Lens for short trip

For my 30th birthday (today), my better half has booked a short trip to a hotel overlooking Lake Tal Y Lynn in North Wales. Looking at the web, this will offer me some fantastic photographic opportunities (especially as the weather is slated to be good by the end of the week).

My current lens line-up is somewhat thin DA 21mm, DA 50-200mm, DFA 100mm, so I was wondering whether I should buy another lens to flesh out my collection somewhat (there seems an obvious gap in the 21-50mm focal length, for example).

Does anyone have any recommendations? I can't stretch to DA* money at the moment, that's the only restriction though (as always!).

There is the Samsung version of the Pentax 35/f2 at reasonable money if you can locate one. Or you could try an older non AF lens which everyone says are terrific value for money.

I'd say the DA17-70 is a lovely lens for walkabout.

Super, super sharp - very nearly as sharp as the primes I have. Absolutely lovely bokeh.

I would have liked it slightly smaller and lighter, but it's definitely a belter of a lens Oh, and it's SDM only.

It's my 'one-lens' walkabout lens

(Thought I saw a S/H one going for a lot less than new..., and maybe SRS have one as well)

Matt

I'm with Matt here the DA17-70 would be a good walkabout lens or the DA16-45 together with your DA50-200 would also be very versitale.

You also have the DA21 you might think about getting the other limited lenses like the DA40 or DA35 and if you can stretch it also a DA70.

Happy 30th Robbie!

I certainly agree with what the others have said regarding the 17-70.

BUT....allow me to be slightly controversial.

The Sigma 17-70 whilst certainly not optically superior - that does undeniably go to the Pentax, has had great reviews and does offer closer focusing than the Pentax (1:2) and is much faster at the 17mm end (f2.8 ) and only slightly slower at the 70mm end - though I'd rather have a constant aperture any day).

But the big plus point for the sigma is price. You can get them at around the £180 mark second hand.

Just thought I'd mention it in case you want to spend more money on...alcohol or something

If price wasn't an issue at all, then yes I'd go with the Pentax 17-70 every time.

Hmmm.

Interesting so far. I expected a huge vote for the 16-45mm, the 17-70mm never seems to get mentioned as much on here (or maybe I just miss the threads when it is).

I've seen a few of them second-hand so I might take the plunge, if it's as good as Matt says it is, I may end up selling the DA 21mm!

Some more info...

The 16-45 is also a cracking good lens

However, the bokeh on the 17-70 is in another league, IMHO. In fact, I'd go as far to say that the 17-70 is 'up there' with the 50/1.4 It's still sharp wide open at f/4, and it's much more versatile - I've used it in low-light drama situations where I would've used the 50mm before.

That said, the 16-45 has a more 'whacky' wide angle... and it's screw drive, so it'll work on anything.


But I'd still say the 21mm prime would have a place for travelling really small and light (I have the 35/2 which is also stunning - most especially for indoor portraiture on the K7... but the 17-70 has produced better landscape results for me )

Here are some 17-70 shots:
http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/1372315
http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/1327051 (I have this in 18x12" on my wall - it's bitingly sharp)
http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/1245809
http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/1141820

It's not going to help your LBA though! LOL!
Matt

I expect Dr Mhuni will be along shortly as he too rates the 17-70 highly as well. I think that given the lenses you have at present I'd want to hold one and assess its size and weight before buying.

Mike

Many happies etc. If you wished to be reallly outrageous, there's always the 31 ...

For the money I would go for the 16/45!

Happy birthday Rob

You could also buy my Pentax FA 20-35 f4 its an excellent lens but I doubt it will get to you before the weekend

Happy birthday, but how are you going to fit any Pentax lens onto your


What camera have you got now?

Regards and have a good trip.

Happy Birthday robbie xx

Great place you're visiting - a nice bit of hiking to be had if you fancy it too!!

I have the DA 17-70 and it's excellent. If finances are limited though I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Sigma equivalent, I owned it before the DA. It's just as sharp, the Pentax does better it for colour/contrast though.

Looking at your current line-up though the 21mm should cover plenty of shots.

I never considered the 16-45, the focal range seems a bit limited in light of the other options

Happy Birthday BTW

Simon

K20d (plus grip) arriving tomorrow!