Do I need a zoom lens?

wasure · 02-22-2012, 05:55 PM

Hello everyone,

I purchased a Pentax K-5 w/18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR last fall. Approximately 2 months later, a Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 AS UMC, and last week a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM. I have been thinking about replacing the kit lens after my 1st outing with it but found some good deals on these prime lenses and jumped on them. I have also rented a Pentax SMC-DA 14mm f/2.8 ED [IF] and Pentax SMC DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM. I liked the 14mm lens but not enough to drop 600+ on a new one. The 200mm was amazing! But sadly out of my budget.

This May, my wife and I will be going to Iceland for vacation.I know that I 'need' to take a wide angle lens for landscapes but am leaning towards renting the 14mm again. I am choosing to go with the Sigma as my prime for the AF. My question is should I bother getting a zoom lens? Or should I save up for the 200mm?

I'm not an expert by any means and appreciate any and all suggestions.

Jesus

EDIT*
Link to photos taken by Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 AS UMC

Last edited by wasure; 02-22-2012 at 06:32 PM. Reason: Added hyperlink to gallery

GaryH · 02-22-2012, 06:01 PM

I like zooms for vacations. I feel that I may miss shots because I do not really know what to expect as my vacation destination is generally somewhere I have never been to. I also like to minimize lens changes in order to be able to enjoy new things without having to be fiddling with lenses.

wasure · 02-22-2012, 06:30 PM

Thanks Gary.

I have been eye-balling the Pentax SMC-DA* 50-135mm f/2.8; what are you currently using?

jstick · 02-22-2012, 06:43 PM

I have the DA* 50-135 and it is a great lens. Unless you are doing a lot of low light shots, its probably more than you will need to travel with. It is big and quite heavy.

Last year I traveled to Ireland and bought a Sigma 18-250 which gives you a lot of flexibility. While not even close to the sharpness of a prime, it does cover just about every need you should have (less indoor or night time) without having to change you lens constantly. There is also a Pentax DA 18-250 that is no longer made but sometimes shows up on the marketplace.

Have a great time.

Jordan

DaveHolmes · 02-22-2012, 06:55 PM

Originally posted by wasure

I have been eye-balling the Pentax SMC-DA* 50-135mm f/2.8

I think that most of us have eyeballed this lens at some point... I reckon if you can afford it you'll love it (those that have it rave about it)

SpecialK · 02-22-2012, 07:03 PM

I always recommend the 12-24 for vacations. It is a handy focal length around town, and landscapes.

cali92rs · 02-22-2012, 07:13 PM

Just curious, what do you not like about the kit lens? Not enough reach? Not fast enough?

wasure · 02-22-2012, 07:35 PM

Thanks gentlemen.

The 50-135 f/2.8 is appealing for low light conditions (cali92rs I think this is why I was turned off by the kit 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) but after looking at the 12-24 per SpecialK's suggestion I think I've decided on it, cancelling my need to rent the 14mm.

Thanks a again for your help, now to find a seller that has it in stock and for a reasonable price!

gp1806 · 02-22-2012, 07:37 PM

If you like 14mm, you might want to check out the Sigma 10-20mm zoom. I have the older 10-20mm f/4. I like it and it sells used for around $400 or less. More versatility than a fixed FL lens. The Pentax 12-24mm is highly rated, but more money.

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-22-2012, 07:40 PM

At present I have something like 45 lenses, this includes M42 primes from 16mm to 200mm, Kmount primes from 8mm to 400 mm, k mount zooms from 70mm to 500 mm and AF zooms from 10mm through 200 mm plus a couple of AF teleconverts to take me out to 400mm with AF zooms.

I have every focal length coved in 3 lens systems, so you might think I have gone overboard but, I use my AF zooms on vacations because they are most efficient, in TCs of taking shots and framing whe I am not on my schedule. I use primes whe I am on no ones schedule except my own

**BigDave** · 02-27-2012, 07:48 AM

W:

As gp states, look into the Sigma 10-20. The new version is an f3.5, only a half stop dimmer than an f2.8, so it is pretty wide. I have done a lot of research on this lens and as soon as some money comes in that I am expecting it will be a purchase. I am sure this lens can be rented also.

Have fun in Iceland, and remember, it IS a vacation for your wife too!

Regards,

liukaitc · 02-27-2012, 11:39 AM

I like superzoom for vacation!!!

steve1307 · 02-27-2012, 10:42 PM

Originally posted by liukaitc

I like superzoom for vacation!!!

Zoom for a vacation with other people. You would have to see if a DA18-135 WR would satisfy your expectations for IQ vs your wife's requirement for not waiting for you to change lenses all the time.
There's always a DA*16-50 & 50-135 if you really have to have the next level.

Primes are for yourself, no schedule.

For Iceland I'd still take a DA15 though (or a 12-24) anyway. Never been there of course just guessing from what I've seen of it on TV.

kswong_00 · 02-28-2012, 12:46 AM

IMHO I'd think that a zoom is a must for travel.

emalvick · 02-28-2012, 08:44 PM

I'm going to Iceland, myself, this fall. I just purchased the Tamron 10-24 mm WA zoom specifically for this trip. I haven't had much experience with it yet, but I still have a few months. I also plan on taking my Tamron 17-50 2.8, which I love. It replaced the kit lens back on my K10d. Last, I'll probably take the Pentax 55-300 zoom. Every landscape type trip, I've needed this zoom for something. Without fail, I find something that needs that 200-300 mm reach. I'm not sure if it will be needed in Iceland, but if you are going to shoot any wildlife; whales, puffins, other birds, sheep, etc, you may just want that kind of reach.

02-22-2012, 05:55 PM	#1
wasure New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Denver Posts: 7	Do I need a zoom lens? Hello everyone, I purchased a Pentax K-5 w/18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR last fall. Approximately 2 months later, a Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 AS UMC, and last week a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM. I have been thinking about replacing the kit lens after my 1st outing with it but found some good deals on these prime lenses and jumped on them. I have also rented a Pentax SMC-DA 14mm f/2.8 ED [IF] and Pentax SMC DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM. I liked the 14mm lens but not enough to drop 600+ on a new one. The 200mm was amazing! But sadly out of my budget. This May, my wife and I will be going to Iceland for vacation.I know that I 'need' to take a wide angle lens for landscapes but am leaning towards renting the 14mm again. I am choosing to go with the Sigma as my prime for the AF. My question is should I bother getting a zoom lens? Or should I save up for the 200mm? I'm not an expert by any means and appreciate any and all suggestions. Jesus EDIT* Link to photos taken by Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 AS UMC Last edited by wasure; 02-22-2012 at 06:32 PM. Reason: Added hyperlink to gallery

02-22-2012, 07:35 PM	#8
wasure New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Denver Posts: 7 Original Poster	Thanks gentlemen. The 50-135 f/2.8 is appealing for low light conditions (cali92rs I think this is why I was turned off by the kit 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) but after looking at the 12-24 per SpecialK's suggestion I think I've decided on it, cancelling my need to rent the 14mm. Thanks a again for your help, now to find a seller that has it in stock and for a reasonable price! Last edited by wasure; 02-22-2012 at 10:39 PM.

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02-22-2012, 06:01 PM	#2
GaryH Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Philadelphia, Pa Photos: Gallery Posts: 764	I like zooms for vacations. I feel that I may miss shots because I do not really know what to expect as my vacation destination is generally somewhere I have never been to. I also like to minimize lens changes in order to be able to enjoy new things without having to be fiddling with lenses.

02-22-2012, 06:30 PM	#3
wasure New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Denver Posts: 7 Original Poster	Thanks Gary. I have been eye-balling the Pentax SMC-DA* 50-135mm f/2.8; what are you currently using?

02-22-2012, 06:43 PM	#4
jstick Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 78	I have the DA* 50-135 and it is a great lens. Unless you are doing a lot of low light shots, its probably more than you will need to travel with. It is big and quite heavy. Last year I traveled to Ireland and bought a Sigma 18-250 which gives you a lot of flexibility. While not even close to the sharpness of a prime, it does cover just about every need you should have (less indoor or night time) without having to change you lens constantly. There is also a Pentax DA 18-250 that is no longer made but sometimes shows up on the marketplace. Have a great time. Jordan

02-22-2012, 06:55 PM	#5
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Originally posted by wasure I have been eye-balling the Pentax SMC-DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 I think that most of us have eyeballed this lens at some point... I reckon if you can afford it you'll love it (those that have it rave about it)

02-22-2012, 07:03 PM	#6
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	I always recommend the 12-24 for vacations. It is a handy focal length around town, and landscapes.

02-22-2012, 07:13 PM	#7
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Just curious, what do you not like about the kit lens? Not enough reach? Not fast enough?

02-22-2012, 07:37 PM	#9
gp1806 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs Photos: Albums Posts: 848	If you like 14mm, you might want to check out the Sigma 10-20mm zoom. I have the older 10-20mm f/4. I like it and it sells used for around $400 or less. More versatility than a fixed FL lens. The Pentax 12-24mm is highly rated, but more money.

02-22-2012, 07:40 PM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	At present I have something like 45 lenses, this includes M42 primes from 16mm to 200mm, Kmount primes from 8mm to 400 mm, k mount zooms from 70mm to 500 mm and AF zooms from 10mm through 200 mm plus a couple of AF teleconverts to take me out to 400mm with AF zooms. I have every focal length coved in 3 lens systems, so you might think I have gone overboard but, I use my AF zooms on vacations because they are most efficient, in TCs of taking shots and framing whe I am not on my schedule. I use primes whe I am on no ones schedule except my own

02-27-2012, 07:48 AM	#11
BigDave Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,626	W: As gp states, look into the Sigma 10-20. The new version is an f3.5, only a half stop dimmer than an f2.8, so it is pretty wide. I have done a lot of research on this lens and as soon as some money comes in that I am expecting it will be a purchase. I am sure this lens can be rented also. Have fun in Iceland, and remember, it IS a vacation for your wife too! Regards,

02-27-2012, 11:39 AM	#12
liukaitc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Photos: Albums Posts: 1,008	I like superzoom for vacation!!!

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02-27-2012, 10:42 PM	#13
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	Originally posted by liukaitc I like superzoom for vacation!!! Zoom for a vacation with other people. You would have to see if a DA18-135 WR would satisfy your expectations for IQ vs your wife's requirement for not waiting for you to change lenses all the time. There's always a DA*16-50 & 50-135 if you really have to have the next level. Primes are for yourself, no schedule. For Iceland I'd still take a DA15 though (or a 12-24) anyway. Never been there of course just guessing from what I've seen of it on TV.

02-28-2012, 12:46 AM	#14
kswong_00 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 63	IMHO I'd think that a zoom is a must for travel.

02-28-2012, 08:44 PM	#15
emalvick Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Davis, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,642	I'm going to Iceland, myself, this fall. I just purchased the Tamron 10-24 mm WA zoom specifically for this trip. I haven't had much experience with it yet, but I still have a few months. I also plan on taking my Tamron 17-50 2.8, which I love. It replaced the kit lens back on my K10d. Last, I'll probably take the Pentax 55-300 zoom. Every landscape type trip, I've needed this zoom for something. Without fail, I find something that needs that 200-300 mm reach. I'm not sure if it will be needed in Iceland, but if you are going to shoot any wildlife; whales, puffins, other birds, sheep, etc, you may just want that kind of reach.