Looking for Pentax Lens to Travel with: I am taking a 3 week vacation this year and really would like to only take one lens. I have a Pentax k-5 and am wondering if anyone has any good...

Betty Bulb Loc: Los Gatos, CA

I am taking a 3 week vacation this year and really would like to only take one lens. I have a Pentax k-5 and am wondering if anyone has any good suggestions for a lens that will cover most situations? I am leaning towards the Tamron 28 -300 or the 18-200.

buthc1

I have a Pentax 18-250 lens and love it! Works great from wide to pulling in. Nice and small when closed down for carry without hit ever thing you walk by. Very clear lens with good ASA. Used the lens in Africa with great luck.

Cheers,
Buthc1

CC-EBBETS Loc: abit west of the Atlantic

W/o knowing where you are traveling (?), nor what your interests may be (?), this is a difficult question to fairly answer.
I personally do not travel with only one lens. I consider two to be a minimum, even when Packing. But, if I had to limit myself, I would look into a Zoom. Maybe the Tamron SP AF 28-75mm, but probably the Pentax DAL 55-300mm or SMCPDA 50-135mm.

melphoto60

Betty Bulb wrote:

I am taking a 3 week vacation this year and really would like to only take one lens. I have a Pentax k-5 and am wondering if anyone has any good suggestions for a lens that will cover most situations? I am leaning towards the Tamron 28 -300 or the 18-200.

dont know what the crop factor of the K5 is I my self having a 1.6 crop I would go with the 18-200, a bit of wide angle with good telephoto, only problem is the f/stops at the telephoto end, if you have a 35/50 f1.8 (prime) take it with you so you have good low light ability...just my 2c worth....the 28-300 fov (44.8-480) 18-200 (28.8-320)

Betty Bulb Loc: Los Gatos, CA

We are not sure where we are going exactly in Italy but most of the time I will be taking pictures of architecture, people, flowers, etc. You name it I shoot it - so I am looking for one lens that will produce nice pictures. I would like to get the Pentax 18-250 but it is discontinued and was wondering what others experiences have been with the Tamron lens. My latest thinking is I might go with the Pentax 21977 DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR Lens. My only concern would be that I would frustrated on the amount I can zoom in. If I can find a used Pentax 18-250 I will probably buy it.
Thank you for your responses so far :)

buthc1

Hi Again,

I would strongly suggest you take your camera to your local camera store and try different lens until you fine one you like.
It's hard to fine Pentax lens in retail stores so you may have to go with other manufacture. My feelings is if possible use the same manufacture as camera body if possible. You may fine a lens you like local, then the option to go on line is open to look for Pentax equal. However, I always try to buy local if their close to on-line $

Good Luck!
Buthc1

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

The one that gets the best reviews on Pentax forums is the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM. It rates almost as high as the Pentax 18-250mm actually has a better auto focus.

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-18-250mm-3-5-6-3-Pentax-Digital/dp/B001PGXEIS

tkpbug

i have a Pentax K100 digital and use my Tamron 18-200 zoom for everything! I purchased my lens online and I'll give you the link:
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=itemlist&cat1=Used&cat2=Pentax%20Bayonet%20mount&cat3=Zoom%20Lenses&feature1=Pentax

I have bought several items from Adorama and have had no problems.

You can see some of my shots taken with this lens on my website at: pixbytlk.smugmug.com

I don't think you'll regret your purchase.....

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

I agree with most of the other posts, but it would be nice to have more wide-angle than 18mm, although it adds considerably to the price! A 16-something would be nice, but...$$
Also, try to find something with a maximum aperture of F-2.8 if possible, you'll have better luck with early morning or early evening shots. But again...$$
I envy you your trip and hope you have a great time!

Betty Bulb Loc: Los Gatos, CA

tkpbug wrote:

i have a Pentax K100 digital and use my Tamron 18-200 zoom for everything! I purchased my lens online and I'll give you the link:
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=itemlist&cat1=Used&cat2=Pentax%20Bayonet%20mount&cat3=Zoom%20Lenses&feature1=Pentax

I have bought several items from Adorama and have had no problems.

You can see some of my shots taken with this lens on my website at: pixbytlk.smugmug.com

I don't think you'll regret your purchase.....

Your photos are lovely! I have read that the 18-200 is not as nice as the 18-250. Do you find the lens heavy? I have a K-5 and the stabilization is in the camera but my hubby is concerned it will be too heavy to take nice pics - though as I said yours are terrific!

Betty Bulb Loc: Los Gatos, CA

Danilo wrote:

I agree with most of the other posts, but it would be nice to have more wide-angle than 18mm, although it adds considerably to the price! A 16-something would be nice, but...$$
Also, try to find something with a maximum aperture of F-2.8 if possible, you'll have better luck with early morning or early evening shots. But again...$$
I envy you your trip and hope you have a great time!

I am really trying to stick with one lens and have not come across a 16 - say 135 or 200. Did I miss it? Also since I will only be using it for travel I would like to keep it under $500. Reading the reviews is driving me crazy but I have a few months to sort it out and pick one. I am thinking of renting a few lenses or going down to the local camera store as someone else suggested.

Thanks again for all your input!