[monochrome]

With a K-3 and 3 not-so-extreme great lenses (say, DA 21, DA40, DA70) in a waist pouch it would be a matter of seconds to switch lenses. That kit on APSc approximates the traditional 3-lens kit I was taught way back in the dark ages of Spotmatics (28, 55, 105) at a fraction of the size and weight.

With 24 Megapickles one can crop an awful lot of zoomishness (yes, I know the perspective isn't the same, but life is full of compromises).

In that case, the perspective would be the same...that is one of the advantages of tons of megapickles.


Steve

Well you've just added another vote for the Grand Unified Theory:

K-3 | FA31 | FA43 | FA77

One change and we'll have the Theory of Everything.

But we're not quite there yet . . . . . .

---

Last edited by monochrome; 09-13-2014 at 05:27 AM.

[Wild Mark]

In Pentaxland, you have the "3 Princesses" (aka "3 Amigos") - the FA Ltd's that Digitalis named.

You also have the quintet of DA Ltd's - the 3 lenses kh1234567890 listed, and also the amazing DA 15 Ltd that seems to control the minds of those who own it, and the 35/2.8 Macro that Mike Johnston (The Online Photographer) states will be "the best lens you own".

As far as zooms go, for Pentax its a relative weakness compared with most other brands. That said, the Pentax DA 50-135 seems to be as highly regarded as any lens about which I've read.

I would agree with this (FF or crop sensor angle) except for the zoom weakness. The FA* 80-200mm f2.8 is a beast and accompanies the three amigos very very well.

I second references to the DA10-17

Mark

[Stavri]

My current trio setup: Sigma 18-35mm f1.8, DA* 55mm f1.4, Pentax-F 135mm f2.8...

[asp1880]

I've tried out a DA15, FA35/2, DA70 trio for lightweight travel. Super compact and easy to change using the "front-to-front, two fingers per lens" left hand switch.


I'd throw in a WR zoom for inclement weather.


Regards,
--Anders.

[felixkh]

If I need only 3 lenses from my arsenal of lenses for a trip:

DA*16-50/2.8
Sigma 70-200/2.8
FA 43/1.9

[Ventzy]

If only 3 lens must be chosen, they will be (according to my opinion):

HD PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited
SMC PENTAX FA 31mm f/1.8 AL
SMC DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM

But perfect combination will be + other 3:

Pentax FA 77mm
SMC Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8 WR
Pentax DA* 300mm f/4 ED [IF] SDM

[northcoastgreg]

What trio of lenses to select really depends on what sort of photography one is doing. For critter photography, my trio might be:

DFA 100 f2.8 WR macro
Tamron 70-200 f2.8
DA* 300 f4

For flower photography, I might choose:

K 50 f1.2
F 85 f2.8 Soft
DFA 100 f2.8 WR Macro

For landscape photography:

DA 10-17 f3.5-4.5
DA 15 f4 Limited
DA 17-70 f4

For wedding photography, I might choose:

DA* 16-50 f2.8
DA* 50-135 f2.8
DA* 55 f1.4

or:

FA* 24 f2
DA* 55 f1.4
FA 77 f1.8 Limited

The difficulty is finding the trio that best fits the job at hand, and conforms to the style of photography that one is pursing.

[Ray Pulley]

When using either the Canon or the Nikon I was aware most photographers referred to 3 lenses as the basic, must have lenses; the 14mm-24mm, the 24-70mm , and the 70-200mm; They called this the Holy Trinity of lenses. Is it the same for Pentax cameras If not, what 3 zoom lenses would be thought of in the same way?
Mariakruse

Great lenses, those 3 Nikons, but for those that like to complain (not you) about Pentax lens pricing, it would set you back $6,278 to buy those 3 from BHPhoto right now

Ray

[noelpolar]

I've just returned from a month in Turkey and the Greek Islands and for the first time took only a prime kit. The percentage of my shots taken per lens ended up DA15-15.9%, DA21-11.0%, FA31-29.2%, FA43 12.1%, FA77-9.5%, F*300-22.3%.

The secret is to have the kit in a bag that is compact and just works when making lens changes…..I took several thousand shots. I find the prime process, that may include some lens change time (15sec's max) provides a creative/reflective opportunity that I more regular omit when quick snapping with a zoom (I own zooms as well).

In the bread shot example in an earlier post, whilst as a zoom shot taker I would have snapped the bread and moved on, whilst swapping the lens as a prime shooter I may have noticed the baker out the back kneading more dough and got a completely different take on what the opportunity photo opportunity presented. Notice I have used the context of "I"….. I'm not saying it's necessarily saying it's this way for others.

[mariakruse]

Great lenses, those 3 Nikons, but for those that like to complain (not you) about Pentax lens pricing, it would set you back $6,278 to buy those 3 from BHPhoto right now

Ray

I don't think I make enough on my photography to justify that kind of expense. Hubby is a sweetie but he might frown at that. Another reason I decided to jump ship.
maria

---------- Post added 10-03-14 at 07:53 PM ----------

What trio of lenses to select really depends on what sort of photography one is doing. For critter photography, my trio might be:

DFA 100 f2.8 WR macro
Tamron 70-200 f2.8
DA* 300 f4

For flower photography, I might choose:

K 50 f1.2
F 85 f2.8 Soft
DFA 100 f2.8 WR Macro

For landscape photography:

DA 10-17 f3.5-4.5
DA 15 f4 Limited
DA 17-70 f4

For wedding photography, I might choose:

DA* 16-50 f2.8
DA* 50-135 f2.8
DA* 55 f1.4

or:

FA* 24 f2
DA* 55 f1.4
FA 77 f1.8 Limited

The difficulty is finding the trio that best fits the job at hand, and conforms to the style of photography that one is pursing.

You're right. I shoot mostly still life and studio stuff. Lots of pattern and texture stuff, shadows and odd shaped things. Sometimes posed pets and once in while a landscape or I wander thru town and shoot interesting buildings or graffiti on walls. No sports, although I'd like to do some dancers. I do appreciate the suggestions for different lenses. gives me a list for birthdays and such.
maria

[WPRESTO]

I do a lot macro, and my lens trio for this particular style of photography in order of preference is:
200mm f4.0 SMCA ED macro
Tokina 90mm F2.5 macro
50mm f2.8 SMCA macro

For travel on tour to "touristy" locations (Rome, Athens, London), convenience rules so for a trio:
8-16mm Sigma
18-250mm Sigma
10-17 Pentax
But I also always take along the 35mm f2.8 DA macro and 70mm f2.4 DA for use in museums

For travel when wildlife/nature photography will dominate:
60-250mm f4.0 Pentax
300mm DA f4 Pentax
18-250 Sigma
However, when we were in Africa I knew my movements would be restricted - no leaving the vehicle to get closer - so I took the 50-500 Bigma. Not optically the best beyond about 300mm, but its versatility far outweighed loss of IQ in long shots

For local wildlife, not macro:
300mm f4 DA
Tamron 400mm f4.0 - which works well with Pentax 1.4X and 2X long-lens converters
60-250mm f4.0 Pentax

[KDAFA]

I shoot mostly still life and studio stuff. Lots of pattern and texture stuff, shadows and odd shaped things...

From this description, and in particular having seen your pomegranate series, for this sort of work and intended effect I would STRONGLY recommend DA35 Macro f2.8 Limited and FA43 f1.9 Limited primes. I use these two a lot for this sort of work as you described. They will give you a special rendering, which enhances the pictures beautifully. Specifically, they are superb at handling shadows and micro-contrast. They're also both excellent at rendering fine, subtle detail, so textures come out superbly. The colours are also outstanding. Shooting with them at large aperture settings can yield breathtaking results when done right. And, although the 43 isn't a macro lens, I sometimes set it to minimum focusing distance, get as close as I can to the object of interest, then crop the shot appropriately (with K-3 you can afford to do some pretty aggressive cropping like this). So the 43 can act like a close-up lens, and if you set the f-number just right for correct depth of field, the resulting crop can be stunning.

[kooks]

At this time my trio is:

- Sigma 30mm f1.4 art
- Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
- Pentax DA 10-17mm

Perhaps i will like to add a Sigma 50mm f1.4 art but because i have the 30mm its not really that i "need it" .. and also add a better telephoto ( i own an old sigma 70-300mm that does the job but mmm could do it better )

[mariakruse]

From this description, and in particular having seen your pomegranate series, for this sort of work and intended effect I would STRONGLY recommend DA35 Macro f2.8 Limited and FA43 f1.9 Limited primes. I use these two a lot for this sort of work as you described. They will give you a special rendering, which enhances the pictures beautifully. Specifically, they are superb at handling shadows and micro-contrast. They're also both excellent at rendering fine, subtle detail, so textures come out superbly. The colours are also outstanding. Shooting with them at large aperture settings can yield breathtaking results when done right. And, although the 43 isn't a macro lens, I sometimes set it to minimum focusing distance, get as close as I can to the object of interest, then crop the shot appropriately (with K-3 you can afford to do some pretty aggressive cropping like this). So the 43 can act like a close-up lens, and if you set the f-number just right for correct depth of field, the resulting crop can be stunning.

Thank you, that is most helpful information. I am making a list of lenses I want to buy over time. No rush for me but it's good to get some informed ideas.
maria

[Stavri]

Thank you, that is most helpful information. I am making a list of lenses I want to buy over time. No rush for me but it's good to get some informed ideas.
maria

The 35mm f2.8 macro it just delicious, bubblegummy goodness. I cannot believe I waited so long to for mine...(The Fa 43 will have to wait, I'm hoping/expecting a FA lens revamp with the upcoming FF dslr)