Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
> On 04 February 2016 at 15:31 John wrote: > > > On 2/3/2016 3:01 PM, David J Brooks wrote: > > On Wed, Feb 3, 2016 at 1:47 PM, Ed Keeney wrote: > >> Thanks PDML for all the responses. You've managed to muddy my waters > >> even more than they already were. > > > > Wait till you ask cats questions. > > > > Dave > > I thought we agreed to redirect all cat questions to T.O.P.? Ah, yes. The curiosity subclaws of our trolling protocol. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
Kenneth Waller http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/kennethwaller - Original Message - From: "WILSON MICHAEL" Subject: Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4) On 04 February 2016 at 15:31 John wrote: On 2/3/2016 3:01 PM, David J Brooks wrote: > On Wed, Feb 3, 2016 at 1:47 PM, Ed Keeney wrote: >> Thanks PDML for all the responses. You've managed to muddy my waters >> even more than they already were. > > Wait till you ask cats questions. > > Dave I thought we agreed to redirect all cat questions to T.O.P.? Ah, yes. The curiosity subclaws of our trolling protocol. That should make us all paws for a moment. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
Wait, we didn't convince him to buy something. Maybe a new Nikon or Canon ;-) Kenneth Waller http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/kennethwaller - Original Message - From: "P.J. Alling" Subject: Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4) On 2/4/2016 10:29 AM, John wrote: On 2/3/2016 1:47 PM, Ed Keeney wrote: Thanks PDML for all the responses. You've managed to muddy my waters even more than they already were. Glad we could be of service. 8-D Wait, we didn't convince him to buy something. -- I don't want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying. -- Woody Allen -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
On 2/4/2016 10:29 AM, John wrote: On 2/3/2016 1:47 PM, Ed Keeney wrote: Thanks PDML for all the responses. You've managed to muddy my waters even more than they already were. Glad we could be of service. 8-D Wait, we didn't convince him to buy something. -- I don't want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying. -- Woody Allen -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
On 2/3/2016 3:01 PM, David J Brooks wrote: On Wed, Feb 3, 2016 at 1:47 PM, Ed Keeney wrote: Thanks PDML for all the responses. You've managed to muddy my waters even more than they already were. Wait till you ask cats questions. Dave I thought we agreed to redirect all cat questions to T.O.P.? -- Science - Questions we may never find answers for. Religion - Answers we must never question. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
On 2/3/2016 1:47 PM, Ed Keeney wrote: Thanks PDML for all the responses. You've managed to muddy my waters even more than they already were. Glad we could be of service. 8-D -- Science - Questions we may never find answers for. Religion - Answers we must never question. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
On Wed, Feb 3, 2016 at 1:47 PM, Ed Keeney wrote: > Thanks PDML for all the responses. You've managed to muddy my waters > even more than they already were. Wait till you ask cats questions. Dave Documenting Life in Rural Ontario. www.caughtinmotion.com http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ York Region, Ontario, Canada -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
We're here for friendly pushes down the slippery slope and muddying the waters you're headed towards. On Wed, Feb 3, 2016 at 1:02 PM, Bob W-PDML wrote: > That's what we're here for... > >> On 3 Feb 2016, at 18:49, Ed Keeney wrote: >> >> Thanks PDML for all the responses. You've managed to muddy my waters >> even more than they already were. >> >> > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- “The Earth is Art, The Photographer is only a Witness ” ― Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Earth from Above -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
That's what we're here for... > On 3 Feb 2016, at 18:49, Ed Keeney wrote: > > Thanks PDML for all the responses. You've managed to muddy my waters > even more than they already were. > > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
Thanks PDML for all the responses. You've managed to muddy my waters even more than they already were. I'm still leaning to the 17-70 looking for the range for a walk-around lens when I don't have my bag with me (instead of having multiple primes). I'm going to look at the Sigma and Tamron equivalent as well. Good reports on those, but I think they're both 2.8 versus 4 with a price difference to consider. Thanks!!! On Fri, Jan 29, 2016 at 11:27 AM, Ed Keeney wrote: > Hello all! > > I have the following in my bag at the moment... > >Pentax K-50 > SMC-DAL 18-55 3.5/5.6 > SMC-DA 50-200 4-5.6 > SMC-FA 50 1.4 > > I find that the image quality of the 50 is outstanding when comparing > to the other 2 lenses (primarily the 18-55). Not that the kit lens is > bad, but the 50 is very sharp. I attribute this to the fixed aperture > and overall better quality glass. > > I'm thinking of saving for a new higher quality lens (aren't we all?). > At this point, I'm not sure which direction to take. Do I look at the > current lineup (below) or try to find a second hand older lens. > > The current fixed aperture zoom lens lineup from the Ricoh site (US prices)... > > PENTAX DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] $ 699.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM $1049.95 > > PENTAX smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM $ 499.95 > > PENTAX HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR $1299.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM $1049.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm F4 [IF] SDM $1299.95 > > > To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range > as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it > listed for $350, Amazon $300. > > Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). > > I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! > > Thanks! > Ed > http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ -- Thanks! Ed http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
Late to the party but unless you are dead keen to purchase a Pentax branded lens then you might also consider the Sigma 18-50/2.8 (which according to a few tests is a better performer than both the equivalent Tamron and Pentax lenses) or the new C series Sigma 17-70/2.8-4. I have the Sigma 18-50/2.8 but since buying the Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 it's now on the block as it doesn't get used at all, the 17-70 is a very nice lens. On 31 January 2016 at 04:48, David J Brooks wrote: > On Fri, Jan 29, 2016 at 11:27 AM, Ed Keeney wrote: > >> >> To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range >> as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it >> listed for $350, Amazon $300. > > My two colpies had serious focus issues right from the get go, but the > sample shots i took with it were very nice IQ very good. I went Sigma > 17-70 > > Dave >> >> Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). >> >> I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! >> >> Thanks! >> Ed >> http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ >> >> -- >> PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List >> PDML@pdml.net >> http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net >> to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and >> follow the directions. > > > > -- > Documenting Life in Rural Ontario. > www.caughtinmotion.com > http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ > York Region, Ontario, Canada > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- Rob Studdert (Digital Image Studio) Tel: +61-418-166-870 UTC +10 Hours Gmail, eBay, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Picasa: distudio -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
On Fri, Jan 29, 2016 at 11:27 AM, Ed Keeney wrote: > > To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range > as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it > listed for $350, Amazon $300. My two colpies had serious focus issues right from the get go, but the sample shots i took with it were very nice IQ very good. I went Sigma 17-70 Dave > > Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). > > I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! > > Thanks! > Ed > http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- Documenting Life in Rural Ontario. www.caughtinmotion.com http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ York Region, Ontario, Canada -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
The 16-45 I liked very much but it failed suddenly to zoom beyond around 28 and I replaced it with a Tamron 17-50/2.8 as an all-round zoom. But a few weeks ago, after about 5 years use of the Tamron lens, I felt with my bag and now the Tamron lens has a zoom problem. I didn't hesitate to buy a new Tamron 17-50/2.8 lens again for only 300 euro. I haven't done any tests but it looks like this Tamron lens is as sharp at 50 mm as my FA 50/1.4. Henk Op 2016-01-30 om 02:30 schreef Rick Womer: Ed, I've had a 16-45 since I bought my (now my daughter's) istD. It's a great lens--very sharp, compact, and fast enough, especiaily with the K-5. I was very tempted by the 17-70 because of its longer zoom range, but the constant reports of SDM problems (which didn't seem to taper off as the lens got older) put me off--as did the reviews of its optical quality compared to the 16-45. In my 60's, weight is an increasingly important variable; so my travel kit is a 16-45, a 50-200, and a 10-17 fisheye. I keep looking, but I haven't seen anything with which I'd replace any of these. I've considered replacing the 16-45 with my 21 Ltd, 40 Ltd, and FA 50/1.7, but they would weigh the same amount, are less versatile, and only of higher quality if one has achieved a pathological level of pixel-peeping. Cheers, Rick On Jan 29, 2016, at 11:27 AM, Ed Keeney wrote: Hello all! I have the following in my bag at the moment... Pentax K-50 SMC-DAL 18-55 3.5/5.6 SMC-DA 50-200 4-5.6 SMC-FA 50 1.4 I find that the image quality of the 50 is outstanding when comparing to the other 2 lenses (primarily the 18-55). Not that the kit lens is bad, but the 50 is very sharp. I attribute this to the fixed aperture and overall better quality glass. I'm thinking of saving for a new higher quality lens (aren't we all?). At this point, I'm not sure which direction to take. Do I look at the current lineup (below) or try to find a second hand older lens. The current fixed aperture zoom lens lineup from the Ricoh site (US prices)... PENTAX DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] $ 699.95 PENTAX smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM $ 499.95 PENTAX HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR $1299.95 PENTAX smc DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm F4 [IF] SDM $1299.95 To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it listed for $350, Amazon $300. Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! Thanks! Ed http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. http://photo.net/photos/RickW -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
Hi Folks, the DA 17-70 is a terrific lens. So is the Sigma with internet reviews as a tad better than the Pentax and faster too. OK I am a travel & street photographer and find the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 lens as the sharpest value for money . Also this lens is the smallest and the lightest. I also own the full frame big brother a Tamron 28-75 f2.8 with an eye on the Ricoh-Pentax Full Frame body. With the quality of computer designed zooms touching the zenith, I prefer zooms for the greater flexibility they afford. So here is my travel gear:- Pentax K-5 IIs, Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6, Tamron 17-50 f2.8, Pentax HD 55-300 WR f4-5.8. Note: a) all these lenses are pretty compact and all my bases from 10 to 300 mm are covered. b) in some situations I will carry the Pentax 18-135 WR f3.5-5.6 to replace the Tamron 17-50 and the Pentax 55-300. c) the 10-20 is very useful in the narrow streets, massive architectural marvels, tall spires of Italy and Europe in general. This lens came in very handy in Cuba too. d) for low light conditions I use the FA 50 f1.4, even though the 50 mm is my most disliked lens on an APSC body. e) last October I picked up a Pentax KA 35-105 f3.5 zoom from a mom & pop store in the Bay area California. Oh my gad, what a performer - a true stack of primes. Astonishing for an old zoom - solid all metal feel. And it also has that unique barrel shift for macro at all focal lengths. Regards. Bipin. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
Hi Ed, Several other people have responded already. Let me just add what I think about this lens. In the past 3-5 years, it is the most used lens for me. It is usually the "default" one attached to the camera while in the bag that frequently travels with me (unless I prepared for some special situation and switch to a different lens). I've written about it on PDML a few times before. (E.g. here: http://pdml.net/pipermail/pdml_pdml.net/2013-July/352571.html ) It is not the best quality lens in my bag, but it is very good, and universal enough to cover many of my needs and situations. Some 8 years ago, I used to use 18-250 as a universal "travel" lens, and it was reasonable, but 17-70 outperforms, so it replaced 18-250. As Mark said, 17-70/4 has fast, quiet and accurate focusing. Compared to a few other lenses (16-50, 16-45, 18-55), - this one gives me the reach to 70. It is actually performing better below 50 mm, and is not the sharpest one at the longer end. So, if I need 50-70 at the best quality, I switch to 50-135/2.8. But it is still reasonably good. Compared to 16 mm on the wide end, I don't think there is a huge difference. On APS-C 17-70 gives you the angle of view of 79-23 degrees, while, e.g. 16-45 is 83-35. So, what you loos on the wide lens is not that much. 17-70 has relatively small, 11"/28cm, minimum focus distance, which is very convenient in some tight spaces. (Note, there is also Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 out there, but I don't know much about it.) There is a recent 16-85 lens. You can read this review about it (and catch some comparison to other lenses in the range): http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/hd-pentax-da-16-85mm-f35-56/general-image-qu ality.html As I said, when I go for a longer end, I switch to 50-135/2.8 which is optically much better performer, all the way throughout the focal range. That one is also on your list, - and I highly recommend it. Around Black Friday/Cyber Monday, it sells at B&H and Adorama for some amount between $800 and $900, at least in the past couple years or so. (And that is typically the best time to buy all lenses). I am also using 60-250, and, while it is a bit slower than 50-135, it gives the longer reach. It's quality is very close to that of 50-135, or maybe even on par with it. IIRC, 60-250 comes down in price to just below $1000 ($900s). In low light, or when I want some special quality, I switch to primes (FA's 35/1.8, 50/1.4 [rather seldom these days], 77/1.8). 35/1.8 and especially 77/1.8 are in the league above the rest of the lens, even 50/1.4. (Actually, I think 50-135/2.8 is almost comparable to FA 50/1.4 image-quality-wise (except for the speed)), if not even better. 35/1.8 is probably my 2nd or 3rd (after 50-135?) most used lens. FA 35/2 is much cheaper and I'd put it at the same level as FA 50/1.4, but again, 35/1.8 in a different league. I had the SDM motor replaced under warranty on my 17-70 in the very first year, (some 5-6? years ago) and have not had any problem since. I tried 16-50 in the 2nd year of its existence, and I was underwhelmed by its performance, at least in the low light, while wide open. I thought 17-70 was doing somewhat better wide-open. But in the early years, I believe, some IQ variations were reported (in addition to the SDM problems). Presumably, the optical issues have been fixed later, but I don't know. I tried 12-24 for a very short time, and it was good, but I wasn't overly impressed with it, and didn't have much need at the time, so I didn't keep it. I hope this helps. Igor Ed Keeney Fri, 29 Jan 2016 08:29:00 -0800 wrote: Hello all! I have the following in my bag at the moment... Pentax K-50 SMC-DAL 18-55 3.5/5.6 SMC-DA 50-200 4-5.6 SMC-FA 50 1.4 I find that the image quality of the 50 is outstanding when comparing to the other 2 lenses (primarily the 18-55). Not that the kit lens is bad, but the 50 is very sharp. I attribute this to the fixed aperture and overall better quality glass. I'm thinking of saving for a new higher quality lens (aren't we all?). At this point, I'm not sure which direction to take. Do I look at the current lineup (below) or try to find a second hand older lens. The current fixed aperture zoom lens lineup from the Ricoh site (US prices)... PENTAX DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] $ 699.95 PENTAX smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM $ 499.95 PENTAX HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR $1299.95 PENTAX smc DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm F4 [IF] SDM $1299.95 To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it listed for $350, Amazon $300. Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! Thanks! Ed http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ -- PDML Pentax-Di
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
Ed, I've had a 16-45 since I bought my (now my daughter's) istD. It's a great lens--very sharp, compact, and fast enough, especiaily with the K-5. I was very tempted by the 17-70 because of its longer zoom range, but the constant reports of SDM problems (which didn't seem to taper off as the lens got older) put me off--as did the reviews of its optical quality compared to the 16-45. In my 60's, weight is an increasingly important variable; so my travel kit is a 16-45, a 50-200, and a 10-17 fisheye. I keep looking, but I haven't seen anything with which I'd replace any of these. I've considered replacing the 16-45 with my 21 Ltd, 40 Ltd, and FA 50/1.7, but they would weigh the same amount, are less versatile, and only of higher quality if one has achieved a pathological level of pixel-peeping. Cheers, Rick On Jan 29, 2016, at 11:27 AM, Ed Keeney wrote: > Hello all! > > I have the following in my bag at the moment... > > Pentax K-50 > SMC-DAL 18-55 3.5/5.6 > SMC-DA 50-200 4-5.6 > SMC-FA 50 1.4 > > I find that the image quality of the 50 is outstanding when comparing > to the other 2 lenses (primarily the 18-55). Not that the kit lens is > bad, but the 50 is very sharp. I attribute this to the fixed aperture > and overall better quality glass. > > I'm thinking of saving for a new higher quality lens (aren't we all?). > At this point, I'm not sure which direction to take. Do I look at the > current lineup (below) or try to find a second hand older lens. > > The current fixed aperture zoom lens lineup from the Ricoh site (US prices)... > > PENTAX DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] $ 699.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM $1049.95 > > PENTAX smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM $ 499.95 > > PENTAX HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR $1299.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM $1049.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm F4 [IF] SDM $1299.95 > > > To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range > as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it > listed for $350, Amazon $300. > > Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). > > I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! > > Thanks! > Ed > http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. http://photo.net/photos/RickW -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
You should look at prices other than at Ricoh's site. B&H and Adorama both have deep discounts on those prices, and Amazon tends to be competitive with them. For example, I'm watching the 16-50, and it's running $693.95 at both B&H and Amazon. Pentaxforums keeps a regularly updated list of price discounts that makes it easy to keep track: http://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/deals/top-pentax-lens-deals-january-2016.html On Fri, Jan 29, 2016 at 11:27 AM, Ed Keeney wrote: > Hello all! > > I have the following in my bag at the moment... > >Pentax K-50 > SMC-DAL 18-55 3.5/5.6 > SMC-DA 50-200 4-5.6 > SMC-FA 50 1.4 > > I find that the image quality of the 50 is outstanding when comparing > to the other 2 lenses (primarily the 18-55). Not that the kit lens is > bad, but the 50 is very sharp. I attribute this to the fixed aperture > and overall better quality glass. > > I'm thinking of saving for a new higher quality lens (aren't we all?). > At this point, I'm not sure which direction to take. Do I look at the > current lineup (below) or try to find a second hand older lens. > > The current fixed aperture zoom lens lineup from the Ricoh site (US prices)... > > PENTAX DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] $ 699.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM $1049.95 > > PENTAX smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM $ 499.95 > > PENTAX HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR $1299.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM $1049.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm F4 [IF] SDM $1299.95 > > > To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range > as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it > listed for $350, Amazon $300. > > Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). > > I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! > > Thanks! > Ed > http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- My Year38 365 project http://year38.blogspot.com/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
II failed to mention the 16-45 and was about to do so, but you covered It well, Mark. J Sent from my iPhone > On Jan 29, 2016, at 12:48 PM, Mark C wrote: > > You left out the DA 16-45 f4, which might be the sweet spot in terms of > performance and price, though it is now discontinued. > > FWIW - I have the 17-70, the 16-45 and the first version of the 18-55. The > 17-70 is a little soft wide open but sharpens up even at f 5.6. The zoom > range is good for a general purpose lens. I have not had any issues with the > SDM focusing -it is fast, quiet and accurate. But I'm ever paranoid that it > will up and quit on me given the experiences of others. > > The 16-45 is distinctly better than the 17-70 at f4 and marginally better > when stopped down, but 45mm is just a tad short for my tastes. I have not > used the 18-55 for years - my recollection was that it was a pretty decent > lens, though. > > That said - I doubt that any of these will be on par with the 50 f1.4. > > Mark > >> On 1/29/2016 11:27 AM, Ed Keeney wrote: >> Hello all! >> >> I have the following in my bag at the moment... >> >>Pentax K-50 >> SMC-DAL 18-55 3.5/5.6 >> SMC-DA 50-200 4-5.6 >> SMC-FA 50 1.4 >> >> I find that the image quality of the 50 is outstanding when comparing >> to the other 2 lenses (primarily the 18-55). Not that the kit lens is >> bad, but the 50 is very sharp. I attribute this to the fixed aperture >> and overall better quality glass. >> >> I'm thinking of saving for a new higher quality lens (aren't we all?). >> At this point, I'm not sure which direction to take. Do I look at the >> current lineup (below) or try to find a second hand older lens. >> >> The current fixed aperture zoom lens lineup from the Ricoh site (US >> prices)... >> >> PENTAX DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] $ 699.95 >> >> PENTAX smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM $1049.95 >> >> PENTAX smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM $ 499.95 >> >> PENTAX HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR $1299.95 >> >> PENTAX smc DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM $1049.95 >> >> PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm F4 [IF] SDM $1299.95 >> >> >> To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range >> as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it >> listed for $350, Amazon $300. >> >> Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). >> >> I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! >> >> Thanks! >> Ed >> http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
I recently bought a 17-70 and I use it as mt walking around lens on the K5. It gives a good range of focal lengths when I don't want to take a large camera bag full of lenses. I am not sure about the image quality at wide apertures, I like to keep it at about f6.7 https://www.flickr.com/photos/27281712@N08/23932606772/in/dateposted-public/ Philip Northeast www.aviewfinderdarkly.com.au On 30/01/2016 3:27 AM, Ed Keeney wrote: Hello all! I have the following in my bag at the moment... Pentax K-50 SMC-DAL 18-55 3.5/5.6 SMC-DA 50-200 4-5.6 SMC-FA 50 1.4 I find that the image quality of the 50 is outstanding when comparing to the other 2 lenses (primarily the 18-55). Not that the kit lens is bad, but the 50 is very sharp. I attribute this to the fixed aperture and overall better quality glass. I'm thinking of saving for a new higher quality lens (aren't we all?). At this point, I'm not sure which direction to take. Do I look at the current lineup (below) or try to find a second hand older lens. The current fixed aperture zoom lens lineup from the Ricoh site (US prices)... PENTAX DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] $ 699.95 PENTAX smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM $ 499.95 PENTAX HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR $1299.95 PENTAX smc DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm F4 [IF] SDM $1299.95 To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it listed for $350, Amazon $300. Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! Thanks! Ed http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
You left out the DA 16-45 f4, which might be the sweet spot in terms of performance and price, though it is now discontinued. FWIW - I have the 17-70, the 16-45 and the first version of the 18-55. The 17-70 is a little soft wide open but sharpens up even at f 5.6. The zoom range is good for a general purpose lens. I have not had any issues with the SDM focusing -it is fast, quiet and accurate. But I'm ever paranoid that it will up and quit on me given the experiences of others. The 16-45 is distinctly better than the 17-70 at f4 and marginally better when stopped down, but 45mm is just a tad short for my tastes. I have not used the 18-55 for years - my recollection was that it was a pretty decent lens, though. That said - I doubt that any of these will be on par with the 50 f1.4. Mark On 1/29/2016 11:27 AM, Ed Keeney wrote: Hello all! I have the following in my bag at the moment... Pentax K-50 SMC-DAL 18-55 3.5/5.6 SMC-DA 50-200 4-5.6 SMC-FA 50 1.4 I find that the image quality of the 50 is outstanding when comparing to the other 2 lenses (primarily the 18-55). Not that the kit lens is bad, but the 50 is very sharp. I attribute this to the fixed aperture and overall better quality glass. I'm thinking of saving for a new higher quality lens (aren't we all?). At this point, I'm not sure which direction to take. Do I look at the current lineup (below) or try to find a second hand older lens. The current fixed aperture zoom lens lineup from the Ricoh site (US prices)... PENTAX DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] $ 699.95 PENTAX smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM $ 499.95 PENTAX HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR $1299.95 PENTAX smc DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm F4 [IF] SDM $1299.95 To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it listed for $350, Amazon $300. Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! Thanks! Ed http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
Jack Davis wrote: Ed, My general recollection of PDML related experiences and my own impressions: DA 12~24 Yes! DA 16~50 No! Reported alignment and focus issues. DA 17~70 Yes! FA 24~70 (?) DA 50~135 YES!! DA 60~250 Yes! Truism: Any can have problems! I have a 16-50. It tends to be my daily driver for the simple reason that it is my only weather sealed lens, and it is reasonably fast, and reasonably sharp. I am currently looking very hard at the sigma 18-35 /1.8 because there are a lot of times that I need that extra 1.3 stops, and a decently sharp zoom is a lot more convenient that swapping between a good prime and an OK (sigma 20/1.8) prime. -- Larry Colen l...@red4est.com (postbox on min4est) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
No experience with the 17-70. I’ve had the 16-50, 60-250. Both very fine lenses, no issues. I let go of both of these when I downsized my APS-C kit. I kept the 50-135/2.8. Alone, it is a superb lens. Together with the 1.4x extender it is a very reasonable substitute for the 60-250. Two thoughts. First, don’t leave the 20-40/2.8-4.0 out of your thinking. It is a nice little lens; I bought it to use in lieu of the 16-50 because of the smaller size. With the high-ISO performance of recent Pentax bodies, I have stopped worrying much about the difference between Very Fast and Moderately Fast lenses. Second though: why a zoom? You have a good 50mm for the center of your range. Now add the following: 21/3.2 $355 (these are todays price new at B&H) 35/2.8 macro $430 (If you don’t care for Macro, a couple other good very inexpensive 35s out there. 70/2.4 $395 stan > On Jan 29, 2016, at 11:27 AM, Ed Keeney wrote: > > Hello all! > > I have the following in my bag at the moment... > > Pentax K-50 >SMC-DAL 18-55 3.5/5.6 >SMC-DA 50-200 4-5.6 >SMC-FA 50 1.4 > > I find that the image quality of the 50 is outstanding when comparing > to the other 2 lenses (primarily the 18-55). Not that the kit lens is > bad, but the 50 is very sharp. I attribute this to the fixed aperture > and overall better quality glass. > > I'm thinking of saving for a new higher quality lens (aren't we all?). > At this point, I'm not sure which direction to take. Do I look at the > current lineup (below) or try to find a second hand older lens. > > The current fixed aperture zoom lens lineup from the Ricoh site (US prices)... > > PENTAX DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] $ 699.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM $1049.95 > > PENTAX smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM $ 499.95 > > PENTAX HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR $1299.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM $1049.95 > > PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm F4 [IF] SDM $1299.95 > > > To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range > as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it > listed for $350, Amazon $300. > > Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). > > I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! > > Thanks! > Ed > http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
Ed, My general recollection of PDML related experiences and my own impressions: DA 12~24 Yes! DA 16~50 No! Reported alignment and focus issues. DA 17~70 Yes! FA 24~70 (?) DA 50~135 YES!! DA 60~250 Yes! Truism: Any can have problems! J - Original Message - From: "Ed Keeney" To: "Pentax-Discuss Mail List" Sent: Friday, January 29, 2016 8:27:11 AM Subject: Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4) Hello all! I have the following in my bag at the moment... Pentax K-50 SMC-DAL 18-55 3.5/5.6 SMC-DA 50-200 4-5.6 SMC-FA 50 1.4 I find that the image quality of the 50 is outstanding when comparing to the other 2 lenses (primarily the 18-55). Not that the kit lens is bad, but the 50 is very sharp. I attribute this to the fixed aperture and overall better quality glass. I'm thinking of saving for a new higher quality lens (aren't we all?). At this point, I'm not sure which direction to take. Do I look at the current lineup (below) or try to find a second hand older lens. The current fixed aperture zoom lens lineup from the Ricoh site (US prices)... PENTAX DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] $ 699.95 PENTAX smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM $ 499.95 PENTAX HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR $1299.95 PENTAX smc DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm F4 [IF] SDM $1299.95 To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it listed for $350, Amazon $300. Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! Thanks! Ed http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Lens Thoughts (DA 17-70 f4)
Hello all! I have the following in my bag at the moment... Pentax K-50 SMC-DAL 18-55 3.5/5.6 SMC-DA 50-200 4-5.6 SMC-FA 50 1.4 I find that the image quality of the 50 is outstanding when comparing to the other 2 lenses (primarily the 18-55). Not that the kit lens is bad, but the 50 is very sharp. I attribute this to the fixed aperture and overall better quality glass. I'm thinking of saving for a new higher quality lens (aren't we all?). At this point, I'm not sure which direction to take. Do I look at the current lineup (below) or try to find a second hand older lens. The current fixed aperture zoom lens lineup from the Ricoh site (US prices)... PENTAX DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] $ 699.95 PENTAX smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM $ 499.95 PENTAX HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR $1299.95 PENTAX smc DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM $1049.95 PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm F4 [IF] SDM $1299.95 To start, I am looking at the DA 17-70 to roughly cover the same range as the 18-55 and luckily it's the lowest priced one. B&H has it listed for $350, Amazon $300. Online reviews are hit and miss on this (SDM focusing issues). I'd like to get PDML thoughts, so fire away! Thanks! Ed http://www.flickr.com/photos/edkeeney/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
