Kit Ideas
Posted 23/04/2014 - 09:56 - Helpful Comment
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There are so many potential options that it could be quite confusing.
I would start with a standard kit, so you'd probably get the 18-55mm plus 50-200mm, or alternatively just the 18-135mm. This starts you off into the system. It should soon be apparent whether the next lens purchase should be something wider or longer and at that point you can add another lens as appropriate.
I wouldn't buy it all at once as it will just be a mass of conflicting choices and won't give you a chance to really get to grips with a smaller range.
I would start with a standard kit, so you'd probably get the 18-55mm plus 50-200mm, or alternatively just the 18-135mm. This starts you off into the system. It should soon be apparent whether the next lens purchase should be something wider or longer and at that point you can add another lens as appropriate.
I wouldn't buy it all at once as it will just be a mass of conflicting choices and won't give you a chance to really get to grips with a smaller range.
Best regards, John
Posted 23/04/2014 - 10:27
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Cheers for the advice John.
Was looking at starting without the `standard kit lens ` options especially having read many adverse remarks on some of them. However, the nearest could be Pentax 18-135 WR which lies in my ` core ` of lens as outlined. I have to build up however, already have some `freelance ` work lined up thus needing the 85 mm which kicks this choice up the list. What do you know of that lens ? Its modest price appeals but it seems to be getting good reviews too.
Was looking at starting without the `standard kit lens ` options especially having read many adverse remarks on some of them. However, the nearest could be Pentax 18-135 WR which lies in my ` core ` of lens as outlined. I have to build up however, already have some `freelance ` work lined up thus needing the 85 mm which kicks this choice up the list. What do you know of that lens ? Its modest price appeals but it seems to be getting good reviews too.
Pentax : KP + K 5 iis : M 28 mm , M 50 mm , K 135 mm , DA F 100 mm , DA 12 - 24 mm DA 16 - 85 mm & DA 55- 300 mm .
Lumix : LX100
Lumix : LX100
Posted 23/04/2014 - 10:39 - Helpful Comment
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A friend of mine uses a Samyang 85mm in a studio under a controlled environment and the results are superb, but you are talking about using a manual focus lens and then using it on a not very well lit environment with fast moving subjects, Good luck
May I suggest any 50mm AF lens, this maybe a lot easier and faster and cheaper and just as good for the subjects you want to photograph.
May I suggest any 50mm AF lens, this maybe a lot easier and faster and cheaper and just as good for the subjects you want to photograph.
Posted 23/04/2014 - 10:51
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Thanks Matty, Yes realise Samyang is only MF which may be more tricky to master in the salsa action settings. So thats very useful feedback which helps my choices. Would the 18-135 work better there ?
Pentax : KP + K 5 iis : M 28 mm , M 50 mm , K 135 mm , DA F 100 mm , DA 12 - 24 mm DA 16 - 85 mm & DA 55- 300 mm .
Lumix : LX100
Lumix : LX100
Posted 23/04/2014 - 10:56 - Helpful Comment
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The 18-135mm is a great all round lens. If you need a portrait lens then the 50mm ones are fine, but the 55mm f/1.4 is the classic lens for this. Don't forget these cameras are APS-C, so 55mm is giving you the same field of view that 85mm would on 35mm film.
Best regards, John
Posted 23/04/2014 - 10:59 - Helpful Comment
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I have long fancied trying the Samyang 85mm but you're really looking at static subjects if you want to use that wide aperture and manual focus. You're going to have no room for error with such a narrow depth of field.
Perhaps a fast autofocus zoom would be more appropriate for what you mentioned (indoor moving targets). I think Tamron appear to be making some excellent value products at the moment if, like me, the cost of the Pentax 50-135 makes it pie in the sky.
Love my K-5ii, so that gets a thumbs up from me.
Good luck with your choices.
Perhaps a fast autofocus zoom would be more appropriate for what you mentioned (indoor moving targets). I think Tamron appear to be making some excellent value products at the moment if, like me, the cost of the Pentax 50-135 makes it pie in the sky.
Love my K-5ii, so that gets a thumbs up from me.
Good luck with your choices.
Steve
Sometimes I'm serious and sometimes not, but I consider sarcasm an artform. Which is it today?
Sometimes I'm serious and sometimes not, but I consider sarcasm an artform. Which is it today?
Posted 23/04/2014 - 11:13
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Hi Gravelrash, again good advice, not only the camera looks like we share a VFM approach in lens too !!
Pentax : KP + K 5 iis : M 28 mm , M 50 mm , K 135 mm , DA F 100 mm , DA 12 - 24 mm DA 16 - 85 mm & DA 55- 300 mm .
Lumix : LX100
Lumix : LX100
Posted 23/04/2014 - 11:15
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Hi John, yes you got me looking at these again. I had thought the 85mm might be the better static ` portait` lens at 1.4 in my budget range. Will check the 50 or 55 mm costs - why is the 55 the better f model ?
Pentax : KP + K 5 iis : M 28 mm , M 50 mm , K 135 mm , DA F 100 mm , DA 12 - 24 mm DA 16 - 85 mm & DA 55- 300 mm .
Lumix : LX100
Lumix : LX100
Posted 23/04/2014 - 11:18 - Helpful Comment
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The 55mm f/1.4 is one of the newer lenses and is reputed to be superb.
The 50mm lenses will be good alternatives if the price of the 55mm is too high. The newer 50mm f/1.8 is something of a bargain.
The 50mm lenses will be good alternatives if the price of the 55mm is too high. The newer 50mm f/1.8 is something of a bargain.
Best regards, John
Posted 23/04/2014 - 12:26 - Helpful Comment
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A great starting point would be the Pentax K-5 II kit containing the Pentax 18-135mm zoom, then spending some time getting to know them well. Unless you're intending to make prints the size of a house to view the corners from 6 inches away, it should satisfy your initial requirements while you're learning the system. The results and your experience will then enable you to properly select your next purchase.
Philip
Philip
Posted 23/04/2014 - 12:39 - Helpful Comment
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The 18-135 would make a really good first lens but given your interests let me suggest first starting with something like the Tamron 17-50/2.8. That will give you a decent wide angle through to portrait all at high IQ and decent aperture i.e. it will be good for urban and clubs as well.
You could partner that with either the 18-135 or the 55-300 depending on whether you want to carry one lens as walkabout or consider a twin lens setup acceptable. Or maybe something specialist like the ultra wide zoom or 85mm. I do recommend starting with the single lens first though and deciding where your interests really lie before getting the more specialist lenses.
You could partner that with either the 18-135 or the 55-300 depending on whether you want to carry one lens as walkabout or consider a twin lens setup acceptable. Or maybe something specialist like the ultra wide zoom or 85mm. I do recommend starting with the single lens first though and deciding where your interests really lie before getting the more specialist lenses.
Posted 23/04/2014 - 17:12
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Thanks MrB and Gwing.
For your guidance adding to the whole thread with valued suggestions . Most point to the 18-135 as a good `all rounder `that might work for the scope required before going further although really want a good option in the portrait/close action range to start. Hum bet, that I have not been on my own or who felt unsure ` which is best` never easy with so much choice if wanting to explore more. However, likely will buy 2 lens for now; a PX 18-135 PLUS one of either PX 50 ( 1. or a 17-50 Tamron ( I will check out some reviews) on DXO.
Cheers everybody for your help today
For your guidance adding to the whole thread with valued suggestions . Most point to the 18-135 as a good `all rounder `that might work for the scope required before going further although really want a good option in the portrait/close action range to start. Hum bet, that I have not been on my own or who felt unsure ` which is best` never easy with so much choice if wanting to explore more. However, likely will buy 2 lens for now; a PX 18-135 PLUS one of either PX 50 ( 1. or a 17-50 Tamron ( I will check out some reviews) on DXO.
Cheers everybody for your help today
Pentax : KP + K 5 iis : M 28 mm , M 50 mm , K 135 mm , DA F 100 mm , DA 12 - 24 mm DA 16 - 85 mm & DA 55- 300 mm .
Lumix : LX100
Lumix : LX100
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136 posts
12 years
Broadway
1. Sigma 10-20mm (4-5.6) for wide angle landscapes and urban scenes
2. Samyang 85mm (1.4) for portaits , salsa dance parties & live shows
3. An all purpose walk about for `travels` with telephoto either ; Pentax 18-135 / Pentax 50-200 or 18-200 Tamron or a Sigma.
Of course, very excited to be taking next steps by embracing the learning curve using the above top kit & mix of lens, later adding more primes , if money permitting as been amazed at high costs of some lens.
Any guidance on this mix would be welcome , before I buy from experienced shooters ? Indeed open to any other lens to consider as alternatives which might prove a better fit or improved performance without huge extra upgrade costs as a newly `retired ` exploring a new hobby.
Thanks look forward to reading feedback and comments.