Best travel lens

trixtroll · 12-28-2021, 07:52 AM

I love my DA 21 for road trips and it's my most used lens (when shooting digital).

The DA 20-40 LTD would also be a good 2nd choice, but I prefer the size of the DA21 in almost all situations.

ChristianRock · 12-28-2021, 09:25 AM - **2 Likes**

If I could take only one lens... I think it would have to be the SMC DA*16-50mm f/2.8. It's nice to have that 16mm at the wide end and opening up to f/2.8 is also a plus, you can use it at night more easily. You can find them in the used market from mid-200s to low 300s these days (mine was low 200s being converted to screw drive AF).

But you probably have to verify first if your K10D doesn't have n issue, I've seen your other thread where your DA 18-270mm isn't focusing, and it could very well be an issue with the camera as I've seen K10Ds that had a broken AF mechanism. You might need a new body which would allow you to continue to use your DA 18-270mm.

kypfer · 12-28-2021, 09:33 AM

My "grab-it-and-go" lens is still my Tamron 18-200mm for when I want a jack-of-all-trades combo, but a 28mm prime is hard to beat for a compact snapshot package … really does depend on the type of pictures or style of photography you're interested in

Have a good trip!

wadge22 · 12-28-2021, 09:52 AM

Either a 300 f4 (I've got this one) or a 150/180/200 macro lens (I've got this one). Maybe my DFA*50mm if I knew the trip would be more about people and scenery (or always low light), but I'm generally a flora and fauna type guy.

As you can tell, I'm not much of a zoomer...

stevebrot · 12-28-2021, 11:38 AM

It might depend on what I had and the camera I intended to use.

At present, my walk-around zoom (Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.0 | C) fulfills that role with my K-3.

Steve

**pres589** · 12-28-2021, 11:45 AM

18-135

**MossyRocks** · 12-28-2021, 01:21 PM

Depends on where I am going and what I might be shooting. Top contenders for me would be my K 35/2, A 28/2.8, A 50/1.2, D FA 100/2.8 WR Macro, or Tokina 28-70mm F/2.8-4.3. Without knowing more about what I might be shooting the Tokina 28-70mm F/2.8-4.3 becomes my top choice. I don't have many zooms (only 4) and of those I only really like the Tokina and A 70-210 F/4 and Tokina would likely be more useful.

Now lets say I'm going to Iceland and could only bring one lens. There the pick becomes easy and I would grab my Laowa 12mm F/2.8 Zero-D. If I was going to Europe and would be in cities mostly and could only have 1 I would want my K 35/2.

Paul the Sunman · 12-28-2021, 01:52 PM - **1 Like**

The 18-135 for general use where the long end will get some use. In cities, where the wide end may be more useful, perhaps the 16-85.

texandrews · 12-28-2021, 02:08 PM

For the K1mkII, quite possibly the 28-105. Not quite wide enough especially in interiors, but I like the 28mm FL personally and 105 is very handy extra reach. It's an excellent lens, quite small for what it is and so well suited for walk-around or weight restricted flights, and with the K1mkII's IBIS and high iso performance its speed is not such a disadvantage. Also WR, so that's a plus.

If a prime, I guess the 31ltd.

For 645, it's probably the FA 45-85, the best all rounder. Performs very well, especially at the wide end, and it's modestly sized for the format, although a tad weighty. The 28-45 is superior in performance---but also much larger and heavier, and is all wide. The other zoom in the range, the 55-110, isn't the best performer---major upgrade candidate, Pentax!

In primes, My choice would be the DFA 55 f2.8. It's a great lens---fast for the format, modest size and weight, and AW.

**photogem** · 12-28-2021, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by ctt

Hello:

If you had only one lens to take on a road trip, what would it be?

Tks!

Question lacks all and any intention.
More info is needed!

My choice would be the DA20-40ltd but if I know I'll do a lot of landscape
the Sigma 17-50 or 17-70 (contemp.) or the old DA16-45.

I have a strong dislike about superzooms such as the DA18-250 or DA18-270.
Maybe the DA 18-135.

ahilgaz · 12-28-2021, 02:23 PM

For K-1: D-FA 24-70mm f/2.8
For KP(APS-C): DA16-50 f/2.8 PLM

hcc · 12-28-2021, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by ctt

Is yours a F4 or F2? I have a real issue with getting sharp images. I don’t know if it’s me, the camera or the lens. Even on a tripod they are not sharp. Pretty depressing. I’m a rookie 100%. Would love a coach!

Mine is the SMC Pentax-DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 ED AL [IF]. And it is sharp.

Questions:
-are you using the optical viewfinder (OVF) or Liveview (LV)?
-do you wait for focus confirmation and the green diamond/hexagon?

With my DA18-250mm, I shoot mostly in AF-S, with the OVF, and I always make sure that I have AF confirmation (i.e. the green hexagon/diamond) before I shoot (+)..

(+) AF confirmation is obtained by 1/2 pressing the shutter button, and awaiting the AF confirmation (i.e. the green hexagon/diamond) before shooting.

There is another slightly different technique using Liveview (LV).

Hope that the comment will help.

**photogem** · 12-28-2021, 02:31 PM

Originally posted by ahilgaz

For K-1: D-FA 24-70mm f/2.8
For KP(APS-C): DA16-50 f/2.8 PLM

He has a K10D, nor a K1, nor a KP!
The K10D cannot drive the PLM!

**photogem** · 12-28-2021, 02:33 PM

Originally posted by texandrews

For the K1mkII, quite possibly the 28-105. Not quite wide enough especially in interiors, but I like the 28mm FL personally and 105 is very handy extra reach. It's an excellent lens, quite small for what it is and so well suited for walk-around or weight restricted flights, and with the K1mkII's IBIS and high iso performance its speed is not such a disadvantage. Also WR, so that's a plus.

If a prime, I guess the 31ltd.

For 645, it's probably the FA 45-85, the best all rounder. Performs very well, especially at the wide end, and it's modestly sized for the format, although a tad weighty. The 28-45 is superior in performance---but also much larger and heavier, and is all wide. The other zoom in the range, the 55-110, isn't the best performer---major upgrade candidate, Pentax!

In primes, My choice would be the DFA 55 f2.8. It's a great lens---fast for the format, modest size and weight, and AW.

Why give this advice when one (should) know that he has a K10D?

**photogem** · 12-28-2021, 02:36 PM

Originally posted by wadge22

Either a 300 f4 (I've got this one) or a 150/180/200 macro lens (I've got this one). Maybe my DFA*50mm if I knew the trip would be more about people and scenery (or always low light), but I'm generally a flora and fauna type guy.

As you can tell, I'm not much of a zoomer...

If you had a K10D you'd buy one of those lenses for it? Really?

12-28-2021, 02:08 PM	#24
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,390	Extremely difficult call. For the K1mkII, quite possibly the 28-105. Not quite wide enough especially in interiors, but I like the 28mm FL personally and 105 is very handy extra reach. It's an excellent lens, quite small for what it is and so well suited for walk-around or weight restricted flights, and with the K1mkII's IBIS and high iso performance its speed is not such a disadvantage. Also WR, so that's a plus. If a prime, I guess the 31ltd. For 645, it's probably the FA 45-85, the best all rounder. Performs very well, especially at the wide end, and it's modestly sized for the format, although a tad weighty. The 28-45 is superior in performance---but also much larger and heavier, and is all wide. The other zoom in the range, the 55-110, isn't the best performer---major upgrade candidate, Pentax! In primes, My choice would be the DFA 55 f2.8. It's a great lens---fast for the format, modest size and weight, and AW.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Best Travel/ Landscape lens for Pentax K-3	Ronaldtromso	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	43	07-11-2017 03:33 AM
Best manual focus travel lens	galaxytab	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	28	05-12-2014 05:28 AM
Travel across south-east Asia, Best way to travel with gear	Gerbermiester	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	15	09-13-2013 02:40 PM
Best travel lens?	alysha1981	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	11	07-03-2013 05:51 PM
Best lens combination for travel.	Ardy	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	12	11-03-2007 12:41 AM

12-28-2021, 07:52 AM	#16
trixtroll Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 403	I love my DA 21 for road trips and it's my most used lens (when shooting digital). The DA 20-40 LTD would also be a good 2nd choice, but I prefer the size of the DA21 in almost all situations.

12-28-2021, 09:25 AM - 2 Likes	#17
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	If I could take only one lens... I think it would have to be the SMC DA*16-50mm f/2.8. It's nice to have that 16mm at the wide end and opening up to f/2.8 is also a plus, you can use it at night more easily. You can find them in the used market from mid-200s to low 300s these days (mine was low 200s being converted to screw drive AF). But you probably have to verify first if your K10D doesn't have n issue, I've seen your other thread where your DA 18-270mm isn't focusing, and it could very well be an issue with the camera as I've seen K10Ds that had a broken AF mechanism. You might need a new body which would allow you to continue to use your DA 18-270mm.

12-28-2021, 09:33 AM	#18
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,591	My "grab-it-and-go" lens is still my Tamron 18-200mm for when I want a jack-of-all-trades combo, but a 28mm prime is hard to beat for a compact snapshot package … really does depend on the type of pictures or style of photography you're interested in Have a good trip!

12-28-2021, 09:52 AM	#19
wadge22 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: NE Ohio Photos: Albums Posts: 897	Either a 300 f4 (I've got this one) or a 150/180/200 macro lens (I've got this one). Maybe my DFA*50mm if I knew the trip would be more about people and scenery (or always low light), but I'm generally a flora and fauna type guy. As you can tell, I'm not much of a zoomer...

12-28-2021, 11:38 AM	#20
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	It might depend on what I had and the camera I intended to use. At present, my walk-around zoom (Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.0 \| C) fulfills that role with my K-3. Steve

12-28-2021, 11:45 AM	#21
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	18-135

12-28-2021, 01:21 PM	#22
MossyRocks Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,982	Depends on where I am going and what I might be shooting. Top contenders for me would be my K 35/2, A 28/2.8, A 50/1.2, D FA 100/2.8 WR Macro, or Tokina 28-70mm F/2.8-4.3. Without knowing more about what I might be shooting the Tokina 28-70mm F/2.8-4.3 becomes my top choice. I don't have many zooms (only 4) and of those I only really like the Tokina and A 70-210 F/4 and Tokina would likely be more useful. Now lets say I'm going to Iceland and could only bring one lens. There the pick becomes easy and I would grab my Laowa 12mm F/2.8 Zero-D. If I was going to Europe and would be in cities mostly and could only have 1 I would want my K 35/2.

12-28-2021, 01:52 PM - 1 Like	#23
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,842	The 18-135 for general use where the long end will get some use. In cities, where the wide end may be more useful, perhaps the 16-85.

12-28-2021, 02:21 PM	#25
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,519	Originally posted by ctt Hello: If you had only one lens to take on a road trip, what would it be? Tks! Question lacks all and any intention. More info is needed! My choice would be the DA20-40ltd but if I know I'll do a lot of landscape the Sigma 17-50 or 17-70 (contemp.) or the old DA16-45. I have a strong dislike about superzooms such as the DA18-250 or DA18-270. Maybe the DA 18-135.

12-28-2021, 02:23 PM	#26
ahilgaz New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ISTANBUL, TURKEY Posts: 20	For K-1: D-FA 24-70mm f/2.8 For KP(APS-C): DA16-50 f/2.8 PLM

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

12-28-2021, 02:28 PM	#27
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,001	Originally posted by ctt Is yours a F4 or F2? I have a real issue with getting sharp images. I don’t know if it’s me, the camera or the lens. Even on a tripod they are not sharp. Pretty depressing. I’m a rookie 100%. Would love a coach! Mine is the SMC Pentax-DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 ED AL [IF]. And it is sharp. Questions: -are you using the optical viewfinder (OVF) or Liveview (LV)? -do you wait for focus confirmation and the green diamond/hexagon? With my DA18-250mm, I shoot mostly in AF-S, with the OVF, and I always make sure that I have AF confirmation (i.e. the green hexagon/diamond) before I shoot (+).. (+) AF confirmation is obtained by 1/2 pressing the shutter button, and awaiting the AF confirmation (i.e. the green hexagon/diamond) before shooting. There is another slightly different technique using Liveview (LV). Hope that the comment will help.

12-28-2021, 02:31 PM	#28
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,519	Originally posted by ahilgaz For K-1: D-FA 24-70mm f/2.8 For KP(APS-C): DA16-50 f/2.8 PLM He has a K10D, nor a K1, nor a KP! The K10D cannot drive the PLM!

12-28-2021, 02:33 PM	#29
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,519	Originally posted by texandrews For the K1mkII, quite possibly the 28-105. Not quite wide enough especially in interiors, but I like the 28mm FL personally and 105 is very handy extra reach. It's an excellent lens, quite small for what it is and so well suited for walk-around or weight restricted flights, and with the K1mkII's IBIS and high iso performance its speed is not such a disadvantage. Also WR, so that's a plus. If a prime, I guess the 31ltd. For 645, it's probably the FA 45-85, the best all rounder. Performs very well, especially at the wide end, and it's modestly sized for the format, although a tad weighty. The 28-45 is superior in performance---but also much larger and heavier, and is all wide. The other zoom in the range, the 55-110, isn't the best performer---major upgrade candidate, Pentax! In primes, My choice would be the DFA 55 f2.8. It's a great lens---fast for the format, modest size and weight, and AW. Why give this advice when one (should) know that he has a K10D?

12-28-2021, 02:36 PM	#30
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,519	Originally posted by wadge22 Either a 300 f4 (I've got this one) or a 150/180/200 macro lens (I've got this one). Maybe my DFA*50mm if I knew the trip would be more about people and scenery (or always low light), but I'm generally a flora and fauna type guy. As you can tell, I'm not much of a zoomer... If you had a K10D you'd buy one of those lenses for it? Really?