I have never owned a SLR before.Please tell me what this lens would be used for vs the pentax DA 35mm f2.4 - would u rec 1 over the other or both? My main goals will be to shoot family photos (3 kids) and my kids sporting events (indoor and outdoor). -...
827152
I don't have the 35mm 2.4 but I do have the 35mm 2.8 macro which I like very much (though the price difference is considerable). The 50mm is an excellent lens and is one of the first ones I grab when I go shooting. I will say though neither the 50mm or 35mm are good for sporting events of any kind. You really can't get the distance shots with either so you might want to reconsider using them for those purposes. The 50mm and 35mm are good for family photos, street photography and candid portraits. I hope that helps.
1204899
Dude this is a great lens, but if your looking for a portrait lens either the 50mm/f1.4 or 35mm/f1.4 or both would be best. Don't get me wrong you can use this lens also, but the 50mm or the 35mm would be a better choice. Any of the lens below would work just fine, the last one would be Manual focus on your camera, but it is a cheap lens which is a fantastic beater lens. Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S FX SWM Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 1449.00 Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 449.00Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 77mm filter 449.00 Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 120.00 Dude this is a great lens, but if your looking for a portrait lens either the 50mm/f1.4 or 35mm/f1.4 or both would be best. Don't get me wrong you can use this lens also, but the 50mm or the 35mm would be a better choice. Any of the lens below would work just fine, the last one would be Manual focus on your camera, but it is a cheap lens which is a fantastic beater lens. Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S FX SWM Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 1449.00 Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 449.00Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for... » Read More Dude this is a great lens, but if your looking for a portrait lens either the 50mm/f1.4 or 35mm/f1.4 or both would be best. Don't get me wrong you can use this lens also, but the 50mm or the 35mm would be a better choice. Any of the lens below would work just fine, the last one would be Manual focus on your camera, but it is a cheap lens which is a fantastic beater lens. Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S FX SWM Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 1449.00 Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 449.00Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 77mm filter 449.00 Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 120.00 « Show Less
1705294
Pretty much any Pentax lens (DA*, DA, FA). I have used my lenses from 2007 and just bought an FA 50mm 1.4 lens (a beauty) on this. On the whole the camera is a beautifully designed one that you can hold in the palm of your hand and when you put one of the lenses on to it, it feels like a little tank. Its solidly built. Happy I bought this! The FPS speeds are phenomenal and blow Canon and Nikon out of the water. Quiet too!
1037163
I have to respectfully disagree with the recommendation for a 16-85mm VR. I have that lens, use it with my D90 and it's great for outdoor situations. Indoors, the 16-85mm is fine if you are using a flash. I can see using the 16-85mm for some interior church shots, but most of wedding shots are going to be of people. things, little details like bouquets, etc. You will want a lens that can handle low-light and can isolate a subject well (subject in focus - remaining areas blurry). You should check out primes. Fast zooms are nice, but they will defintiley set you back a lot of money. Look into these lenses: 1. Nikkor 50mm 1.8 - The poor man's lens for low light, decent bokeh, depth of field interestingness. $100 Everyone should have at least one fast lens and since this one is cheap, it's a good place to start. 2. Sigma 30mm 1.4 More money, but since it's wider than the above lens, a little more versatile, especially with DX sensor. $300 or more 3. Nikkor 85mm 1.8 - Like the 50mm but is more telephoto, so this is good if you are standing far from your subject but want to fill the frame with your subject. Good for concerts, theater, etc. 5. Nikkor 85mm 1.4 - This is a money-making lens for pro wedding photographers and portrait photographers. People fall in love with and worship this lens. Do a web search and you'll find out why. Very, very pricey. $1K but worth it. One thing about primes is that there is a definite learning curve to using them - especially at the wider apertures since the depth of field is SO narrow. You have to really work on learning to use them to maximize the number of keepers you have. BUT, these fast lenses help you to examine more work more critically, to look at your composition, technique, etc in ways that your kit lens never will :) Good luck with your photography!
286640
Donie, No one responded because this forum is for the G2, which is a somewhat specialized model. If you look on the camera and lenses you have for the brand name, like Pentax, Canon, Nikon, Minolta, etc., then post your question on the "digital slr" forum, you will get the responses that are relevant. Responses on this forum won't do you much good. Good Luck.
501122
Thanks for the feedback. I ended up getting the Canon 17-55/2.8IS. It was more expensive, but I had come across some extra money. I've had that lens for several month now and it's awesome. The zoom range is excellent, it's great having f2.8 through the whole range, and the IS adds probably at least 3 stops. It's very sharp when I do my part, especially when it's stopped down a couple clicks. I would still love to get a lens like I described in my OP, but I'm looking at a wide angle zoom and a better telephoto lens before that one.
101689
I don't have enough information yet....what other lenses do you own, and what camera would you be shooting with? Are you the main photographer? Are you bringing lights or at least a high(er) powered flash unit? This is a great lens for macro use, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 this cannot be considered a fast lens at all. While a 50mm lens is fantastic for shooting in a more photojournalistic style, you will probably want something a little longer for portraits (especially if you're using a full-frame digital or film camera). Please respond with what camera(s) you'll be using and what other lenses you own and I'll give you more detail
320074
I have a D800 and all the lenses you listed as well. The 35 i think would lend itself to portraits and the like. I take mostly outdoor stuff which the 28=300 is a fantastic all around lens that I use for a walk around lens. Necessary no not at all but a nice addition.
1732814
Not sure what kit you have. I have Pentax. From what I read, and judging by the price, the 18-35 1.8 may be better, but the 17-70 has a longer reach which comes in handy for a walkaround lens. I have the Pentax FA 50 1.4 prime, and the Sigma can match it at 50mm, so long as there is enough light and you can shoot faster than say 1/20. I have almost retired my 35mm 2.4, 40mm2.8 and 50mm 1.4 primes since I got the sigma, since I have on the Pentax K3 most of the time. Of course I will use the primes under certain conditions, but for a walkaround, the sigma does an excellent job. I considered the 18-35mm, but since I already have this one, I will be interested if the improve IQ is worth the extra money, since the 17-70 has the extra reach.
855771
The lens you have would be perfect for the family portrait. I use my 35mm for most of my work.
1260789
By far the best overall performing lens is the Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-5.6. This lens is a miracle performer from wide to zoom. Hunting around you can get this lens for under $400. I would highly recommend having more then one lens so you can shoot in a greater variety of settings. I currently have 3 lenses but my 18-250mm spends the bulk of its time on my K20D.
767675
This lens and the Pentax 18-55 II are not really comparable. The 18-55 is a zoom, and the DA 50mm f1.8 is a prime, meaning, of course, no zoom. It's fixed at 50mm. Also, the 18-55 II will only open up to f3.5, so you really won't get the lovely narrow depth of field that you get with the 50mm f1.8, which is what makes this lens so attractive and seductive. So I guess it depends on what you want. The 18-55 would make a better walk-around utility lens. The 50mm f1.8 is a specialized, portrait lens that will give you a fantastically blurred background when shooting subjects up close. Personally, I think you should have both in your lens collection. This lens and the Pentax 18-55 II are not really comparable. The 18-55 is a zoom, and the DA 50mm f1.8 is a prime, meaning, of course, no zoom. It's fixed at 50mm. Also, the 18-55 II will only open up to f3.5, so you really won't get the lovely narrow depth of field that you get with the 50mm f1.8, which is what makes this lens so attractive and seductive. So I guess it depends on what you want. The 18-55 would make a better walk-around utility lens. The 50mm f1.8 is a specialized, portrait lens that will give you a fantastically blurred background when shooting subjects up close.... » Read More This lens and the Pentax 18-55 II are not really comparable. The 18-55 is a zoom, and the DA 50mm f1.8 is a prime, meaning, of course, no zoom. It's fixed at 50mm. Also, the 18-55 II will only open up to f3.5, so you really won't get the lovely narrow depth of field that you get with the 50mm f1.8, which is what makes this lens so attractive and seductive. So I guess it depends on what you want. The 18-55 would make a better walk-around utility lens. The 50mm f1.8 is a specialized, portrait lens that will give you a fantastically blurred background when shooting subjects up close. Personally, I think you should have both in your lens collection. « Show Less
1919509
This is an awesome lense but it is not as wide as the Nikon 35mm f1.4 or the Nikon 50mm f1.4 which would give you more room in your picture. it is a good lens but more for portraits. The 70-200mm f2.8 is the best for sports and all around pictures, but a bit more money and worth every penny. I personally would not get the 85 for any sports even with how great the shots are your picture would crop in to small to catch a full play.
155654
I'm 50/50 on it. There are a lot of plusses for the 35 (1.3 stops faster, shallower DOF, phase detect autofocus points on the entire frame, image stabilization), but one big negative (twice the price). It's also less sharp, but it's not soft by a long shot. If you shoot in very low light, fast subjects, or video, the 35 is the better choice. Otherwise, the 30 is an excellent deal.
2064344
Thanks for your reply. I need a good lens to photograph swim meets and football, both for children. Maybe I should consider the 70-300. I want sharp pictures.
873452
Another option is getting the 50mm 1.8 for about a hundred bucks. Takes great shots and you can still buy the 28-135. I bought my 28-135 used and love having both lenses.
1011461
Can anyone tell me if have a lens (18-55 mm f/ 3.5 - 5.6 or anythings else) better than Pentax to exchange in my Pentax K-7? Exist lens make by others manufactories which could give more quality than Pentax? Can anyone tell me that?