2nd lens for a k-m (k2000)

Hello,

I have a K-m (also called a K2000 in some places apparently) and have 'grown out' of the stock 18-55mm lens that came with it. I need some suggestions for a suitable replacement/addition.
I am on a budget but one that is a little flexible if the cheaper options prove to be a false economy. This will be by 2nd ever lens on my first SLR although I have been using cameras (an old film Zenith and compact digitals) for a long time and am coming along fairly well with their use.
I think this new lens should be a telephoto covering a decent range but will probably be the only one I buy for a while. I have had the k-m for nearly a year now with just the standard lens.

I have read many reviews on individual products but reviews are very subjective when compared to what other people have in their camera bag.
So far, my thoughts are to get a fairly decent range, something like the Sigma 70 - 300mm telephoto zoom f-4-5,6 APO DG for £165. This would probably end up being the lens that I leave on the camera most of the time. Is 70mm wide enough most of the time? Is 300mm too much of a zoom for this quality of lens/camera combo? Can anyone suggest anything that will be more suitable for me?

I'm a bit of a newbie with all this, I hope someone has some ideas/experiences to pass on....
Thanks.

Hi Andrew, welcome to the forum
With regards to your lens question I think what you will need to consider is the type of shots you mainly want to take.
Are you finding that 55mm is too short in general use? Once you have established this you can home in on some options.

If you are set on a telephoto zoom you could also consider the compact DA 50-200 or the more capable DA 55-300 as these are around the budget you have mentioned. The DA 50-200 is certainly a nice match size wise for the K-m.

Thanks for the rapid reply.
I have been taking photos of aircraft (helicopters mainly) so a telephoto would certainly be useful. Also lots of landscape/scenery shots. Having never had a tele lens I'm not really sure what they are able to do but there have been many time where I have wanted to 'get a bit closer'. Maybe also to play with some effects of a shorter focal depth on objects not tremendously close.
Do you think the DA lenses would be a better choice than the Sigma I mentioned?
Iv'e also wondered if its worth getting a tele that goes up to 300mm when on a tight budget, is it perhaps better to just get a better quality lens that only goes up to 200mm?

The 50-200 is as Greytop said a very good match for your Km.

The weather proof version is only £109 at SRS - unbelivable when you consider that the non-weather proof versions were much more expensive than that when then came first. I consider this to be excellent value for money. A big plus for this lens is its compact size - its hardly any bigger than the 18-55 so is easily slipped into a pocket when you don't want to tote a camera bag.

The 55-300 is almost certainly a more versatile lens as its got extra reach with barely any loss of max apperture when compared with the 50-200, but it costs £275 which is quite a price difference over the 50-200.

But that sigma you have your eye on looks good value for money too. I think that if you got the 50-200 you may wish you had gone a little bit longer especially as you want to shoot helicopters. I've not used the sigma so cannot comment on its quality, but in general there's nothing wrong with sigma lenses.

You are suggesting that the tele-zoom would be you normally fitted lens; everyone has their own shooting style and preferences but I think you would want to take the 18-55 in your pocket too.

If you can't afford a Pentax 55-300, consider the Tamron 70-300. This is cheaper and lighter than the Sigma, and often said to be better.

Better than the Sigma yes,the macro swith works quite well, but I would save the pennies for the Pentax, it is a much better lens and will reward the wait.

Davex.

As an aside, you can use M42 screw mount lenses on your K-m with an adapter; so if you already have something suitable with your Zenit it may be as well to try that before buying new lenses.

Just a thought

The old Pentax-F 100-300mm zoom isn't a bad choice. I think 200mm won't quite be enough for aviation photography.

It might also be worth looking at older manual focus K mount primes. They do pop up occasionally and are usually faster than a zoom at a given focal length. The only snag is the weight - they were built to last in those days!

I don't think you will regret saving the extra pennys for the 55-300, if you're shooting aircraft you're going to spend a lot of time at 300 and the DA55-300 is the best performer at the long end.

Thanks for all the great information!
Unfortunately, it looks like I should really (somehow) get hold of the DA 55-300 as I think I will use the extra 100mm over the 50-200.
Both the Sigma and the tamron are very tempting alternatives for over £100 saving but I don't want to get something that I might regret after 6 months of use. Is the k-m a good enough camera to make use of the difference between all these lenses? ....not that I can possibly justify getting a new one

hefty1 - Unfortunately, my Zenit lenses are at the other end of the scale, I have never had a tele. They were, clearly, built to last tho and I might try getting an adaptor so I can play with wide angle and macro as well.

Absolutely, the K-m is a very capable camera. I think given your comments about likely use the 55-300 looks a good way to proceed

Misfuds currently have the 55-300mm on clearance at £229 which is a pretty decent price these days. Pentax Pro Centre so 2 years warranty.

That's pretty good. Only £70 more than I was originally intending.
I will let you all know what happens and thanks for all the advice. I think this will become a christmas present

Here is a Pentax 50-300 mm for £199:

link

Dave

Link for Camerabox review on another forum. Personally I would pay the extra to Misfuds but maybe that's just me being over cautious.