First Post.. Pentax Info Reqested

Hi folks,

I've found my way here via Google as I've been looking at buying a DSLR and I'm considering the Pentax K5.

I've been looking at both the Pentax K5 and the Sony A77 as these both seem similarly specced cameras.

One thing that particularly draws me to the Pentax K5 is the rave reviews it seems to have got v other systems (particularly the D7000) and also what seems to be quite robust Weather Protection when compared other bodies / systems.

My main usage would be landscapes, aviation and hopefully motorsport, I guess my question is would the K5 be suitable for these and would there be lenses available particularly for the aviation / motorsport functions.

I have previously ( a few years back) had access to a K20D which I enjoyed using but it wasn't mine so I didn't know a lot about the system/lens lineup.

Thanks!

James

There are plenty of Pentax lenses up to 300mm and after that we look to Tamron and Sigma, if something longer is needed.

I think the Sony has an electronic viewfinder, so the K-5 will be much more responsive for action shots. EVFs are still not up to the standard of optical glass pentaprisms.

I don't believe Tamron have anything longer than 300mm in Pentax mount.

They don't have anything half decent over 200mm actually.

I thought the 200-500mm was available in Pentax mount, but maybe not.

It is - a guy on the other forum has and uses one.

Thanks folks, Just to ask then what would be the best Pentax lens for aviation shooting? is the 55-300 a decent lens?

Depends if you mean Pentax, or Pentax fit.

Assuming you mean ground-to-air photography, the best Pentax lens currently available new is without a doubt the DA 55-300 (not the DA-L version, which although optically the same does not have quick-shift).

I've shot a couple of Farnborough airshows in recent years using the 55-300 exclusively, and I'd say it's quite a bit better than decent. You can have a look at the best of my 2010 show pictures here.

However, it is a little on the short side. In Pentax fit, the best is probably now the Sigma 50-500.

This year at Farnborough I had a Sigma 50-500, which I'd say is significantly better (only because of the extra length), albeit at about 5x the price. It's also very heavy in comparison.

Neither of these lenses is weather-sealed. However, if it's raining, there isn't going to be much of an airshow

For air-to-ground, a wider rather than longer zoom would be better.

The current model is for Canon, Nikon and Sony LINK

The old one may have been but that was a few years ago at least.

Edit: infact it may have even been an adaptall 2 lens.

Thanks folks, managed to get into Jessops tonight on my way home and have a play with a couple of the cameras.

Bit annoyed the A77 wasn't charged but it feels a good size and well built, seem massive with the 16-50 attached! I'll need to price up some kits but the A77 and 16-50 at about £1230 with the £100 cashback seems good but the K5 is cheaper although probably looking at a similar price for a similar lens (K5 and 16-50 DA) which would be about £1200-£1300 together new.

Was really impressed with the K5 handling, quite a bit smaller than the A77 which would make a difference and I really like the look of the range of Pentax Primes and quite a large range of WR lenses.

Only thing I can see the Sony system might have over Pentax is a better range of zoom lenses, particularly in the 100-400mm range.

Wish you the best of luck in regards to your purchase! I know it may be a non-factor for you (for me it was) but Pentax communities are very warm and welcoming. It helps when you're using the equipment. I'm not sure about the other brands except for Nikon (which I've had a VERY bad experience with).

A good community does make a difference!! Will need to ponder its definitely between the K5 and A77 for me now

You might want to compare the noise levels at high ISO.

I looked at the DPReview comparisons and was really quite shocked.

That is one thing I've been considering, the high iso on the Sony doesn't look great.

If you take a look on the Sony forums they pretty much rule out shooting over 800 ISO unless you are really into PP NR. It actually shocked me reading through the threads.

I'm afraid I wouldn't touch Sony (their better lenses are damn expensive too).

If you don't mind paying early adopter prices you might want to wait until after Photokina as there are sure to be a whole host of new cameras from Nikon / Canon and Pentax announced and probably on the market well before Xmas.

The K5 is simply superb, but I have had to buy a Pentax fit Sigma (Bigma) 50-500mm to get Aviation type shots, which is also superb and works fine with the K5.