[Luuk]

Hey guys

Don't know if this is the right thread to ask this :s
but just wondering what kind of lenses everybody is using,
and what is the best to buy in terms of price, quality and situations.

thanks
Luuk

[Na Horuk]

Price, quality and flexibility, but they have a relationship.

If you want top notch image quality, primes are the way to go.
Primes: better optical quality, better contrast, less CA, wider aperture/better for low light, faster AF. Specialized.
Zoom: flexible field of view, can be used in many situations, might not be amazing, but often are "good enough." Good for vacations or situations where you don't have the time to change lenses.
Of course, it depends on the prices. High end zooms these days are almost as good as primes. Especially if you are buying cheap, third party or old primes. Oh, and some people like primes because it makes them think about compositions more, because you can learn "to see" the frame without even looking through the camera

But still, a DA 35mm f2.4 or DA 50mm f1.8 or DA 40mm XS will give you better image quality than any zoom lens at a similar price point. Things only get complicated when you compare lenses of different classes or at higher prices

[VoiceOfReason]

I'm a big zoom user. Just look at my signature.

As far as what to use, it depends. I think for the price and performance the new Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 is definitely worth it. Of course the way I shoot my primes almost never come out.

[Digitalis]

Pentax is one of the few makers that really caters to users who prefer compact primes, especially the DA Limited primes. Though if you want speed and excellent optical quality there are the FA limited lenses.

[JohnX]

What sort of photography are you into? Choice of lens can be a function of what you shoot as much as a preference for primes or zooms.

Zoom lenses are great if you want flexibility, and Pentax make some superb ones in the DA* range. Conversely, if you're into macro then the 35, 50 or 100 macro lenses are the way to go - all primes.

[wtlwdwgn]

If you're willing to forego AF then there are plenty of used MF prime lenses at reasonable prices. You can always zoom with your feet.

[Canada_Rockies]

My light kit is DA 12-24, DA 55-300.

For a three lens kit, depending on what I am doing, I will add:
DA* 16-50 for its f/2.8 aperture and silent focus.
M 100/4 macro for macro (duh)
Takumar SMC 55/1.8

The other prime I use is the M 400/5.6

So I am a three zoom, three prime user.

[esrandall]

I started with a couple of primes, and a couple of zooms, and found I was going to the primes more often. I've never been willing to spend money on nicer quality zooms (there are definitely some great ones out there) and have had such nice results with my manual primes, that the few AF lenses I have purchased, have been primes.

[devouges]

I use my 55-300mm a lot but most of the time it is on 300mm.

Someday, when I win the lottery, I will get that 300mm prime

[Kerrowdown]

As I don't own a zoom, I guess that makes me a prime man.

[dadipentak]

I got primes, I got zooms. My decisions about which to use are based on the situation (and whim).

[Canada_Rockies]

I got primes, I got zooms. My decisions about which to use are based on the situation (and whim).

I think Mrs. Whim guides many of my choices, too.

[NaClH2O]

Depends on what I'm shooting. Personally I think good quality newer zooms have just as good image quality as the primes. I think the difference comes in primes are usually faster and usually have much better bokeh. Zooms are obviously more versatile. As far as "zooming with your feet" is concerned, I don't buy it, when you do that you change your shooting angles unless the subject is at eye level. For a 'walk-around' lens I want a zoom, for portraits (whether human or floral ) I use a prime. Landscapes where I want a large dof either will do.

NaCl(I'm flexible)H2O

[reeftool]

I've recently been using a Sigma 17-70C a whole lot. My DA 15 and 40 Limiteds are always in my bag. My K300/4 has been getting a good workout this year. The DA 10-17 also gets use. As others have said, it really depends on what I'm shooting. In the past few weeks, I have been doing photos at several motorcycle rallies and runs which is why the 17-70 has had so much use. It's just easier and more practical.

[ChristianRock]

Primes, mostly because it's easier to afford a good prime than it is to afford a good zom. The exception is on the wide angle side, where primes cost more... but my 35mm 2.4 lens sits on the K20D more than 50% of the time, so that alone decided my vote