Dream kit?

I have been asked to put together a purchase list for a high-end camera set-up. I'm going to suggest a 645Z, but not having had one, I'm not sure which set of lenses to recommend. Ideally we want a set of lenses to cover wide to moderate telephoto plus a macro lens.

What do people recommend?

Thanks, Kris.

If it is for someone else it would depend on what they are likely to photograph, and I wonder why you would recommend a system that hasn’t been updated for years and looks like it is becoming extinct? I hate to say it but there are other MF options which would probably be much better received. For wildlife and action photography or street photography there are again better options around, and if it is for someone who is yet to discover what they prefer then a more flexible option would be a good APS-C or FF system.

I think RobL's point is well made, why not a good APS-C or FF system?

However, here's my experience.

I went through a similar process of looking for an MF system and decided to go for the 645Z. First of all, I decided some time ago to remain in the Pentax universe, (I'm comfortable with and prefer TTL, the menu system, plus the quality of the cameras and the lenses. I've written about this elsewhere.) Second, the prices involved in an MF system if you look at the (very good) alternatives is significantly lower for the 645Z. Finally, I have real understanding of RobL's point, 'looks like it is becoming extinct.' I thought this as well but on reading through the large number of posts on the web this has been said for some time. Still is. I'm enjoying my experience with the 645Z, the 55mm F2.8; 75mm F2.8; 150mm F3.5 (I decided to go the prime route, although I also have the 45-85mm F4.5). As one of those whom I admire for his 645 work and is well known on this site told me, the MF will test you. It has - and in a good way.

Obviously it will always be down to personal preferences but taking into account RobL's well made point, and my experience, I don't think you can go far wrong in going the 645 route. It's fun and with second hand prices not horrifically expensive.

No matter, I always take the point that the decision that you take on the day is always the right one.

Good luck with this project.

I'd be curious to know who is going to use the kit, and for what purpose? Recommending kit for others to use can be tricky and it might or might not suit them. For medium format, experienced photographers with a real need for extraordinary performance to make huge prints or displays might need the 645Z or simiular, but most might be served better with the K-1 II plus some of the best lenses.

There are a few experienced 645Z users on here so it would be worth getting their opinions, maybe through a PM if they miss this thread.

Other than that, the above responses make good points. For personal/occasional professional use the K-1 should be enough.

And if we're being fair, it might also suit someone to look beyond Pentax if they really need to buy into professional grade equipment.

Imho the Z isnt for anything that moves anything close to walking pace or above, for landscapes, portraits, still life / macro its excellent, before recommending any sort of kit, I'd like to know the prospective owners preferences and aspirations.

Hi folks.

We are putting in a separate bid for three "field kits" with K-3iiis, DA* 16-50s, cases, tripods etc.

This is for projects which require high resolution. Speed is not an issue (we are talking archaeology here, not sports). The sort of thing envisaged is high resolution recording of something prior to restoration, so it'll mainly be studio / museum environments, and the occasional outside job.

I am, therefore, after recommendations for which lenses to put into the bid. Purchase will be new, not second hand, and if we get the grant, the budget exists to cover a reasonable range of focal lengths.

Thanks, Kris.

You should also consider lighting then, and I am thinking that if pixel shift is to be used then it would need to be led rather than flash, a bit of online research would be helpful in that respect. Here are some taken with a K1 with a 24-70mm f2.8 and pixel shift using oblique natural light: