Hello world! From Almada, Portugal.

Hi Gents,

My name is Saulo, a 26 years old economics guy who lives in Portugal. I've decided to join this forum even though I just own a M 50mm 1.7 Pentax lens.

As a matter of fact, I am fairly new to photography. I bought my first DSLR 9 months ago, a Nikon d3100 body and a 35mm 1.8. I have been, however, a Photoshop/GIMP user for almost a decade.

I am planning to exchange my d3100 for a higher-end model, and have put into the equation the possibility of a brand changing, as I do not own any other lens but the 35mm. Canon is not even a possibility, as I prefer simpler menus. I am looking to the d7000 equivalent, the K-5 (am I right?).

I do know a couple of things about the Pentax's History in the photographic/filming world. In fact, when I bought the d3100 I even considered the Pentax alternative, but the easier way to find Nikon lenses has driven my head to Nikon (I bought it from an UK used gear dealer which unfortunately does not sell Pentax gear.

So, I would be delighted if you could tell me why should I go for Pentax over Nikon and where can I find second hand Pentax Gear. My plan is to upgrade my body, get a 50 (or equivalent) mm prime lens, and then a 70/80-200 2.8 (or equivalent).

Well, I should say that the fact that every Pentax has a vibration reduction system on it is really tempting me.

Cheers from Portugal,

Hi Saulo, welcome to Pentax User. The camera body shake reduction system is a great feature on Pentax - as it is part of the camera sensor mechanism you are only paying for it when you buy the body. Every lens after that will now benefit from the shake reduction. This applies equally to the most modern new lenses as well as every 'historic' compatable lens available, and there's a huge number of those.

Its very cool to use my old Tamron Adaptall 135mm, which is nearly 40 years old, and see the effect of Shake Reduction with it!

Take time to find out about the Pentax range - there's definately a great camera here for you.

Hello Saulo, welcome here
For me the main reasons to jump to Pentax are 5 senses:
Touch - there is no other brand with cameras with better ergonomics than Pentax
Hearing - the sound of shutter is amazing... Specially K-3 / K-5
Sight - when You check the world through the viewfinder, even low entry model has Pentaprism, so the world is much much brighter
Smell - specially new one, when opening the box
Taste - It's A Matter of Taste But people like all photos You take, does not matter brand. But You will like response that You can get better results than others
Welcome again

Hello and welcome

If you can handle all cameras you are considering - that often does help make your mind up as one or more will just right

There is one thing that is definitely bothering me: Is the lenses focusing noise through screw-drive (for non-sdm or equivalent) that loud?

Half-Click -> bzzzzzzzzzz -> not already in focus -> another bzzzz -> ta da: in focus, take that shot ASAP, please.

I have never been bothered by the screw drive noise at all and have often wondered what all the fuss is about as it is quieter than the shutter and, if you are taking a shot that demands silence, you can always focus manually.

Silent motors are nice though. If you can afford them.

Hello and Welcome to the Forum.

I own a Pentax and a Nikon so am probably not the best person to advise you!

I will however say that Pentax bodies just fit the hand so well, but that is a personal thing unless of course you have my hands

Hi Saulo

Welcome to the Forum, I've never used a Nikon, but I can give you some reasons why Pentax might suit you:

- Build quality / weatherproofing second to none in the price range
- Great focussing ability in very low light (K-5II models and K-3)
- Great ergonomics and simple menus
- Fast max shutter speed
- Fast burst shooting - 6FPS on K-5 and faster on the K-3 (bigger buffer too)
- Not many people have one!!!!!!

Regards
David

Hello. You are not going to go wrong with either the Nikon 7000 or the Pentax K5 -- both are good cameras. When they were launched I looked closely at both and in the end selected the Pentax. Why? First impressions count for a lot and the Pentax just seemed such a rugged, well-engineered camera that was a delight to hold. The Nikon wasn't bad, but it was bulkier and a bit heavier. Reviews at the time tended to give the K5 the edge on a number of important measures.

You ask where you can find second-hand Pentax gear. A pretty good place to start might be the classified advertising on this site. If you are patient, and drop by frequently, what you are looking for will come along.

Have you heard nikon screwdrive and their clunking shutter noise???

First, I have to say that the Pentax-M 50mm 1.7 is, currently, my go-to lens on the d3100. I am absolutely blown away by it's performance. What a bokeh! And pin sharp from 2.8.

I will wait for Easter time to make the move, and pick, most likely from classified adverts on this forum, one K-5.

I have been undecided when the subject is the lenses. I already own one vintage prime. What would be the best next move? Go for tamron/sigma 17-50 or another prime? Eventually a limited one (77mm?). And I will definitely need one telephoto zoom: Tamron 70-200 2.8 would be the choice.


Nop, not yet. As I said, I have only the 35mm 1.8G.

Hello and Welcome Saulo. The only advice I could give no matter which camera you decide on is, if possible, Try New, how does it feel to you etc., and Buy New for the peace of mind of a Guarantee. Happy Shooting

Between Pentax 16-50 and the Sigma 17-50 2.8 for roughly the same price, regarding image quality, which one would you pick?

I'd get the Tamron; you'd almost have enough cash left over to buy another lens.
Buy a Pentax: they're more exclusive. The Nikon's focusing system is reputed to be better but Pentax feel so nice, even the cheaper ones, also think of all the reasonably priced manual focus K mount lenses you can acquire.