Pentax/Tamron lens advice
May 19, 2012 21:17:26 #
hi all--I have the basic kit lens for my Pentax and then picked up a Tamron AF 70-300 mm Tele-macro lens. I am heading up to Alaska on a cruise in July and would like to take a general use lens that also would zoom also. I like to do scenery , closeups, & if I can find an Eagle to shoot (photo only!!) I would love it! My price range is under about $500.00 but know I can go used too. I value your opinions thank so much! More pictures of Mt.Rainier leaving Seattle to Alaska coming in July--wahoo!
May 20, 2012 06:34:15 #
Hi hope you have great time in the north . I pickup a sigma 18 250mm and it is not that bad of a lens , it's lite and you can get upclose an a good one to carry on the camera I use a Pentax and have one with me all the time Hope that helps.
I did the three photos with a 18 250mm sigma
I did the three photos with a 18 250mm sigma
May 20, 2012 09:09:22 #
I have the Tamron 18 - 250 and like it very much. It is not available new any more (Tamron replaced it with the 18 - 270, but don't offer it with K-mount :'( ). Look out for it used.
Since you already have the 70 - 300, you could go for something like a 24 - 75, or a 17 - 50. But then you might have to swap lenses in the field, which I never do for fear of dust in my body.
Another option is to keep the 70 - 300 on your Pentax, and carry a good point-and-shoot for the landscapes. I have a Canon S95 that takes lovely pictures. Canon has replaced it with the S100, which can be had for about $400.
Since you already have the 70 - 300, you could go for something like a 24 - 75, or a 17 - 50. But then you might have to swap lenses in the field, which I never do for fear of dust in my body.
Another option is to keep the 70 - 300 on your Pentax, and carry a good point-and-shoot for the landscapes. I have a Canon S95 that takes lovely pictures. Canon has replaced it with the S100, which can be had for about $400.
May 20, 2012 12:24:59 #
You didn't say what your kit lens was but I'll assume it's in the neighborhood of 18-55mm. With the 2 lenses you have you should have 18-300 covered. Now if it was me I'd trade both in for the Tamron 18-270 and rent the Sigma 150-500. You're going to be in Alaska so it's not like you're going to be going to the zoo and the animals may not want to cooperate. You'll now have a lens that covers most of what you have (short 30mm) and never have to change lens---helps eliminates dirt in camera and lens. Now with the Sigma 150-500 you'll be able to stretch out and capture those sheep on the side of a mountain or that grizzly eating berries. Just a suggestion, enjoy your trip, it's one of a lifetime......
May 20, 2012 18:20:13 #
You're going to Alaska and the telephotos are great for most shots but... I don't think you'll find the tele that important much of the time.
If you are near a campsite (Skagway mining town), onboard the ship, in a town (most towns are relitively small), or you just want to enjoy the large beauty, you'll find that the basic 18-55 kit lens works very well. If fact, you might even wish you had a wider angle lens.
When the wife and I went on an Alaskian cruise, it really was nice to capture a bunch of things from the ship but it tied up at several towns and while walking around or on an excursion from that town, a wide angle was required! Several times it was towards the night where I found my nifty Pentax SMC-A 50mm f:1.2 was plenty fast for the low light.
Look into a good tripod, maybe a radio controller, lens cleaner, etc.
Another thing to consider is something that you can use to hold everything in a neet package.
Good luck on your vacation.
If you are near a campsite (Skagway mining town), onboard the ship, in a town (most towns are relitively small), or you just want to enjoy the large beauty, you'll find that the basic 18-55 kit lens works very well. If fact, you might even wish you had a wider angle lens.
When the wife and I went on an Alaskian cruise, it really was nice to capture a bunch of things from the ship but it tied up at several towns and while walking around or on an excursion from that town, a wide angle was required! Several times it was towards the night where I found my nifty Pentax SMC-A 50mm f:1.2 was plenty fast for the low light.
Look into a good tripod, maybe a radio controller, lens cleaner, etc.
Another thing to consider is something that you can use to hold everything in a neet package.
Good luck on your vacation.
May 20, 2012 18:37:07 #
olcoach
Loc: Oregon
I think a basic lens in up to 135ff or so is what you should have as you appear to have the telephoto area covered pretty well already. The 18-55 0r one up to 20-135 looks like a good choice to complete your needs. You're going to have a ball. Have fun and keep shootin'. Mike
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.