[SouthernExposure]

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Hello, looking for some guidance on how to spend a portion of my tax return (approx. $1200). I want to spend it as wisely as possible, and get away with as many dual purpose opportunities as I can, i.e. a 90mm Macro that also serves as a decent portrait lens. I appreciate opinions on all approaches as I know this can be looked at from different perspectives. What I don't want (I think) to do is spend all $1200 on a FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF]. I'd like to try and maximize my meager budget.

I'm interested in macro and landscapes, as well as occasional portraits, all for recreation.

This is what I have so far

• Pentax K50
• The kit 18-55mm WR
• DAL 50-200mm WR
• DA 35mm 2.4 AL
• DA 50mm 1.8 AL
• Rikenon 50mm f/2
• Takumar 135mm f/3.5
• Photoshop Elements 15
• Dolica GX600B200 Tripod - for $50 it works fine for what I've used it for.
• 3x8GB Class 10 Memory Cards and 1x16GB Memory card

Here's some ideas I was looking at

• I don't have a Flash - was considering the new Yongnuo YN585EX with P-TTL support.........$75
• I need to replace the kit lens. Was thinking Tamron 17-50 F2.8 or Sigma 17-50 F2.8.............$300-$400
• I'd like a dedicated Macro like the Sigma EX DG 105mm f/2.8 or Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8.....$200-300 used
• Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD Macro (International version)..................................................$630
• A quality color calibrated monitor. Eyeing a well received BenQ 27" or Dell Ultrsharp 24".......$250-$325
• Year subscription to LR/PS........................................................................................................$120
• 2nd Battery................................................................................................................................$15
• Decent Camera Strap................................................................................................................$30
• Mini Flash mount soft box diffuser--------------------------------------------------------------------------$20
  

Appreciate thoughts/ideas or things I haven't thought of.

[Unregistered User 8]

I can see from your wish list that you have thought it out well. I think your lens choices are good for your needs, as well as an on camera flash. The only 2 things that I could recommend would be a good tripod, and perhaps a good bag to keep it all secure. Good luck.

[caliscouser]

Plenty of people on here who are good at spending other peoples money

Not sure how wedded you are to your current lenses but I would consider selling all of them and replacing with the following kit (mix of new/used):
- DA 15
- DA 20-40 WR
- DA 70
- DA 100 WR Macro
- YN Flash

That gives you landscape, walk-around, macro, portrait and some full WR capability. The only thing is lack of reach beyond 100mm.

[SpecialK]

Since you asked...

Sell 18-55
135
50 f2

Acquire, possibly used:

Pentax 12-24
Tamron 70-200
Tamron 90

I would consider a monopod for the heavy 70-200.
And the flash...

[automorphism]

I agree with the others that you should look into a wider lens if you like landscapes. The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 is also an option, which is manual focus only.

As for the flash, I did a quick check on Ebay and someone said that it didn't rotate. I didn't see the full specs for it so I can't verify this, but if this is so I'd pass on it and get something else. If you want to do portraits with the flash on the camera, not rotating is a pretty big flaw. If you're just mounting it on a light stand then it doesn't really matter.

[ramseybuckeye]

Here's some ideas I was looking at

• I don't have a Flash - was considering the new Yongnuo YN585EX with P-TTL support.........$75
• I need to replace the kit lens. Was thinking Tamron 17-50 F2.8 or Sigma 17-50 F2.8.............$300-$400
• I'd like a dedicated Macro like the Sigma EX DG 105mm f/2.8 or Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8.....$200-300 used
• Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD Macro (International version)..................................................$630
• A quality color calibrated monitor. Eyeing a well received BenQ 27" or Dell Ultrsharp 24".......$250-$325
• Year subscription to LR/PS........................................................................................................$120
• 2nd Battery................................................................................................................................$15
• Decent Camera Strap................................................................................................................$30
• Mini Flash mount soft box diffuser--------------------------------------------------------------------------$20
  

.

I got the Sigma 17-50 2.8 about a year ago and it's probably my most used lens, if it were WR it would be perfect, so I obviously think that would be a good choice. If you want a macro, consider a manual focus lens if you can find one. It may not work as well for a portrait lens without AF (but it may also) and you save a lot of money. Consider an ultrawide lens, they can give you a whole new way to look at landscapes, at least certain types of landscapes. It does look as though you've put serious research into this and have some good ideas, good luck with your purchases.

[SouthernExposure]

Since you asked...

Sell 18-55
135
50 f2

Acquire, possibly used:

Pentax 12-24
Tamron 70-200
Tamron 90

I would consider a monopod for the heavy 70-200.
And the flash...

While I hadn't intended to sell anything, if I did, these would likely be the ones. That being said, I'd only net about about $90 from them, so I'd rather keep them. I'll check on the manual Macro, since this is ideal for real macro shots

[wibbly]

used da15 - 325 ish
used screwdrive 50-135 - 350-400
used 20-40 ltd - 500?

that's about 1200


then sell your other lenses (maybe keep the da 50) and see about a 100 macro (around 325)

[Alex645]

I'm interested in macro and landscapes, as well as occasional portraits, all for recreation.

• I don't have a Flash - was considering the new Yongnuo YN585EX with P-TTL support.........$75
• I need to replace the kit lens. Was thinking Tamron 17-50 F2.8 or Sigma 17-50 F2.8.............$300-$400
• I'd like a dedicated Macro like the Sigma EX DG 105mm f/2.8 or Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8.....$200-300 used
• Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD Macro (International version)..................................................$630
• A quality color calibrated monitor. Eyeing a well received BenQ 27" or Dell Ultrsharp 24".......$250-$325
• Year subscription to LR/PS........................................................................................................$120
• 2nd Battery................................................................................................................................$15
• Decent Camera Strap................................................................................................................$30
• Mini Flash mount soft box diffuser--------------------------------------------------------------------------$20
  

For landscape, my first priority would be the Pentax HD DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR ($570).

Pentax HD PENTAX DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens 21387 B&H

And for macro, you wonʻt regret the SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 WR Macro ($539).

Pentax smc Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 WR Macro Lens 21910 B&H Photo

Both of these lenses will long outlive your K-50 and can be used with many future bodies and will make the biggest impact in your images. For sure, I would suggest a 2nd battery and a comfortable wide camera strap.

If you can live without the macro, then you could afford the upgraded monitor and LR/PS subscription. Or if you find a Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 in excellent condition, Iʻd consider that a reasonable compromise from the Pentax 100mm macro.

[Kerrowdown]

looking for some guidance on how to spend

You've definitely come to the right place for that, just look at all the replies you have so far...

[bladerunner6]

First of all-adjust your with holdings so you don't get a tax return. No point in giving. Someone an interest free loan.

You can get a new Tamron 90 macro fro $311 from a great seller. I suggest you wait a few days until eBay has a good eBay bucks promotion.
NEW Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP Macro Lens for Pentax DSLR Cameras 272EP 725211727149 | eBay

Also, for a monitor, consider a refurbished BenQ.

Buy it with your Amex card and get second year of warranty. Also, they have occasional 15% off sales.

A tripod also seems like a good idea.

[Jonathan Mac]

For macro and landscapes with occasional portraits I'd say the best lens is the DA 35mm f/2.8 limited lens. Most people would regard it as short for macro (though this depends on the subject) and portraits and long for landscapes but I find it's the best do-it-all compromise focal length there is. You could go a bit longer and get the 50mm f/2.8 macro, which might be a better length for macro and portraits but worse for landscapes.

It all depends on your tastes and whether you follow established norms on use of focal length or like to think outside the box and go for something different.

On the other hand, you mention replacing the kit lens - a very good idea, having a good standard zoom brings huge benefits to someone's photography. The Tamron 17-50 is very good indeed, but it's not quite as sharp as a good prime and won't do macro, though it will focus quite close.

This was taken with my Tamron 17-50mm at minimum focus distance:


Oslo by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

In the world of lenses everything is compromise.

[JohnX]

I'd suggest you consider one lens manufacturer and live within their range of available lenses, simply because I've found differences in colour rendition between manufacturers otherwise identical offerings, and I just like consistentcy. What's wrong with one of the Pentax 100mm macro's?

[Simen1]

Another spending suggestion:
Sell 18-55, 50-200, 50/2 and 135/3,5. Its better to convert them into money then keeping dust collectors. 150$ spent
Buy an old maual 200/4 in stead of the 135/3,5 100$
Use the 35/2,4 and 50/1,8 primes more often, and stitch landscapes for wider FoV
Buy a used 18-135 to replace both zooms 250$ spent
Buy a macro ring set, its so much cheaper then a dedicated macro and the quality is good too. You only loose AF, but AF is often overrated/useless for macro work anyways. 20$ spent
Buy a good enough 30"+ 4K monitor (if your DP port support 60 fps in 4K) 400$ spent
Replace LR/PS with RawTherapee/GIMP and save 120$/year
Buy that camera strap, battery, flash and soft box 140$ spent
Total: 1180$ spent and 120$/year saved

[Saltwater Images]

You seem to have thought out your photographic needs very well. While most would tell you to sell the 18-55 WR, I suggest you hang onto it and possibly the 50-200 WR as well. Neither commands a great return in the pre-owned marketplace but there are times that these lenses would come in handy during rotten weather. I shoot mostly with 3 Ltds and a D FA 100 WR despite that I just ordered an 18-55 WR as a "beater" for shooting in crap weather. Just a thought to consider.