some advice required

I have a Tamron 70-200 1:2.8 witch I bought from SRS last year and only used it three or four times, never in the studio.

I'm looking for a lens that is more usable in the studio


I own some nice glass but would like to invest in a lens that has a better reach that the Pentax DA 18-45 f4 and the Tameron XR Di 28-75mm f2.8 (lenses that I use the most)

I also own pentax SMC DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 only come out on holiday's
Pentax SMC DA 55-300mm 4-5.8 also only comes out on holiday.

Now I've been thinking of Limited lenses for quite some time but I don't think the QI is that much better than a good zoom.

your comments and advice is really welcome

this lens would be used for portraits and shows that have only stage lighting so f4 to f2.8 would be better

James

Seeing you are happy with zooms and the flexibility they give you James, what about looking at a DA* zoom like the 50-135? That fits in nicely with your 16-45 f4 zoom, and gives you the reach as well. It is f2.8 wide open, perfectly useable wide, and renders beautifully.

I should add that its IQ is comparable with the Ltds.

For concert work I would agree with the DA* 50 -135 as a good choice. For studio work , you are in control of the environment and the flexibility of a zoom is less of a factor.

It then comes down to your preferred working distance and budget as to whether you go for a FA501.4 DA*55 1.4 or the FA77 Ltd. Personally I don't think it gets any better than the FA77 Ltd for portrait work

Regards - Steve

Pentax DA* 50-135mm. The only reason I sold mine is because it is so slow to focus but that shouldn't be an issue in a studio.

Sigma 50-150mm HSM f2.8 is another option as is the 77mm,

Or ... the new Sigma 85mm f1.4 may be well worth waiting for.

I think this sit is so so invaluable for advice and direction, I appreciate comments and advice given.
I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year
all the best

I thank you all for your advice I think I am going for two lenses
the 50 135mm and a 77 Ltd both will be good for studio,weddings and shows


James

The 50/135 is a "prime quality" lens!....

Just the 50 135 then thank you
James

The DA*50-135mm is an superb quality lens. I found it was sometimes sluggish locking into focus during action photography on my K10 but it seems better on the new K5.
David

As People have said, the DA* 50-135mm for studio work. It's practically my only lens that I use in the studio and my stage work.

Yup, same with the DA* 55mm and 60-250mm. Wish I had kept the 50-135mm a bit longer now. Maybe I will look out for another.

As I have the FA 50, Ltd 77, FA*85, DFA 100 and FA 135 - the one lens I don't really need is the DA*50-135

I wouldn't bother with the 77 or the 50-135...

What you really want if the FA*85... just think f1.4

That's why I suggested the new Sigma 85mm f1.4 .. having seen some of the portraits taken with that on a 5D II all I can say is ... WOW!

Another vote for the Pentax DA* 50-135mm here. Absolutely love mine!!

I also have a Sigma 30/1.4 which is stunning quality and I would certainly vote for the 50/1.4 and/or 85/1.4 if the 30 is anything to go by.

K-5 is my next big purchase, but after that it's sigma 85/1.4 hunting

Good point Gareth

But when your in a dark theatre the last thing you want to be doing is changing a lens

James

Should you wish to go down the prime path, the 70mm Ltd is another goodie, from personal experience - it doesn't get the raves of the 77, but is a high quality performer, is well reviewed (eg at Photozone here), and is smaller FWIW.

It opens up to 2.4, so is comparable with the good zooms.