Travel lens - (again)

Genesis · 09-29-2013, 04:24 AM

Hi,

I am going on a holiday trip around India i November , and are thinking of traveling "light" - Only bringing my K-01, and one lens.
The problem is that I don´t really have a zoom (only the Pentax 18-55). So I was thinking about either the Sigma 17-50/2.8 EX, or the 17-70/2.8-4 EX.
Does anybody have any opinions on those - or another suggestion ?

k5astro · 09-29-2013, 05:54 AM

I think there are a couple of schools of thought on travel lenses. You can take 1 excellent prime lens where the focal length is a compromise to all situations, or you can take an all-in-one zoom lens where the quality of the image is a compromise in all situations. The link below is a review of Canon, Sigma and Tamron 18-200mm zooms. I'm sure the sigma is available for pentax and I think the tamron also. Personally I'm starting to lean toward a 35mm (equiv.) prime as are many people who have carried heavy cameras for some time. There is a lot of praise for the 35mm F2.8 Limited (although its a little longer than I was thinking for an APS-C camera).

Canon 18-200 vs Sigma 18-250 vs Tamron 18-250 and 18-270 [JuzaPhoto]

VoiceOfReason · 09-29-2013, 06:40 AM

The 18-55 is better than most would give it credit for. Personally I would get something to filll in the longer end like the Pentax 55-300 or one of the 70-300 lenses. If you are not planning on going as long then the Pentax 18-135 is decent. If staying with a similar focal length then the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is good, but for less noisy autofocus go with the Sigma for a 17-50 since it is hsm. It will use more battery though.

wombat2go · 09-29-2013, 07:03 AM

I have traveled to India a few times with minimal lenses.
Of all countries I have visited, India is probably giving the widest opportunity for interesting and colorful photos.

Sometimes with a wider zoom, sometimes with fixed focal , both with Pentax ist ds and Pentax MX 35mm film.
Although my little zoom goes to 70mm, I notice, almost never use higher than 50mm.

I prefer film camera these days but if traveling with aps-c and one fixed focal, -a small f/2.8 28 mm and a hood.
- covers 90% of cases daylight and evening.

How are you going to frame photos outdoors with the K-01 ? - mine is useless in sunlight.

Photo below is from a Pentax MX (35mm film) with the Rikenon XR 1:3.5 28mm

Attached Images

Genesis · 09-29-2013, 07:18 AM

Originally posted by gbeaton

I think there are a couple of schools of thought on travel lenses. You can take 1 excellent prime lens where the focal length is a compromise to all situations, or you can take an all-in-one zoom lens where the quality of the image is a compromise in all situations. The link below is a review of Canon, Sigma and Tamron 18-200mm zooms. I'm sure the sigma is available for pentax and I think the tamron also. Personally I'm starting to lean toward a 35mm (equiv.) prime as are many people who have carried heavy cameras for some time. There is a lot of praise for the 35mm F2.8 Limited (although its a little longer than I was thinking for an APS-C camera).

Canon 18-200 vs Sigma 18-250 vs Tamron 18-250 and 18-270 [JuzaPhoto]

I am actually the "prime lens school"

And I can say that the 35mm ltd is a great piece of glass, but actually if I get the chance I use the 70mm ltd more.

Genesis · 09-29-2013, 07:20 AM

Originally posted by wombat2go

I have traveled to India a few times with minimal lenses.
Of all countries I have visited, India is probably giving the widest opportunity for interesting and colorful photos.

Sometimes with a wider zoom, sometimes with fixed focal , both with Pentax ist ds and Pentax MX 35mm film.
Although my little zoom goes to 70mm, I notice, almost never use higher than 50mm.

I prefer film camera these days but if traveling with aps-c and one fixed focal, -a small f/2.8 28 mm and a hood.
- covers 90% of cases daylight and evening.

How are you going to frame photos outdoors with the K-01 ? - mine is useless in sunlight.

Photo below is from a Pentax MX (35mm film) with the Rikenon XR 1:3.5 28mm

.. Yes there is of cause the problem with LCD - so maybe it would be better to take the K20D, and buy the 17-50

wombat2go · 09-29-2013, 07:27 AM

Originally posted by Genesis

so maybe it would be better to take the K20D, and buy the 17-50

That is what I would do, the K-01 is far inferior to my ist ds outdoors.
And I can't put a finger on why, but colorful images from the old camera seem more pleasing and realistic to me.

Perhaps I have not optimized the jpg settings on the K-01

bradsarno · 09-29-2013, 08:15 AM

My lens collection has grown fairly large, and I find this lens on the camera more than any other lately. When I head out and am not sure what I'll face, this one generally is a great balance between image quality and range. Colors are great, and sharpness exceeds the better 18-55mm II kit lens. Not real fast in low light, but that's where we can use a prime. For travel with limited space I'd probably take this lens and one prime.

For the prime, I'd bring a 28mm, a 35mm, 40mm pancake, or a 50mm.

It's been sold under a couple of different names, but it's the same thing. For some reason the reviews of the version labeled as a Pentax-FA didn't get the good numbers, so I don't get that. This review of the lens as a Promaster is accurate in my opinion. It's really an impressive performer:

28-105mm f4-5.6

Promaster 28-105mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Kozlok · 09-29-2013, 08:17 AM

If you want to be out in the rain, the DA18-135 is the best choice. If you will stay dry, the Sigma 17-70 is the best choice. If you want optimum IQ, primes are your best choice. That's why they make so many different lenses, because no one lens is always the right answer. For me, I'd take my 18-135 and my Sigma 30. Same advice I always give. WR, versatile zoom, and a fast normal for indoors. Take the 15mm Ltd along for magic, and it's a perfect combo. If I take my big bag, I add a tripod, my DA35 and my fisheye, and probably a fast 50. Add something longer also if you think you might need it.

Doundounba · 09-29-2013, 08:34 AM

Personally, if I had to pick one, it would be the Sigma 17-70. But it does make the K-01 fairly conspicuous because of its size. I'd also be tempted by a "three small primes" setup (say 15/35/70 or similar), which wouldn't be much heavier. You'd have to switch lenses, but you'd look much more friendly shooting street candids with a small prime. Just a thought. Kind of depends on your style...

jon404 · 10-21-2013, 01:24 AM - **1 Like**

I use a 35mm DA f/2.4 -- VERY sharp, and inexpensive. Gives a pleasing 52mm-equiv 'normal' field of view.

But here's the catch. I use my K-01 all the time for street photography, with a Hoodman 3" loupe gaffer-taped on the back. Works perfectly, excellent for composing pictures with spot exposure. But... without that loupe... the K-01's screen will wash out in bright daylight. So... you might consider getting a K-30... the DSLR eye-level viewfinder always lets you see the scene... and the K-30 is MUCH better for fast-moving action shots.

A last thought, as long as I'm spending your money. If you hit India during the rainy season, go with the K-30 and an 18-55mm WR zoom lens. Monsoon? ¡No problemo!

Good luck -- have a great trip -- and post some pictures here when you get back!

Na Horuk · 10-21-2013, 06:38 AM

Sounds like it will be a cool trip! Maybe you can have a 40mm XS with you, and a 18-135mm zoom for everything else and WR? (I know the camera isnt WR, but still) The 40mm XS is so small you can always have it with you, and it delivers great IQ for portraits and landscapes and general city photography.
Or a fast 50mm, so you can shoot in low light. I often take my M 50mm f1.7 along with zoom lenses when I travel, so I can use it when I want a higher quality shot or when I need f1.7 (twilight and night time, museums and cathedrals,..). On the K-01 its pretty easy to MF, too, since it has focus peaking.

Best of luck and I hope you post some of the photos on this forum

Edit: But the 17-50 and 17-70mm lenses also sound pretty good, I think a lot of Pentaxians use them as their kit. Just make sure AF works well with your camera.

Genesis · 10-21-2013, 06:48 AM

Well, for now the plan is : The K-01, my 70mm ltd, 35mm ltd, and my new 21mm ltd (and thinking of getting the 40 mm ltd) :-) (And a Sony DSC-tx20 for the beach)

Genesis · 10-21-2013, 11:16 AM

Originally posted by Genesis

Well, for now the plan is : The K-01, my 70mm ltd, 35mm ltd, and my new 21mm ltd (and thinking of getting the 40 mm ltd) :-) (And a Sony DSC-tx20 for the beach)

And a small correction about "thinking" of getting the 40mm ltd - It has just been ordered

JPT · 10-22-2013, 06:05 AM

I find a very nice compact kit for the K01 is the DA21 Ltd and the F35-70 (with a hood). This gives nice quality throughout the range and it's discreet and not too much value to worry about. Of course, once you try your DA40, you'll probably want to bring that anyway.

09-29-2013, 04:24 AM	#1
Genesis Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Helsinge Posts: 33	Travel lens - (again) Hi, I am going on a holiday trip around India i November , and are thinking of traveling "light" - Only bringing my K-01, and one lens. The problem is that I don´t really have a zoom (only the Pentax 18-55). So I was thinking about either the Sigma 17-50/2.8 EX, or the 17-70/2.8-4 EX. Does anybody have any opinions on those - or another suggestion ?

09-29-2013, 08:34 AM	#10
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351	Personally, if I had to pick one, it would be the Sigma 17-70. But it does make the K-01 fairly conspicuous because of its size. I'd also be tempted by a "three small primes" setup (say 15/35/70 or similar), which wouldn't be much heavier. You'd have to switch lenses, but you'd look much more friendly shooting street candids with a small prime. Just a thought. Kind of depends on your style... Last edited by Doundounba; 09-29-2013 at 08:39 AM. Reason: add "small"

10-21-2013, 06:38 AM	#12
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Sounds like it will be a cool trip! Maybe you can have a 40mm XS with you, and a 18-135mm zoom for everything else and WR? (I know the camera isnt WR, but still) The 40mm XS is so small you can always have it with you, and it delivers great IQ for portraits and landscapes and general city photography. Or a fast 50mm, so you can shoot in low light. I often take my M 50mm f1.7 along with zoom lenses when I travel, so I can use it when I want a higher quality shot or when I need f1.7 (twilight and night time, museums and cathedrals,..). On the K-01 its pretty easy to MF, too, since it has focus peaking. Best of luck and I hope you post some of the photos on this forum Edit: But the 17-50 and 17-70mm lenses also sound pretty good, I think a lot of Pentaxians use them as their kit. Just make sure AF works well with your camera. Last edited by Na Horuk; 10-21-2013 at 06:44 AM.

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09-29-2013, 05:54 AM	#2
k5astro Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 387	I think there are a couple of schools of thought on travel lenses. You can take 1 excellent prime lens where the focal length is a compromise to all situations, or you can take an all-in-one zoom lens where the quality of the image is a compromise in all situations. The link below is a review of Canon, Sigma and Tamron 18-200mm zooms. I'm sure the sigma is available for pentax and I think the tamron also. Personally I'm starting to lean toward a 35mm (equiv.) prime as are many people who have carried heavy cameras for some time. There is a lot of praise for the 35mm F2.8 Limited (although its a little longer than I was thinking for an APS-C camera). Canon 18-200 vs Sigma 18-250 vs Tamron 18-250 and 18-270 [JuzaPhoto]

09-29-2013, 06:40 AM	#3
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	The 18-55 is better than most would give it credit for. Personally I would get something to filll in the longer end like the Pentax 55-300 or one of the 70-300 lenses. If you are not planning on going as long then the Pentax 18-135 is decent. If staying with a similar focal length then the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is good, but for less noisy autofocus go with the Sigma for a 17-50 since it is hsm. It will use more battery though.

09-29-2013, 07:03 AM	#4
wombat2go Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	I have traveled to India a few times with minimal lenses. Of all countries I have visited, India is probably giving the widest opportunity for interesting and colorful photos. Sometimes with a wider zoom, sometimes with fixed focal , both with Pentax ist ds and Pentax MX 35mm film. Although my little zoom goes to 70mm, I notice, almost never use higher than 50mm. I prefer film camera these days but if traveling with aps-c and one fixed focal, -a small f/2.8 28 mm and a hood. - covers 90% of cases daylight and evening. How are you going to frame photos outdoors with the K-01 ? - mine is useless in sunlight. Photo below is from a Pentax MX (35mm film) with the Rikenon XR 1:3.5 28mm Attached Images

09-29-2013, 07:18 AM	#5
Genesis Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Helsinge Posts: 33 Original Poster	Originally posted by gbeaton I think there are a couple of schools of thought on travel lenses. You can take 1 excellent prime lens where the focal length is a compromise to all situations, or you can take an all-in-one zoom lens where the quality of the image is a compromise in all situations. The link below is a review of Canon, Sigma and Tamron 18-200mm zooms. I'm sure the sigma is available for pentax and I think the tamron also. Personally I'm starting to lean toward a 35mm (equiv.) prime as are many people who have carried heavy cameras for some time. There is a lot of praise for the 35mm F2.8 Limited (although its a little longer than I was thinking for an APS-C camera). Canon 18-200 vs Sigma 18-250 vs Tamron 18-250 and 18-270 [JuzaPhoto] I am actually the "prime lens school" And I can say that the 35mm ltd is a great piece of glass, but actually if I get the chance I use the 70mm ltd more.

09-29-2013, 07:20 AM	#6
Genesis Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Helsinge Posts: 33 Original Poster	Originally posted by wombat2go I have traveled to India a few times with minimal lenses. Of all countries I have visited, India is probably giving the widest opportunity for interesting and colorful photos. Sometimes with a wider zoom, sometimes with fixed focal , both with Pentax ist ds and Pentax MX 35mm film. Although my little zoom goes to 70mm, I notice, almost never use higher than 50mm. I prefer film camera these days but if traveling with aps-c and one fixed focal, -a small f/2.8 28 mm and a hood. - covers 90% of cases daylight and evening. How are you going to frame photos outdoors with the K-01 ? - mine is useless in sunlight. Photo below is from a Pentax MX (35mm film) with the Rikenon XR 1:3.5 28mm .. Yes there is of cause the problem with LCD - so maybe it would be better to take the K20D, and buy the 17-50

09-29-2013, 07:27 AM	#7
wombat2go Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	Originally posted by Genesis so maybe it would be better to take the K20D, and buy the 17-50 That is what I would do, the K-01 is far inferior to my ist ds outdoors. And I can't put a finger on why, but colorful images from the old camera seem more pleasing and realistic to me. Perhaps I have not optimized the jpg settings on the K-01

09-29-2013, 08:15 AM	#8
bradsarno Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: St. Louis, MO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 114	My lens collection has grown fairly large, and I find this lens on the camera more than any other lately. When I head out and am not sure what I'll face, this one generally is a great balance between image quality and range. Colors are great, and sharpness exceeds the better 18-55mm II kit lens. Not real fast in low light, but that's where we can use a prime. For travel with limited space I'd probably take this lens and one prime. For the prime, I'd bring a 28mm, a 35mm, 40mm pancake, or a 50mm. It's been sold under a couple of different names, but it's the same thing. For some reason the reviews of the version labeled as a Pentax-FA didn't get the good numbers, so I don't get that. This review of the lens as a Promaster is accurate in my opinion. It's really an impressive performer: 28-105mm f4-5.6 Promaster 28-105mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

09-29-2013, 08:17 AM	#9
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	If you want to be out in the rain, the DA18-135 is the best choice. If you will stay dry, the Sigma 17-70 is the best choice. If you want optimum IQ, primes are your best choice. That's why they make so many different lenses, because no one lens is always the right answer. For me, I'd take my 18-135 and my Sigma 30. Same advice I always give. WR, versatile zoom, and a fast normal for indoors. Take the 15mm Ltd along for magic, and it's a perfect combo. If I take my big bag, I add a tripod, my DA35 and my fisheye, and probably a fast 50. Add something longer also if you think you might need it.

10-21-2013, 01:24 AM - 1 Like	#11
jon404 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 696	I use a 35mm DA f/2.4 -- VERY sharp, and inexpensive. Gives a pleasing 52mm-equiv 'normal' field of view. But here's the catch. I use my K-01 all the time for street photography, with a Hoodman 3" loupe gaffer-taped on the back. Works perfectly, excellent for composing pictures with spot exposure. But... without that loupe... the K-01's screen will wash out in bright daylight. So... you might consider getting a K-30... the DSLR eye-level viewfinder always lets you see the scene... and the K-30 is MUCH better for fast-moving action shots. A last thought, as long as I'm spending your money. If you hit India during the rainy season, go with the K-30 and an 18-55mm WR zoom lens. Monsoon? ¡No problemo! Good luck -- have a great trip -- and post some pictures here when you get back!

10-21-2013, 06:48 AM	#13
Genesis Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Helsinge Posts: 33 Original Poster	Well, for now the plan is : The K-01, my 70mm ltd, 35mm ltd, and my new 21mm ltd (and thinking of getting the 40 mm ltd) :-) (And a Sony DSC-tx20 for the beach)

10-21-2013, 11:16 AM	#14
Genesis Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Helsinge Posts: 33 Original Poster	Originally posted by Genesis Well, for now the plan is : The K-01, my 70mm ltd, 35mm ltd, and my new 21mm ltd (and thinking of getting the 40 mm ltd) :-) (And a Sony DSC-tx20 for the beach) And a small correction about "thinking" of getting the 40mm ltd - It has just been ordered

10-22-2013, 06:05 AM	#15
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821	I find a very nice compact kit for the K01 is the DA21 Ltd and the F35-70 (with a hood). This gives nice quality throughout the range and it's discreet and not too much value to worry about. Of course, once you try your DA40, you'll probably want to bring that anyway.