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What lens(es) you been using?

Nigelk
Posted 11/01/2017 - 12:17 Link
I've had my K-S2 and 18-135 for nearly a year now and I've been very pleased with both.
It started me thinking about how much I've been using the 18-135mm lens, it's compact, light and produces pleasing/good images through most of its range.
I've had the lens for 11 months and have 2215 photographs in my catalogue taken with it. This set me thinking, how much have I been using my other lenses. I found the results below quite interesting.
All figures below are over about 3 years except for the 18-135 which is 11 months
35*mm macro 796
50-135* 3301
16-50* 3065
18-50WR 752
150-500 Sigma 1053
10-20 Sigma 913
8mm Samyang Fisheye 489
Tamron 90mm Macro 344
18-135 2215 in just 11 months
Given how good some of these lenses are just goes to show how I've been going for light weight convenience, and happily so. My most recent cutlery shots were done with the 18-135mm, I'm happy with them!
What lenses do you find yourselves using and why?

Cheers
Nigel
Roscoe
Posted 11/01/2017 - 13:22 Link
Hi Nigel,

My 18-135mm is my standard always on lens, and my 55-300 I use for long zoom shots.

Camera is a K20D.

Kindest regards,

Peter.
Mike-P
Posted 11/01/2017 - 14:07 Link
Nigelk wrote:
What lenses do you find yourselves using and why?

Nothing for nearly 3 months now ... Just seem to have lost interest atm.
HarisF1
Posted 11/01/2017 - 14:50 Link
My most used lens was also the 18-135. No other lens comes close in terms of versatility (even over the 16-85 as I like the extra length).
All the gear with no idea
Nigelk
Posted 11/01/2017 - 14:52 Link
Greetings Peter, that's a two lens set up that covers most that anyone is likely to encounter. I also have the 55-300 and find it a very good performer.

Mike-P, sorry to hear you've lost your photography mojo. I guess we all have our ups and downs. 3 months is longer than I've managed without taking a photo. Mind you when I go out walking with my wife I think she wouldn't mind if I would stop taking photographs AND she keeps telling me to put the cutlery back in the draws!
Nigelk
Posted 11/01/2017 - 14:57 Link
HarisF1 wrote:
My most used lens was also the 18-135. No other lens comes close in terms of versatility (even over the 16-85 as I like the extra length).

Interesting that you often pick it up in preference to the 16-85. It's a lens I feel I would like, but really can't justify it with what I already have. I'm good at buying not so good at selling.
Like me versatility wins the day.
HarisF1
Posted 11/01/2017 - 18:57 Link
Nigelk wrote:
HarisF1 wrote:
My most used lens was also the 18-135. No other lens comes close in terms of versatility (even over the 16-85 as I like the extra length).

Interesting that you often pick it up in preference to the 16-85. It's a lens I feel I would like, but really can't justify it with what I already have. I'm good at buying not so good at selling.
Like me versatility wins the day.

I don't have the 16-85 but I turned down an opportunity to get one at a cheap price as I felt it was too similar. The 18-135 does amazingly well in most situations, especially when you have enough light to stop down a bit.

I also use the 50-135 but it's not much of a walkaround lens due to its size. I used it on a visit to the zoo recently, where the 50mm end wasn't as much of an issue. The image quality is amazing on that one!
All the gear with no idea
jemx99
Posted 11/01/2017 - 22:06 Link
Nigelk wrote:
HarisF1 wrote:
My most used lens was also the 18-135. No other lens comes close in terms of versatility (even over the 16-85 as I like the extra length).

Interesting that you often pick it up in preference to the 16-85. It's a lens I feel I would like, but really can't justify it with what I already have. I'm good at buying not so good at selling.
Like me versatility wins the day.

My 18-135 seems to be on permanent loan to my daughter. I was always very pleased with the results from that lens. As mentioned it's light and compact too.
I have the 16-85 and the results from this are excellent - but, daft as it sounds despite giving great results I find it boring?? It feels quite a bit heavier and bigger than the 18-135.
Lens usage wise I seem to have been using my DA 21mm most, I like it's compactness and quality but like Mike I don't seem to have been very active photography wise lately!
Daronl
Posted 11/01/2017 - 22:20 Link
I have my first K3 permanently adorned with the marvellous 18-135; it is my "always with me" set up even when out on work or serious wildlife shooting.

I also have the 28-105 FA for full frame walkabout (K1) stuff but it definately doesn't "out dazzle" the K3/18-135 .

As I have mentioned in numerous posts before , my portfolio is well populated with shots from the 18-135; the last lens I would get rid of.
Daronl
davidwozhere
Posted 11/01/2017 - 23:37 Link
The K5 has a "permanent" Tamron 28 - 135 on it which has served me very well for a long time and the K3ii usually has either an F 35 - 70 or a DA 55-300. Of the two, the 35 - 70 is a stunning performer. These are for carrying around. I nearly always use 'old glass' whenever the tripod comes out, such as Meyer Optic 135 and 200 and the Pentax M 100mm macro gets a lot of use too. On top of that there is a comprehensive set of Takumars and a few Russian guest performers, notably a 58mm Helios 44M7 and a Jupiter11A 135mm.
Both the *istDS and the K5 are incurably addicted to old glass

My page on Photocrowd
davidstorm
Posted 11/01/2017 - 23:46 Link
Mainly the Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4, although I must be honest and say I'm never 100% happy with the results from zoom lenses, with one notable exception, which is the Pentax DA 50-135. If it weren't for the less useful focal length of this lens for general walkabout photography, it would be my 'go to' lens and would never be off my camera.

If there is a better 'reasonably priced' zoom than the DA*50-135 I'm yet to find it!

Regards
David
Flickr

Nicola's Apartments, Kassiopi, Corfu

Some cameras, some lenses, some bits 'n' bobs
Edited by davidstorm: 11/01/2017 - 23:47
Jimd
Posted 12/01/2017 - 07:21 Link
Varies between my da12-24, Sigma 17-50 f2.8 and Sigma 70-200 f2.8.
Nigelk
Posted 12/01/2017 - 08:38 Link
Interesting that despite the theoretical better performance of primes, zooms are proving most popular in this discussion. With the 18-135 and the 50-135* getting particular praise. I would have to agree that the 50-135* is a very fine lens, large but lovely. I wish the 16-50* was as good.
Interesting lenses used by Davidwozhere.
RobL
Posted 12/01/2017 - 09:05 Link
Nigelk wrote:
Interesting that despite the theoretical better performance of primes, zooms are proving most popular in this discussion. With the 18-135 and the 50-135* getting particular praise. I would have to agree that the 50-135* is a very fine lens, large but lovely. I wish the 16-50* was as good.
Interesting lenses used by Davidwozhere.

I have resisted buying prime lenses whilst the new ones are in the pipeline for this year, so just have the 50mm f1.8 which gives great results. Favourite lens is usually the most recently bought, currently the FA 15-30mm.
geordie01
Posted 12/01/2017 - 11:16 Link
CZJ 80MM F1.8 Pancolor just cannot put it down at the moment.

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