Mediaeval Portraits, DA*50-135

Unlike the 50-135 masters, Messrs Trout and Cabstar, I have never really got to grips with this lens and have decided on more than one occasion to sell it, almost. There was a mediaeval festival in town yesterday so I decided to pop along and see if I could collar a few performers for portraits. The weather was grey and drizzly so the DA*50-135 was the obvious choice. I arrived to find my batteries flat so I had to charge one up for an hour or so during which the weather progressively worsened. But I managed to find some willing volunteers. Normally I chat to my subjects while I'm shooting to try and provoke some more interesting responses. Not so easy to do in French but I managed to get some of the things I wanted. I was a bit lazy, I should have set up the tripod but time was running out, space was a bit limited and the weather closing in horribly so I had to be quick. Some of the shots I was happy with but what could have been a very good shot indeed I messed up and it lacks sharpness and detail (note to self, use the ******* tripod). But I'm going to track down the fellow and see if I can do a shoot with him. But the upshot is that it has convinced me to definitely keep the lens. Aside from the obvious stellar quality the WR meant it was the only lens that was perfect for the job on this occasion. There was some discussion recently of the 50-135 as a portrait lens and I think these images give some idea of its potential:
































Others here.

I like these, even the background adds ambience to the portraits, from the 50-135 master haha i like that title

The quality of this lens is undoubted for portraiture - it is a favourite for weddings both for this reason and its f2.8 max aperture.

The only downside for me is its bulkiness and this has so far put me off buying one - I use my Sigma F2.8 105 macro for portraits / wedding stuff as it seems to give a very similar IQ and bokeh to the Pentax DA*50-135, but obviously doesn't have the convenience or silent operation of the zoom.

I like these shots; the backgrounds are sufficiently diffused to not be distracting, but detailed enough to see what they are and they add to the atmosphere. I actually think the dreary weather and soft light has helped as there are no nasty shadows and the colours are vibrant but not oversaturated.

Regards
David

The 50-135 is actually smaller than the 16-50 when it is extended to 50mm and is lighter than the 16-50 to having only a 67mm front element.

I think all these shots are stunning. Great subjects for trying out the lens on and I think you have captured their characters perfectly.

These are great portraits and I think the two women have come out really well. They've posed nicely (!) and there's superb detail in their faces.

Really good example of the use of the 50-135, It is actually my favourite lens even though it it is quite bulk. Brian

excellent work!

Oooh, smashing set! Good light and nice use of the door as a background. Looks like they were lining up for you!

Taking this lens out for a spin this afternoon.

These are superb portraits! I'm sure the 'models' would love copies.

As David says,
the dull weather was just what you needed to produce these lovely muted colours, bright sunlight would have produced squinted eyes and garish colours.

Great characters captured too

ps: I'm sure it's a great lens but the photographer deserves credit

great stuff and a background that set's the mood.

Second one reminds me of Rick Wakeman

A very fine set, Doc. What a wonderful lens for this kind of thing!

Love these, love my copy of the lens.

There is something special about the way it renders colours, as you have demonstrated.

Wonderful set- love the light, really suits the subjects.

Very nice, and as usual all natural, no OTTPP here TF.