What lens to use with K100D for indoor events?

[Gengh]

Would like to seek the advice of K100D users here. I find my Sigma 18-200mm rather slow to focus in low light situations, and it sometimes completely misses the focus as the AF seeks back and forth. So I'm thinking of getting a lens that I could use for occasional indoor events such as weddings, family gatherings, birthday parties, etc.

I'm currently thinking of getting one of these (and possibly a flash):
1. Pentax 35mm f2
2. Sigma 28mm f1.8
3. one of the 3rd party constant f2.8 zoom lens

Reasons for these choices:
1. A large aperture so the AF can work faster and better
2. Want to get something that will more or less cover the "natural FOV"

Has anyone been using the K100D for indoor events, and can tell me if my lens choices make sense (especially that part about larger aperture enhancing AF capabilities)? I'm not going to be the main photographer at the events, more like shooting for fun and my own collection.

[fengwei]

For indoor events like weddings and birthday parties, even a fast prime lens can't do it all. You need a good flash to get the job done.

But if you really like taking non-flash photos, a lens like FA35, or better yet, FA31 Limited will be a great help. FA31 is probably the best low light lens I've ever used.

Some good third party ones would be great choice too: Sigma 30/1.4, 28/1.8 and etc.

If you want a zoom lens for indoor events, I guess nothing can beat the newly release DA*16-50. But your K100D doesn't support SDM ... well, anther reason to upgrade your camera

Cheers!

[Gengh]

Thanks fengwei But will a flash help with the AF speed and accuracy? If it does, that means it'll fire off a powerful AF assist lamp? I'm keen to get a flash too, but I just thought that the AF issue lies mainly with the lens.

Hehe, FA31 and DA* are probably beyond budget, and upgrading is certainly not an option yet.

[creampuff]

Gengh, where can you find the Sigma 28 f1.8? I've been hunting for one and regretted not picking a copy when I had the chance to. Like fengwei said, either the 31mm or 35mm can work but perhaps a flash unit might be something to consider. Then you won't need the wide aperture lens too much and you can consider lenses in the 24mm or a 28mm range too.

[VSonic06]

Originally Posted by Gengh I'm currently thinking of getting one of these (and possibly a flash): 1. Pentax 35mm f2 2. Sigma 28mm f1.8 3. one of the 3rd party constant f2.8 zoom lens

(1) and (2) are good but they're very difficult to get here. You might want to consider option 3 and right now theres only the Sigma 18-50/2.8 (about S$680-700). Theres the upcoming DA* 16-50/2.8 but it won't work with your K100d.

[fengwei]

Originally Posted by VSonic06 Theres the upcoming DA* 16-50/2.8 but it won't work with your K100d.

Not exactly true. The DA* 16-50/2.8 will work with all Pentax dSLR cameras including K100D, but you won't be able to take the advantage of the in-built SDM

Based on some first impression from a Taiwan Pentax forum, the lens works quite well on Ds, and actually on Ds the DA1650/2.8 focuses slightly faster and quiter than the DA1645/4

[seafone]

Originally Posted by VSonic06 (1) and (2) are good but they're very difficult to get here. You might want to consider option 3 and right now theres only the Sigma 18-50/2.8 (about S$680-700). Theres the upcoming DA* 16-50/2.8 but it won't work with your K100d.

Actually for indoor EVENT shoot, fast f-stop lenses like f/2.8 couldn't really help much in speeding up the AF. Fast f-stop lenses are good when you want to do natural light photography and has the time to get it to focus. In the speed of event, it will probably can't keep up fast enough. I have the Sigma 18-50/2.8, and I've tried it on event... and in real dim light condition, it still wind in and out loosing focusing step.

It would probably be better to go for a flashgun if the needs is really indoor EVENT shooting...


cheersss..

[kopio]

Keep your current lens and buy a good flash coupled with a diffuser. That will give you a reasonable setup for indoor shoot.

[airconvent]

The sigma 30 f/1.4 is easily available especially at OP.
I have one and its quite good. I also have the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 Macro and that's a good performer too except sometimes you get frustrated by the limited zoom which seems much shorter than the 5mm difference compared with the kit lens. I guess that's the reason why so many people are selling their Pentax 16-45 f/4. Its a good lens if you needs are in that range but if you are looking for versatility, then a longer zoom is recommended.

[the mac 13]

My advise to you, is to avoid using a heavier lens. For me, I am using the kit lens, and so far, it's AF is much faster than my Sigma 70-300. Thought the two lens are diffrent, I do believe the weight does play a part.

Have shot events as main with the kit, it performs well in ample indoor lighting.

But nothing beats using flash!

It might be convenient to have a range that covers wide to tele, but if you need the speed, then it is better to break it up.

[Gengh]

Thanks a bunch guys! For the hard-to-find lenses, I thought I'd order it online (eg. Adorama) and ship it to a friend studying in the US, who can either bring it back with him, or forward it back to me. I wouldn't get to test the lens before buying, but hopefully international warranty will cover for any defects.... Actually, I've seen the FA35mm on eBay, new, not 2nd hand, so that's another possibility.

So I conclude that a larger aperture will not help significantly with the AF speed, but I should just buy a flash+diffuser to get better lighting instead. And with my current lens I should have all the zoom flexibility I need.... Anyone selling a AF-360 or the Sigma flash?

[roentarre]

I would stick with Fa 35 f2 as an all round performer

Sigma 28/1.8 is a fantastic lens to use as I have seen so many brilliant shots produced by this pentax user

http://www.darrenmelrose.com/Pages/I...diaGallery.htm

[VSonic06]

Originally Posted by seafone Actually for indoor EVENT shoot, fast f-stop lenses like f/2.8 couldn't really help much in speeding up the AF. Fast f-stop lenses are good when you want to do natural light photography and has the time to get it to focus. In the speed of event, it will probably can't keep up fast enough. I have the Sigma 18-50/2.8, and I've tried it on event... and in real dim light condition, it still wind in and out loosing focusing step. It would probably be better to go for a flashgun if the needs is really indoor EVENT shooting...

What I was trying to say...having a faster lens definitely helps in getting an accurate AF lock, especially since the Pentax SAFOX AF sensor in the K10D isn't the most sensitive in low light

I'm basically sticking to either the FA35/2 or 77/1.8 for indoor events nowadays. Got used to zooming with my feet now but I'm far happier with the results shooting with a fast prime.

[VSonic06]

Originally Posted by fengwei Based on some first impression from a Taiwan Pentax forum, the lens works quite well on Ds, and actually on Ds the DA1650/2.8 focuses slightly faster and quiter than the DA1645/4

Ok thanks for the clarification... I kept thinking the DA*s ONLY have SDM and no screwdriver AF but then its quite a waste to blow $1k++ and not use the SDM feature. I've gone through the samples again and I think the Sigma 1770 still gives the DA*1650 a good run for the money

[southernoise]

I had good luck using my Tamron 28-75 f2.8 but its kinda fat and heavy though.

I don't shoot weddings or events that require WIDE shots so the 28mm section works fine for me and I appreciate the 75mm a lot more than wide compared to the newer 18-50 2.8 zoom lens

[creampuff]

Actually lens choice all boils down to the angle of view you as a photographer are comfortable with. For some, their preference is for something wider while for others, having something on the longer end to pick up details is useful.

Shooting indoors, I feel if you roughly know the kind of lighting available, then your options get clearer. To use flash or not depends on what you want, style wise. But sometimes lighting could be so low or bad that flash is a necessity (eg. outdoor BBQ party shots).

With a good flash unit, even the dinky el-cheapo Pentax AF 35-80mm (kit lens supplied with Pentax film cameras) can be used, as I have tried out at some family gatherings. It's light, it's compact, it's cheap, and the angle of view is good enough for indoor group shots and headshots. Plus it's a bit longer than the current 18-55mm kit lens. OK it's not the best offering from Pentax but hey, it can get the job done.

Now if only Pentax can introduce a wider range kit lens. Something like the Nikon 18-70mm or the Nikon 18-135mm kit lenses would be great.

[southernoise]

yeah, i'd agree. if you're using flash and your aperture is set to around 5.6 or thereabouts, you don't reallly need a 2.8 lens.

[fengwei]

Originally Posted by southernoise yeah, i'd agree. if you're using flash and your aperture is set to around 5.6 or thereabouts, you don't reallly need a 2.8 lens.

But still, a F2.8 lens is still easier to focus (especially if you have to do manual focus) I think


Anyway, for indoor events like weddings and parties (most likely these will happen under very dim light, not enough even for the fastest prime lens), a flash is a must

[baolong]

I will go for sigma 18-50f2.8 becos it will be more versatile to use indoor than prime lens, I heard it is even sharper than canon 17-40f4L...

[southernoise]

[quote=fengwei;3300388]But still, a F2.8 lens is still easier to focus (especially if you have to do manual focus) I think
[quote]

oh yes I agree focusing will be faster. I was only thinking of the actual f-stop being used.