Another dilemma: I will need a zoom lens in the 70-200mm range ... Relatively Cheap !

**jpzk** · 01-18-2017, 01:06 PM

Well, for starters, I had a Tamron 70-200 which I sold a while back not "thinking"

that would use it much anymore (I do mostly wildlife and birding; some landscape for which I have the required lenses).

Now, I have committed to an upcoming 40th birthday party (April 1st 2017 .... not a joke) for a colleague/friend at work.
The venues:
1. A pool party (indoors pool) with loads of children as well as the obligatory adult population.
2. An evening dinner/dance party (yes, that same day!)
All at the hotel.

So, I view of this event, I am now looking for a lens (zoom) which would fit the bill during the two instances (pool and dinner/dance). Top IQ not required but decent enough so I won't puke looking at the results.
I have considered the HD Pentax DA 55-300 but my daughter has had only "fair" results with that lens, so I'm not really sure about that one.
The budget is presently limited to approximately $400 and I will have a K3 and a K5 handy.
The other lens which I will take will be the DA*16-50.
For what it's worth, I also have a HD 1.4x Pentax TC.

Any thoughts on this? Suggestion(s)?

Thanks !

Last edited by jpzk; 01-18-2017 at 01:25 PM. Reason: added info

pericombobulation · 01-18-2017, 01:28 PM - **1 Like**

Are you sure you need such a long lens for those venues? I'm not a pro by any means, but to me, anything longer than 50mm starts to feel cramped indoors. I would think your 16-50 would be all you'd need. If you really do want something longer, I'd recommend the DA 50-200. I'm guessing that your clients aren't going to be very discerning. And IMHO, the 50-200 is actually an underrated lens. It's cheap, light, small, and the IQ is decent. And it's WR, in case you get splashed near the pool. :-)

kchamber4 · 01-18-2017, 01:30 PM

Borrow the DA 55-300 from your daughter and see how it performs on your K3 and K5. Maybe it will perform to your needed level and you won't be out any money. Or are you really looking for an excuse to purchase a Zoom?

**jpzk** · 01-18-2017, 01:32 PM

Originally posted by pericombobulation

Are you sure you need such a long lens for those venues? I'm not a pro by any means, but to me, anything longer than 50mm starts to feel cramped indoors. I would think your 16-50 would be all you'd need. If you really do want something longer, I'd recommend the DA 50-200. I'm guessing that your clients aren't going to be very discerning. And IMHO, the 50-200 is actually an underrated lens. It's cheap, light, small, and the IQ is decent. And it's WR, in case you get splashed near the pool. :-)

Thanks for the reply.
Well, the pool is relatively "splashy" especially with children around.
Then, it is large and I don't want to be too close.
So, the 16-50 just might be too short but OK for the dinner/dance time.
This 50-200 seems right .... I'll have a look at the reviews right now.

Edit: just checked the reviews ... OK/fair.

Last edited by jpzk; 01-18-2017 at 01:36 PM. Reason: added info

**TER-OR** · 01-18-2017, 01:36 PM

I'd consider the 18-135 or 16-85 myself.
55mm is pretty tight, and the 55-300 isn't as good in the 55-135 range as the other two. You'll want to use the wide end more, I think.

**jpzk** · 01-18-2017, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by kchamber4

Borrow the DA 55-300 from your daughter and see how it performs on your K3 and K5. Maybe it will perform to your needed level and you won't be out any money. Or are you really looking for an excuse to purchase a Zoom?

I could do that... she's only 3000 Km away though and it might cost a bit for her to send it here.
On the other hand, a lot cheaper than having to buy one.
And no, I am not looking for an excuse to get a zoom !

**Papa Lazarou** · 01-18-2017, 01:46 PM

Another possibility, is there a Pentax rental dealer in your area?

On APS-C a 50-135mm would probably be the ideal candidate for the shoot IMO.

**jpzk** · 01-18-2017, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by TER-OR

I'd consider the 18-135 or 16-85 myself.
55mm is pretty tight, and the 55-300 isn't as good in the 55-135 range as the other two. You'll want to use the wide end more, I think.

I have no problem taking two cameras or just one with two lenses and make the switch when required as I already have the "wide" DA*16-50.
Just need to cover a longer focal range ... perhaps up to 135 is enough at the pool ? The 18-135 sure has good reviews.
Thanks !

ChristianRock · 01-18-2017, 01:48 PM - **1 Like**

Sometimes you can find a DA*50-135 for that price... especially if it's converted to screw drive.

**jpzk** · 01-18-2017, 01:48 PM

Originally posted by Papa Lazarou

Another possibility, is there a Pentax rental dealer in your area?

On APS-C a 50-135mm would probably be the ideal candidate for the shoot IMO.

Unfortunately, no Pentax rental around here and certainly no available "used" 50-135 !

Way over budget if new too !

---------- Post added 01-18-17 at 03:50 PM ----------

Originally posted by ChristianRock

Sometimes you can find a DA*50-135 for that price... especially if it's converted to screw drive.

Certainly worth looking for that too.
I hear the IQ is great and screw drive doesn't bug me. I actually have had my DA*16-50 converted that way and it still rocks!
Thanks!

**UncleVanya** · 01-18-2017, 02:13 PM - **1 Like**

If I were planning this shoot I would use my 18-135 outside by the pool and a DA 20-40 inside because that's my faster inside zoom. If I had the 16-50 I would likely use it inside. I own the DA* 50-135 and 60-250 which have stellar IQ but I would be unlikely to bring them due to the lack of certainty about the need for <50mm in the pool setting.

**TER-OR** · 01-18-2017, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by jpzk

I have no problem taking two cameras or just one with two lenses and make the switch when required as I already have the "wide" DA*16-50.
Just need to cover a longer focal range ... perhaps up to 135 is enough at the pool ? The 18-135 sure has good reviews.
Thanks !

50mm is probably long enough at the pool. Unless it's an olympic-size pool and you're getting race photos etc...
The 18-135 is fun to use, its motor is very good. Is the glass in the same league as the 16-50? Probably not, but likely it focuses faster.

**pres589** · 01-18-2017, 02:33 PM

I think you're already set with that 16-50. Here's a crazy idea; put that 1.4 TC on it. I think the focal lengths on a crop body would be excellent for the purpose as described.

**david94903** · 01-18-2017, 02:36 PM

If you're looking for "cheap" (as in really really cheap), I'm selling a Pentax FA 70-200mm F4-5.6 in the Marketplace. It's not a bad lens for what it is but there is definitely better glass out there for more money, so there is a good reason why it's so cheap. Doesn't preform well in low light or wide open, anything above F8 in good light is pretty good IQ. I have a DA L 55-300mm that definitely has better image quality across the board. If your budget is $400, I'd look for a lightly used Pentax DA 18-135mm. My wife uses this lens as her daily drive, good all around lens for the money, a lot of versatility. I'm always impressed by it every time I borrow it.

SMC Pentax-FA 70-200mm F4-5.6 Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/336871-sal...ml#post3880948

**pres589** · 01-18-2017, 02:43 PM

Erm, is a 70-200 or the 50-200 or anything in those sorts of focal lengths normally used for a dance / club venue? There's some suggestions in this thread I find most odd. Honestly, the 24-70 seems like the right lens *in theory* but I know it's kind of big and heavy and I don't think it's the sharpest thing at 2.8. That's why I suggested his 16-50 and the 1.4 TC; it's basically a 22-70 f4. Not sure if that's really fast enough but it's not bad and it doesn't involve renting or buying anything.

01-18-2017, 01:06 PM	#1
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Another dilemma: I will need a zoom lens in the 70-200mm range ... Relatively Cheap ! Well, for starters, I had a Tamron 70-200 which I sold a while back not "thinking" that would use it much anymore (I do mostly wildlife and birding; some landscape for which I have the required lenses). Now, I have committed to an upcoming 40th birthday party (April 1st 2017 .... not a joke) for a colleague/friend at work. The venues: 1. A pool party (indoors pool) with loads of children as well as the obligatory adult population. 2. An evening dinner/dance party (yes, that same day!) All at the hotel. So, I view of this event, I am now looking for a lens (zoom) which would fit the bill during the two instances (pool and dinner/dance). Top IQ not required but decent enough so I won't puke looking at the results. I have considered the HD Pentax DA 55-300 but my daughter has had only "fair" results with that lens, so I'm not really sure about that one. The budget is presently limited to approximately $400 and I will have a K3 and a K5 handy. The other lens which I will take will be the DA16-50. For what it's worth, I also have a HD 1.4x Pentax TC. Any thoughts on this? Suggestion(s)? Thanks ! Last edited by jpzk; 01-18-2017 at 01:25 PM. Reason: added info*

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Help choose a lens in the 70-200 range	Tonycog	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	34	12-12-2016 08:46 AM
So apparently I'm going to a Safari in a few months, so I'm looking for a cheap zoom	ZombieArmy	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	34	07-29-2015 11:56 AM
Do I Really Need Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 Lens?	gut1kor	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	27	08-28-2012 03:28 AM
do i need a shorter range lens?	mantis	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	20	10-12-2010 04:25 AM
The Last Lens I Ever Will Need...	LeoTaylor	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	20	11-02-2009 09:22 AM

01-18-2017, 01:28 PM - 1 Like	#2
pericombobulation Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 103	Are you sure you need such a long lens for those venues? I'm not a pro by any means, but to me, anything longer than 50mm starts to feel cramped indoors. I would think your 16-50 would be all you'd need. If you really do want something longer, I'd recommend the DA 50-200. I'm guessing that your clients aren't going to be very discerning. And IMHO, the 50-200 is actually an underrated lens. It's cheap, light, small, and the IQ is decent. And it's WR, in case you get splashed near the pool. :-)

01-18-2017, 01:30 PM	#3
kchamber4 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Conroe, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 154	Borrow the DA 55-300 from your daughter and see how it performs on your K3 and K5. Maybe it will perform to your needed level and you won't be out any money. Or are you really looking for an excuse to purchase a Zoom?

01-18-2017, 01:32 PM	#4
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251 Original Poster	Originally posted by pericombobulation Are you sure you need such a long lens for those venues? I'm not a pro by any means, but to me, anything longer than 50mm starts to feel cramped indoors. I would think your 16-50 would be all you'd need. If you really do want something longer, I'd recommend the DA 50-200. I'm guessing that your clients aren't going to be very discerning. And IMHO, the 50-200 is actually an underrated lens. It's cheap, light, small, and the IQ is decent. And it's WR, in case you get splashed near the pool. :-) Thanks for the reply. Well, the pool is relatively "splashy" especially with children around. Then, it is large and I don't want to be too close. So, the 16-50 just might be too short but OK for the dinner/dance time. This 50-200 seems right .... I'll have a look at the reviews right now. Edit: just checked the reviews ... OK/fair. Last edited by jpzk; 01-18-2017 at 01:36 PM. Reason: added info

01-18-2017, 01:36 PM	#5
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	I'd consider the 18-135 or 16-85 myself. 55mm is pretty tight, and the 55-300 isn't as good in the 55-135 range as the other two. You'll want to use the wide end more, I think.

01-18-2017, 01:39 PM	#6
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251 Original Poster	Originally posted by kchamber4 Borrow the DA 55-300 from your daughter and see how it performs on your K3 and K5. Maybe it will perform to your needed level and you won't be out any money. Or are you really looking for an excuse to purchase a Zoom? I could do that... she's only 3000 Km away though and it might cost a bit for her to send it here. On the other hand, a lot cheaper than having to buy one. And no, I am not looking for an excuse to get a zoom !

01-18-2017, 01:46 PM	#7
Papa Lazarou Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, UK Posts: 340	Another possibility, is there a Pentax rental dealer in your area? On APS-C a 50-135mm would probably be the ideal candidate for the shoot IMO.

01-18-2017, 01:46 PM	#8
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251 Original Poster	Originally posted by TER-OR I'd consider the 18-135 or 16-85 myself. 55mm is pretty tight, and the 55-300 isn't as good in the 55-135 range as the other two. You'll want to use the wide end more, I think. I have no problem taking two cameras or just one with two lenses and make the switch when required as I already have the "wide" DA*16-50. Just need to cover a longer focal range ... perhaps up to 135 is enough at the pool ? The 18-135 sure has good reviews. Thanks !

01-18-2017, 01:48 PM - 1 Like	#9
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Sometimes you can find a DA*50-135 for that price... especially if it's converted to screw drive.

01-18-2017, 01:48 PM	#10
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251 Original Poster	Originally posted by Papa Lazarou Another possibility, is there a Pentax rental dealer in your area? On APS-C a 50-135mm would probably be the ideal candidate for the shoot IMO. Unfortunately, no Pentax rental around here and certainly no available "used" 50-135 ! Way over budget if new too ! ---------- Post added 01-18-17 at 03:50 PM ---------- Originally posted by ChristianRock Sometimes you can find a DA50-135 for that price... especially if it's converted to screw drive. Certainly worth looking for that too. I hear the IQ is great and screw drive doesn't bug me. I actually have had my DA16-50 converted that way and it still rocks! Thanks!

01-18-2017, 02:13 PM - 1 Like	#11
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	If I were planning this shoot I would use my 18-135 outside by the pool and a DA 20-40 inside because that's my faster inside zoom. If I had the 16-50 I would likely use it inside. I own the DA* 50-135 and 60-250 which have stellar IQ but I would be unlikely to bring them due to the lack of certainty about the need for <50mm in the pool setting.

01-18-2017, 02:19 PM	#12
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Originally posted by jpzk I have no problem taking two cameras or just one with two lenses and make the switch when required as I already have the "wide" DA*16-50. Just need to cover a longer focal range ... perhaps up to 135 is enough at the pool ? The 18-135 sure has good reviews. Thanks ! 50mm is probably long enough at the pool. Unless it's an olympic-size pool and you're getting race photos etc... The 18-135 is fun to use, its motor is very good. Is the glass in the same league as the 16-50? Probably not, but likely it focuses faster.

01-18-2017, 02:33 PM	#13
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	I think you're already set with that 16-50. Here's a crazy idea; put that 1.4 TC on it. I think the focal lengths on a crop body would be excellent for the purpose as described.

01-18-2017, 02:36 PM	#14
david94903 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Rafael, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 806	If you're looking for "cheap" (as in really really cheap), I'm selling a Pentax FA 70-200mm F4-5.6 in the Marketplace. It's not a bad lens for what it is but there is definitely better glass out there for more money, so there is a good reason why it's so cheap. Doesn't preform well in low light or wide open, anything above F8 in good light is pretty good IQ. I have a DA L 55-300mm that definitely has better image quality across the board. If your budget is $400, I'd look for a lightly used Pentax DA 18-135mm. My wife uses this lens as her daily drive, good all around lens for the money, a lot of versatility. I'm always impressed by it every time I borrow it. SMC Pentax-FA 70-200mm F4-5.6 Reviews - FA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/336871-sal...ml#post3880948

01-18-2017, 02:43 PM	#15
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	Erm, is a 70-200 or the 50-200 or anything in those sorts of focal lengths normally used for a dance / club venue? There's some suggestions in this thread I find most odd. Honestly, the 24-70 seems like the right lens in theory but I know it's kind of big and heavy and I don't think it's the sharpest thing at 2.8. That's why I suggested his 16-50 and the 1.4 TC; it's basically a 22-70 f4. Not sure if that's really fast enough but it's not bad and it doesn't involve renting or buying anything.