Pentax - best bang for your buck? Is it still true?

normhead · 10-12-2012, 06:44 PM

I was just going through DxO lens ratings and that Tamron 28-75 would seem to be an absolutely stellar performer. I wonder if they're still made in a Pentax mount.

Ponosby Britt · 10-12-2012, 07:37 PM

Originally posted by normhead

I was just going through DxO lens ratings and that Tamron 28-75 would seem to be an absolutely stellar performer. I wonder if they're still made in a Pentax mount.

That would be a yes. Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF AF09P700

Clavius · 10-12-2012, 11:02 PM

Originally posted by Ponosby Britt

How many lenses do you need? I made the beach shot in 2009 with a K-10 and a Tamron 28-75. Printed it today for an Exhibit entry at 16x24. The portrait is from a street fair last August, same lens on a K-5. I could make a living with just the Tamron.

Then what's the point in an ILC? If you're going with just one lens anyway, get a nice bridgecam. You'll never have a dirty sensor! And sorry for assuming that Pentax actually wants to sell the products they make.

Apapukas · 10-13-2012, 11:02 AM

Some pics!
Constructive critique is more than welcome!

Also, I would disagree that the value of lenses depreciate over time. Unlike cameras, good lenses are pretty safe and good investment.

Last edited by Apapukas; 05-01-2014 at 12:37 AM.

desertscape · 10-13-2012, 04:40 PM

I suggest getting your law degree in addition to moving into pro shooting. Most of us pros have two or three different professions/abilities in case photography slows down.

As far as Pentax being the best value? It sure used to be and still is for most of its digital line. Its pricing on the 645D and the lenses made for it were a departure from this. The 645D using older 645 lenses is a better deal.

I have shot a number of weddings with my Pentax 6x7 ( yes with that wretched film) and have done quite well. It is an affordable pro camera. Although no longer in production, they are quite common. Their 645 is also affordable and pro quality. If you feel you have outgrown you current setup, consider these two.

Your portrait examples above are okay but putting the person off so far to the side of the frame is a bit strange, at least on the first two.

Ponosby Britt · 10-13-2012, 09:38 PM

Originally posted by Clavius

Then what's the point in an ILC? If you're going with just one lens anyway, get a nice bridgecam. You'll never have a dirty sensor! And sorry for assuming that Pentax actually wants to sell the products they make.

Because I generally shoot with two bodies, wide and long. Besides the Tamron, I carry a Pentax 12-24 and a Pentax 50-135. They have different applications, just like the different blades I use on my table saw. An earlier poster was going on about buying 8 lenses and worrying about his investment. I've never bought a tool as an investment, I bought it to do a job.

Ponosby Britt · 10-13-2012, 09:42 PM

Originally posted by Ponosby Britt

Because I generally shoot with two bodies, wide and long. Besides the Tamron, I carry a Pentax 12-24 and a Pentax 50-135. They have different applications, just like the different blades I use on my table saw. An earlier poster was going on about buying 8 lenses and worrying about his investment. I've never bought a tool as an investment, I bought it to do a job.

And I recently bought a used Pentax 17-70 as a backup in case I drop something. Shot a wedding with it, nice lens.

Apapukas · 10-14-2012, 09:36 AM

Originally posted by desertscape

I suggest getting your law degree in addition to moving into pro shooting. Most of us pros have two or three different professions/abilities in case photography slows down.

As far as Pentax being the best value? It sure used to be and still is for most of its digital line. Its pricing on the 645D and the lenses made for it were a departure from this. The 645D using older 645 lenses is a better deal.

I have shot a number of weddings with my Pentax 6x7 ( yes with that wretched film) and have done quite well. It is an affordable pro camera. Although no longer in production, they are quite common. Their 645 is also affordable and pro quality. If you feel you have outgrown you current setup, consider these two.

Your portrait examples above are okay but putting the person off so far to the side of the frame is a bit strange, at least on the first two.

Thanks for a comment!
Putting persons off to the sides is common newbie mistake. I was no exception.
As well as shooting only headshot or "belly to head" portraits. Newbies are usually afraid of wider angles, larger aperture settings, as it makes much more difficult to control the background behind your subject.
I will try not repeat these mistakes the next time I go shoot!

Ubuntu_user · 10-15-2012, 08:36 AM

Originally posted by Apapukas

Thanks for a comment!
Putting persons off to the sides is common newbie mistake. I was no exception.
As well as shooting only headshot or "belly to head" portraits. Newbies are usually afraid of wider angles, larger aperture settings, as it makes much more difficult to control the background behind your subject.
I will try not repeat these mistakes the next time I go shoot!

Don't overcorrect and center the subject too much!

normhead · 10-15-2012, 08:48 AM

Quote:

I could make a living with just the Tamron.

I'm seriously thinking of a new camera bag with the KIIs -Tamron 10-24, the Tamron 28-75 , which if you look on the DxO site is one of the highest rated lenses available for K-mount- and the Tamron 70-200 2.8.

Throw a Samyang 14. 2.8, a 31 Ltd, D FA 50 2.8 macro and a 77 ltd in there and that's heck of a camera bag.

Jean Poitiers · 10-15-2012, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I'm seriously thinking of a new camera bag with the KIIs -Tamron 10-24, the Tamron 28-75 , which if you look on the DxO site is one of the highest rated lenses available for L-mount- and the Tamron 70-200 2.8.

Throw a Samyang 14. 2.8, a 31 Ltd, D FA 50 2.8 macro and a 77 ltd in there and that's heck of a camera bag.

Oui, oui, oui ... and now I'm jealous ... no, just kidding & let us know if DxO is right! - J -

Apapukas · 10-15-2012, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I'm seriously thinking of a new camera bag with the KIIs -Tamron 10-24, the Tamron 28-75 , which if you look on the DxO site is one of the highest rated lenses available for L-mount- and the Tamron 70-200 2.8.

Throw a Samyang 14. 2.8, a 31 Ltd, D FA 50 2.8 macro and a 77 ltd in there and that's heck of a camera bag.

I'm thinking about three primes setup. 70mm Ltd, 31 Ltd and ...... don't know yet, time will tell what I need

Currently I'm saving for 31 Ltd to get some wider angle, I believe it will be the best Christmas present ever

Also, why FA 50 2.8 instead of Sigma 50 1.4? They're pretty much the same price and Sigma is much faster, already sharp wide open (based on reviews) and has HSM.

Clavius · 10-15-2012, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by desertscape

Your portrait examples above are okay but putting the person off so far to the side of the frame is a bit strange, at least on the first two.

It is? They're magic imho. I only thought that I'm going to have to try that.

normhead · 10-15-2012, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Also, why FA 50 2.8 instead of Sigma 50 1.4? They're pretty much the same price and Sigma is much faster, already sharp wide open (based on reviews) and has HSM.

For me it's all about getting it done, and being able to carry it.
Tessfully and I "share" lenses and bodies, so, the K-5 and the Tamron 90- macro are pretty much hers. I don't have a good sharp macro lens. The 50 is small enough to fit nicely in my bag and go every where, fill the 50 mm "must have" gap in the lenses listed, and provide me with a nice sharp macro lens.

Quote:

Oui, oui, oui ... and now I'm jealous ... no, just kidding & let us know if DxO is right! - J -

Hey don't get me wrong, that's what I'd like to get. Whether or not things play out so I actually end up with it is another issue.

The K-5 IIs and the 28-75 are pretty much decided, after that, a lot of things can happen.

tuco · 10-15-2012, 03:30 PM

Originally posted by Apapukas

Putting persons off to the sides is common newbie mistake. I was no exception.
...

Just crop the aspect from 3:2 to 4:5 or 1:1 to salvage it.

10-13-2012, 04:40 PM	#20
desertscape Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,272	I suggest getting your law degree in addition to moving into pro shooting. Most of us pros have two or three different professions/abilities in case photography slows down. As far as Pentax being the best value? It sure used to be and still is for most of its digital line. Its pricing on the 645D and the lenses made for it were a departure from this. The 645D using older 645 lenses is a better deal. I have shot a number of weddings with my Pentax 6x7 ( yes with that wretched film) and have done quite well. It is an affordable pro camera. Although no longer in production, they are quite common. Their 645 is also affordable and pro quality. If you feel you have outgrown you current setup, consider these two. Your portrait examples above are okay but putting the person off so far to the side of the frame is a bit strange, at least on the first two. Last edited by desertscape; 10-14-2012 at 09:13 AM.

10-15-2012, 08:48 AM	#25
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Quote: I could make a living with just the Tamron. I'm seriously thinking of a new camera bag with the KIIs -Tamron 10-24, the Tamron 28-75 , which if you look on the DxO site is one of the highest rated lenses available for K-mount- and the Tamron 70-200 2.8. Throw a Samyang 14. 2.8, a 31 Ltd, D FA 50 2.8 macro and a 77 ltd in there and that's heck of a camera bag. Last edited by normhead; 10-15-2012 at 03:07 PM.

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10-12-2012, 06:44 PM	#16
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I was just going through DxO lens ratings and that Tamron 28-75 would seem to be an absolutely stellar performer. I wonder if they're still made in a Pentax mount.

10-12-2012, 07:37 PM	#17
Ponosby Britt Closed Account Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 227	Originally posted by normhead I was just going through DxO lens ratings and that Tamron 28-75 would seem to be an absolutely stellar performer. I wonder if they're still made in a Pentax mount. That would be a yes. Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di Autofocus Lens for Pentax AF AF09P700

10-12-2012, 11:02 PM	#18
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	Originally posted by Ponosby Britt How many lenses do you need? I made the beach shot in 2009 with a K-10 and a Tamron 28-75. Printed it today for an Exhibit entry at 16x24. The portrait is from a street fair last August, same lens on a K-5. I could make a living with just the Tamron. Then what's the point in an ILC? If you're going with just one lens anyway, get a nice bridgecam. You'll never have a dirty sensor! And sorry for assuming that Pentax actually wants to sell the products they make.

10-13-2012, 11:02 AM	#19
Apapukas Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lietuva, Vilnius Posts: 627 Original Poster	Some pics! Constructive critique is more than welcome! Also, I would disagree that the value of lenses depreciate over time. Unlike cameras, good lenses are pretty safe and good investment. Last edited by Apapukas; 05-01-2014 at 12:37 AM.

10-13-2012, 09:38 PM	#21
Ponosby Britt Closed Account Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 227	Originally posted by Clavius Then what's the point in an ILC? If you're going with just one lens anyway, get a nice bridgecam. You'll never have a dirty sensor! And sorry for assuming that Pentax actually wants to sell the products they make. Because I generally shoot with two bodies, wide and long. Besides the Tamron, I carry a Pentax 12-24 and a Pentax 50-135. They have different applications, just like the different blades I use on my table saw. An earlier poster was going on about buying 8 lenses and worrying about his investment. I've never bought a tool as an investment, I bought it to do a job.

10-13-2012, 09:42 PM	#22
Ponosby Britt Closed Account Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 227	Originally posted by Ponosby Britt Because I generally shoot with two bodies, wide and long. Besides the Tamron, I carry a Pentax 12-24 and a Pentax 50-135. They have different applications, just like the different blades I use on my table saw. An earlier poster was going on about buying 8 lenses and worrying about his investment. I've never bought a tool as an investment, I bought it to do a job. And I recently bought a used Pentax 17-70 as a backup in case I drop something. Shot a wedding with it, nice lens.

10-14-2012, 09:36 AM	#23
Apapukas Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lietuva, Vilnius Posts: 627 Original Poster	Originally posted by desertscape I suggest getting your law degree in addition to moving into pro shooting. Most of us pros have two or three different professions/abilities in case photography slows down. As far as Pentax being the best value? It sure used to be and still is for most of its digital line. Its pricing on the 645D and the lenses made for it were a departure from this. The 645D using older 645 lenses is a better deal. I have shot a number of weddings with my Pentax 6x7 ( yes with that wretched film) and have done quite well. It is an affordable pro camera. Although no longer in production, they are quite common. Their 645 is also affordable and pro quality. If you feel you have outgrown you current setup, consider these two. Your portrait examples above are okay but putting the person off so far to the side of the frame is a bit strange, at least on the first two. Thanks for a comment! Putting persons off to the sides is common newbie mistake. I was no exception. As well as shooting only headshot or "belly to head" portraits. Newbies are usually afraid of wider angles, larger aperture settings, as it makes much more difficult to control the background behind your subject. I will try not repeat these mistakes the next time I go shoot!

10-15-2012, 08:36 AM	#24
Ubuntu_user Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,545	Originally posted by Apapukas Thanks for a comment! Putting persons off to the sides is common newbie mistake. I was no exception. As well as shooting only headshot or "belly to head" portraits. Newbies are usually afraid of wider angles, larger aperture settings, as it makes much more difficult to control the background behind your subject. I will try not repeat these mistakes the next time I go shoot! Don't overcorrect and center the subject too much!

10-15-2012, 09:30 AM	#26
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	Originally posted by normhead I'm seriously thinking of a new camera bag with the KIIs -Tamron 10-24, the Tamron 28-75 , which if you look on the DxO site is one of the highest rated lenses available for L-mount- and the Tamron 70-200 2.8. Throw a Samyang 14. 2.8, a 31 Ltd, D FA 50 2.8 macro and a 77 ltd in there and that's heck of a camera bag. *Oui, oui, oui .*.. and now I'm jealous ... no, just kidding & let us know if DxO is right! - J -

10-15-2012, 11:05 AM	#27
Apapukas Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lietuva, Vilnius Posts: 627 Original Poster	Originally posted by normhead I'm seriously thinking of a new camera bag with the KIIs -Tamron 10-24, the Tamron 28-75 , which if you look on the DxO site is one of the highest rated lenses available for L-mount- and the Tamron 70-200 2.8. Throw a Samyang 14. 2.8, a 31 Ltd, D FA 50 2.8 macro and a 77 ltd in there and that's heck of a camera bag. I'm thinking about three primes setup. 70mm Ltd, 31 Ltd and ...... don't know yet, time will tell what I need Currently I'm saving for 31 Ltd to get some wider angle, I believe it will be the best Christmas present ever Also, why FA 50 2.8 instead of Sigma 50 1.4? They're pretty much the same price and Sigma is much faster, already sharp wide open (based on reviews) and has HSM.

10-15-2012, 11:17 AM	#28
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	Originally posted by desertscape Your portrait examples above are okay but putting the person off so far to the side of the frame is a bit strange, at least on the first two. It is? They're magic imho. I only thought that I'm going to have to try that.

10-15-2012, 03:15 PM	#29
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Quote: Also, why FA 50 2.8 instead of Sigma 50 1.4? They're pretty much the same price and Sigma is much faster, already sharp wide open (based on reviews) and has HSM. For me it's all about getting it done, and being able to carry it. Tessfully and I "share" lenses and bodies, so, the K-5 and the Tamron 90- macro are pretty much hers. I don't have a good sharp macro lens. The 50 is small enough to fit nicely in my bag and go every where, fill the 50 mm "must have" gap in the lenses listed, and provide me with a nice sharp macro lens. Quote: Oui, oui, oui ... and now I'm jealous ... no, just kidding & let us know if DxO is right! - J - Hey don't get me wrong, that's what I'd like to get. Whether or not things play out so I actually end up with it is another issue. The K-5 IIs and the 28-75 are pretty much decided, after that, a lot of things can happen.

10-15-2012, 03:30 PM	#30
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,026	Originally posted by Apapukas Putting persons off to the sides is common newbie mistake. I was no exception. ... Just crop the aspect from 3:2 to 4:5 or 1:1 to salvage it.