Another help me regarding my lens set up thread...
Posted 21/05/2011 - 06:38 - Helpful Comment
Link
FWIW I can heartily recommend the DA21 Ltd.
The DA40 Ltd is also an excellent lens (unless you want to focus it manually, as it is so small that focusing by hand is difficult).
Both are pancakes, so they are about as unobtrusive and lightweight as you'll find.
I've got images taken with both sprinkled through galleries as below, for reference.
The DA40 Ltd is also an excellent lens (unless you want to focus it manually, as it is so small that focusing by hand is difficult).
Both are pancakes, so they are about as unobtrusive and lightweight as you'll find.
I've got images taken with both sprinkled through galleries as below, for reference.
Posted 21/05/2011 - 07:18 - Helpful Comment
Link
Hi Vince
Bit of a tuff one really as you gets what you pays for and I think we all want a selection of different lenses! Anyway, in my personal opinion if you want a good prime with decent bokeh and sharpness, the DA 35 Limited - macro is an incredible lens, I know it may not be as versatile as some other lenses you may be considering, but of all the lenses I own or have owned, I think it could be best I have purchased so far. the colour rendition is really good and the sharpness is amazing, I have used it for Portraits and some Macro work and due to its size it lives in my camera bag all the time so that I have the option to use it when I need it most.
Bit of a tuff one really as you gets what you pays for and I think we all want a selection of different lenses! Anyway, in my personal opinion if you want a good prime with decent bokeh and sharpness, the DA 35 Limited - macro is an incredible lens, I know it may not be as versatile as some other lenses you may be considering, but of all the lenses I own or have owned, I think it could be best I have purchased so far. the colour rendition is really good and the sharpness is amazing, I have used it for Portraits and some Macro work and due to its size it lives in my camera bag all the time so that I have the option to use it when I need it most.
Fletcher8.
Posted 21/05/2011 - 16:58 - Helpful Comment
Link
I can really recommend the Sigma 30mm/f1.4
The reviews I've read on it don't seem to understand photography. They slate it for being soft in the corners wide open, but really if you're shooting wide open the corners are more than likely to be in the 'bokeh zone'
vincechu you did the right thing and judged on the pivtures and not the reviews.
The reviews I've read on it don't seem to understand photography. They slate it for being soft in the corners wide open, but really if you're shooting wide open the corners are more than likely to be in the 'bokeh zone'
vincechu you did the right thing and judged on the pivtures and not the reviews.
[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Posted 21/05/2011 - 17:23 - Helpful Comment
Link
Quote:
The reviews I've read on it don't seem to understand photography.
Every lens has its technical weaknesses and of course if we only measure MTF then these are all laid naked and can look pretty bad.The reviews I've read on it don't seem to understand photography.
Photography however is a creative medium and whatever quirks a lens has can be put to good use. You've highlighted one possible use - wide apertures for milky smooth (but no doubt low resolution) portraits. Your models will love you.
On the other hand, use a macro lens for the same job and your models might not be so pleased, or the time spent in Photoshop will become a bit wearing.
When copying documents is the job in hand, then it's the macro lens every time.
Different lenses are made for different purposes and perform accordingly. I think that a lot of disappointment with lenses may be caused by buying the wrong lens for the purpose in mind. Hence one user will praise a lens whilst another will rubbish it. They are both right.
Best regards, John
Posted 21/05/2011 - 17:59 - Helpful Comment
Link
I wouldn't use a lens at 1.4 on a tripod/frame to copy documents
Sigma have done the right thing by optimising the lens for sharpness in the centre wide open at the possible expense of soft corners.
If you want sharp right across the frame then stop down. Simples.
Quote:
Different lenses are made for different purposes and perform accordingly. I think that a lot of disappointment with lenses may be caused by buying the wrong lens for the purpose in mind. Hence one user will praise a lens whilst another will rubbish it. They are both right.
Sure, but a review should be above those kind of noob appraisals and realise what the lens is designed for.Different lenses are made for different purposes and perform accordingly. I think that a lot of disappointment with lenses may be caused by buying the wrong lens for the purpose in mind. Hence one user will praise a lens whilst another will rubbish it. They are both right.
Sigma have done the right thing by optimising the lens for sharpness in the centre wide open at the possible expense of soft corners.
If you want sharp right across the frame then stop down. Simples.
[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Posted 21/05/2011 - 18:17 - Helpful Comment
Link
Well Sigma have made a choice, but whether it's the right thing depends on your point of view.
The classic example is the Pentax 85mm lens. Early lenses followed the fashion of the day and were designed so that wide open they were soft, suitable for portraiture, and closed down razor sharp.
At some point the fashion changed and 85mm lenses were made to be razor sharp wide open. Whether this is good or bad depends, but it's nice to know.
Sigma it seems have made a decision to make a portrait lens for APS-C, which is fine, but the buyer needs to know that.
I suspect that there's not much advertising mileage in "our lens is soft wide open" though...
The classic example is the Pentax 85mm lens. Early lenses followed the fashion of the day and were designed so that wide open they were soft, suitable for portraiture, and closed down razor sharp.
At some point the fashion changed and 85mm lenses were made to be razor sharp wide open. Whether this is good or bad depends, but it's nice to know.
Sigma it seems have made a decision to make a portrait lens for APS-C, which is fine, but the buyer needs to know that.
I suspect that there's not much advertising mileage in "our lens is soft wide open" though...
Best regards, John
Posted 21/05/2011 - 19:30 - Helpful Comment
Link
It isn't "soft wide open" it's "soft at the edges wide open"
[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Posted 22/05/2011 - 03:07
Link
Thanks guys, I think I'm definately going for the DA21LTD, for the size and weight, as well as great colour and contrast which is what I've seen on Flickr.
The second choice is a little more difficult.
Pentax just make me a DA* 35mm f/2 Macro with SDM or DC and I'll buy that right away
I'm just thinking hard about how much I'd like and use each of the lenses standout features (DA35LTD = macro, Siggy 30mm 1.4 = speed/DOF/bokeh, DA40 = light/small)
Somehow the Sigma, despite being larger than I would like, seems to edge it, I'm used to the focal length from the FA31 i sold and I'm a big bokeh fan and just love the 'extra dimension' of creativity that fast lenses and their shallow DOF gives.
Have to say I do keep thinking of the DA40 and Sigma though. I guess I'll have to find somewhere with them all in stock to make 100% sure.
The second choice is a little more difficult.
Quote:
I think that a lot of disappointment with lenses may be caused by buying the wrong lens for the purpose in mind. Hence one user will praise a lens whilst another will rubbish it. They are both right.
Very wise and very true words John, it's just a shame that all lenses have +'s and -'s, and in this case I happen to like a plus from each lens I think that a lot of disappointment with lenses may be caused by buying the wrong lens for the purpose in mind. Hence one user will praise a lens whilst another will rubbish it. They are both right.
Pentax just make me a DA* 35mm f/2 Macro with SDM or DC and I'll buy that right away
I'm just thinking hard about how much I'd like and use each of the lenses standout features (DA35LTD = macro, Siggy 30mm 1.4 = speed/DOF/bokeh, DA40 = light/small)
Somehow the Sigma, despite being larger than I would like, seems to edge it, I'm used to the focal length from the FA31 i sold and I'm a big bokeh fan and just love the 'extra dimension' of creativity that fast lenses and their shallow DOF gives.
Have to say I do keep thinking of the DA40 and Sigma though. I guess I'll have to find somewhere with them all in stock to make 100% sure.
Vince
Posted 22/05/2011 - 03:27
Link
Does having all 3 of: 21mm, 30mm and 40mm sound too close?
Being 32, 45 and 60 in 35mm equiv it doesn't sound too bad. This way I'd get the bokeh I love and a lens for lowlight, and two tiny primes.
I'd have to add one of the 30 or 40 later though due to my budget and will probably pass on the 35LTD as I have my Sigma 17-70mm which pretty much does 1:2 macro and also the 35 (52.5mm) is pretty close to the 40 (60mm)
Being 32, 45 and 60 in 35mm equiv it doesn't sound too bad. This way I'd get the bokeh I love and a lens for lowlight, and two tiny primes.
I'd have to add one of the 30 or 40 later though due to my budget and will probably pass on the 35LTD as I have my Sigma 17-70mm which pretty much does 1:2 macro and also the 35 (52.5mm) is pretty close to the 40 (60mm)
Vince
Posted 22/05/2011 - 03:44
Link
IMO not really Vince - The 21, (FA)31 and 40 are all very different lenses in their own right (and IMO not so close as to make any one of them redundant). I can't comment on the Sigma 30, as I haven't used it.
A good test might be to grab your Sigma zoom covering this range, and look at the difference that is created by shifting to around each of these focal lengths (equiv. ~31, ~45, & 60mm). Substantial impacts, not to mention the unique lens characteristics beyond mere fl.
A good test might be to grab your Sigma zoom covering this range, and look at the difference that is created by shifting to around each of these focal lengths (equiv. ~31, ~45, & 60mm). Substantial impacts, not to mention the unique lens characteristics beyond mere fl.
Posted 22/05/2011 - 18:43
Link
Vince,
If I was going to get 2 prime lenses then it would be the 15 Ltd and 35 Ltd Macro.
If possibly 3 then 15 Ltd, Sigma 31/1.4 and 50 of your choice (lots of great ones to choose from) for when the 30 just seems too short.
n.b. I'm currently playing around comparing 4 lenses I have; Sigma 30/1.4, Pentax 43/1.9 Ltd, Voigtlander 50/1.8 and SMC Takumar 50/1.4. The bokeh of the Sigma is lovely and it's very noticeably brighter at the same aperture than any of the others.
If I was going to get 2 prime lenses then it would be the 15 Ltd and 35 Ltd Macro.
If possibly 3 then 15 Ltd, Sigma 31/1.4 and 50 of your choice (lots of great ones to choose from) for when the 30 just seems too short.
n.b. I'm currently playing around comparing 4 lenses I have; Sigma 30/1.4, Pentax 43/1.9 Ltd, Voigtlander 50/1.8 and SMC Takumar 50/1.4. The bokeh of the Sigma is lovely and it's very noticeably brighter at the same aperture than any of the others.
http://frogfish.smugmug.com/ Pentax. Pentax DA*300/4, Cosina 55/1.2, Lens Baby Composer Pro & Edge 80, AFA x1.7, Metz 50 af1.
Nikon. D800. D600. Sigma 500/4.5, Nikon 300/2.8 VRII, Sigma 120-300/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 21/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 35/2.0, Sigma 50/1.4, Nikkor 85/1.8, Nikon TC20EIII, Nikon TC14EII, Kenko x1.4, Sigma 2.0
Nikon. D800. D600. Sigma 500/4.5, Nikon 300/2.8 VRII, Sigma 120-300/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 21/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 35/2.0, Sigma 50/1.4, Nikkor 85/1.8, Nikon TC20EIII, Nikon TC14EII, Kenko x1.4, Sigma 2.0
Posted 22/05/2011 - 19:12
Link
vincechu wrote:
Pentax just make me a DA* 35mm f/2 Macro with SDM or DC and I'll buy that right away
There was a DA*30mm (most likely a f/1.4) on the lens roadmap but it disapeared together with the 1,4x TC
Pentax just make me a DA* 35mm f/2 Macro with SDM or DC and I'll buy that right away
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Posted 23/05/2011 - 03:05
Link
Anvh wrote:
They should make a DA* 30mm/F1.2 - I'd buy one.
vincechu wrote:
Pentax just make me a DA* 35mm f/2 Macro with SDM or DC and I'll buy that right away
There was a DA*30mm (most likely a f/1.4) on the lens roadmap but it disapeared together with the 1,4x TC Pentax just make me a DA* 35mm f/2 Macro with SDM or DC and I'll buy that right away
[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Posted 23/05/2011 - 08:07
Link
Anvh wrote:
A lens I really would like, same with the TC.vincechu wrote:
Pentax just make me a DA* 35mm f/2 Macro with SDM or DC and I'll buy that right away
There was a DA*30mm (most likely a f/1.4) on the lens roadmap but it disapeared together with the 1,4x TC Pentax just make me a DA* 35mm f/2 Macro with SDM or DC and I'll buy that right away
I'd also rather like a smallish sealed DA*16
That would be such a good set, 16, 30 & 55 DA* lenses!
Add Comment
To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.
118 posts
15 years
Cheshire
I'm currently having a kit rethink and trying to work out a kit which is small and lightweight and will get me out and about shooting more. I guess I kind of babied the FA31 due I used to have because of its price and as a result it didn't get much use although I loved it, so I sold it. I'd also like a discreet set up as I want to get into street shooting too.
Currently I only have the 18-55mm WR and 17-70 2.8-4.5 Siggy for my K5.
Focal lengths I'm looking at are around a 28mm and a 45-50mm (35mm equivs). For the 45-50mm lens I'd love something fast with decent bokeh and sharpness.
So my choices are:
28mm equivs:
DA21LTD which would make a 33mm or perhaps widen (sorry lame pun ) my options to the DA15 as I used to shoot 24mm a lot, though it is a little too wide for day-to-day use.
50mm equivs:
DA 35 - Apparently just the FA35 but re-packaged and label. Very cheap, in fact I could probably get a third lens if I bought this.
DA 35 Limited - macro a plus but I have the 17-70 which can 'macro', though only 1:2.3, a little slow and bokeh questionable
Sigma 30mm 1.4 - I have to say I'm most interested in this, I love the bokeh and character thats evident if you look at photos on flickr, and the sharpness seems good even in corners and edges, where it gets slated a lot for being soft in the corners at most apertures. Sigma QC issues are a little worrying. not particularly small and light too.
Finally I'm not the following because...
FA31 - no as its just to pricey, though I used to have one and absolutely loved it, I feel unworthy of it as I'm no pro and could do with brushing up on my skills first
FA35 - no it was good priceerformance, a little pricey now its discontinued
Any thoughts, advice and photos, would be greatly appreciated. I would normally try stuff in store locally, but the stores near me that stock pentax, don't stock these primes
Thanks in advance,
PS If I can't decide I might just get another FA 31LTD and put up with shooting my 17-70mm @17 stopped down.