-----Original Message----- From: Dan Scott Sent: Monday, September 09, 2002 10:34 PM
On Monday, September 9, 2002, at 07:43 PM, Michael Cross wrote: > I'm 37 and, believe it or not, I am just starting out with Pentax. As > far as I > know a Spotmatic is a washing machine. > > I just bought a ZX-L body. Now I just need one of you PDMLer's to tell > which > prime lens I ought to buy first for people photography. > > Michael Cross My most frequently used "people" lens is my FA 35/2.�I use it on groups, environmental portraits, and on up to half-length individual portraits. If you have the dough and don't mind the extra weight, the FA 31/1.9 is an even better lens (at least, Cesar's 31/1.9 is better than my 35/2). Of my other Pentax lenses�lengths of 50mm, 77mm, 100mm, and 135mm�the 135mm most comfortably handles what 35mm can't. I find it a great length for head shots�the physical distance between me and my subject is close enough to be sociable but not so close as to be invasive. Perfect for shooting across a table. I originally bought an M 135/3.5 just to try the length, figuring on getting the FA 135/2.8 if it worked out. I picked up an Ex+ example for $40 and shipping about a year and a half ago and still haven't moved up to the FA 135/2.8�it is definitely one of the great bargains of the Pentax lineup. Good luck choosing, Dan Scott (42 1/12 years old) ------ I used to carry a 24/2.8 and my 77/1.8 around for my street photography. I now find myself foregoing the wider angle and carrying my 31/1.8 with the 77. As Dan has mentioned the 31 is a big lens though. It has taken a bit to get used to, but it is worth it in my opinion. The 77 is remarkably small. The 31 still allows me to get close to my subject and I get the look of the Limited lenses. The 77 is used for close-ups of people. Unlike Dan, I did not like using the 135. It put me too far away from my subjects. By using the 77 it forces me to get closer. I also tend to have a 50 in the mix, especially when I will expect to be shooting later into the day. Then I usually carry the 50/1.2, even though it is a big beast. I hope this helps, C�sar (41 3/4 - though can wear out 20-somethings playing 2v2 beach volleyball) Panama City, Florida
