Thanks Christopher....I know, I would love to be able to spend $1000 (or the equivalent in £'s....) on a lens and one day, I will. But right now, budget is everything, which is annoying to be honest, so will jhave to make do with what I have. But I will take what you have said in and keep it as you have similar lenses to me(other than the 77mm) and it will all go in the knowledge bank! Thanks for your reply!

John

Thanks Simon, I am more convinced I should stick with the 50mm and do as you said...but I like to use strobes as well, so the ISO isn't quite as important. Its just that its usually dark before they go off.....

BUt comments like yours convince me more. I shall hopefully post results on here. Thanks again!

J

This is all excellent info guys. Thank you so much. Glad I registered here now...

I have used a video light doing a second shoot at a wedding in the evening, but it was only used to light up the subjects when the focusing couldn't cope in the low light. The shot was taken with it off and the flashes took over....I wouldn't have actually thought to use it as a main light. But fair point, they are quite bright and realise they could be used. Will bare all this in mind...thanks again!

Yep, fair point Bret, I shall make sure I turn it off once focused....lol!



Cheers and good point well made! lol!

John

All great information guys, thanks very much! I shall endeavour with the 50mm then and set the camera as suggested. See how that goes. And a video light does seem to be popular bit of advice too....I may have to invest in one.

So glad I don't have to buy another lens yet...lol! Cheers guys!

John

Hi

I have a K100D, with an old manual 50mm f1.7, a Sigma 70-300 f4.5 and the kit lens and was wondering, what was the best portrait lens to use? I am thinking the 50mm as its more equivalent to 85mm and that its also a lot faster for a nicer DOF, but I really like the look of a telephoto lens for portraiture but not sure that the Sigma is up to the job, especially with the slower speed....

I am likely to be using the 50mm I guess, but I have a problem focusing it in the darker light most of my portraits will be taken in as I am useless at manual focusing without a split circle on the mirror! lol! Any tips on this? Or, is there a CHEAP alternative that might be worth considering for portraiture?

Any help and advice on this would be great. Thanks!

John

I commented on the mono version of this on EPZ.....I think this is a superb image. Lighting for the type of photography you are going for is faultless...superb stuff!

Ah right! Nice one Dan! Thanks for that!

Hi Guys

Does anyone know of places that do Pentax lens rentals? Everywhere I look online, its those darn Nikon and Canon users that get all the perks. I would like to try out a few fast, long length lenses, but can't afford them at the moment, so if anyone has any ideas, can they let me know? Its getting frustrating now!

Cheers

Ian, thats reassuring to know you think the images look ok and sharp. Yes, close would probably bring out more detail, naturally, but then I guess its a good trade of with detail and composition. I guess I will just have to keep practicing and practicing......which is kind of the point really isn't it