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New Pentax cameras
Sep 11, 2012 15:46:00 #
With Pentax announcing the release of two new cameras, the K-5 II and the K-5 IIs, I'm probably going to get one or the other, but still might consider getting the K-5. Anyway, for you Pentax users, what kind of quality does the Pentax 18-55 and 18-135 have? Are there any other lenses made by Pentax that you recommend (lenses with a cost of less than $1000K)? Does Pentax make a good macro lens?
Sep 11, 2012 16:08:40 #
Get a FA 50mm f/1. 4 great lens and the DA 55-300 is a good medium price zoom if you want a macro the DAF 100mm WR is a great macro.
The 18-55 is decent a lot reviewers have said it is one of the best kit lens.
I do not buy any lens without checking the reviews on pentaxforums.com they have reviews by users on just about any lens you could ever think of.
The 18-55 is decent a lot reviewers have said it is one of the best kit lens.
I do not buy any lens without checking the reviews on pentaxforums.com they have reviews by users on just about any lens you could ever think of.
Sep 11, 2012 18:03:53 #
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Sep 11, 2012 18:19:37 #
I have the K20D and may be looking at picking up the older K5 as the prices are falling. As far as lenses are concerned, I have the DA 21mm Limited and the FA 43mm Limted. Both excellent lenses. That I think is Pentaxs' strong point, their line of Limited lenses. For macro I use the Tamron 90mm, very sharp. One of only four lenses that Photozone.de gives it's highly recommnded rating. Photozone is a photographic reveiw site and is very strick with it's praise. The DA 18-135mm is weather sealed and would make a good combo for inclement weather situations.
Hope this helps. Cheers,
Tim
Hope this helps. Cheers,
Tim
Sep 11, 2012 18:32:03 #
I am a Pentax user and had a DAL 18-55 (optically the same as the DA 18-55). I replaced it with a Sigma 17-70mm and it was a significant improvement, IMO. However, I've also played with the DA 18-135 and would happily replace the Sigma with one one as my 'walking around' lens.
I agree hangman45, the 55-300 is an excellent value and almost all of the Pentax 100mm macros are very good. Make sure you check the used market, there is a LOT of legacy Takumar, Pentax and 3rd party K-mount glass available, especially if you don't need/want auto focus. And as he said, make sure you check the Pentax Forums lens reviews.
Pentax FA Limited lenses can be found for under $1K. These are considered by many to be some of the finest AF primes made. They are available in 31, 43 & 77 mm. You can also find them on the used market, but they often go for close to the retail price. B&H sells the 77 Ltd. for about $800; a used one I was bidding for on eBay not long ago went for $675.
I agree hangman45, the 55-300 is an excellent value and almost all of the Pentax 100mm macros are very good. Make sure you check the used market, there is a LOT of legacy Takumar, Pentax and 3rd party K-mount glass available, especially if you don't need/want auto focus. And as he said, make sure you check the Pentax Forums lens reviews.
Pentax FA Limited lenses can be found for under $1K. These are considered by many to be some of the finest AF primes made. They are available in 31, 43 & 77 mm. You can also find them on the used market, but they often go for close to the retail price. B&H sells the 77 Ltd. for about $800; a used one I was bidding for on eBay not long ago went for $675.
Sep 11, 2012 19:41:54 #
I have used Pentax Also And have always found thier glass Great! even the kit lens. I also agree with Lupine and HANGMAN check the Pentax Forms. I just posted a question of my own on the new K-5's maybe it will help you to
Sep 11, 2012 20:15:40 #
The only thing I use my 18-55 for is the weather sealing it is the only weather proof lens I own plus it is my widest I have got some very good results with it. I also have a couple of manual focus fast 50's I have the A50mm 1.7 and the M50mm 1.4 and my macro is a 35 year old Lester A Dine 105mm F/2.8 some of the old manual primes are some of the sharpest lens you can find.
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Sep 11, 2012 20:28:26 #
This one was shot with the 18-55mmWR kit lens did not turn out to bad not NATGEO worthy but acceptable
Sep 12, 2012 05:33:08 #
Kim LeBlanc
Loc: St. charles, Mi.
I have a brand "NEW" never used Sigma 300, F4 pentax mount for sale. If you check the clasified on this site around a month back you will see the details. I have a K5 but have just pre-ordered the K5IIs! I have a Sigma 300mm, F2.8. I have also purchased the Sigma 150-300 F6.3. The 300, F4 was bought as a backup to the 300, F2.8. I can supply the receipt from B&H for the lens, filters etc. I paid $1200. The lens has never been used, so I'm not giving it away. Asking $900, with filters that were not on the original order. PL filter etc. This is a nice lens, but I just don't need it. I can send in private message the original bill from B&H.
Sep 12, 2012 09:12:59 #
Kim LeBlanc
Loc: St. charles, Mi.
This lens is a 100-300 F4 Sigma for Pentax mount. I put incorrect info. in previous post.
Sep 12, 2012 11:30:43 #
Also look into the Pentax 50-135mm 2.8....great lens..!!! You should be able to find a new one under $1000.00. Check it out.
Sep 12, 2012 18:03:08 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
I bought the K-x with the first version of the 18-55. Was not happy with it, so when ver.ll was available, bought that one.
No significant difference. After sending camera in for calibration, still feel AF is way off in most cases, so not sure I am willing to blame lenses, although I did get some terrific shots with older 135MM manual focus and newer Rokinon 85MM f/1.4. Wanted to like this set-up badly for a travel camera with kit lens. Perfect size and weight.Just wish images were up to Pentax hype. Doesn't seem to like AF very well. Full time manual focus not always the best option, especially for travel.
No significant difference. After sending camera in for calibration, still feel AF is way off in most cases, so not sure I am willing to blame lenses, although I did get some terrific shots with older 135MM manual focus and newer Rokinon 85MM f/1.4. Wanted to like this set-up badly for a travel camera with kit lens. Perfect size and weight.Just wish images were up to Pentax hype. Doesn't seem to like AF very well. Full time manual focus not always the best option, especially for travel.
Sep 12, 2012 18:07:02 #
sirlensalot wrote:
I bought the K-x with the first version of the 18-... (show quote)
My K-x never did have focus problems I have taken so good pictures with it now my daughter uses it. I did have to do some fine tuning on the focus of my Tamron 70-200mm with the K-5 but after that no problems.
Sep 12, 2012 18:28:31 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
Was ready to go all in with the K-5, but lost faith in Pentax overall due to issues with K-x.
It's going to grand kid or craigslist soon. Too bad.
It's going to grand kid or craigslist soon. Too bad.
hangman45 wrote:
quote=sirlensalot I bought the K-x with the first... (show quote)
Sep 12, 2012 19:00:57 #
sirlensalot wrote:
Was ready to go all in with the K-5, but lost fait... (show quote)
You must have got a bad copy the K-x was never one that had wide spread focus issues did you try sending it in to have it adjusted you can also get into the debug menu and micro adjust the focus if I am not mistaken. I just can not believe people that have one problem with one item then give up on a whole company there are complaints on every brand from the lowest price camera to the highest price one. The K-5 is great you missed out on one of the best APS-C out today.
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