In market for walkaround lens

didadi · 08-01-2012, 07:10 AM

Wondering,what is a good walkaround lens recommended by the folks here.
Your comments will be reallly helpful. Budget is around 250$. (Don't mind used).

JinDesu · 08-01-2012, 07:16 AM

Do you know what you like to shoot? Conditions you like to shoot in (rain, sun, indoors, outdoors)?

For $250, I would comment a used Tamron 17-50 or 28-75.

didadi · 08-01-2012, 07:37 AM

Mostly outdoors (I prefer to shoot in early mornings or evenings - no harsh sun)
this lens,where can I find at 250$ range? Thank you!

JinDesu · 08-01-2012, 07:47 AM

Actually I may have underestimated the price - they probably go for $300-350 used.

Alternatively, there is the Sigma 17-70 or Pentax DA 17-70, both of which are pretty good ranges for landscape to portrait shots. They perform well wide-open and are generally better than the kit 18-55. You can find these in the marketplace for $250-300.

There is also the Pentax F 35-70, which is a compact little lens that performs quite well, and goes for $60 bucks. It isn't as good as the 17-70s in range or speed, but it is very light and that can make a difference for carrying around all day.

There is also the DA 16-45, which is considered the normal upgrade from the 18-55. It is quite sharp, pretty light, and goes nice and wide for landscape shooting. It is a little limited on the long end - but you can find these for about $230-240.

I have used the FA 28-105 F3.2-4.5, which you can find for less than $200, and it is a very nice large range for walking around. It isn't very sharp (probably the same or a little less than the kit lens), but it is a longer range, faster, and renders pretty nicely. It is a bit harder to find.

There is also the DA 35 F2.4 which you can find used for $160, or new for about $200, which is a prime lens (of superb quality) that I walk around with.

WightWalker · 08-01-2012, 08:10 AM

To my mind, a 'walk-about' lens is one lens that covers a wide focal length range eliminating the need to carry additional lens. In that respect the Sigma 18-250mm or Pentax 18-250mm or Tamron 18-200mm would suffice; I believe that the performance of these is marginally better that the Pentax 18-135mmWR lens.

Obviously there are compromises with such a wide zoom range but that's the price you pay!

rob1234 · 08-01-2012, 08:37 AM

Or go for the prime: DA 35/2.4

fccwpe · 08-01-2012, 08:39 AM - **1 Like**

I have the DA 16-45 and the Sigma 18-200. I find the Sigma to produce pretty good quality images and I usually turn to it for walking around taking general photos. The DA 16-45 is a better lens, but for the range of focal length I can give up the slight decrease in IQ that the Sigma provides.

gazonk · 08-01-2012, 08:45 AM

It so depends on what you want to shoot. If you already have the kit lens, I'd suggest a normal range prime lens - one of the DA35s (I have the macro Ltd but the 2.4 fits your budget better). Using a prime as a single walk around lens may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love it!

jimr-pdx · 08-01-2012, 08:56 AM

Originally posted by fccwpe

I have the DA 16-45 and the Sigma 18-200. I find the Sigma to produce pretty good quality images and I usually turn to it for walking around taking general photos. The DA 16-45 is a better lens, but for the range of focal length I can give up the slight decrease in IQ that the Sigma provides.

I've missed my 18-200 Sigma for random outings where range and simplicity are valuable. I believe new/old copies of the DC pop up for $269. The Tamron 18-200 is similar and often a few dollars less, but I was not as comfortable with it for some reason - but it might be ideal for the next shooter, who's to say? And if wide shooting is worth something to you, I agree again that the 16-45 is ideal & occasionally can be found at your price point.

didadi · 08-01-2012, 08:56 AM

Thank you every1. I might endup buying 18-200 Sigma. That seems to have enough good reviews on amazon and even you folks. Thank you again!...I currently have old sigma 18-105 F2.8 but would like a newer lens

Roob-N-Boots · 08-01-2012, 08:58 AM

I second JinDesu on either the F35-70 or the DA 35 (I own the FA35 which is supposed to be almost the same). Both are very light and pretty sharp with great colors.

Docrwm · 08-01-2012, 10:46 AM

The 18-200s don't get great reviews from what I have read. The 18-250 that was out as both a Pentax and a Tamron lens gets better reviews if you want a single lens that covers an incredible range with reasonable IQ. They can only be had used, but in my experience are worth pursuing.

The 28-105 from Tamron is a snappy lens with some good IQ as well and is cheaper and comes up more often in a variety of places in my experience. I just sold mine because it was redundant for both my 18-135WR and 18-250.

I like the suggestion of the 35/2.4. Its an outstanding lens all around with a very reasonable pricetag, even new. They often sell used in great shape for around $150 but can be had new on a deal for around $169.

Vasyl · 08-01-2012, 01:56 PM

My choice is SMC Pentax F 35-70...

Docrwm · 08-01-2012, 02:11 PM

Originally posted by Vasyl

My choice is SMC Pentax F 35-70...

Very nice lens. I own a great copy. A bit both too short and too long for a good walk around for me. But it's an outstanding lens at a very inexpensive price these days.

Vasyl · 08-01-2012, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Very nice lens. I own a great copy. A bit both too short and too long for a good walk around for me. But it's an outstanding lens at a very inexpensive price these days.

Actually, my walkaround set now consists of two lenses the F 35-70 and Vivitar 70 - 150.

08-01-2012, 07:10 AM	#1
didadi New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 10	In market for walkaround lens Wondering,what is a good walkaround lens recommended by the folks here. Your comments will be reallly helpful. Budget is around 250$. (Don't mind used).

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08-01-2012, 07:16 AM	#2
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Do you know what you like to shoot? Conditions you like to shoot in (rain, sun, indoors, outdoors)? For $250, I would comment a used Tamron 17-50 or 28-75.

08-01-2012, 07:37 AM	#3
didadi New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 10 Original Poster	Mostly outdoors (I prefer to shoot in early mornings or evenings - no harsh sun) this lens,where can I find at 250$ range? Thank you!

08-01-2012, 07:47 AM	#4
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Actually I may have underestimated the price - they probably go for $300-350 used. Alternatively, there is the Sigma 17-70 or Pentax DA 17-70, both of which are pretty good ranges for landscape to portrait shots. They perform well wide-open and are generally better than the kit 18-55. You can find these in the marketplace for $250-300. There is also the Pentax F 35-70, which is a compact little lens that performs quite well, and goes for $60 bucks. It isn't as good as the 17-70s in range or speed, but it is very light and that can make a difference for carrying around all day. There is also the DA 16-45, which is considered the normal upgrade from the 18-55. It is quite sharp, pretty light, and goes nice and wide for landscape shooting. It is a little limited on the long end - but you can find these for about $230-240. I have used the FA 28-105 F3.2-4.5, which you can find for less than $200, and it is a very nice large range for walking around. It isn't very sharp (probably the same or a little less than the kit lens), but it is a longer range, faster, and renders pretty nicely. It is a bit harder to find. There is also the DA 35 F2.4 which you can find used for $160, or new for about $200, which is a prime lens (of superb quality) that I walk around with.

08-01-2012, 08:10 AM	#5
WightWalker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: IW Posts: 113	To my mind, a 'walk-about' lens is one lens that covers a wide focal length range eliminating the need to carry additional lens. In that respect the Sigma 18-250mm or Pentax 18-250mm or Tamron 18-200mm would suffice; I believe that the performance of these is marginally better that the Pentax 18-135mmWR lens. Obviously there are compromises with such a wide zoom range but that's the price you pay!

08-01-2012, 08:37 AM	#6
rob1234 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wiltshire/Hampshire Photos: Albums Posts: 1,760	Or go for the prime: DA 35/2.4

08-01-2012, 08:39 AM - 1 Like	#7
fccwpe Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Perris, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 380	I have the DA 16-45 and the Sigma 18-200. I find the Sigma to produce pretty good quality images and I usually turn to it for walking around taking general photos. The DA 16-45 is a better lens, but for the range of focal length I can give up the slight decrease in IQ that the Sigma provides.

08-01-2012, 08:45 AM	#8
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	It so depends on what you want to shoot. If you already have the kit lens, I'd suggest a normal range prime lens - one of the DA35s (I have the macro Ltd but the 2.4 fits your budget better). Using a prime as a single walk around lens may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love it!

08-01-2012, 08:56 AM	#9
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	Originally posted by fccwpe I have the DA 16-45 and the Sigma 18-200. I find the Sigma to produce pretty good quality images and I usually turn to it for walking around taking general photos. The DA 16-45 is a better lens, but for the range of focal length I can give up the slight decrease in IQ that the Sigma provides. I've missed my 18-200 Sigma for random outings where range and simplicity are valuable. I believe new/old copies of the DC pop up for $269. The Tamron 18-200 is similar and often a few dollars less, but I was not as comfortable with it for some reason - but it might be ideal for the next shooter, who's to say? And if wide shooting is worth something to you, I agree again that the 16-45 is ideal & occasionally can be found at your price point.

08-01-2012, 08:56 AM	#10
didadi New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 10 Original Poster	Thank you every1. I might endup buying 18-200 Sigma. That seems to have enough good reviews on amazon and even you folks. Thank you again!...I currently have old sigma 18-105 F2.8 but would like a newer lens

08-01-2012, 08:58 AM	#11
Roob-N-Boots Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Palm Springs CA Posts: 393	I second JinDesu on either the F35-70 or the DA 35 (I own the FA35 which is supposed to be almost the same). Both are very light and pretty sharp with great colors.

08-01-2012, 10:46 AM	#12
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	The 18-200s don't get great reviews from what I have read. The 18-250 that was out as both a Pentax and a Tamron lens gets better reviews if you want a single lens that covers an incredible range with reasonable IQ. They can only be had used, but in my experience are worth pursuing. The 28-105 from Tamron is a snappy lens with some good IQ as well and is cheaper and comes up more often in a variety of places in my experience. I just sold mine because it was redundant for both my 18-135WR and 18-250. I like the suggestion of the 35/2.4. Its an outstanding lens all around with a very reasonable pricetag, even new. They often sell used in great shape for around $150 but can be had new on a deal for around $169.

08-01-2012, 01:56 PM	#13
Vasyl Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 648	My choice is SMC Pentax F 35-70...

08-01-2012, 02:11 PM	#14
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Vasyl My choice is SMC Pentax F 35-70... Very nice lens. I own a great copy. A bit both too short and too long for a good walk around for me. But it's an outstanding lens at a very inexpensive price these days.

08-01-2012, 02:24 PM	#15
Vasyl Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 648	Originally posted by Docrwm Very nice lens. I own a great copy. A bit both too short and too long for a good walk around for me. But it's an outstanding lens at a very inexpensive price these days. Actually, my walkaround set now consists of two lenses the F 35-70 and Vivitar 70 - 150.