Hello Graham from Norfolk

Hi all

Very new to this and think I have already sent/posted a topic by mistake - sorry.

I have a panasonic FZ28 at the moment and am wanting to change.

Enjoy walking in the country and taking pics of wildlife particularly birds, insects and scenes. So, thinking of the pentax K5 as it is relatively light and weather sealed.

Will this be ok for a total novice?

Thanks for any help

G'day and welcome.

They all have 'full auto' modes that will guide you through until you're ready to do more. If you need weatherproofing, the K5 is the current one to get. You could try for the now superseded K7, but in terms of complexity, there's little if any difference.

The Kx and Kr are both good cameras (i have a Kx as a 2nd body), but they lack the weatherproofing of the K5.

It may be worthwhile to get your camera from a reputable retailer once you decide.

Thanks for that

Like I say I like walking and being outside I therefore want a camera (and lens)that will be up to it. Here in wet and windy England that is important!

So reasonable weight and weatherproof essential for me rather than huge lens.

Why was thinking the K5 with the DA* 300mm lens - total weight 1700g and both weatherproof - can't see any other combination out there that can touch that but will listen to advice.

After I would then like to invest in a decent macro and landscape - again given the same criteria as above. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Graham

You'll be restricting yourself a bit if you only get a 300mm lens to start with...for example, if you want to take pics of your family/friends at all, you'll have to be standing at the other side of the park. There's good deals with one or two kit lenses included, why not get at least the 18-55WR and the 300 too?

Welcome ! I think , K5 is right choice, because it has different good features as distinct from K7

By all accounts the DA*300 is a superb lens (I cant afford one yet:cry but I agree with aliengrove, you would find it very restricting on its own, you will also find it cheaper to buy the kit lens with the camera than deciding you need one later on.

For insects you could always buy a close up "filter" for the front of the 18-55, that will give you time to save up for a dedicated macro lens, obviously it wont give you quite the same quality but if your a novice it will at least help you get into the swing of things.

Welcome to the forum and give my commiserations to your wallet

I agree with the advice that the K-5 is the camera to go for. The DA*300 is a lovely lens but being a prime is of fixed focal length. It is fine for birds and wildlife but proably not a first choice for landscape which usually needs a wider focal length. It is also a large and heavy lens and although you can use it hand held in many circunstances benefits from the use of a tripod or monopod.

The kit lens is usually very inexpensive when bought with the camera body and is quite a capable lens with a useful range from wide angle to short telephoto. The DA 55-300 is also worth considering as it is quite small and light and complements the kit lens very well.

Hi Graham.


Take care.

Chris R.

Hi there Graham. Welcome from West Norfolk.

Hope you get the camera and lens you talk about and dont go the other way (c**n*k*n).

Patty

Thanks everybody for all the comments.

I was not clear with my original statement - with the K% I do hope to get the 15 - 85 kit lens to "walk with". The 300mm DA* will be my special present from me to me.

Looking forward to learning how to use this equipment - guess will be starting on the very basic setting and learn as I go along.

Do my best with manuals, but can get confused - may have to be seeking help from you all - apologies up front for when I pester you!

Thanks again for comments to date.

ps - this sale of Pentax I have been reading about on the net - is this likely to have any negative effects.

Too late - past my bed time

Meant to write K5 in above and WR18-55 kit lens.

Hope to visit warehouse express next week have K5 + 18-55 for £938 plus 8GB memory card and the 300 lens for £919.

Off to bed before I make any more mistakes.

Graham