Auto Show Lens Suggestions

BlakeShellman · 02-21-2015, 07:38 PM

I'm hitting the Chicago Auto Show tomorrow. First one since I was in my 20's. I purchased my K-3 before Chritmas and thanks to work and a mom in the hospital and then caring for her after hip surgery I haven't had the chance to shoot with it yet.

If like to limit what I bring to two lenses. I'm seriously considering the 50mm manual focus. But if some else has a better suggestion which two lenses would you bring? Hopefully my stash of lenses shows up in my signature.

Thanks in advance.

Adam · 02-21-2015, 07:55 PM

Do you plan on taking more artistic shots, or do you want to document the cars in their entirety? If it's the former, a fast fifty would do. Otherwise, I'd opt for a standard AF zoom lens (such as the 18-135mm or 18-55mm) so that you're ready for a variety of shooting scenarios.

**Just1MoreDave** · 02-21-2015, 08:15 PM

I think cars look better with something 40mm or longer, but auto shows and crowds don't always give you space for that. I took some shots last year in Denver with a K-7 and 16-45, and used up the whole range. It was bright enough for exterior shots. Some interior shots would have been better with a faster lens or better camera, which the K-3 is. I think I'd bring your DA15 for wide, interiors and when a million people are packed around an Aston Martin. Then I can't decide - I'd probably bring the 43 or 50 but stick the 77 in a pocket just in case.

My wife came along with me last year and within a month, had ordered a Mercedes. So watch out for that.

**sergysergy** · 02-21-2015, 08:21 PM

I have been to many auto-shows and I would use something wide. Normally there are a lot of people and with the 50mm you would have to be far from the car (= people between you and the car)

ChristianRock · 02-21-2015, 08:28 PM

To me 35mm is a good FL and I take a 50 or 55 for details, when I go to cat meetings. But those are usually outdoors..

SpecialK · 02-21-2015, 08:50 PM

Originally posted by BlakeShellman

I'm hitting the Chicago Auto Show tomorrow. First one since I was in my 20's. I purchased my K-3 before Chritmas and thanks to work and a mom in the hospital and then caring for her after hip surgery I haven't had the chance to shoot with it yet.

If like to limit what I bring to two lenses. I'm seriously considering the 50mm manual focus. But if some else has a better suggestion which two lenses would you bring? Hopefully my stash of lenses shows up in my signature.

Thanks in advance.

The 15 or 21 will be your best bet for entire cars. If you take your 100 macro, then take the 15. The 15 gives nice converging lines.

BlakeShellman · 02-21-2015, 09:05 PM

Hmm...I didn't think of the 100 macro...but that's an idea. Maybe I can squeeze a 3rd lens into the mix.

Or how about the 15, 50 and 77?

**crewl1** · 02-21-2015, 09:25 PM

For a recent show I took the DA 15 for the cars and the 50-135 for the spokesmodels and was pleased with my shots.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/12-post-your-photos/279956-machinery-la-a...ow-2014-a.html

officiousbystander · 02-22-2015, 02:28 AM

Used the 15mm at the Porsche museum in Stuttgart. Great for getting in the whole car. The perspective flatters beautiful cars.
https://flic.kr/p/pMPA8X

02-21-2015, 07:38 PM	#1
BlakeShellman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 224	Auto Show Lens Suggestions I'm hitting the Chicago Auto Show tomorrow. First one since I was in my 20's. I purchased my K-3 before Chritmas and thanks to work and a mom in the hospital and then caring for her after hip surgery I haven't had the chance to shoot with it yet. If like to limit what I bring to two lenses. I'm seriously considering the 50mm manual focus. But if some else has a better suggestion which two lenses would you bring? Hopefully my stash of lenses shows up in my signature. Thanks in advance.

02-21-2015, 07:55 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Do you plan on taking more artistic shots, or do you want to document the cars in their entirety? If it's the former, a fast fifty would do. Otherwise, I'd opt for a standard AF zoom lens (such as the 18-135mm or 18-55mm) so that you're ready for a variety of shooting scenarios. 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:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Machinery Denver Auto Show	Aerlind	Post Your Photos!	6	04-15-2014 12:36 AM
Machinery San Francisco Auto Show	pixie	Post Your Photos!	3	12-27-2013 11:15 PM
Misc Classic Auto Show	Fl_Gulfer	Post Your Photos!	2	11-12-2013 02:38 PM
Which Lens/Settings To Use For An Upcoming Auto Show	shutterpuppy	Pentax DSLR Discussion	12	03-31-2008 10:04 AM
North American Auto Show Suggestions	Slick	Pentax DSLR Discussion	2	01-03-2008 06:04 AM

02-21-2015, 08:15 PM	#3
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	I think cars look better with something 40mm or longer, but auto shows and crowds don't always give you space for that. I took some shots last year in Denver with a K-7 and 16-45, and used up the whole range. It was bright enough for exterior shots. Some interior shots would have been better with a faster lens or better camera, which the K-3 is. I think I'd bring your DA15 for wide, interiors and when a million people are packed around an Aston Martin. Then I can't decide - I'd probably bring the 43 or 50 but stick the 77 in a pocket just in case. My wife came along with me last year and within a month, had ordered a Mercedes. So watch out for that.

02-21-2015, 08:21 PM	#4
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,175	I have been to many auto-shows and I would use something wide. Normally there are a lot of people and with the 50mm you would have to be far from the car (= people between you and the car)

02-21-2015, 08:28 PM	#5
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,912	To me 35mm is a good FL and I take a 50 or 55 for details, when I go to cat meetings. But those are usually outdoors..

02-21-2015, 08:50 PM	#6
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	Originally posted by BlakeShellman I'm hitting the Chicago Auto Show tomorrow. First one since I was in my 20's. I purchased my K-3 before Chritmas and thanks to work and a mom in the hospital and then caring for her after hip surgery I haven't had the chance to shoot with it yet. If like to limit what I bring to two lenses. I'm seriously considering the 50mm manual focus. But if some else has a better suggestion which two lenses would you bring? Hopefully my stash of lenses shows up in my signature. Thanks in advance. The 15 or 21 will be your best bet for entire cars. If you take your 100 macro, then take the 15. The 15 gives nice converging lines.

02-21-2015, 09:05 PM	#7
BlakeShellman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 224 Original Poster	Hmm...I didn't think of the 100 macro...but that's an idea. Maybe I can squeeze a 3rd lens into the mix. Or how about the 15, 50 and 77?

02-21-2015, 09:25 PM	#8
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	For a recent show I took the DA 15 for the cars and the 50-135 for the spokesmodels and was pleased with my shots. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/12-post-your-photos/279956-machinery-la-a...ow-2014-a.html

02-22-2015, 02:28 AM	#9
officiousbystander Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery Posts: 916	Used the 15mm at the Porsche museum in Stuttgart. Great for getting in the whole car. The perspective flatters beautiful cars. https://flic.kr/p/pMPA8X