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**jawats** · 11-19-2018, 07:33 AM

24thNomad · 11-19-2018, 08:29 AM - **1 Like**

Gonna suggest something not on your list if you don't mind. I will personally vouch for the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro HSM (Contemporary) Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

I do a lot of concert and paid event photography gigs and it has been a workhouse in my kit. Very well rounded, a pleasure to use, versatile, within your parameters and Sigma lens come with that extended warranty provided you register the product. It's got great Autofocus too; which would be a boon if you're doing a lot of kids' candid shots. It's both fast and quiet. I bought mine on special for $350 (lowest price I've ever seen new for it) from B & H. It's usually $400-450. Some of my customers' favorites have come from this one. This along with my Sigma 30 f/1.4 are the MVPs in my Pentax kit.

**rogerstg** · 11-19-2018, 10:54 AM - **1 Like**

For house and small venue gathering, I use my DA* 16-50 f/2.8 and can't remembering wanting for anything longer (with ASPC). Lately, I find myself using a recently acquired DA 21 for such events. It's smaller and less obtrusive than the 16-50.

**jawats** · 11-19-2018, 12:35 PM

Originally posted by 24thNomad

Gonna suggest something not on your list if you don't mind. I will personally vouch for the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro HSM (Contemporary) Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

I do a lot of concert and paid event photography gigs and it has been a workhouse in my kit. Very well rounded, a pleasure to use, versatile, within your parameters and Sigma lens come with that extended warranty provided you register the product. It's got great Autofocus too; which would be a boon if you're doing a lot of kids' candid shots. It's both fast and quiet. I bought mine on special for $350 (lowest price I've ever seen new for it) from B & H. It's usually $400-450. Some of my customers' favorites have come from this one. This along with my Sigma 30 f/1.4 are the MVPs in my Pentax kit.

Thank you! I'm definitely adding that to my list. Also, even the older Sigma 17-70s seem to have very good ratings.

It's funny. This situation is not one I had really considered until my 6 y/old's birthday party photos. They came out fine, but very noisy, due to ISO adjustments, or blurry, if I capped the ISO. You don't really realize you have a gap until you see it plain as day.

---------- Post added 11-19-18 at 12:37 PM ----------

Originally posted by rogerstg

For house and small venue gathering, I use my DA* 16-50 f/2.8 and can't remembering wanting for anything longer (with ASPC). Lately, I find myself using a recently acquired DA 21 for such events. It's smaller and less obtrusive than the 16-50.

This one? SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

**rogerstg** · 11-19-2018, 01:02 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jawats

This one? SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Yes. You can cash in on the SDM scare and find them used for a good price. Worse case is you convert to screw drive. There are other worthwhile lenses too. I was mainly sharing my experience, especially with regard to focal length I mostly use.

**onlineflyer** · 11-20-2018, 10:55 AM - **1 Like**

Don't overlook the DA 20-40mm f2.8-4. It can be found used well within your budget.

wibbly · 11-20-2018, 10:57 AM - **1 Like**

i have a couple of screw drive da* zooms for sale in the marketplace. both well within your budget.

reh321 · 11-20-2018, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by jawats

What camera body are you using?

Rather than purchase a new lens, you might purchase a KP, which is reported to make much higher ISO values usable. Personally, I believe that is where photography is heading - higher ISO rather than wider apertures {and the resulting paper-thin DOF}

**rogerstg** · 11-20-2018, 01:53 PM

Originally posted by wibbly

i have a couple of screw drive da* zooms for sale in the marketplace. both well within your budget.

Wow - $250 for a converted *16-50 is a good price.

**jawats** · 11-21-2018, 07:30 AM

Originally posted by reh321

What camera body are you using?

Rather than purchase a new lens, you might purchase a KP, which is reported to make much higher ISO values usable. Personally, I believe that is where photography is heading - higher ISO rather than wider apertures {and the resulting paper-thin DOF}

I might purchase a KP, but I'm using a K-3 now, and I am not sure the performance is quite enough to justify a body switch.

Looking at the prices, used, on Ebay and here:

K-3 II: $550 - $900
KP: $800 - $1,100
K-1: $1,000 - $2,000
K-1 II: $1,700 - $2,200

I'm not terribly worried about the weight difference - KP (703 grams; 1.55 lb) vs K-1 (1010 grams; 2.2 lbs). It seems like a KP and a K-1 would be roughly the same price, used. Is there a reason not to simply wait for the K-1 II to come down in price, or the potential for a K-3 III? I'm curious, as the K-1 seems logical to me, but I haven't looked at the comparison between KP and K-1 (and K-1 II) enough to know, and I'm interested in your own experience, if any. Thank you!

I'm assuming, of course, that Pentax maintains lens compatibility, so that I can go out and obtain a faster short zoom now, and it will work fine if I get a K-1 next year.

reh321 · 11-21-2018, 08:26 AM

Originally posted by jawats

Is there a reason not to simply wait for the K-1 II to come down in price, or the potential for a K-3 III? I'm curious, as the K-1 seems logical to me, but I haven't looked at the comparison between KP and K-1 (and K-1 II) enough to know, and I'm interested in your own experience, if any. Thank you!

I'm assuming, of course, that Pentax maintains lens compatibility, so that I can go out and obtain a faster short zoom now, and it will work fine if I get a K-1 next year.

I wasn't advocating for the KP in particular, just using it as an example - I was suggesting that better body performance might be the best course for you, but if you want {and can finance} going both better lens performance and better body performance, getting a new lens now and waiting for a future body sounds like a great plan to me.

**jawats** · 11-21-2018, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by reh321

I wasn't advocating for the KP in particular, just using it as an example - I was suggesting that better body performance might be the best course for you, but if you want {and can finance} going both better lens performance and better body performance, getting a new lens now and waiting for a future body sounds like a great plan to me.

Ahhh! Got it - thanks.

Let me know if you want to have coffee sometime, as well. I see we're relatively close in locale.

**pres589** · 11-21-2018, 11:23 AM

Either that screw converted 16-50 or a Tamron 17-50 would be my first choices. Tamron's 28-75 is something like $375 new right now and there are folks that *love* that lens for indoor shots where a bit more reach is wanted. I'm also a fan of the Sigma 28mm EX DG f1.8.

I'm a bit confused at folks suggestions variable aperture zooms or lenses that are slower than f2.8 max.

**jawats** · 11-21-2018, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by pres589

Either that screw converted 16-50 or a Tamron 17-50 would be my first choices. Tamron's 28-75 is something like $375 new right now and there are folks that *love* that lens for indoor shots where a bit more reach is wanted. I'm also a fan of the Sigma 28mm EX DG f1.8.

I'm a bit confused at folks suggestions variable aperture zooms or lenses that are slower than f2.8 max.

Thank you for the suggestions! I will add them to my review list.

---------- Post added 11-21-18 at 01:01 PM ----------

Originally posted by pres589

Either that screw converted 16-50 or a Tamron 17-50 would be my first choices. Tamron's 28-75 is something like $375 new right now and there are folks that *love* that lens for indoor shots where a bit more reach is wanted. I'm also a fan of the Sigma 28mm EX DG f1.8.

I'm a bit confused at folks suggestions variable aperture zooms or lenses that are slower than f2.8 max.

Also, are you suggesting the Sigma 28mm for the sharpness factor, then cropped to produce the same outcome as a zoom?

reh321 · 11-21-2018, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by pres589

I'm a bit confused at folks suggestions variable aperture zooms or lenses that are slower than f2.8 max.

I don't see what is confusing about using a lens with a smaller aperture if it is less costly ..... then "compensating" by using a body capable of gracefully handling higher ISO values.

11-19-2018, 07:33 AM	#1
jawats Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 756	Fast Zoom for Indoors All, I have two lenses which both do a decent job under good light conditions (usually outside) and indoors with flash, namely: Tamron AF (IF) 79D/179D 28-105mm F4-5.6 Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database and SMC Pentax-DA L 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database. I also have the 50mm Pentax AF - SMC Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8 Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database - this is a lovely fast 50. What I have found, is that in situations where I want to be more unobtrusive (such as a kids' party or other social event) and avoid use of a flash, the zooms are just a touch on the slow side. I would like to find something in the range of between 10 and 30 up to 70 - 150, with 4 or faster aperture at the long end (depending on final length). Of course, finding one that is sensible with my budget AND autofocus AND has a decent range, aperture, and image...is likely a pipe dream. However, looking over the reviews, here are the ones that seem "doable" (say, less than $500) for me, even some MF - thoughts or experiences? SMC Pentax-A 28-135mm F4 Reviews - A Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-A 35-105mm F3.5 Reviews - A Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-F 35-135mm F3.5-4.5 Reviews - F Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-M 35-70mm F2.8-3.5 Reviews - M Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Sigma 28-105 2.8-4 DG Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Tokina AT-X PRO SV 28-70mm F2.8 Lens Reviews - Tokina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Tokina AT-X Pro 28-70mm F2.6-2.8 Lens Reviews - Tokina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar Series 1 28-105mm F2.8-3.8 VMC Macro Focusing Zoom Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar Series 1 (Komine) 28-90mm F2.8-3.5 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar 28-85mm f2.8-3.8 Variable Focusing Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar (kobori) 35-105 f/3.2-4 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Promaster 28-70mm 2.8-4.2 Macro Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Makinon 35-105mm F2.8 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Or should I just be looking for a fast, high-resolution, wide prime which has AF and I can crop in PP? Thanks, all!

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11-19-2018, 08:29 AM - 1 Like	#2
24thNomad Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 66	Gonna suggest something not on your list if you don't mind. I will personally vouch for the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4. Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro HSM (Contemporary) Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database I do a lot of concert and paid event photography gigs and it has been a workhouse in my kit. Very well rounded, a pleasure to use, versatile, within your parameters and Sigma lens come with that extended warranty provided you register the product. It's got great Autofocus too; which would be a boon if you're doing a lot of kids' candid shots. It's both fast and quiet. I bought mine on special for $350 (lowest price I've ever seen new for it) from B & H. It's usually $400-450. Some of my customers' favorites have come from this one. This along with my Sigma 30 f/1.4 are the MVPs in my Pentax kit.

11-19-2018, 10:54 AM - 1 Like	#3
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	For house and small venue gathering, I use my DA* 16-50 f/2.8 and can't remembering wanting for anything longer (with ASPC). Lately, I find myself using a recently acquired DA 21 for such events. It's smaller and less obtrusive than the 16-50.

11-19-2018, 12:35 PM	#4
jawats Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 756 Original Poster	Originally posted by 24thNomad Gonna suggest something not on your list if you don't mind. I will personally vouch for the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4. Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro HSM (Contemporary) Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database I do a lot of concert and paid event photography gigs and it has been a workhouse in my kit. Very well rounded, a pleasure to use, versatile, within your parameters and Sigma lens come with that extended warranty provided you register the product. It's got great Autofocus too; which would be a boon if you're doing a lot of kids' candid shots. It's both fast and quiet. I bought mine on special for $350 (lowest price I've ever seen new for it) from B & H. It's usually $400-450. Some of my customers' favorites have come from this one. This along with my Sigma 30 f/1.4 are the MVPs in my Pentax kit. Thank you! I'm definitely adding that to my list. Also, even the older Sigma 17-70s seem to have very good ratings. It's funny. This situation is not one I had really considered until my 6 y/old's birthday party photos. They came out fine, but very noisy, due to ISO adjustments, or blurry, if I capped the ISO. You don't really realize you have a gap until you see it plain as day. ---------- Post added 11-19-18 at 12:37 PM ---------- Originally posted by rogerstg For house and small venue gathering, I use my DA* 16-50 f/2.8 and can't remembering wanting for anything longer (with ASPC). Lately, I find myself using a recently acquired DA 21 for such events. It's smaller and less obtrusive than the 16-50. This one? SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

11-19-2018, 01:02 PM - 1 Like	#5
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	Originally posted by jawats This one? SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Yes. You can cash in on the SDM scare and find them used for a good price. Worse case is you convert to screw drive. There are other worthwhile lenses too. I was mainly sharing my experience, especially with regard to focal length I mostly use.

11-20-2018, 10:55 AM - 1 Like	#6
onlineflyer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NW Ohio Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,094	Don't overlook the DA 20-40mm f2.8-4. It can be found used well within your budget.

11-20-2018, 10:57 AM - 1 Like	#7
wibbly Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Edmonton Posts: 600	i have a couple of screw drive da* zooms for sale in the marketplace. both well within your budget.

11-20-2018, 01:03 PM	#8
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,185	Originally posted by jawats All, I have two lenses which both do a decent job under good light conditions (usually outside) and indoors with flash, namely: Tamron AF (IF) 79D/179D 28-105mm F4-5.6 Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database and SMC Pentax-DA L 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE Reviews - DA L Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database. I also have the 50mm Pentax AF - SMC Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8 Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database - this is a lovely fast 50. What I have found, is that in situations where I want to be more unobtrusive (such as a kids' party or other social event) and avoid use of a flash, the zooms are just a touch on the slow side. I would like to find something in the range of between 10 and 30 up to 70 - 150, with 4 or faster aperture at the long end (depending on final length). Of course, finding one that is sensible with my budget AND autofocus AND has a decent range, aperture, and image...is likely a pipe dream. However, looking over the reviews, here are the ones that seem "doable" (say, less than $500) for me, even some MF - thoughts or experiences? SMC Pentax-A 28-135mm F4 Reviews - A Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-A 35-105mm F3.5 Reviews - A Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-F 35-135mm F3.5-4.5 Reviews - F Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database SMC Pentax-M 35-70mm F2.8-3.5 Reviews - M Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Sigma 28-105 2.8-4 DG Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Tokina AT-X PRO SV 28-70mm F2.8 Lens Reviews - Tokina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Tokina AT-X Pro 28-70mm F2.6-2.8 Lens Reviews - Tokina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar Series 1 28-105mm F2.8-3.8 VMC Macro Focusing Zoom Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar Series 1 (Komine) 28-90mm F2.8-3.5 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar 28-85mm f2.8-3.8 Variable Focusing Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Vivitar (kobori) 35-105 f/3.2-4 Lens Reviews - Vivitar Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Promaster 28-70mm 2.8-4.2 Macro Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Makinon 35-105mm F2.8 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Or should I just be looking for a fast, high-resolution, wide prime which has AF and I can crop in PP? Thanks, all! What camera body are you using? Rather than purchase a new lens, you might purchase a KP, which is reported to make much higher ISO values usable. Personally, I believe that is where photography is heading - higher ISO rather than wider apertures {and the resulting paper-thin DOF}

11-20-2018, 01:53 PM	#9
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	Originally posted by wibbly i have a couple of screw drive da* zooms for sale in the marketplace. both well within your budget. Wow - $250 for a converted *16-50 is a good price.

11-21-2018, 07:30 AM	#10
jawats Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 756 Original Poster	Originally posted by reh321 What camera body are you using? Rather than purchase a new lens, you might purchase a KP, which is reported to make much higher ISO values usable. Personally, I believe that is where photography is heading - higher ISO rather than wider apertures {and the resulting paper-thin DOF} I might purchase a KP, but I'm using a K-3 now, and I am not sure the performance is quite enough to justify a body switch. Looking at the prices, used, on Ebay and here: K-3 II: $550 - $900 KP: $800 - $1,100 K-1: $1,000 - $2,000 K-1 II: $1,700 - $2,200 I'm not terribly worried about the weight difference - KP (703 grams; 1.55 lb) vs K-1 (1010 grams; 2.2 lbs). It seems like a KP and a K-1 would be roughly the same price, used. Is there a reason not to simply wait for the K-1 II to come down in price, or the potential for a K-3 III? I'm curious, as the K-1 seems logical to me, but I haven't looked at the comparison between KP and K-1 (and K-1 II) enough to know, and I'm interested in your own experience, if any. Thank you! I'm assuming, of course, that Pentax maintains lens compatibility, so that I can go out and obtain a faster short zoom now, and it will work fine if I get a K-1 next year.

11-21-2018, 08:26 AM	#11
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,185	Originally posted by jawats Is there a reason not to simply wait for the K-1 II to come down in price, or the potential for a K-3 III? I'm curious, as the K-1 seems logical to me, but I haven't looked at the comparison between KP and K-1 (and K-1 II) enough to know, and I'm interested in your own experience, if any. Thank you! I'm assuming, of course, that Pentax maintains lens compatibility, so that I can go out and obtain a faster short zoom now, and it will work fine if I get a K-1 next year. I wasn't advocating for the KP in particular, just using it as an example - I was suggesting that better body performance might be the best course for you, but if you want {and can finance} going both better lens performance and better body performance, getting a new lens now and waiting for a future body sounds like a great plan to me.

11-21-2018, 11:17 AM	#12
jawats Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 756 Original Poster	Originally posted by reh321 I wasn't advocating for the KP in particular, just using it as an example - I was suggesting that better body performance might be the best course for you, but if you want {and can finance} going both better lens performance and better body performance, getting a new lens now and waiting for a future body sounds like a great plan to me. Ahhh! Got it - thanks. Let me know if you want to have coffee sometime, as well. I see we're relatively close in locale.

11-21-2018, 11:23 AM	#13
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	Either that screw converted 16-50 or a Tamron 17-50 would be my first choices. Tamron's 28-75 is something like $375 new right now and there are folks that love that lens for indoor shots where a bit more reach is wanted. I'm also a fan of the Sigma 28mm EX DG f1.8. I'm a bit confused at folks suggestions variable aperture zooms or lenses that are slower than f2.8 max.

11-21-2018, 12:59 PM	#14
jawats Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 756 Original Poster	Originally posted by pres589 Either that screw converted 16-50 or a Tamron 17-50 would be my first choices. Tamron's 28-75 is something like $375 new right now and there are folks that love that lens for indoor shots where a bit more reach is wanted. I'm also a fan of the Sigma 28mm EX DG f1.8. I'm a bit confused at folks suggestions variable aperture zooms or lenses that are slower than f2.8 max. Thank you for the suggestions! I will add them to my review list. ---------- Post added 11-21-18 at 01:01 PM ---------- Originally posted by pres589 Either that screw converted 16-50 or a Tamron 17-50 would be my first choices. Tamron's 28-75 is something like $375 new right now and there are folks that love that lens for indoor shots where a bit more reach is wanted. I'm also a fan of the Sigma 28mm EX DG f1.8. I'm a bit confused at folks suggestions variable aperture zooms or lenses that are slower than f2.8 max. Also, are you suggesting the Sigma 28mm for the sharpness factor, then cropped to produce the same outcome as a zoom?

11-21-2018, 01:27 PM	#15
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,185	Originally posted by pres589 I'm a bit confused at folks suggestions variable aperture zooms or lenses that are slower than f2.8 max. I don't see what is confusing about using a lens with a smaller aperture if it is less costly ..... then "compensating" by using a body capable of gracefully handling higher ISO values.

Fast Zoom for Indoors

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!