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Equivalent Lens

Ratcatcher
Posted 28/04/2020 - 18:08 Link
Hi All

I've been away for a very long time, but as we are in an very unfortunate situation at the moment it 's encouraged me to get my camera out again and I'm getting rather excited about taking some pics again. Now I can't remember when I last posted something on this site, probably about ten years ago. I don't even recall taking any worth while pictures within that time.
I still have the same gear as I did then, but I am considering changing my Tamron 17-50 for something that is more equivalent to to this present time to use for more everyday use. I've had the standard 18-55 and the 16-45 lenses. I don't really want to spend too much on one, but saying that it depends what it is. and whether it's worth the extra outlay.
If it's not worth it then that's fine, just interested in what people have to say. Let's hope that once again I can contribute to this site.

As always your thoughts and opinions are most welcome
Edited by Ratcatcher: 28/04/2020 - 18:09
Nigelk
Posted 28/04/2020 - 19:11 Link
I've never had the Tamron 17-50 but believe it was and presumably still is a good performer at a very reasonable price. My equivalent lens is the Pentax 16-85mm which I rate very highly. It hasn't got the max f2.8 aperture of your Tamron but that doesn't bother me for the kind of photography I do. I also have the Pentax 18-135mm but it's missing the couple of mm at the wide end and the overall image quality is not equal to the 16-85mm in my opinion, small size and handy range all the same.
MrB
Posted 28/04/2020 - 19:25 Link
Assuming your Tamron is still working OK, it's quite a good standard zoom. You might find this interesting on the US Pentax site: link

In fact, you already appear to have quite a good range of lenses. If you want to expand your gear, perhaps consider something else, e.g. a Pentax flash.

Philip
Ratcatcher
Posted 28/04/2020 - 19:55 Link
Hi Phillip

I had already read that review and found it quite interesting, but that was in 2011.
I have the Samsung flash unit just forgot to add it to my gear.

Thanks for your reply
pschlute
Posted 28/04/2020 - 20:13 Link
What does your Tamron lens not do for you that you want it to ?
Ratcatcher
Posted 28/04/2020 - 20:32 Link
Hi Peter

I’m not really sure what I want it to do.
I suppose because I’ve been away from photography for such a long time and I’m now very keen to get back to it.
The lens was used when I purchased it I just feel
It’s time to upgrade to something hopefully better. Plus a new toy would make me feel really good.
Lubbyman
Posted 28/04/2020 - 21:25 Link
Ratcatcher wrote:
I’m not really sure what I want it to do ... Plus a new toy would make me feel really good.

Now that's an invitation for some really wild (and not necessarily inexpensive) ideas!

As Nigelk says, the 16-85mm is very good. It replaced the 16-45 for me because I found 45mm frustratingly short and it wasn't always possible to change lens (then change back, then change again...). 85mm made a big difference for me, but might not for you. And, of course, the 16-85mm is WR if you like getting wet.

If you want to splash out in a big way, there's the DA*300mm. It's a big step up from the long end of the 55-300mm, but for its price you'll really need to have a use for it otherwise you might not feel really good when you see your credit card statement.

For a less mind-boggling price, and as a final wild suggestion, does anyone here know whether the 1.4 teleconverter plays well with the Tamron 17-50? If it does, you'd get a 24-70 f4 and it should also work with your 90mm macro to give a 126mm f4 macro with no loss of close focus distance and with your A50 f1.7 to give a 70mm f2.4 (-ish) prime (no auto-focus of course). 3 new things to play with for the price of one.

Steve
PRYorkshire
Posted 28/04/2020 - 21:39 - Helpful Comment Link
I can also recommend the Pentax 16-85, a very versatile walk-around lens, probably 90% of my shots are taken with this lens, sharp with good colour rendition. Interestingly I have a similar collection of lenses, F50mm f1.7, 55-300, Tamron SP90 for macro and find that the 16-85 fits in well with this range.

Paul
Paul

K1000, Espio 140, ist, istD, K70, K3iii and numerous lenses, just don't tell my wife.
JAK
Posted 28/04/2020 - 22:14 - Helpful Comment Link
The Tamron 17-50 should be just fine if it has remained in good order. I also agree with the other votes for the Pentax 16-85 should you need an update. That range covers most eventualities.

Just because a lens is getting old doesn't mean it isn't fit for purpose any more. Some still use early K lenses and M42 lenses as they prefer the rendering.
John K
McGregNi
Posted 28/04/2020 - 22:20 - Helpful Comment Link
Since the assumption is being made (reasonably I think given your own comments) that your most needed focal lengths are within the "standard zoom" to wide angle range, then yes, the 16-85 seems to be the obvious choice for a new toy.

You haven't mentioned any specific subject interest like portraits, or wildlife, and you already have a very good Macro lens. On aps-c I think 16-85 really covers, what, about 80% of all general ,photography situations, and you have a few more specialised options for when you go to certain places, eg the macro for gardens, the 10-20 for architecture and the 55-300 for some wildlife or long zoom landscapes out in the hills.

My approach would to only take two lenses out each time - the 16-85 and one other, depending on where you're going....... (Good advice Nigel, now go and put it into practice yourself!!!)
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Edited by McGregNi: 28/04/2020 - 22:22
Ratcatcher
Posted 28/04/2020 - 22:36 Link
My photographic interests are mainly landscapes and anything quirky and unusual.
Ratcatcher
Posted 29/04/2020 - 08:43 Link
I’ve seen a Pentax DA 17-70 f4 for sale what are your thoughts on this lens. Or am I going in the wrong direction ?
Also I’ve read quite a few reviews on the Tamron saying it’s a good lens if
you get a good one. Bearing in mind I haven’t really used mine for a long time, how will I know if I’ve a good one.
Edited by Ratcatcher: 29/04/2020 - 08:59
Jonathan-Mac
Posted 29/04/2020 - 10:30 Link
There's nothing wrong with the Tamron. I had one for many years and didn't sell it until I found the Sigma of the same specs at a good price. The Sigma is no longer made for Pentax mount but you should be able to find one used or maybe still new. Having said that, it's optically no better than the Tamron, just better built and with an in-lens focus motor that's a lot quieter than the Tamron's screw-drive AF. It's significantly bigger and heavier though, the cost of the better build quality.

Other than that I'm not sure what you're after - maybe a nice fast prime? There are several excellent options at 35mm, a standard focal length on APS-C. The DA 35mm macro Limited is superb, great as an all-round lens with the added bonus of 1:1 macro. Overall it's the best standard prime for Pentax APS-C cameras. If you want something cheaper then there's the 35mm f/2.4 which is decent enough, though plasticky build. If you want a bit more speed, use film cameras or are considering a change to FF then there's the HD FA 35mm f/2 which is optically almost as good as the Limited while a bit faster though with poorer build quality. It's one of those lenses that plummets in price when special offers come around though, so don't buy at full price unless you're in a hurry.

Of all that my recommendation would be the Limited, since you've already got the Tamron to cover a wider focal length range. Remember - you're never bored when you've got a good macro lens: there's ALWAYS something you can photograph with it, especially at a standard focal length rather than telephoto. For landscapes it's superb too. Perhaps not the focal length many would choose but the image quality is faultless.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Edited by Jonathan-Mac: 29/04/2020 - 10:33
Jonathan-Mac
Posted 29/04/2020 - 10:32 Link
Ratcatcher wrote:
I’ve seen a Pentax DA 17-70 f4 for sale what are your thoughts on this lens. Or am I going in the wrong direction ?
Also I’ve read quite a few reviews on the Tamron saying it’s a good lens if
you get a good one. Bearing in mind I haven’t really used mine for a long time, how will I know if I’ve a good one.

A good one will focus reliably and produce sharp photos at all focal lengths with the aperture wide open at f/2.8.

The 17-70mm f/4 is a step back. Dodgy in-lens focus motor (prone to failure) and a stop slower. There's very little you could do with it that you couldn't do with the Tamron.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Ratcatcher
Posted 29/04/2020 - 10:46 Link
Thanks for all of your recommendations, I think because I’ve been out of touch for such a long time I’ve probably lost my confidence a bit.
I think that for the moment I’ll stick with the Tamron and get and out take loads of photos and begin to enjoy it again. I’ll upload them onto the website get critique and go from there.

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