Whats a good starting lens for shooting kids

4ngi3 · 06-27-2010, 01:28 AM

I'm thinking of buying this used lens..

SMC PENTAX–FA 1:1.4 50mm PRIME LENS FOR PENTAX DSLR

Can anyone confirm if it will fit and work with AF, flash etc on my Pentax Kx?

Thanks

Last edited by 4ngi3; 06-27-2010 at 02:01 AM.

**Rondec** · 06-27-2010, 03:37 AM

Yes it will.

luke0622 · 06-27-2010, 04:33 AM

shooting kids ain't all that easy, depends on how old the kids are, you might want a longer lens possibly around 200mm or a little more if the kids are younger... you want to stay as far as possible, otherwise the kids would not respond

Wheatfield · 06-27-2010, 07:41 AM

Personally, for kids, I`d go with this one:

4ngi3 · 06-27-2010, 08:32 AM

omg i've never even seen a lens like that, looks bloody expensive tho! is it?

Huwi · 06-27-2010, 09:17 AM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

Personally, for kids, I`d go with this one:

veery funny. Some forget they were kids once too

cloudphreak · 06-27-2010, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

Personally, for kids, I`d go with this one:

I was thinking the same thing but just not brave enough to say it

**interested_observer** · 06-27-2010, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by 4ngi3

omg i've never even seen a lens like that, looks bloody expensive tho! is it?

Personally, I prefer these to slow the kiddos down a bit....

http://s1.hubimg.com/u/2005060_f260.jpg

Marc Sabatella · 06-27-2010, 10:27 AM

In the future, please don't start two different threads onthe same topic. I'm leaving this alone because there *are* two different questions: 1) does it fit (yes), and 2) is it appropriate for shooting kids.

Any lens can shoot anything. It all depends on what kind of pcitures of that subejct you want. do you have a zoom lens that includes 50mm Use that set to 50mm for a while to set how that feels to you. Many would say it's too long - requires you to be too far away, or frames the subject too closely when at a comfortable distance. But others really like that focal length for this purpose. That's something only you can ecide. Assuming you find you do like that focal length for this purpose, and have reason to want a prime as opposed to simply using your zoom (eg, larger maximum aperture), sure, that's the only relatively inexpensive AF prime in that range, so it becomes the obvious choice. Personally, though, I pick the DA40 as being a more useful (to me) focal length.

simico · 06-28-2010, 02:11 AM

Originally posted by 4ngi3

I'm thinking of buying this used lens..

SMC PENTAX–FA 1:1.4 50mm PRIME LENS FOR PENTAX DSLR

Can anyone confirm if it will fit and work with AF, flash etc on my Pentax Kx?

Thanks

It will fit. Just don't expect to shoot kids at f1.4 - unless they're sleeping.

4ngi3 · 06-28-2010, 02:30 AM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

In the future, please don't start two different threads onthe same topic. I'm leaving this alone because there *are* two different questions: 1) does it fit (yes), and 2) is it appropriate for shooting kids.

Hey sorry that was my bad, i started the topic about shooting kids then did some research online and found that lens would be great for portrait shots then tried to change the original post but for some reason it wouldn't show the new topic subject in the main forum part so i posted another question and accidently forgot about the initial one. haha a litle long winded but thats my explaination that i didn't do it on purpose

**Rondec** · 06-28-2010, 03:56 AM

I would just comment that for taking photos of kids on the move, an external flash is really nice. You are unlikely to be able to use the FA 50 at an aperture wider than about f2.8, because most of your kid will be out focus (due to narrow depth of field). On the other hand, flash is really good to freeze action when you run out of light (already shooting at iso 3200 and f2.8). The DA 40 is a little wider and auto focuses a little faster so you might consider that as Marc said.

dlacouture · 06-28-2010, 04:07 AM

Well, this was my main lens on my film camera for shooting my kids... And this roughly translate to a 35mm lens on the Kx, so, it all depends on how you want to shoot and your kids' reaction to you and your camera...
Now, regarding aperture, I even shot my kids using a 55/1.2 wide open, and these were some of the most georgous pics I have of them. Yeah, I've got some blurry pics, but you learn fast with digital!

My kids are now so completely oblivious to me and my camera, I can be practically stepping on them before they react to me...
A short focal length usually means a more intimate style, you're literally "in there" with your kids while they are playing.
A longer focal length lends a more distant feeling (less participation/more observation).

Hemi345 · 06-29-2010, 12:44 PM

While waiting for my m42 adapter to fit my wife's old 55mm 1.4 lens, I noticed most of the shots of our 13mo daughter were at 40-55mm with the 18-55 kit lens, so I knew the 55 would be a good fit. It is a little long at times indoors, but perfect outdoors, IMO. 90% of the time, it's used at 2.8 or smaller. The little one is now 18mo and I'm wanting AF!

johnmflores · 06-30-2010, 12:48 PM

Originally posted by 4ngi3

I'm thinking of buying this used lens..

SMC PENTAX–FA 1:1.4 50mm PRIME LENS FOR PENTAX DSLR

Can anyone confirm if it will fit and work with AF, flash etc on my Pentax Kx?

Thanks

I never got along with the 50mm focal length on APS-C cameras like the K-x. It's just a little too long for indoor shots. If your taking a picture, for example, across a table, you'll end up with a tight head shot.

For me, the DA40 F2.8 Limited is a more useful focal length. Plus it's tiny and reputed to be one of the fastest focusing lenses Pentax has. I wouldn't worry about the F1.4 vs F2.8 with your K-x, since you can easily boost the ISO to 3200 with that camera - suitable for all but the darkest situations, i.e., dinner by candlelight.

A sample from my great nephew's 2nd birthday:

06-27-2010, 01:28 AM	#1
4ngi3 Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 10	Will this lens fit my kx? I'm thinking of buying this used lens.. SMC PENTAX–FA 1:1.4 50mm PRIME LENS FOR PENTAX DSLR Can anyone confirm if it will fit and work with AF, flash etc on my Pentax Kx? Thanks Last edited by 4ngi3; 06-27-2010 at 02:01 AM.

06-27-2010, 09:32 AM	#8
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Originally posted by 4ngi3 omg i've never even seen a lens like that, looks bloody expensive tho! is it? Amazon.com: Pentax 3X - 9X 40mm Lightseeker XL Glossy Rifle Scope (Penta Plex… Rifle Scopes by Pentax Sport Optics Personally, I prefer these to slow the kiddos down a bit.... http://s1.hubimg.com/u/2005060_f260.jpg

06-27-2010, 10:27 AM	#9
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	In the future, please don't start two different threads onthe same topic. I'm leaving this alone because there are two different questions: 1) does it fit (yes), and 2) is it appropriate for shooting kids. Any lens can shoot anything. It all depends on what kind of pcitures of that subejct you want. do you have a zoom lens that includes 50mm Use that set to 50mm for a while to set how that feels to you. Many would say it's too long - requires you to be too far away, or frames the subject too closely when at a comfortable distance. But others really like that focal length for this purpose. That's something only you can ecide. Assuming you find you do like that focal length for this purpose, and have reason to want a prime as opposed to simply using your zoom (eg, larger maximum aperture), sure, that's the only relatively inexpensive AF prime in that range, so it becomes the obvious choice. Personally, though, I pick the DA40 as being a more useful (to me) focal length. Last edited by Marc Sabatella; 06-27-2010 at 10:32 AM.

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06-27-2010, 03:37 AM	#2
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,650	Yes it will.

06-27-2010, 04:33 AM	#3
luke0622 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Ankeny, Iowa Photos: Gallery Posts: 388	shooting kids ain't all that easy, depends on how old the kids are, you might want a longer lens possibly around 200mm or a little more if the kids are younger... you want to stay as far as possible, otherwise the kids would not respond

06-27-2010, 07:41 AM	#4
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,975	Personally, for kids, I`d go with this one:

06-27-2010, 08:32 AM	#5
4ngi3 Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 10 Original Poster	omg i've never even seen a lens like that, looks bloody expensive tho! is it?

06-27-2010, 09:17 AM	#6
Huwi New Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 7	Originally posted by Wheatfield Personally, for kids, I`d go with this one: veery funny. Some forget they were kids once too

06-27-2010, 09:21 AM	#7
cloudphreak Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ashburn, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 30	Originally posted by Wheatfield Personally, for kids, I`d go with this one: I was thinking the same thing but just not brave enough to say it

06-28-2010, 02:11 AM	#10
simico Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Budapest Posts: 821	Originally posted by 4ngi3 I'm thinking of buying this used lens.. SMC PENTAX–FA 1:1.4 50mm PRIME LENS FOR PENTAX DSLR Can anyone confirm if it will fit and work with AF, flash etc on my Pentax Kx? Thanks It will fit. Just don't expect to shoot kids at f1.4 - unless they're sleeping.

06-28-2010, 02:30 AM	#11
4ngi3 Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 10 Original Poster	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella In the future, please don't start two different threads onthe same topic. I'm leaving this alone because there are two different questions: 1) does it fit (yes), and 2) is it appropriate for shooting kids. Hey sorry that was my bad, i started the topic about shooting kids then did some research online and found that lens would be great for portrait shots then tried to change the original post but for some reason it wouldn't show the new topic subject in the main forum part so i posted another question and accidently forgot about the initial one. haha a litle long winded but thats my explaination that i didn't do it on purpose

06-28-2010, 03:56 AM	#12
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,650	I would just comment that for taking photos of kids on the move, an external flash is really nice. You are unlikely to be able to use the FA 50 at an aperture wider than about f2.8, because most of your kid will be out focus (due to narrow depth of field). On the other hand, flash is really good to freeze action when you run out of light (already shooting at iso 3200 and f2.8). The DA 40 is a little wider and auto focuses a little faster so you might consider that as Marc said.

06-28-2010, 04:07 AM	#13
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074	Well, this was my main lens on my film camera for shooting my kids... And this roughly translate to a 35mm lens on the Kx, so, it all depends on how you want to shoot and your kids' reaction to you and your camera... Now, regarding aperture, I even shot my kids using a 55/1.2 wide open, and these were some of the most georgous pics I have of them. Yeah, I've got some blurry pics, but you learn fast with digital! My kids are now so completely oblivious to me and my camera, I can be practically stepping on them before they react to me... A short focal length usually means a more intimate style, you're literally "in there" with your kids while they are playing. A longer focal length lends a more distant feeling (less participation/more observation).

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06-29-2010, 12:44 PM	#14
Hemi345 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 127	While waiting for my m42 adapter to fit my wife's old 55mm 1.4 lens, I noticed most of the shots of our 13mo daughter were at 40-55mm with the 18-55 kit lens, so I knew the 55 would be a good fit. It is a little long at times indoors, but perfect outdoors, IMO. 90% of the time, it's used at 2.8 or smaller. The little one is now 18mo and I'm wanting AF!

06-30-2010, 12:48 PM	#15
johnmflores Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somerville, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,361	Originally posted by 4ngi3 I'm thinking of buying this used lens.. SMC PENTAX–FA 1:1.4 50mm PRIME LENS FOR PENTAX DSLR Can anyone confirm if it will fit and work with AF, flash etc on my Pentax Kx? Thanks I never got along with the 50mm focal length on APS-C cameras like the K-x. It's just a little too long for indoor shots. If your taking a picture, for example, across a table, you'll end up with a tight head shot. For me, the DA40 F2.8 Limited is a more useful focal length. Plus it's tiny and reputed to be one of the fastest focusing lenses Pentax has. I wouldn't worry about the F1.4 vs F2.8 with your K-x, since you can easily boost the ISO to 3200 with that camera - suitable for all but the darkest situations, i.e., dinner by candlelight. A sample from my great nephew's 2nd birthday: