Lens for portrait... Tamron 70-200 F2.8 or something else?
Posted 27/04/2018 - 17:29 - Helpful Comment
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There's a DA* 50-135 on these forums that's coming in at a decent price - maybe this is perfect for your needs?
For APS-C, this is a perfect portrait range. Alternatively, I'd maybe recommend a decent prime like the DA 70 or the FA 77. Or even the D-FA 100mm f/2.8 which can do a stunning job with portraits as well as macro.
For APS-C, this is a perfect portrait range. Alternatively, I'd maybe recommend a decent prime like the DA 70 or the FA 77. Or even the D-FA 100mm f/2.8 which can do a stunning job with portraits as well as macro.
All the gear with no idea
Posted 27/04/2018 - 17:58
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Thanks guys I'll take a look
I have read that the 50-135 has issues with the SDM motor dying? any thoughts on that?
I have read that the 50-135 has issues with the SDM motor dying? any thoughts on that?
Pentax K3 & K5 currently
Used a Pentax all my life!
Used a Pentax all my life!
Posted 27/04/2018 - 18:18 - Helpful Comment
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There have been issues with SDM motors, mainly the 16-50 and 50-135mm. All I can say is that I have had numerous copies of the 50-135mm (I keep swapping between that and the Sigma 50-150mm) and apart from the latest one taking a few goes to wake up have never had a problem ..... touch wood.
Of course others will disagree ... mainly the ones that have had a problem I expect
Of course others will disagree ... mainly the ones that have had a problem I expect
Posted 27/04/2018 - 18:27 - Helpful Comment
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I have used mine for portrait

Julie by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr
Horse jumping

Somerley Park International Horse Trials 2015 by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr
Even a bit of macro with a Raynox attached,

Scorpion fly by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr

Julie by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr
Horse jumping

Somerley Park International Horse Trials 2015 by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr
Even a bit of macro with a Raynox attached,

Scorpion fly by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr
Posted 28/04/2018 - 08:07
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If you need the flexibility of a zoom, prefer FF compatibility and don't mind the size & weight then a 70-200mm makes sense. Many people prefer a small prime not just because of the size & weight but also because it allows for a more relaxed subject, which tends to happen when you're not pointing a bazooka lens at them
If you go for a 50-135mm f/2.8, by all reports optically superb, then make sure it comes with a guarantee whether you buy it new or used. SDM failure is a very real problem.
The DA 70mm f/2.4 lens is superb and I believe can cover the FF image circle, plus of the traditional portrait range it's the best compromise (105mm equivalent in FF terms), but that won't be the case on FF. The 77mm f/1.8 would be the safer bet and is designed for a FF image circle, a little faster and maybe with better out-of-focus areas, but you might find it a little short on FF, depending on the circumstances under which you shoot.
If you go for a 50-135mm f/2.8, by all reports optically superb, then make sure it comes with a guarantee whether you buy it new or used. SDM failure is a very real problem.
The DA 70mm f/2.4 lens is superb and I believe can cover the FF image circle, plus of the traditional portrait range it's the best compromise (105mm equivalent in FF terms), but that won't be the case on FF. The 77mm f/1.8 would be the safer bet and is designed for a FF image circle, a little faster and maybe with better out-of-focus areas, but you might find it a little short on FF, depending on the circumstances under which you shoot.
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
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
Posted 28/04/2018 - 08:11
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I've a Sigma 85mm F1.4 available, superb for portraits on APSC or FF, boxed with all acceasories and very little use, its advertised on here for a fair bit more than your budget, but if you can extend that, I'll come the other way, PM me if your interested.
Chris
www.chrismillsphotography.co.uk
" A Hangover is something that occupies the Head you neglected to use the night before".
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K1 - Sigma 85mm F1.4, Pentax DFA 150 -450 F4.5 / 5.6, Pentax DFA* 24 - 70 F2.8
Samyang 14mm F2.8, Pentax DFA* 70-200 F2.8, Pentax A 50mm F1.2
K3iii + K3ii + K5iis converted to IR, Sigma 17 - 70 F2.8, Pentax 55 - 300 F4.5 / F5.6 PLM
www.chrismillsphotography.co.uk
" A Hangover is something that occupies the Head you neglected to use the night before".
-------------------------------------------------------------
K1 - Sigma 85mm F1.4, Pentax DFA 150 -450 F4.5 / 5.6, Pentax DFA* 24 - 70 F2.8
Samyang 14mm F2.8, Pentax DFA* 70-200 F2.8, Pentax A 50mm F1.2
K3iii + K3ii + K5iis converted to IR, Sigma 17 - 70 F2.8, Pentax 55 - 300 F4.5 / F5.6 PLM
Posted 28/04/2018 - 14:09
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Portrait using the K-1 and Sigma 85mm f/1.4 (The lens Chris is offering above) shot wide open.

Finlay by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr

Finlay by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr
Posted 29/04/2018 - 08:56
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Thanks Mike, here's a portrait from one of the few times its been out of the box.
K1 - 1/1000 sec F1.4 ISO 200

The bokah is stunning, but I also have a 645 150mm F2.8 which I use more for my portrait work as the K1 is used for action based opportunities.
K1 - 1/1000 sec F1.4 ISO 200

The bokah is stunning, but I also have a 645 150mm F2.8 which I use more for my portrait work as the K1 is used for action based opportunities.
Chris
www.chrismillsphotography.co.uk
" A Hangover is something that occupies the Head you neglected to use the night before".
-------------------------------------------------------------
K1 - Sigma 85mm F1.4, Pentax DFA 150 -450 F4.5 / 5.6, Pentax DFA* 24 - 70 F2.8
Samyang 14mm F2.8, Pentax DFA* 70-200 F2.8, Pentax A 50mm F1.2
K3iii + K3ii + K5iis converted to IR, Sigma 17 - 70 F2.8, Pentax 55 - 300 F4.5 / F5.6 PLM
www.chrismillsphotography.co.uk
" A Hangover is something that occupies the Head you neglected to use the night before".
-------------------------------------------------------------
K1 - Sigma 85mm F1.4, Pentax DFA 150 -450 F4.5 / 5.6, Pentax DFA* 24 - 70 F2.8
Samyang 14mm F2.8, Pentax DFA* 70-200 F2.8, Pentax A 50mm F1.2
K3iii + K3ii + K5iis converted to IR, Sigma 17 - 70 F2.8, Pentax 55 - 300 F4.5 / F5.6 PLM
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53 posts
12 years
I'm shortly looking to buy a lens to complement my DA 50mm 1.8 and my short telephoto F2.8 lens with either the Tamron 70-200 IF DL F2.8 or something else that is popular for portraits or fashion as that's what I predominantly shoot. I'm looking second hand around £500 mark. I don't need necessarily to length of the zoom, its the separation from the background, depth of field & bokeh i'm after.
Happy with either APS-c or full frame (i still have film cameras I use and I'll eventually move to a K1 at some point but will probably not sell my K3 so if its APC-c then no problem.
Thanks
RockingDad
Used a Pentax all my life!