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Dean1966 · 01-09-2018, 01:54 PM

Which is the best Pentax lens out there for shooting portrait and landscape with my Pentax K-30? because I the
SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED and I have the Tamron LD A17 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD AF Di.

D1N0 · 01-09-2018, 01:58 PM - **1 Like**

The DA 16-85 F3.5-5.6 or DA 18-135 F3.5 5.6 will cover both. Want a dedicated cheap portrait lens for more separation and shallow DOF? Get a DA 50mm F1.8

**caliscouser** · 01-09-2018, 02:06 PM

To do both with only one lens then something like:
- Tamron 17-50 2.8
- Sigma 17-50 2.8
- Pentax DA* 16-50 2.8
- Sigma 18-35 1.8

**jatrax** · 01-09-2018, 02:09 PM

DA*16-50
DA 16-85
DA 18-135

Or
DA 15mm Limited for landscape
DA 70mm Limited for portraits

**aslyfox** · 01-09-2018, 02:16 PM

although written a few years ago, perhaps the OP might benefit from reviewing this article:

" Beginner Portrait Lens Guide
What lenses to choose, and why- with a video demo!
By PF Staff in Gear Guides on Jun 11, 2013 "

Beginner Portrait Lens Guide - Gear Guides | PentaxForums.com

**pepperberry farm** · 01-09-2018, 02:16 PM

DA 14mm f2.8 and DA 70mm f2.4 Limited - landscape and portrait...

**ramseybuckeye** · 01-09-2018, 02:38 PM

Originally posted by Dean1966

Which is the best Pentax lens out there for shooting portrait and landscape with my Pentax K-30? because I the
SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED and I have the Tamron LD A17 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD AF Di.

Any lens can be used for landscapes, any focal length, none for all landscapes, they are all unique. I would agree with the DA 50 for portraits (*and landscapes too), or you find a deal on an F 50/1.7.

KDD · 01-09-2018, 03:58 PM

DA 15mm Limited for landscape
DA 70mm Limited for portraits

Adam · 01-09-2018, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by Dean1966

Which is the best Pentax lens out there for shooting portrait and landscape with my Pentax K-30? because I the
SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED and I have the Tamron LD A17 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD AF Di.

There is never a "best" lens because every lens makes some sort of compromise, but for APS-C shooting the DA* 16-50mm (or Sigma and Tamron alternatives) or the DA 16-85mm are both excellent as far as zooms go. As for primes, the DA 15mm and FA 77mm are unmatched IMO.

C_Jones · 01-09-2018, 05:06 PM

The Pentax 16-85 is excellent.

**twilhelm** · 01-09-2018, 08:07 PM

All these recommendations are great. If I’m going out with just two lenses, I’m probably taking the DA 20-40 and FA 77.

**pres589** · 01-09-2018, 08:41 PM

Tamron 17-50. $300, does both, not perfectly perhaps but it will get both jobs done.

**Alex645** · 01-10-2018, 02:14 AM

Originally posted by Dean1966

Which is the best Pentax lens out there for shooting portrait and landscape with my Pentax K-30? because I the
SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED and I have the Tamron LD A17 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD AF Di.

Agree with every post as "best" can mean price/value, or specialized, or image quality, etc.

One cheaper alternative suggestion not previously mentioned is using either of your zooms for portraiture and then an 18-55m for landscapes.

**aslyfox** · 01-10-2018, 03:30 AM

I have the 16 - 85, very nice lens

__________________________

back in the film days if I recall correctly

wide angle 30mm or lower

normal ( mimicking what your eyes " see " )

40 - 50 mm

portraits - focal length of 50mm or greater

short telephoto 100mm or greater

but I agree, if you avoid lenses with distortion, you may be able to crop your photo to achieve your " portrait "

before spending money on a new dedicated " portrait " lens, try out your current lenses and see what you can do

as far as telephoto doing landscapes:

Post your Telephoto Landscapes! - PentaxForums.com

and this thread might be interesting as well

Post Your Portrait-Orientation Landscapes! - PentaxForums.com

01-09-2018, 01:54 PM	#1
Dean1966 New Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 16	I have a lens problem, Please help me. Which is the best Pentax lens out there for shooting portrait and landscape with my Pentax K-30? because I the SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED and I have the Tamron LD A17 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD AF Di.

01-09-2018, 04:24 PM	#9
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by Dean1966 Which is the best Pentax lens out there for shooting portrait and landscape with my Pentax K-30? because I the SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED and I have the Tamron LD A17 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD AF Di. There is never a "best" lens because every lens makes some sort of compromise, but for APS-C shooting the DA* 16-50mm (or Sigma and Tamron alternatives) or the DA 16-85mm are both excellent as far as zooms go. As for primes, the DA 15mm and FA 77mm are unmatched IMO. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

01-10-2018, 03:30 AM	#14
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	I have the 16 - 85, very nice lens __________________________ back in the film days if I recall correctly wide angle 30mm or lower normal ( mimicking what your eyes " see " ) 40 - 50 mm portraits - focal length of 50mm or greater short telephoto 100mm or greater but I agree, if you avoid lenses with distortion, you may be able to crop your photo to achieve your " portrait " before spending money on a new dedicated " portrait " lens, try out your current lenses and see what you can do as far as telephoto doing landscapes: Post your Telephoto Landscapes! - PentaxForums.com and this thread might be interesting as well Post Your Portrait-Orientation Landscapes! - PentaxForums.com Last edited by aslyfox; 01-10-2018 at 03:42 AM.

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01-09-2018, 01:58 PM - 1 Like	#2
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	The DA 16-85 F3.5-5.6 or DA 18-135 F3.5 5.6 will cover both. Want a dedicated cheap portrait lens for more separation and shallow DOF? Get a DA 50mm F1.8

01-09-2018, 02:06 PM	#3
caliscouser Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,037	To do both with only one lens then something like: - Tamron 17-50 2.8 - Sigma 17-50 2.8 - Pentax DA* 16-50 2.8 - Sigma 18-35 1.8

01-09-2018, 02:09 PM	#4
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	DA*16-50 DA 16-85 DA 18-135 Or DA 15mm Limited for landscape DA 70mm Limited for portraits

01-09-2018, 02:16 PM	#5
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	although written a few years ago, perhaps the OP might benefit from reviewing this article: " Beginner Portrait Lens Guide What lenses to choose, and why- with a video demo! By PF Staff in Gear Guides on Jun 11, 2013 " Beginner Portrait Lens Guide - Gear Guides \| PentaxForums.com

01-09-2018, 02:16 PM	#6
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	DA 14mm f2.8 and DA 70mm f2.4 Limited - landscape and portrait...

01-09-2018, 02:38 PM	#7
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	Originally posted by Dean1966 Which is the best Pentax lens out there for shooting portrait and landscape with my Pentax K-30? because I the SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED and I have the Tamron LD A17 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD AF Di. Any lens can be used for landscapes, any focal length, none for all landscapes, they are all unique. I would agree with the DA 50 for portraits (*and landscapes too), or you find a deal on an F 50/1.7.

01-09-2018, 03:58 PM	#8
KDD Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 403	DA 15mm Limited for landscape DA 70mm Limited for portraits

01-09-2018, 05:06 PM	#10
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	The Pentax 16-85 is excellent.

01-09-2018, 08:07 PM	#11
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	All these recommendations are great. If I’m going out with just two lenses, I’m probably taking the DA 20-40 and FA 77.

01-09-2018, 08:41 PM	#12
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	Tamron 17-50. $300, does both, not perfectly perhaps but it will get both jobs done.

01-10-2018, 02:14 AM	#13
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,527	Originally posted by Dean1966 Which is the best Pentax lens out there for shooting portrait and landscape with my Pentax K-30? because I the SMC Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED and I have the Tamron LD A17 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD AF Di. Agree with every post as "best" can mean price/value, or specialized, or image quality, etc. One cheaper alternative suggestion not previously mentioned is using either of your zooms for portraiture and then an 18-55m for landscapes.

I have a lens problem, Please help me.

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!