Camera Labs

Hey All,
Late this month and extending until the middle of October, the State Fair of Texas will be in town and due to skin grafts on my shoulders,I don't think I want to lug around a gadget bag with lots of lenses so here's my dilemma. I have three lenses, the kit lens that came with my Pentax k200d, my Sigma 70-300 zoom and my newly acquired 50mm DA f 1.4. I hope to be shooting a variety of shots from the new cars on display, to some night/dusk shots of some of the rides to people playing games on the midway,quite a variety, maybe some birds in flight during a training show they have each year. I like shooting without a flash as much as possible and the 50mm f 1.4 seems to be the answer however if I can get decent sharp high ISO shots with the Sigma or kit lens, then I wouldn't really need the fast f 1.4 lens (would I?) but if I use it, I figure with the cams 10mp sensor, I could always close crop in PP so I really wouldn't need the zoom? I'm confused. Help

Thanks
Barry

This is rather difficult to decide. No single lens can cut it in situation you've given, except maybe 18-200mm f2.8 which doesn't exist yet.

With only one lens, you'll be limited to how well you can shoot. What sort of photo opportunity would you be prepared to give up in favour of others in that case?

Even with crop, neither the kit lens or 50mm can get you the detail the Sigma could otherwise give you if the subject is far away.

While the 50mm is better at low light, it does not offer the versatility of the zooms. Can be a pain in some case.

With the Sigma, night shooting of the rides and cars on display would be more difficult. I pressume you won't be happy with the result.

Last, the kit lens is slow and short.

That all been said, I figure you'll be happier with wide angle. Bring the kit lens.. You still can get shots of some birds if you go up close. If possible, get a gorillapod. It is small enough to fit in your pocket (http://cameralabs.com/reviews/Joby_Gorillapod_SLR_Zoom/) and useful when shooting the ride at night.