Upgrading lens

[reign226]

Hi guys,

Need your opinions as I am looking to upgrade from Kit lens. I have some extensive research but its very hard to come up with a consistent answer so I hope the pros here can help me figure out. I have narrowed down my choices to the following:

Tamron 17-50mm
Pentax DAL 35mm
Pentax 40mm Ltd

I think the Tamron is a shoe-in to replace the Kit. However I also saw that the DAL 35mm isn't any better than the Tamron at 35mm.

Finally, how much better is the 40mm Ltd compared to the other two? Looking at this lens simply for the WOW factor.

My main concern is if the primes aren't that much better than the Tamron, I'll get that instead. However if there is a big and discernible different in pic quality between the cheap 35mm and the Tamron, then I would go for the 35mm.

 

[rocaway]

Abit odd to be comparing a zoom to a prime, you could well be using both! But since cost is always an issue you should go with the focal length you use the most

 

[reign226]

True but is the prime really that sharp compared to the zoom?

 

[kof88]

I have this dilemma also. I have 18-55, 50-200, FA43 and now thinking of acquiring the tamron 17-50.

I chose the tamron because of the price over here in HK. If really budget permits, i would get the Da15 to replace the kit. Or maybe if I don't need a wide the DA21. But both of them are like sky high price right now -______-

 

[jeffchanjj]

in modern digital photography, there may not be much difference between BETTER zoom lens and primes...

i doubt the tamron 17-50 would produce images of significantly lower image quality

if we are to talk about those super-zooms like 18-200 or even larger...primes may have a slightly higher image quality

 

[evolutioner]

i would say go for the tammy 17-50 f2.8
it's one of the best bang for buck lens you can find, especially for pentax (since it requires on in-lens stabiliser)
best part - its one of the best performing lens out there at this range

 

[reign226]

What do you mean by it requires on in-lens stabilizer? The tammy doesn't have VC right?

 

[tootboink]

you'll be hard-pressed to find a zoom sharper than the tamron 17-50. the DA*s, perhaps? :bsmilie:

i find the IQ of the tamron at 35mm as good, if not better than the DAL35, and with a constant aperture of f2.8, you get very, very good performance from 17mm onwards - decently wide for many a landscape shot also.

if you are looking for a vote, go for the tamron. at it's price range it is the best performing lens out there. it also provides additional versatility in tight situations where you might want a 17mm at f2.8. 50mm at f2.8 is pretty decent for portraits as well, especially in more dim surroundings.

nevertheless, a hands-on with the lenses you are considering will definitely help you to arrive at a decision better.

 

[ricsal]

Get the Tammy. I'm using it. My flickr landscape are all by this lens.

 

[reign226]

you'll be hard-pressed to find a zoom sharper than the tamron 17-50. the DA*s, perhaps? :bsmilie:

i find the IQ of the tamron at 35mm as good, if not better than the DAL35, and with a constant aperture of f2.8, you get very, very good performance from 17mm onwards - decently wide for many a landscape shot also.

if you are looking for a vote, go for the tamron. at it's price range it is the best performing lens out there. it also provides additional versatility in tight situations where you might want a 17mm at f2.8. 50mm at f2.8 is pretty decent for portraits as well, especially in more dim surroundings.

nevertheless, a hands-on with the lenses you are considering will definitely help you to arrive at a decision better.

Thanks for the info, I am leaning towards the zoom as well. Any idea how much it costs to get one locally? Imported is around $550 at the moment.

 

[kof88]

Just checked last week the tammy cost 618$

 

[tootboink]

Thanks for the info, I am leaning towards the zoom as well. Any idea how much it costs to get one locally? Imported is around $550 at the moment.

The tamron comes in 2 types - with VC and without. For the one with the pentax mount, it comes with no VC only as we have our SR. It's $618 including GST a year ago when i bought it. Comes with 3 years warranty.

The VC version costs more, around $900+ according to some nikon friends. But it will not matter to you. The pentax mount has no VC version:bsmilie:

 

[PixelHero]

Just checked last week the tammy cost 618$

$610/- at Orient at SLS lvl 6. Just got mine yesterday

 

[CorneliusK]

We can give you a better answer if you can share a bit more about what you intend to shoot.

For example, if you like to shoot portraits, for example, the tamron 28-75 may be a better choice - the longer focal length will help you to get more bokeh.

 

[pinholecam]

Good zooms can match or near primes in sharpness, but that is not the only factor to consider.
Zooms are usually slower (fastest at f2.8) and not all have uniform performance at all FL. They are also bigger and heavier than primes. The DA35 for example is close to 'weightless'. Distortion control is also uneven over focal lengths.

If say you are shooting a concert at your max acceptable ISO of 3200 and shutter speed is 1/80 at f2.8 on a Tamron 17-50/2.8, the DA35 will allow you that little bit more (1/125) to make all the difference in stopping motion.
(Generally, 1/80 does not stop normal human motion, btw)

The Tamron is a great lens. Cheap, versatile, fast, good performance. Do get it for now, but don't write off any of the primes just yet

 

[oyama85]

Agree on the above.
Personally got the Tamron 17-50 for a while, but still ordered the DA35 to try out as well since its 1 of the cheaper yet good primes around.

 

[Supersimon27]

Agree on the above.
Personally got the Tamron 17-50 for a while, but still ordered the DA35 to try out as well since its 1 of the cheaper yet good primes around.

sAME here .... lol

 

[reign226]

OK those who got the tamron and the prime, which ends up being on the camera more?

 

[Supersimon27]

OK those who got the tamron and the prime, which ends up being on the camera more?

50-50 ....

Tamron use to be on my camera 80%

If you dun have a wide angle or 50mm then recommend get the tamron .

If u already had a uwa and fa50 like me , then da35 will fit in more

 

[evolutioner]

What do you mean by it requires on in-lens stabilizer? The tammy doesn't have VC right?

sorry.. typo.. paiseh..

should be "no"