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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-22-2013, 02:34 PM  
Poll: Lens Decision Time... *Poll*
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 22
Views: 2,164
My "other" vote is for the FA 50/1.4 -- more versatile than the DA 40 and much less expensive than the FA 43. I had the DA 40 before, and don't find that I miss it . . .
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 08-20-2012, 05:29 PM  
If "you" would limit yourself to have only two prime lens...
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 90
Views: 13,441
Sigma 24/2.8 Super Wide AF, Vivitar 100mm/3.5 (with AF TC). Wide-normal, and Telephoto-Macro.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 07-26-2012, 07:17 PM  
'Camera Cannot Display This Image' message
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 18
Views: 10,119
Also, if you are shooting a K10D, please check your firmware version. If it is less than 1.31, I suggest that you update -- there were fixes for compatibility with certain SD cards in version 1.31 .

I know that your message can be caused by this issue, because I had the same problem on my K200D. I updated the firmware, and the problem disappeared, with all cards of the brand in question . . .
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 07-21-2012, 03:20 PM  
What Choices For A Fast 24?
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 33
Views: 2,833
Actually, I meant the opposite -- you away with a 35/2.8 hood (if you could find such a thing), and probably even 35/2 hood given how cautious the original lens hood designers were, themselves.

On the other hand, old metal hoods for 28/2.8 are fairly easy to find, and the step-down rings are quite inexpensive.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 07-21-2012, 04:42 AM  
What Choices For A Fast 24?
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 33
Views: 2,833
I just wanted to chime in, as someone who really likes my Sigma Super Wide II AF. For me it was perfect to fill in the gap between my 15/4 and 35/2. I would strongly recommend anyone buying this lens to work out a better lens hood situation (especially since flare control is a major limitation). I use a metal hood designed for 28/2.8, accessed by step down rings, but I know even that is a bit cautious on APS-C.
Forum: Pentax K-30 & K-50 05-25-2012, 12:50 PM  
K-30 vs. the Nikon D3200
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 83
Views: 40,341
Isn't the relevant 16Mp censor the one in the K5? Score - 82 (Overall) - 23.7bits (Colour Depth) - 14.1 ev (Dynamic Range) ? Or have I missed something?
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 05-16-2012, 01:49 PM  
Best prime lens trio with upgrading possibility to FF
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 29
Views: 3,907
I have almost the same trio, but a MF 100/3.5 Macro instead of the FA 100/2.8. But I have added the Sigma 24/2.8 AF version, and would recommend it highly (as long as one uses a lens hood with it). Owning the Sigma, I feel "futureproofed" in case Pentax does release FF -- all I would really be missing is a portrait-length prime, where I would probably go with a DA 70 over an FA 77 :-). Or perhaps a new 85/1.4?
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-20-2012, 02:46 PM  
Finally ordered K-5 , a question regarding lenses , please help
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 19
Views: 2,286
I have carried the DA 15 and FA 35 with me while travelling (the FA 35 being larger and heavier than the DA 40). It is certainly feasible, and I had no regrets for not bringing a 16/17-50 or 18-55 zoom. Then again, I am a person who doesn't mind "zooming with my feet" -- probably a legacy of all those years with the K-1000 glued to a 50/2 . . .
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-20-2012, 01:04 PM  
If you could only have one lens
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 66
Views: 7,107
A better hypothetical question might have been: if all of your lenses were to be stolen/lost/destroyed in a natural disaster, and the only one you could keep would be one (perhaps by attaching it to a camera body that was to be saved from the same evil event :-) ), and you would not be able to replace your lenses for at least a year (financial/insurance/availability issue, what have you) -- which of your lenses would you choose to keep?

If that were the question, I would want to keep either my DA 15 -- which feels the most "special" to me -- or the Sigma 24/2.8 -- which I had the most complicated time acquiring. And if I had to shoot only that one lens for a year, I would have an easier time with the 24.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-19-2012, 12:04 PM  
The one lens.... under 400.
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 6
Views: 1,399
Well, I refuse to answer the question. :-) Why not spend your budget on two lenses -- a manual focus 100mm macro (any of them will do, though I prefer the fantastic plastic f3.5 by Phoenix/Cosina/Vivitar) and an autofocus 35mm, 28mm or 24mm (the DA-L 35, the FA 28, or the Sigma Super Wide 24, for instance). These would compliment the 50mm and 85mm that you already have and give you some autofocus normal-wide goodness in the bargain . . .

P.S. edited out Sigma purchase link from B&H. I wonder how that got there?
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-19-2012, 11:45 AM  
If you could only have one lens
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 66
Views: 7,107
I think probably a DA 24 XS for my K-02 (w EVF).

:-)
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 03-16-2012, 01:46 PM  
Dear Pentax About your lenses.
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 112
Views: 25,599
I'd chime in for the 60/2 macro, the 35/1.4 (but I think a /1.7 might be more realistic), and 28/2 if necessary but preferably 24/2 . . . all in the XS line (Though the 60/2 at least ought to also be usable on DSLRs). Something like that would really support any plan Pentax has to support mirrorless . . .
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-16-2012, 12:45 PM  
Did I Make a Mistake?
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 27
Views: 3,810
I'm a prime guy and therefore perhaps not qualified to judge, but 60-250 + 55 makes much more sense than 50-135 + 55-300. It gives you f1.4 (vs. f2.8) at 50-55, and f4 (vs. f5-5.5 or so) from 135-250, along with the all-important WR from 135-250 -- and only costs you zoom between 50 and 60, f2.8 (vs. f4) in the 50-135 range, and the 250-300 range altogether. Of the things you are giving up, the f2.8 in the 50-135 range seems the most significant, but I know I would go in a heartbeat for f1.4 at 55 and f4 for 60 and up rather than f2.8 for 50-135. Of course YMMV.

I will also point out that, in circumsances where you want precautionary WR all the time, you probably don't want to change lenses either, so a 4x zoom makes a whole lot of sense in my books . . .
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-13-2012, 12:51 PM  
DA 18-135 WR or other?
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 25
Views: 10,351
I just wanted to chime in for the Sigma 18-200. I took it as my only zoom for some travel last summer (I also brought DA 15 and FA 35 primes), and for the kind of pictures your parents will most likely be taking, the image quality should be more than acceptable. It also has the great advantage of doing the least damage to your K-5 fund. :-) This Sigma lens is not WR of course, but it is pretty reassuring in build, and does not deserve the Stigma associated with certain earlier Sigma lenses. Also note that the Sigma 18-200 is almost as small as the Pentax 18-135, while other such zooms are physically larger.

The Sigma 18-200 is not my very favorite lens -- I prefer primes -- but as a lens of convenience, or to take outdoor shots close up and at a distance in quick succession, it is quite capable.
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 03-12-2012, 10:38 AM  
Pentax 60mm f2.8 FF(35mm) + 90mm f2.8 (645) Macro lens patents
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 43
Views: 10,533
The length given doesn't seem right, though. The 50mm macro is about half this size. Is there an explanation?
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 03-12-2012, 07:54 AM  
Pentax 60mm f2.8 FF(35mm) + 90mm f2.8 (645) Macro lens patents
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 43
Views: 10,533
Are we sure the significance of this is in the (35mm)? Can anyone tell from the patent whether this could be an XS design? A 60mm XS macro would make some sense . . .
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-12-2012, 06:29 AM  
DA40XS Lens Tested on Film (MZ-S + DA40XS on Kodak Gold 200)
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 31
Views: 27,308
This actually relates to a point I have wondered about for some time -- how many of the old optical designs for 35mm film actually meet the expectations (for corner sharpness and light falloff, especially) that we have now for lenses designed for digital? If this Canon L-series doesn't . . .
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-12-2012, 06:10 AM  
DA35/2.4 ~ What about a 16 or 17 wide angle version?
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 18
Views: 2,380
Isn't it more likely that Pentax would introduce a 16/2.8 or 16/2.4 pancake in the XS line? It seems a more natural direction to follow (and would be a much smaller lens than a conventional DA 16/2.4 . . .)
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-09-2012, 12:34 PM  
DA35/2.4 ~ What about a 16 or 17 wide angle version?
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 18
Views: 2,380
That would be 16/2.8 . So 18/2.8 or 24/2 should not be a problem . . .
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 03-09-2012, 11:43 AM  
DA35/2.4 ~ What about a 16 or 17 wide angle version?
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 18
Views: 2,380
To (sort of) respond to the initial quesiton, though, I wonder whether the XS series will include any small wide primes? Personally, I'm hoping for a 24/2, but an 18/2.8 would also be of interest. Of course, those lenses might not be mirrorbox-friendly . . .
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 03-09-2012, 11:15 AM  
Rumor: Pentax FF Sept 18-23, 2012
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 528
Views: 94,879
I understand the whole "custom fab" issue, my question is more a matter of "why isn't this direction being explored? And alright, there is the mirrorbox issue for DSLR but not for mirrorless . . .

But what I really don't understand is the corner softness/vignetting issue. Isn't it exactly the same issue as in "Full Frame"? That is, aren't all points on the circumference of the image circle essentially the same for these properties?
Forum: Pentax News and Rumors 03-09-2012, 10:14 AM  
Rumor: Pentax FF Sept 18-23, 2012
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 528
Views: 94,879
What I don't understand is: why not have a 30x30 square sensor (which supports any glass made for FF or which works on FF without being made for it), and let the user select the aspect ratio? Everything from square, to 16:9 landscape, to 16:9 portrait, by way of 3:2, 4:3, and 5:4 -- this seems a natural level up from the adjustable aspect ratios of the Panasonic GH line and the auto-cropping of the Nikons. True, this adds no value for DA 15, DA 21, and DA 12-24 users who would only be able to take advantage of the sensor if custom crop modes were included in the firmware. But so much Pentax glass is full frame-capable, so wouldn't this be a unique way to take advantage?
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 03-08-2012, 01:03 PM  
I want a new prime!
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 48
Views: 4,921
I tried the DA 40/2.8 and the FA 28/2.8, but settled on the FA 35/2 and the Sigma 24/2.8 ("Super Wide" AF version). The lenses I chose are somewhat larger than the 40 and the 28, but are considerably smaller than the Sigma 30/1.4 or 24/1.8.

Within your budget, you might be able to get a DA 35/2.4 AND a Sigma Super Wide AF, which would be my own personal version of "small enough", "fast enough", and "cheap enough" in this range. Of course YMMV. If "fast" triumphs everything else, go with Sigma 30/1.4 (or if you prefer "small", the new 40/2.8 XS sets the standard, and might let you pick up a Sigma Super Wide within budget -- I just found that I prefer 40mm over 35mm on APS-C).

The 35/2 does give an extra half-stop of "fast" over the 35/2.4, which puts it closer to the Sigma 30/1.4 but with an extra dose of "small". But for me, two primes at 24mm and 35mm is better than one at 28 or 30 . . . I value both the 24mm and 35mm POV on APS-C and wouldn't give them up for something in between . . .
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 03-01-2012, 03:54 PM  
Building a lens kit from scratch with $1000
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 16
Views: 3,189
My first kit was somewhat similar: 18-55, 50-200, A 50/1.7 and A 28/2.8 . And I still have those lenses, except for replacing the 50-200 with a Sigma 18-200 (because when I want a long zoom I may also want to take a wide shot without having time to change lenses; I am mostly a prime shooter, and the zoom is special purpose/backup). But those are not the lenses I would recommend for someone starting out knowing what I know. :-) These days, if I were building a $1000 kit from scratch, I would take just one zoom and some autofocus primes. Just because.

For the zooms, I would choose to spend $250-$500 on an all-purpose zoom -- either an 18-135, 18-200, or 18-250. Selection would depend on whether the body was WR, how important the shooter feels the long end of the range to be, whether size matters, etc.

For the primes, I would spend $500-$750 on two of the following:
15mm Limited ($500)
21mm Limited ($500)
24mm Sigma ($500 if /1.8 or $200 for used /2.8)
28mm/2.8 ($250 used)
35mm/2.4 ($200)
40mm Limited ($400)
and then something for Macro:
100/2.8 AF ($500)
or an old 100mm MF Macro, if autofocus is not that important ($100).

So in this case the money runs out after about three lenses, e.g.:
18-135 + 15mm Limited + 35/2.4 ($1200)
18-200 + 28/2.8 + 100/2.8 AF ($1000)
18-250 + 24mm Sigma/1.8 + 100mm MF ($1100)

I don't think there is a "right answer" to this, except to spend a little more on lenses. I have an easier time coming up with a "best" $1750:
18 -135 + 15mm Limited + 35mm/2.4 + 100/2.8.
That, or a variant on it for individual preferences, should please any mostly-prime AF Pentax shooter.

And yes, I am leaving the 50mm focal length empty on this list, because I just don't find it that useful. You could add an A/1.7 to one of these lists for $75 if you like, and call it covered . . .
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-14-2012, 04:07 AM  
Very pleased with the new DA prime lenses
Posted By Impartial
Replies: 23
Views: 2,895
Well, a DA 24/2 XS could presumably be small-ish, with some of the optics inside the body and built strictly to service the APS-C image circle . . . I'd much rather see that than a 21/3.2 in XS format. Of course I am also waiting for a K-0X with EVF . . .
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