DA 40mm f/2.8 or tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 for K-x

torchdoc · 02-12-2010, 11:05 AM

Hi there,

I purchased my K-x (first dslr) about a month ago, and I'm loving it so far. I'm looking to upgrade from the kit lens, and I think I've narrowed down to the DA 40mm f2.8 vs the tamron 17-50mm f2.8, and I was wondering if anyone has owned both and would choose one vs the other.

I use my camera casually, mostly taking pics of family/friends and while travelling. About half the time I'm indoor, half outdoor. Can't really say too much about my tendencies so far, as I'm still growing and learning.

I like the range of the tamron zoom, but the DA 40mm is so small and presumably produces slightly sharper pics. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

Igilligan · 02-12-2010, 11:10 AM

Cant go wrong with either of them... I have the DA 40 and it is a great little lens.

But for family and friends style shooting my Tamron 28-75 2.8 is my go to lens. Indoors I sometimes need wider than 40mm, plus I am a face shooter so the 75mm end of the 28-75 gets a lot of use.

With my shooting style I would never be taking fam and friend shots at below 28mm anyway, so the 17 thru 28mm would be lost on me. If I absolutely needed a wide lens for a group shot or something I would just use the kit and a flash.

But you are right for indoor shots the 2.8 lenses are the ticket.

Jasvox · 02-12-2010, 11:26 AM

2 different animals, but both very good lenses in the right hands. I love my 17-50...I'd buy another one without a blink if it was lost or stolen.

Jason

torchdoc · 02-12-2010, 11:33 AM

thanks for the advice, I hadn't even considered the tamron 28-75mm f2.8, but after reading some reviews, I think this another potential good choice. How is the Macro on this lens?

dgaies · 02-12-2010, 11:41 AM

Originally posted by Igilligan

Cant go wrong with either of them... I have the DA 40 and it is a great little lens.

But for family and friends style shooting my Tamron 28-75 2.8 is my go to lens. Indoors I sometimes need wider than 40mm, plus I am a face shooter so the 75mm end of the 28-75 gets a lot of use.

With my shooting style I would never be taking fam and friend shots at below 28mm anyway, so the 17 thru 28mm would be lost on me. If I absolutely needed a wide lens for a group shot or something I would just use the kit and a flash.

But you are right for indoor shots the 2.8 lenses are the ticket.

I would also recomend considering the 28-75/2.8. While I also own the DA40, which I really like as well, it's hard to beat the versility of the 28-75 range for taking pictures of people both indoors and out. These two shots were both taken indoors, wide open without a flash (sorry for the repost, as I also posted these in the Tammy Club thread a couple days ago).

Kx + Tamron 28-75, 63mm, f/2.8, 1/60s, iso 1600

Kx + Tamron 28-75, 75mm, f/2.8, 1/30s, iso 3200

Igilligan · 02-12-2010, 12:59 PM

Those are perfect examples of what the Tamron 28-75 can do on the Kx... and those are at 63mm and 75mm, so it shows how nice this lens is out at the long end. This is such a good kid shootin' lens and you really show it here.

The other thing that I love about the 28-75 and the kx is that for indoor bounce flash shots the Pttl metering of the kx seems much improved over my k20... It balances the background and subject well without blowing highlights or underexposing as often as my K20 did.

Here was my first PTTL flash test with the Kx and tamron...

And Torchdoc --- the 28-75 is not a true macro but it does focus fairly close for flower type shots...

dgaies · 02-12-2010, 02:07 PM

Originally posted by Igilligan

Those are perfect examples of what the Tamron 28-75 can do on the Kx... and those are at 63mm and 75mm, so it shows how nice this lens is out at the long end. This is such a good kid shootin' lens and you really show it here.

The other thing that I love about the 28-75 and the kx is that for indoor bounce flash shots the Pttl metering of the kx seems much improved over my k20... It balances the background and subject well without blowing highlights or underexposing as often as my K20 did.

Here was my first PTTL flash test with the Kx and tamron...

And Torchdoc --- the 28-75 is not a true macro but it does focus fairly close for flower type shots...

I'll have to pull out the 540 and try it out with the Kx this weekend as the cat shot worked very well. BTW, I actually recognized your cat from the 55-300 + 1.4x post

I haven't had a chance to try out the 28-75 for flowers yet as I've only had the Tamron a couple months during the winter, but perhaps it will fight for camera time with my DA 35 this spring.

Igilligan · 02-12-2010, 02:13 PM

The tammy is good but it aint DA 35 good

audiobomber · 02-12-2010, 02:20 PM

Originally posted by Igilligan

But you are right for indoor shots the 2.8 lenses are the ticket.

For indoor shots, the 2.0 and under lenses are the ticket.

Igilligan · 02-12-2010, 02:28 PM

Haven't you heard ~~ ISO 3200 is the new ISO 800 and F2.8 is the new F1.7

dgaies · 02-12-2010, 02:39 PM

Originally posted by Igilligan

ISO 3200 is the new ISO 800 and F2.8 is the new F1.7

Although I'm not planning on getting rid of my 50/1.7 or 77/1.8 anytime soon (and I'm actually expecting the delivery of an A50/1.2 within the hour), I've found that shooting with the Kx at 3200 does feel a lot like shooting 800 with my K10D/K20D. This makes 2.8 reasonable for some indoor shooting w/o a flash.

Igilligan · 02-12-2010, 02:44 PM

I love my cosina 55 1.2.... Congrats on the new lens~! And an A version! I am so jealous.

dgaies · 02-12-2010, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by Igilligan

I love my cosina 55 1.2.... Congrats on the new lens~! And an A version! I am so jealous.

Well, hopefully I will end up enjoying (and learning how to focus) the A50/1.2. I sold my A50/1.4, A50/1.7, A50/2.0 and A50/2.8 macro to effectively fund the A50/1.2... they don't come cheap

Back to the OP's question since I don't want to completely hijack his thread, below are a couple DA40 images. One thing I have found about the DA40 is that I find it very easy to handhold and balances very very well with the Kx. With SR I can get some pretty low shutter speeds going (not as useful for people shots, but I have found 1/4s isn't out of the question for the DA40 + static subjects).

The first shot is with the Kx (albeit a little bit front focused) and the second shot is with the K7 on the first night I got the DA40 (it was during a power outage and lit only by a single candle).

Kx + DA40, f/2.8, 1/80s, iso 1600

K7 + DA40, f/2.8, 1/15s, iso 3200

GeneV · 02-12-2010, 03:49 PM

The pancake lenses are such a terrific match for the diminutive K-x that I'd go for the DA40. You can slip it in a coat pocket. The camera is ignored by its subjects. It becomes a P&S on steroids.

dgaies · 02-12-2010, 03:54 PM

Originally posted by GeneV

The pancake lenses are such a terrific match for the diminutive K-x that I'd go for the DA40. You can slip it in a coat pocket. The camera is ignored by its subjects. It becomes a P&S on steroids.

I agree they are a great match. I'm hoping to give the DA70 a try with my Kx as well for pretty much the same reason.

02-12-2010, 11:05 AM	#1
torchdoc New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: San Francisco Posts: 3	DA 40mm f/2.8 or tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 for K-x Hi there, I purchased my K-x (first dslr) about a month ago, and I'm loving it so far. I'm looking to upgrade from the kit lens, and I think I've narrowed down to the DA 40mm f2.8 vs the tamron 17-50mm f2.8, and I was wondering if anyone has owned both and would choose one vs the other. I use my camera casually, mostly taking pics of family/friends and while travelling. About half the time I'm indoor, half outdoor. Can't really say too much about my tendencies so far, as I'm still growing and learning. I like the range of the tamron zoom, but the DA 40mm is so small and presumably produces slightly sharper pics. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

02-12-2010, 12:59 PM	#6
Igilligan Guest	I would be reposting those too... Those are perfect examples of what the Tamron 28-75 can do on the Kx... and those are at 63mm and 75mm, so it shows how nice this lens is out at the long end. This is such a good kid shootin' lens and you really show it here. The other thing that I love about the 28-75 and the kx is that for indoor bounce flash shots the Pttl metering of the kx seems much improved over my k20... It balances the background and subject well without blowing highlights or underexposing as often as my K20 did. Here was my first PTTL flash test with the Kx and tamron... And Torchdoc --- the 28-75 is not a true macro but it does focus fairly close for flower type shots...

02-12-2010, 02:13 PM	#8
Igilligan Guest	haha;;; The tammy is good but it aint DA 35 good

02-12-2010, 02:28 PM	#10
Igilligan Guest	Dan you must still be shootin' that old K20d Haven't you heard ~~ ISO 3200 is the new ISO 800 and F2.8 is the new F1.7 Last edited by Igilligan; 02-12-2010 at 02:45 PM.

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02-12-2010, 11:10 AM	#2
Igilligan Guest	Cant go wrong with either of them... I have the DA 40 and it is a great little lens. But for family and friends style shooting my Tamron 28-75 2.8 is my go to lens. Indoors I sometimes need wider than 40mm, plus I am a face shooter so the 75mm end of the 28-75 gets a lot of use. With my shooting style I would never be taking fam and friend shots at below 28mm anyway, so the 17 thru 28mm would be lost on me. If I absolutely needed a wide lens for a group shot or something I would just use the kit and a flash. But you are right for indoor shots the 2.8 lenses are the ticket.

02-12-2010, 11:26 AM	#3
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	2 different animals, but both very good lenses in the right hands. I love my 17-50...I'd buy another one without a blink if it was lost or stolen. Jason

02-12-2010, 11:33 AM	#4
torchdoc New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: San Francisco Posts: 3 Original Poster	thanks for the advice, I hadn't even considered the tamron 28-75mm f2.8, but after reading some reviews, I think this another potential good choice. How is the Macro on this lens?

02-12-2010, 11:41 AM	#5
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by Igilligan Cant go wrong with either of them... I have the DA 40 and it is a great little lens. But for family and friends style shooting my Tamron 28-75 2.8 is my go to lens. Indoors I sometimes need wider than 40mm, plus I am a face shooter so the 75mm end of the 28-75 gets a lot of use. With my shooting style I would never be taking fam and friend shots at below 28mm anyway, so the 17 thru 28mm would be lost on me. If I absolutely needed a wide lens for a group shot or something I would just use the kit and a flash. But you are right for indoor shots the 2.8 lenses are the ticket. I would also recomend considering the 28-75/2.8. While I also own the DA40, which I really like as well, it's hard to beat the versility of the 28-75 range for taking pictures of people both indoors and out. These two shots were both taken indoors, wide open without a flash (sorry for the repost, as I also posted these in the Tammy Club thread a couple days ago). Kx + Tamron 28-75, 63mm, f/2.8, 1/60s, iso 1600 Kx + Tamron 28-75, 75mm, f/2.8, 1/30s, iso 3200

02-12-2010, 02:07 PM	#7
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by Igilligan Those are perfect examples of what the Tamron 28-75 can do on the Kx... and those are at 63mm and 75mm, so it shows how nice this lens is out at the long end. This is such a good kid shootin' lens and you really show it here. The other thing that I love about the 28-75 and the kx is that for indoor bounce flash shots the Pttl metering of the kx seems much improved over my k20... It balances the background and subject well without blowing highlights or underexposing as often as my K20 did. Here was my first PTTL flash test with the Kx and tamron... And Torchdoc --- the 28-75 is not a true macro but it does focus fairly close for flower type shots... I'll have to pull out the 540 and try it out with the Kx this weekend as the cat shot worked very well. BTW, I actually recognized your cat from the 55-300 + 1.4x post I haven't had a chance to try out the 28-75 for flowers yet as I've only had the Tamron a couple months during the winter, but perhaps it will fight for camera time with my DA 35 this spring.

02-12-2010, 02:20 PM	#9
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by Igilligan But you are right for indoor shots the 2.8 lenses are the ticket. For indoor shots, the 2.0 and under lenses are the ticket.

02-12-2010, 02:39 PM	#11
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by Igilligan ISO 3200 is the new ISO 800 and F2.8 is the new F1.7 Although I'm not planning on getting rid of my 50/1.7 or 77/1.8 anytime soon (and I'm actually expecting the delivery of an A50/1.2 within the hour), I've found that shooting with the Kx at 3200 does feel a lot like shooting 800 with my K10D/K20D. This makes 2.8 reasonable for some indoor shooting w/o a flash.

02-12-2010, 02:44 PM	#12
Igilligan Guest	I love my cosina 55 1.2.... Congrats on the new lens~! And an A version! I am so jealous.

02-12-2010, 03:44 PM	#13
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by Igilligan I love my cosina 55 1.2.... Congrats on the new lens~! And an A version! I am so jealous. Well, hopefully I will end up enjoying (and learning how to focus) the A50/1.2. I sold my A50/1.4, A50/1.7, A50/2.0 and A50/2.8 macro to effectively fund the A50/1.2... they don't come cheap Back to the OP's question since I don't want to completely hijack his thread, below are a couple DA40 images. One thing I have found about the DA40 is that I find it very easy to handhold and balances very very well with the Kx. With SR I can get some pretty low shutter speeds going (not as useful for people shots, but I have found 1/4s isn't out of the question for the DA40 + static subjects). The first shot is with the Kx (albeit a little bit front focused) and the second shot is with the K7 on the first night I got the DA40 (it was during a power outage and lit only by a single candle). Kx + DA40, f/2.8, 1/80s, iso 1600 K7 + DA40, f/2.8, 1/15s, iso 3200

02-12-2010, 03:49 PM	#14
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	The pancake lenses are such a terrific match for the diminutive K-x that I'd go for the DA40. You can slip it in a coat pocket. The camera is ignored by its subjects. It becomes a P&S on steroids.

02-12-2010, 03:54 PM	#15
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by GeneV The pancake lenses are such a terrific match for the diminutive K-x that I'd go for the DA40. You can slip it in a coat pocket. The camera is ignored by its subjects. It becomes a P&S on steroids. I agree they are a great match. I'm hoping to give the DA70 a try with my Kx as well for pretty much the same reason.