Buying new "everyday" lens

VoiceOfReason · 03-13-2012, 09:12 AM

If you want somethign that is cheap and VERY good go for the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8-4.5 OS HSM It blows the kit lens away, and can be had for around 150 used, and 200 new.

Christian. · 03-13-2012, 09:40 AM

Originally posted by VoiceOfReason

If you want somethign that is cheap and VERY good go for the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8-4.5 OS HSM It blows the kit lens away, and can be had for around 150 used, and 200 new.

How does it compare to the Tamron AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR LD Aspherical IF SP?

VoiceOfReason · 03-13-2012, 07:18 PM

I do not have that Tamaron, however checking the lens review database it has an 8.83 rating and the Tamaron has an 8.65 rating, and it is less than half the price on average. Here they are:

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Tamron AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR LD Aspherical IF SP Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

You could grab it and the DA L 35 f/2.4 for the price of the Tamaron.

riff · 03-13-2012, 08:55 PM

Originally posted by Christian.

Buying new "everyday" lens

I (quickly) read this as Buying a new lens ``everyday``.

RioRico · 03-13-2012, 09:08 PM

Originally posted by VoiceOfReason

I do not have that Tamaron, however checking the lens review database it has an 8.83 rating and the Tamaron has an 8.65 rating, and it is less than half the price on average. Here they are:

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Tamron AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR LD Aspherical IF SP Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

The Sigma is much cheaper than the Tamron because it is a much much slower lens. I don't mind slow lenses in those focal lengths... outdoors on bright sunny days like I have here at 5500ft / 1650m on the Arizona-Sonora border, as my eyeballs nearly melt. But f/4.5 at 50mm probably won't work indoors if handheld and flashless, and it certainly doesn't offer much DOF control. BTW those slight rating differences are irrelevant, too close to matter.

VoiceOfReason · 03-14-2012, 07:06 AM

The OP has a Kx, and I know from experience the Kx can do that indoors with no flash and handheld. That became my kit lens replacement on the Kx, and now that I am thinking of selling the Kx with the original kit lens to raise money for another lens that will be attached to my K5 most of the time, at least for a while.

Lacrosse321 · 03-14-2012, 10:39 AM

If you really want to save a ton of money and are willing to go the 'used' route, I can't recommend more highly the Pentax-A 35-70mm F4. It's not quite as wide as you seem to be looking for, but you can usually pick one of these guys up for under $100 on the after-market. I also shoot with a K-x, and this lens has become my go-to, all-purpose, walk-around lens. The sharpness is great. The bokeh is AMAZING. There is no zoom creep at all. The "A" setting is great to have as well (although I know all the lenses you're looking at also have auto aperature).

I guess all I'm saying is, check out this lens if you'd rather save your money for some nicer prime lenses in the future.

DaveHolmes · 03-14-2012, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by jezza323

You could always get an ultra wide angle, I much prefer using my 10-20mm over the 17-50mm, even though its slower and not as sharp. Would go nicely with a DA 35 too

I reckon this could be a good way to go... Start with the DA35-2.4 and then save for a bit for an ultra-wide... You can stitch images on the DA35 in the meantime and you have the Tamron 90mm at the tele-end...

03-13-2012, 09:08 PM	#20
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by VoiceOfReason I do not have that Tamaron, however checking the lens review database it has an 8.83 rating and the Tamaron has an 8.65 rating, and it is less than half the price on average. Here they are: Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Tamron AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR LD Aspherical IF SP Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database The Sigma is much cheaper than the Tamron because it is a much much slower lens. I don't mind slow lenses in those focal lengths... outdoors on bright sunny days like I have here at 5500ft / 1650m on the Arizona-Sonora border, as my eyeballs nearly melt. But f/4.5 at 50mm probably won't work indoors if handheld and flashless, and it certainly doesn't offer much DOF control. BTW those slight rating differences are irrelevant, too close to matter. Last edited by RioRico; 03-14-2012 at 08:04 AM.

03-14-2012, 10:39 AM	#22
Lacrosse321 New Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Brooklyn Photos: Albums Posts: 13	Not as wide, but great for a budget If you really want to save a ton of money and are willing to go the 'used' route, I can't recommend more highly the Pentax-A 35-70mm F4. It's not quite as wide as you seem to be looking for, but you can usually pick one of these guys up for under $100 on the after-market. I also shoot with a K-x, and this lens has become my go-to, all-purpose, walk-around lens. The sharpness is great. The bokeh is AMAZING. There is no zoom creep at all. The "A" setting is great to have as well (although I know all the lenses you're looking at also have auto aperature). I guess all I'm saying is, check out this lens if you'd rather save your money for some nicer prime lenses in the future.

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03-13-2012, 09:12 AM	#16
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	If you want somethign that is cheap and VERY good go for the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8-4.5 OS HSM It blows the kit lens away, and can be had for around 150 used, and 200 new.

03-13-2012, 09:40 AM	#17
Christian. New Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 7 Original Poster	Originally posted by VoiceOfReason If you want somethign that is cheap and VERY good go for the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8-4.5 OS HSM It blows the kit lens away, and can be had for around 150 used, and 200 new. How does it compare to the Tamron AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR LD Aspherical IF SP?

03-13-2012, 07:18 PM	#18
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	I do not have that Tamaron, however checking the lens review database it has an 8.83 rating and the Tamaron has an 8.65 rating, and it is less than half the price on average. Here they are: Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Tamron AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR LD Aspherical IF SP Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database You could grab it and the DA L 35 f/2.4 for the price of the Tamaron.

03-13-2012, 08:55 PM	#19
riff Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,408	Originally posted by Christian. Buying new "everyday" lens I (quickly) read this as Buying a new lens ``everyday``.

03-14-2012, 07:06 AM	#21
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	The OP has a Kx, and I know from experience the Kx can do that indoors with no flash and handheld. That became my kit lens replacement on the Kx, and now that I am thinking of selling the Kx with the original kit lens to raise money for another lens that will be attached to my K5 most of the time, at least for a while.

03-14-2012, 04:48 PM	#23
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Originally posted by jezza323 You could always get an ultra wide angle, I much prefer using my 10-20mm over the 17-50mm, even though its slower and not as sharp. Would go nicely with a DA 35 too I reckon this could be a good way to go... Start with the DA35-2.4 and then save for a bit for an ultra-wide... You can stitch images on the DA35 in the meantime and you have the Tamron 90mm at the tele-end...