I'll be leaving Saturday for a little break. We'll be going to the Big Island of Hawaii and staying at one of our favorite resorts, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, at the northern part of the Kona coast. It's been recently renovated and we want to see how it compares to our many previous stays.
As the above photo (which I created for a speech I gave at the International Center of Photography) suggests, I really enjoy traveling with a small Billingham bag and a handful of Limited and FA lenses.
The resort was designed by Rockefeller in 1965. It has a very open and terraced architecture, houses an incredible collection of Asian art, and has beautiful grounds. This got me thinking that I should give myself an assignment to try and capture a set of photos that gives someone who's never been to the Mauna Kea a real sense of what the hotel looks and feels like. In essence, try to provide a more accurate set of images than the few miscellaneous photos that one can look at if you're using Trip Advisor or other travel sites.
With this criteria in mind, I've decided to take only three lenses. And to make this a fun post, the first person that can post a comment that accurately lists the three lenses I'll be taking with me will get a prize that I'm still trying to figure out...but it will be something that contains glass.
To help you narrow down the trio of lenses, they will be a combination of DA Limiteds and the FA Limited lenses. And to eliminate any draws wherein more than one person guesses the right three lenses, include a brief reason why you think I selected those particular lenses.
Good luck and Aloha!
May 14th (Friday Night Update):
I guess my contest wasn't that hard or my shooting style is too predictable. I had a winner almost instantly. I didn't think this would happen as I figured the surprise element was that I will not be taking the FA31mm.
The three lenses are DA15, DA35mm Macro and the FA77mm for the reasons that many of your pointed out. I literally was trying to finish all pending work today, as well as get ready for the early flight in the morning, so I'll have to confirm the winner in the next few days while I have some downtime at the Mauna Kea.
This contest was a rather spontaneous idea while I was waiting for a delayed flight Thursday night to take off from Denver, so I am really pleased with all the comments you contributed. Dialogue on lens selection and the reasoning behind how and why one chooses their lenses for an assignment turned out to be a nice topic. I think I'll have to do this again choosing another aspect of photography?
73 comments:
DA 15mm—because you need a wide lens for interior shots.
DA 40mm—normal lens, light, perfect for travel (I know because it is all I used on my latest trip to Long Beach).
FA 77mm—portrait perfection. You'll need some photos of the family.
DA15 for architecture and beautiful coastline shots;
FA31 for everybody knows that it is your favourite lens (normal lens/street photos);
DA70 for portraits/far away objects (you may prefer this to FA77 because of its light weight;
Thanks for the opportunity;
Hi Ned,
Great Blog and the lens guessing game is a treat.
I'm going to go with:
- DA 15mm f/4 Limited -
For architectural, indoor and grounds shots, I imagine something wide is going to be key. I've seen you post shots with this wonderful lens previously, and since this is narrowed to DA/FA Limiteds the 14mm (despite being faster) doesn't fall into this category. (Also not as travel friendly as the 15mm!). Vistas and Interiors?
- DA 35mm f/2.8 Limited Macro -
I opted for this over the often praised 31mm for a little more versatility. Wide enough to show the spaces of the resort and fast enough to be used in lower lighting conditions. The Macro would be a bonus for close-ups of details and the gardens. Carvings, Hibiscus and Frangipanis perhaps?
- FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited -
Lastly, something a little longer to pick-out details and separate them from the background. Great for portraits of staff, and accentuating little quirks and flourishes of the resort. Also has the bonus speed needed to shoot in low-light and show off the resort at night. Fire-dancing and tiki torches?
Everyone is, of course, influenced by what type of photography moves them, but if I wanted to capture the spirit of a resort, these three lenses would be a great place to start.
Thanks very much for the chance to indulge in a little lens lusting. Prize or not, it's a great idea and one you should do again! Thanks for the opportunity.
Cheers,
Joe Gray
Ned:
I've been to Kona and it is beautiful (though I have never been to that resort). I suppose I should try to guess the three lenses based on the focal lengths I used mostly when I was there (though I took my DA* zooms with me):
Definitely the DA 15mm for those beautiful shots you'll get along the coast.
The DA 35mm. It's a good "normal" focal length, plus it will be a nice lens to use to capture the beautiful flora of the island (or maybe a picture of the amazing coffee crop there!)
The FA 77mm. Some beautiful portraits at the beach (especially at the magnificent sunset - will be nice to have the speed and the unbelievable rendering of that lens. I miss my copy sometimes:( )
Have a great trip!
Ned: I believe you will bring the 31 mm FA because that is your favorite. Then the 15 mm DA because of the beautiful expanses of the Islands and the Pacific as well as capturing the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The last is tricky but I will go with the 40 mm DA. It is fast and light and this is a trip to get out and explore with minimal weight.
The DA 35mm Macro Limited was the first lens that popped into my head as highly likely to be in the bag. A great 'standard' focal length with the versatility of macro capability lets it fill multiple roles.
My guess for the second would be the FA 77mm 1.8 Limited. Fulfills the telephoto role nicely and from past posts you were recently enjoying it.
The last one I am least confident about. I would likely go for a wide angle to cover all the bases, but its a toss up between DA 15mm F4 Limited and the DA 21mm F3.2 Limited. Given its compact size and wider aperture, I guess I'll give the DA 21mm the nod as my final lens.
Sounds like a great trip. :-)
DA21 for a wider angle, possibly as a walking-around lens. FA77, for the tele end of the range. FA31, because what else is the FA31?
Ned, I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that you're going to take three fairly wide primes because of your purpose. That'll make you work! You've said that the FA Limited 31mm is your favorite lens, so that's a given. You seem to love the FA 77mm Limited, and that will give you just enough length for the architecture photos you'll be taking. Then you'll take the DA 15mm Limited for some wide angle beauty. Those are my three bets. (gambling against the DA 16-45, which would give you some flexibility, or the 100mm macro!).
Well Ned, I think you will take the DA15mm, DA35mm Macro & FA77mm.
I know of your fondness for the color rendition of the 31mm but you cannot take a trip without the all-around capability of the 35mm Macro.
The 15mm to capture the wide expanses of beautiful Hawaii.
The 77mm will get you closest to the surfers and for portraits.
This is a tough one. I'll say.
DA15 f/4 Limited
DA35 f/2.8 Macro Limited
FA77 f/1.8 Limited
Reason: You're covered for wide, normal, and telephoto. You have a wide aperture option for indoors. And you have a great macro option for all those great flora and fauna you'll see in Hawaii. Although you love the FA31, it's harder to fit into your pocket than the DA35 and doesn't have a macro, which means the DA35 gets the nod. The DA15 is the one lens I am feel most confident you will take, because Hawaii would benefit from straight distortion free horizons. Finally, the FA77 gets the nod for candid snaps.
31/1.8 - A respected pentax owner would not leave this one at home,
I understand is the pentax lens you like the most -as is mine, altough I have it in black -black is sharper, did you know that ;-)
77/1.8 - Second best limited and the ideal portrait -and sometimes landscape- lens -mine is black also, etc ;-)
15/4 - How can you go on vacation without a nice wideangle, and this one is small and has perfect flare control -actually I was debating between this one and the 21/3.2, I only chose it because I would love to own one (21/3.2 is my most used lens though)
Hello Ned,
Thank you always for your very informative blog on those great products from Pentax. I am a K-7 owner living in Japan, home land of Pentax.
Here is my guess for your three lenses.
1. DA 15 mm Limited
2. DA 35mm Macro Limited
3. FA 77 mm Limited
15 mm Limited, because you want to travel light and you will need to capture the beautiful scenery of Kona Coast, wide angle lens will be a must.
35mm Macro, because it is one of my most favorite lens and as you know it is indeed a very versatile lens in various situations.
77 mm Limited. Why not? It is one of the best lens Pentax has ever produced to date.
I hope I guessed it right.
Aloha!
Two of your tres amigos you showed earlier; the 31mm & 77mm. Since this is a trip for old memories, older memorable lenses would feel right. I used to take just 3 prime lenses with my old Pentax film cameras, (Tele, normal, wide) so I know you could record the hotel well if you also added DA15mm, (cropping later if necessary).
Russ G.
My guess:
FA 31mm Limited (cause it is a favorite)
FA 77mm Limited (cause it is longer and you are fascinated with it)
DA 15mm Limited (for wide angle vistas)
Hey Ned,
I just got back from Kauai and am already wanting to go back! We're talking about going to the Big Island next. We'll have to check the Mauna Kea, sounds wonderful.
In terms of what lenses you'd take. I'd say:
31mm - I know for a fact this is your favorite lens. Don't leave home without it. Also if you're taking interior low/mood light this is the one to have.
77mm - This is also another one of your must haves, especially for detail macro shots. With Hawaii's lush botanics it seems like a no brainer. In a recent post your described it as "if I could only have one lens." So yeah "if I was stuck on an island."
21mm - If you're going to be capturing the feel of a location a wide angle like this would be a great choice. It's this or the 15mm.
Enjoy your travels. Aloha!
Also, how can there be a draw if it is the first person to name the three lenses that wins?
:)
If I win, I would LOVE a DA 35mm Macro Limited!
:)
Hi Ned,
I would guess that the first lens is the FA 31mm because you have talked about the virtues of that specific lens many times. Next I think the DA 15mm because it will give you an ultra wide angle without distortion (Rectilinear lens) and thirdly, It's a toss up between the FA 77mm and the DA 70mm. I will bet on the FA 77mm because it's a better piece of glass.
Have a great time in Hawaii.
Regards,
Yvon Bourquqe
Been reading for a while, but haven't commented yet, thought this would be a good place to start.
I would guess:
DA15, DA35 and FA77
Reasoning: you want to capture the feel of the place, so the 15mm covers the architecture, landscaping and interior, the da35 is the normal, that will focus close enough to catch the art you mention, and the 77mm because it's a holiday and you'll want pictures of your family too.
Cheers from down under,
Sam
Well, Let's see.
First lens:
DA 15 Limited for interior shots.
Second Lens:
A little trickier - could be the FA 77, or the DA 70. I'd go for the FA 77 - it just seems to have more personality than the DA 70.
Third Lens:
There are three candidates here - the two remaining FA limiteds, or the DA 40 pancake. But I think the FA 31 is the best choice for a focal length between the other two
My guess:
Pentax Ultra Wide Angle smc-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited
smc PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited
smc PENTAX DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited
PENTAX FA 31mm F1.8
First two seem to be an obvious choice for capturing the hotel and surroundings:
both are great wide-angle lenses, 21mm delivers (arguably) better IQ, while 15mm allows to capture even more context.
The last one is less clear.
It could be smc PENTAX FA 77mm F1.8 Limited instead.
But I think that 31mm (which is close to 50mm on full frame camera) would allow you to show stuff as human eye would see.
And it is a great piece of glass.
--Sasha Sobol
Well I am thinking you will be using both the FA 31mm and 77mm from earlier posts you've really enjoyed both and the 31 has been your go to lens. The other I would think would be the DA 55-300 for it's versatility and in case you want to capture some action.
enjoy...
da15, fa31, da70
Ok, lets try:
You take the DA 15mm lens for the great landscape.
You take the DA 40mm because it is small, fast and it fits perfect at the K7
and the you take the FA 77mm for portraits and some detail shots of the island.
If I would have all this three lenses, I would take them!
have a nice trip, regards from rainy germany
Swen
I'm guessing the FA 31mm, which is a moderately wide to standard length on the K-7, and which I believe you've mentioned is your favorite lens.
The FA 77mm, for its spectacular portrait capability, and as a moderate telephoto.
And the DA 15mm, for its true wide angle, in case you need some nice hotel interiors.
Thanks.
I think these three lenses will be:
DA 15/4 - wide angle for interiors and general view of resort
DA 40 - as something about normal view, and because it is smaller that FA 43
FA 77 - for details and portraits as longest available limited.
And successful trip to You :)
I think you want to bring some great wide angle landscape pictures home, so the DA 15 will be perfect for that.
Then there's the choice between the DA 35 or the FA 31. Macro is great but you can't go wrong with your favourite lens, so i'll pick the FA 31.
For the tele side I think you will choose the FA 77. The pictures from that lens will make your portraits "pop".
/ Mikael Stenson
Hello!
It's always fun to think about lens setups for a certain trip. :) My guess is: DA 15 - FA 31 - DA 70.
(1) the 15 will give you really great wideangle views of the Hawaiian landscapes - more so than the 21.
(2) the 31 offers great optical qualities and of course a nice very open aperture for shots in low light conditions. Especially due to the latter, my guess is that you would select it over the DA 40.
(3) between the 77 FA and the 70 DA, my guess is that the 70's small size and weight could out-do the 77's slightly larger aperture
Especially between the 77 and 70, I would think it to be a close call, but as said, my guess here is the more compact 70.
cheers,
Thomas
My guess is the DA 21, the DA 35 Macro, and the FA 77. Plenty of coverage. The 35 over the 31 because of the macro flexibility.
I have all the DA's so I'm a bit biased. I haven't been able to afford the FA's yet but I'm hoping to buy the 31 this year.
Have fun in Hawaii.
Steve Boykin
Fun assignment (ours and yours).
DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited
FA 43mm F1.9 Limited
DA 70mm F2.4 Limited
The reasons to bring some are the reasons not to bring the others.
DA21 is not very wide and probably the weakest Limited. If you only had to pick one lens, then it might be the one, but otherwise there are stronger choices. At the wide-end the DA15 is the only real choice and a great one at that. Tiny, distortion-corrected and flare-free.
DA31 is the legend of the Limiteds, but also moderately big and heavy. Also it can't easily share a polarizer with the other lenses which doesn't make it a great travel companion. That doesn't help narrow things down since there is still a glut in the middle range. The DA40, while tiny and sharp, is less compelling than the other two. The DA35 handles better and close-focuses, which makes it a great always-on normal lens and the the lack of speed is offset by SR and high-ISO capabilities of the K-x. On the other hand, the FA43 is another legendary FA and has a bit of magic inside and out. So, the FA43, it is.
Then on the long end, I would say the FA70 takes it on size, over the speed of the FA77. On this kind of shoot, the tele-end is less critical, so it's more of a have it along just in case lens.
Hi Ned,
I would guess:
DA 15 so that you can capture the architecture, both inside and out.
DA 35 for general shooting and instances where you can use the macro (beautiful native flowers, the asian art you mention)
FA 77 for when you need the extra reach and when you want to isolate subjects with limited DOF.
Have a great holiday!
I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures.
Hi Ned,
I would guess:
DA 15 so that you can capture the architecture, both inside and out.
DA 35 for general shooting and instances where you can use the macro (beautiful native flowers, the asian art you mention)
FA 77 for when you need the extra reach and when you want to isolate subjects with limited DOF.
Have a great holiday!
I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures.
DA 15, FA 31 and FA 77?
15 for architectural / landscapes.
31 for small group / indoor / night.
77 for candid / portrait.
???
OK, I'll play. You'll take:
The FA 31mm f1.8 Limited because like they say in the credit card commercials, 'Don't leave home without it.' It's the best you own, and a perfect normal lens for digital.
The DA 15mm f4 ED AL Limited because it's a sweet little wide angle for those sweeping vistas and those lovely interiors you'll enjoy.
And finally, you'll want the DA 35mm f2.8 Macro Limited to capture some close-ups of that asian art.
Best Regards, Bob Sullivan
Fun post, I recently went through a similar exercise for a trip to the Yucatan - I found that I kept the DA35 on for nearly the entire trip (with the FA50 for portraits).
I think that you would take:
+ DA15 - for architectural shots
+ FA31 - for a walk around lens and because you are rightfully smitten with it - I would take the DA 35 in it's place for the addition of macro opportunities
+ FA77 - for family portraits other wild life.
Hope the trip goes well!
Sounds like fun! Hope you have a good time.
So, which lenses... I'd have to guess the DA15 for indoor architectural work, DA35 Macro for walkaround and macro stuff (plus you just seem to dig that lens) and the FA77.
Off topic, but some Denver area Pentaxians were trying to find a good camera shop with some Pentax gear... and we couldn't come up with one. Any ideas? I suggested they just stop by your house, but then we couldn't find it on Google... :)
DA 21, DA35, FA77
DA21 I have never really seen you shoot really wide.
DA35 for is macro advantage
FA77 because you are obsessed with this lens
Sincerely Trevor
I would choose a combination that provides the most versatility in terms of focal length coverage and magnification possibilities.
DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited
Providing the widest field of view in the Limited range, this lens is sharp and flat corner to corner, perfect for capturing beaches and any landscape where a large vista becons. Its compact size recommends it over other wide angle choices.
DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited
A compact normal prime, suitable for all general purpose "walk about" applictions, with the benefit of very close focus -- as close as you like! This lens cannot be bettered for micro-contrast and produces lovely bokeh when up close and friendly with flowers, etc. It is ideal for those outings when you do not want to change lenses.
FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited
At the other end of the focal length range, the FA77 provides an almost magical rendering for portraits, as well as great control over depth of field. It offers the same light weight and compact size of the entire Limited range. It is my "go to" lens, also perfect in case you run into any tomatoes!
The "goto" lens in the kit will be the FA31. It's a bit big, especially with the sunshade, and one could argue that the DA35 macro would be a bit more versatile, but IIRC it's Ned's favorite lens.
At the long end, I'll go with the FA77. Just because if I was traveling with only DA and FA ltds, I'd be hard pressed to leave it home.
The third lens is a tough question. My DA40 spends almost no time not mounted to my smallest body, but that falls between the 31 and the 77.
That leaves the 14 or the 21 at the wide end. The 14 is wider, but the 21 is smaller, almost as small as the 40, and a 21 on the K7 would be rather like shooting with a 30 on a Leica, which I seem to remember is how Ned spent his youth. It's also more useful in more situations than the 14 would be.
So, my guess is the 21, 31 and 77.
Ned -
apparently I'm the first one to make a guess. Well, putting myself in your shoes, I'd take
(i) the DA 15mm because it is an excellent ultra wide angle, and you want to take pictures of the interior
(ii) the FA 77mm as a portrait/telephoto lens. With its large max. aperture, you may want to make a portrait of the hotel owner or barkeeper in available light, or shoot some birds in the garden or seaside...
(iii) the DA 35mm as a "normal" lens. With its macro capability, it is very versatile and about in the middle of the above two. Also, since you want to have a small and light set, you may want to take this over the FA 31mm.
BTW, I own all the DA limiteds but no FA limited. I'd take the above set but with the 70 in place of the 77.
Hope my guess was at least close :-)
BR,
Chris
Ned, I'm not sure why there should be any draws since you said it would be the first person posting the correct three lenses.
If it was me, and I could only bring three, it would be DA21, FA43, and DA70.
However since you don't have an FA43 pictured here (for shame!), I'll need to come up with a guess for you.
I'm going to guess DA15 + FA31 + DA70.
I will also guess that it will be distressing for you to leave the DA21 or DA35 at home but that your general love for the FA31 and the newness of the DA15 will win them the limited spots in your bag.
Hope I guessed right...have a great trip!
-Andrew G.
I choose the three I would pick for myself:
The DA 15mm ltd, for interior shots and other wide shots where you need to get it all in.
The DA 35mm ltd macro, for close-ups and any "normal" shots.
The FA 77mm ltd, for the "pixie dust" and low-light shots.
Aloha Ned!
My guess is:
DA*15/4 - for wides to show the greatest vistas.
DA* 35/2.8 Macro - for the lovely island florals. I think you'll take this one over the famed 31 since it can do double duty - both extreme closeups and "normal" shots
FA 77 LTD - for tele-compressed scenes. Maybe some awesome backdrop scenery to include to set the hotel off.
FA 31 for most anything really
DA15 for wide angle
DA 70 portraits, light weight
not too heavy of a kit and covers a wide range, more or less. Wonder lenses.
#1: DA 15mm - to capture these broad bay and mountain views...
#2: DA 35mm - for that Asian art collection, and most everything else...
#3: FA 77mm - for when you cannot get close enough.
I would have suggested DFA 100mm WR instead of #3, but you said it's only Limited...
Good luck with the trip, and please post the photos when you get back.
My guess would be DA 15 ltd, FA 31 ltd and FA 77 ltd. Obviously, the FA 31 and the FA 77 are some of your favorite lenses. A wide lens seems like a good idea for architecture pics.
My guess:
15 Ltd- widest of the bunch, for architectural shots.
35 Ltd- "normal" for portraits/walk around and it's macro capabilities
77 Ltd- unique look/sharpness, and for tighter portraits.
Pentax SMC-DA 15mm f/4 AL ED Limited
Pentax SMC-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited
Pentax SMC-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited
Small lenses and superb image quality.
Pentax SMC-DA 15mm f/4 AL ED Limited
Pentax SMC-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited
Pentax SMC-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited
Small lenses and superb image quality.
DA 15mm f/4.0 Limited (for wide angle)
DA 35mm f/2.8 Limited Macro (for normal and macro)
FA 77 f/1.8 Limited (for portrait and low light)
The other reason is those are the lenses that I would like to have to go with my K-x. I just purchased the 35mm f/2.8 limited Macro (my first limited lens) this week. I am looking forward to using it when it arrives later next week.
Jason
SMC Pentax DA 14 f4 AL Limited - Wide to caputre it all - indoors or out.
SMC Pentax DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited - A standard lens that will handle the macro world
SMC Pentax FA 77 f1.8 Limited-Long and fast
Do you need someone to carry your camera bag?
DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited
DA 40mm F2.8 Limited
DA 70mm F2.4 Limited
Hi Ned - don't know if my response is too late, but here goes. Obviously the 31 - because it's your favorite; the 77 - because it continues to amaze you; and the 15 to get all the architecture and grounds at the resort.
Have a great time - Irfan
DA15, FA31 and FA77 cause these are the ones I'd bring myself.
ok i'll play :)
DA15 - for wideangle shots of the hotel and sunsets
FA31 - as a "normal"
FA77 - for closeups or things that are farther away
at least thats what i would take if i had any of these lenses ;)
31mm Limited
77mm Limited
15mm Limited
That's a nice group of glass that should cover everything you need to cover at the resort. Mahalo for the chance to win.
I'm guessing...the FA 77 Ltd because you've spoken very highly of it many times, esp. color vibrancy
Then the DA 35 Ltd Macro because it's such an all-around outstanding lens, the one you'll keep on the K-7 or K-x most of the time; the macro lets you get the close-ups of the beautiful flowers etc. in Hawaii but it also works well indoors with f/2.8 or poolside, perfect for candid's as well since it isn't obtrusively large, esp. if you take the K-x.
Then you need something wide-angled, and I'll guess the DA 21mm Ltd because it's wide enough to take in amazing vistas, indoor lobby shots, outside landscapes, is incredibly sharp and vivid with very little distortion.
Dear Ned,
If I were you, I would have with me only the DA 21/3.2 Limited. It is small, light and terrific for assignments of this kind.
As you want 3, the second would be the DA 15/4 Limited, which would give me that extra angle that sometimes it is necessary for capturing the interior atmosphere of some rooms. It would work as my old A 20/2.8 on my ME-Super 20 years back...
The third would be the 70/2.4 Limited. Again, small, light and good enough to have some details not so close.
All the best,
Paulo Videiro
here is my guess:
da15:
for wide shots of the scenery
da40:
for its small form factor
fa77:
to cover the long end
That is a tough one, as I have to guess from that photo what you have on hand first.
1) 15mm, this lens provides the ultra wide and low distortion shots for interior photos. I have rarely seen you use the fish-eye...
2) DA 35mm for normal focal length, short portraits, and macro details.
3) FA 77mm LTD for far reaching objects, portraits, and sharp wide open shots.bv
That was fun, made me do a lot of research on the 15mm and now LBA is awakening!
Sam
I'm going to go with: DA Limited 15mm -- wide angle to capture broad views of the scene. FA Limited 31mm -- for one thing, it's the lens you've said you'd keep if you could only keep one, but also, it's the "normal" for the K-7. The third one is the hardest -- DA 70mm, or FA 77mm? Hard call -- either one would be great for picking out details. I'm gonna guess the FA 77mm, because you're so glowing about it a few posts below. Hmmm. Or maybe the DA 70mm, for variety (and compactness?) Nah, let's call it the 77mm.
Hello Ned, my guess is you will take to Hawaii DA 15/4, DA35/2.8 Macro and FA77 to cover most situations one can encounter... and all use 49mm filters. Take care and have fun! Regards Michael (Pentaxian in Ventura)
your FA31mm and FA77mm - the thirty one is you desert island, carry it to you grave lens pry it from my hands lens, the 77 is the king of sharpness and contrast. Then .... the DA 21 since it the carry it any where lens
* smc PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited
# general purpose to capture mostly family/enviro potraits.
* smc PENTAX DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
# for detailed looks at what around.
* smc PENTAX FA 77mm F1.8 Limited
# for those more intimate potrait moments when you need to keep those busy background at bay.
Enjoy your vacation from the recent hectic months, i'm at family hell in June at Hilton south of where you'll be.
Traveling light, my guess is that you'd stick with all DA's. For Hawaii's exotic vegetation, the 35 macro; for architecture, the 15/4, and to round out the long end, the 70/2.4.
-Ross
I think you will be taking the following lenses.
FA 31mm - You shoot with this often and I couldn't imagine you not packing it. It would be like not bringing your wife.
FA 77mm - The perfect lens for showcasing the art collection and it makes for some nice portraits too.
DA 15mm - It was a tough decision, but the 15 will allow you to capture a little more in the frame to achieve that sense of place your looking for.
Sounds like a great vacation no matter what lenses you pack. Enjoy
Chris
DA 15 Ltd: for wide angle photos, seascapes, garden photos, etc.
DA 35 Macro Ltd: tough choice between this and FA 31 Ltd, but the macro wins out over the faster aperture to capture all the minute details that can be so interesting. This remains an incredibly versatile lens and can be the only lens taken when you'd rather leave the bag behind.
FA 77 Ltd: The telephoto choice and the fast lens in the bunch for shallow DOF and low-light.
Enjoy the trip! Sounds like fun.
Bruce
The 15mm f4 For the wide vista shots. The 31mm,...well because it is the 31mm limited and that is all that needs to be said. The 77mm to add the distance and the background compression shots.
Let's see. First, and easy I would think is the DA 35 Macro. I think I have read that it is one of your favorite lenses. Sharp, fast enough and it's a macro. Second likely the FA 77 limited for low light, portraits and a little reach. (Though the 50/1.4 is the low light king.) Third is the hard one. You need something for interior and exterior architecture shots, so the DA 21 or the DA 15 limiteds.....I'll go with the 15 even though the 21 is smaller and lighter. You want wider and even though I have the 21 and know it, I would likely choose the 15 if I had it. So, 15, 35 & 77. Enjoy your vacation!!
It's not that your shooting style is too predictable, but rather than there are some "glass queens" that rise to the top even when discussing a line as amazing as the Limiteds. Certainly you'd want to cover the widest focal length with the best glass. The 15mm is not only significantly wider than the 21 it rates higher as well.
That only leaves the one in the middle to pick. The DA35 is smaller than the FA and I think renders just as nicely while giving macro possibilities. Now, me, I make a different choice. The FA43 is the single best prime Pentax have in terms of the uncanny draw of the images. I sacrifice close focus to take this. But then carry a 49mm screw-in macro adapter for the FA77... so I do not lose out on macro possibilities.
I also choose differently on the wide end and break with primes for the excellent DA12-24mm, since versatility in this range is more important than size, IMO. And this zoom sacrifices nothing in IQ.
So my line-up for travel is:
DA12-24mm
FA43
FA77
macro adapter
It's nice to have so much choice!
Great place to visit, great blog!
I will take this contest in a different direction... I am going to "guess" what I would take ;)
21mm 3.2
50mm 1.4
70mm 2.4
35mm 2.8 macro is next on the buy list!
Hey Ned,
I just finished designing the website with my photos from Kauai. If anyone is interested in checking them out: http://www.angelinagabrielkauai.com/
I took two lenses with me. The 17-70mm and the 50mm 1.4, all shot on my k7. I was very pleased with how both lenses performed.
Enjoy.
DA 21, FA 43, FA 77. Just to be different.
Have a great trip.
N
Speaking of the FA 31mm Limited...when will it be back in stock again in the U.S.? Adorama and BHPhoto have been out of stock for months.
Post a Comment