be high on my list as well.

I have got a Metz Mecablitz 50 AF-1 and a LED light of $60. The former had helped me much in my mother's birthday dinner. Frankly speaking, I have spent much time to understand/test how it cooperates with my K-5 but I am still far from sophistication!

Thank indeed for advice from Sandy, Sagitta, Mister Horrible, Micky, TER-OR, audiobomber.

The IQ of DFA100 WR appeals me very much but its focal length can be covered by both my existing lens. I can find out Sigma 150/180mm Macro from the lens database. They seem cumbersome! This is not very important if the IQ can reach the grade of DFA100 WR

DA15 or DA10-17 is a difficult choice. DA15 provides a higher IQ. The latter provides the fun ... I expect to see how the buildings are curled together and how grant the sky, sea, seaside and mountain are congested!

For birds photographing, future DA560 is the one I want much ... of course it is quite subject to how Pentax will position it in the market!!

[TER-OR]

Shedd Aquarium - a set on Flickr

The aquarium pictures with fisheye. Some reflections, some too close... but still, a good choice for the venue.

In the Lens Clubs section there are good threads, have a look to see if there's something which catches your eye.

[crewl1]

Your zooms will be good for the fireworks. It is always nice to have a good macro and a fast prime, so I would go there next.
Most of my landscapes are actually done using the DFA100WR and stitching, so I won't be much help there.

Get a tripod if you don't have one. Both of these shots required a tripod.

DA18-135 @ 18mm F11 , ISO100, 10 seconds



DFA 100 WR, stitched multiple shots in portrait orientation

[SKwan]

Finally bought a DA 10-17 Fisheye, DA 40 Limited and DFA 100 WR. All are great lens ... !!

DA 10-17 Fisheye

DA 40 Limited

DFA 100 WR

DA 18-135 WR - Fireworks

[audiobomber]

Finally bought a DA 10-17 Fisheye, DA 40 Limited and DFA 100 WR. All are great lens ... !!

Congratulations, you've taken a big bite out of your list. Nice photos with all of them. I particularly like the macros.

[crewl1]

Finally bought a DA 10-17 Fisheye, DA 40 Limited and DFA 100 WR. All are great lens ... !!

Congratulations! Looks like you are enjoying these great lenses. Your butterfly shots with the DFA100WR are my favorites