Lens problem....

I have an 18-55mm lens and a 70-300mm lens... I need something in the middle... cos I'm really fed up of changing lenses all the time... I do event photography so sometimes I cant change lenses quick enough lol..

I was wondering if people could advise me on the best lens please?

Thank you

Claire

That could depend on the budget you have in mind Claire.

Do you mean you are looking for say a 18-300mm lens or a 40-200mm lens :

One solution is to buy another body, which works well IMHO.

Depends if you need the 300mm at the long end. If not, it might be worth considering a Pentax or Tamron 18-250mm. The quality of this lens is very good indeed considering the range it covers.

I have a Pentax version and use it as my main travel lens because I don't want to carry too much with me and be constantly changing lenses.

The lens isn't available new in either version now, but you can pick up a good used one for around £250.

An alternative would be the DA 18-135mm, but that's quite a bit more expensive and I can't comment on the quality as I don't have one.

How about either a Pentax or Tamron 18-250mm? Sadly brand new ones may be difficult to come across. Maybe also consider the Pentax WR 18-135mm?
Alternatively, keep the 70-300mm on the DSLR and get either a decent compact camera or another DSLR body to use with your existing 18-55 to cover the more normal focal length range to save changing lenses.

John

Yeah I want something that gives me a range of everything I don't really want another body as I really dislike carrying too much around.

I dont really need it up to 300mm... probably about 200mm-250mm...

Thanks xx

There is a used Samsung 18-250 for £275 on the SRS website - see

www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/c/319/Used-Pentax-Fit-AF-Lenses.html?Page=2&sortby=

(Could not get the link to work)

I found this one on ebay is this any good? link

Found this new
link

Getting better: £135 plus free delivery - http://www.waeplus.co.uk/product/256450/TAMRON-AF-Lens-18-200mm-F3.5-6.3-XR-Di. I've had one myself and they're fine for what you're paying.

Could you clarify what you mean by event photography - is this indoors or outdoors :

I take photographs at ferret shows so it varies between indoors and outdoors. I am also an animal photographer so the distance varies a lot too.
So people and animals I take photos of.. I also want to use it for general photography for my ferrets and my dog.

Claire x

Hi Claire

If you want an idea about the capabilities of the 18-250mm then there is a mix of inside/outside low and bright light photos all taken with the 18-250mm here:

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/photos-from-asia-32473/p-0#comm_367194

On my portfolio the recent storm picture, the boat scene, the pagoda at night, the butterfly, the dragonfly/darter and the lightning were all taken with the Pentax 18-250mm. More capable hands would produce even better results

The Samsung lens that I mentioned is the same as milamber's lens but with a different name on it.

If you live anywhere near Watford, then a trip to SRS could be well worthwhile - they are very highly rated on this forum and very helpful.

+ 1 for a second body.

This has two benefits - no lens changes necessary with the attendant delays/lost shots and offers back up in case of problems, which is important if you are commissioned to take these event shots.