Hi Stefan - one question is to ask about exposures and metering. How did you set up your camera? I'm thinking either spot or centre weighted may be better to avoid confusion from stage lighting (plus potentially some dialled in exposure compensation) - but curious to know your experience as I'm keen to avoid blown highlights at least on the performers (not much you can do about lights). I'll shoot RAW+ as expect white balance may also be a challenge and want to have the ability to change that on the computer......

Cheers,

Jon

Thanks Stefan - I think 2 metres is unlikely to happen.... Will post my experience after the gig.

Jon

Well-timed for me as I've just got permission for my first gig next week - John Lees' Barclay James Harvest (the Pentaxians of rock!). Was planning to use Sigma 50-150 and 30/1.4 but now wonder if 16-45 may be a better complement to the telezoom?

Jon

I'll leave others to answer as I have a vested interest....

See post above to find one!

If you are interested in a superb SMCM 28/3.5 (better than the 2.8 version), send me a PM. You might also want to get this thread moved to classifieds?

Cheers,

Jon

I like the 50-200 for the reasons MZ stated above, but to be honest if the lens is for birds and wildlife, 200mm is simply not going to be long enough (esp as you'll need to stop the lens down a lot to get the most out of it at that length).

I think you'd be much better going for a 70-300 - and for sharpness at longer lengths, I'd choose the Tamron over the Sigma.

If you find the Tamron for around the kind of money you want to spend, you shouldn't find it too hard to sell later on if you decide to trade up for the 55-300 Pentax lens (which is a great buy).

Sorry to hear this sad news - as someone who didn't grow up with pets, I've learned more recently how wonderful it is that animals can become such an important part of our lives and routines, how they give comfort in a way that people sometimes can't (especially to our kids) and how much more we get from having them around than people might ever imagine.

No - went a while back. Thanks for asking though

I tried the 10-24 before buying the Sigma. The Tamron is very sharp in the centre but the Sigma is better around the borders and feels better made. That said I sold it as the focal range is too wide for my tastes. I now have the mZuiko 9-18 for micro four thirds which is equivalent to 12-24 on APSC. Those few mm make a big difference and that lens spends much more time on the camera as a result. I'd hold out for a secondhand 12-24 in your position.

Jon