What lens should I buy? This is a common question from photographers new to DSLR photography who want to move beyond their kit lens. This is a look at inside the essentials only or everyday camera bag.
This is a choice reflecting personal style and common subjects, so they why is of more general interest than the particular. This selection of essential DSLR lenses is informed by over thirty years of photography, and is the gear I would not leave home without. One of the golden rules of freelance photography is making the most on any opportunity by always carrying a digital camera.
There is no room in the bag for large super telephoto zooms for sports or the complete collection of manual focus prime lenses for a landscape photo expedition. There is only room for one camera body in this bag, it is currently a pro standard DSLR, a Pentax K10D, soon to be replaced by Pentax’s best DSLR, their new K5.
Lenses
Lens choice is influenced by the range available for a particular camera system, in this example it is Pentax DSLR system. These DSLRs have APS-C sensors with a 1.5 factor to indicate the equivalent 35 mm film focal length with the same angle of view.
Pentax 21 mm Limited
The lens sitting on the camera most of the time is a Pentax DA 21 mm prime, being the closest to a 28 mm equivalent. This is a good focal length for a number of situations, including landscapes, cityscapes, interiors, and people - especially groups and in crowds. This Pentax lens is a pancake design, so it is very compact and helps make getting the camera out of the bag in a hurry.
Pentax DA* 50-135mm F2.8 SDM Zoom
This a superb weather sealed pro standard lens with a range of uses, making it a must to carry. The focal length equivalence factor giving it the same range of views as the classic 70-200mm zooms that has been one of the mainstays of photojournalists for years.
The combination of focal length and wide aperture make it ideal for portraits, especially candid shots. The SDM autofocus motor built into the lens body makes it a fast and quiet operator, perfect for a range of sports where photographers can get close to the action.
For street photography the longer focal length means the photographer can shoot without influencing the subjects. The shorter end of the focal length range still allows the photographer to move in and interact with the subjects.
Since the Pentax shake reduction is in the camera body it helps keep the size and weight of the lens down a bit, but all that lovely glass makes it a weighty addition to the camera bag.
Pentax 18-55mm Zoom
This is the standard Pentax consumer kit lens and it seems out of place amongst the the other two pro standard lenses. Its modest performance means it is small and light, it fits easily into the camera bag without adding any noticeable weight to carry around all day. It fits in those focal lengths between 21 and 50 mm.It really is a “just in case it is needed” lens. Compared to other kit lenses this little Pentax enjoys a good reputation.
Accessories
Carrying a spare empty memory card all the time means there should be at least one available when needed. Ever gone to take a photo and found there is no card in the camera?
Flash
Unlike some other pro DSLRs the top of the line Pentax DSLRs l come with a pop up flash built into the pentaprism housing. Large professional external flash like the Metz 45, normally used for weddings and events, is far to big to carry around all the time. Instead Garry Fong makes neat little diffuser to soften the inherent harshness of the pop up camera flash
Filters
The main filter carried by digital photographers the polarizing filter. There is only one in this bag, but a set down ring allows it to fit the 21 mm prime and 18-55 mm zoom.
Miscellaneous
- Note book
- Small LED torch
- Business cards
- Pen
- Model release forms
The Bag
The bag is important as it needs to be large enough to carry all the items mentioned, yet provide quick and convenient access. The choice in this case is a Lowepro top loading shoulder bag with the normal movable internal dividers, configured into three compartments.
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