Lens advice

I am a newbie with a K100D with the standard kit 18-55mm lens. I also purchased an old 80-200mm lens (completely manual).

I have general interest in landscape, streetscape and just general photos.

I want to upgrade my glass quality, at a reasonable price, and need advice on what lens I should invest in; should I replace my kit lens with another 18-55, or get something different?

All advice welcome!

The DA 16-45mm is a good buy at the moment and far superior to the kit lens. You might consider the new DA 17-70mm. I guess the DA* 16-50mm is out of your budget range, but that would be my first choice if price wasn't an issue.

I don't know what they sell for in your area, but a minty af 28mm 2.8 usually goes for about $70.00 Cdn used around here and the 50mm1.4 is the best street photography, low light lens for anybody on a budget.
add the 2.8 100mm macro, and you got a versitile set, all taking 49mm filters, all usable on aps and (full frame film) bodies

You sound like the sort of guy who should buy the DA 12-24...

If the results from the 18-55 are satisfactory then although the 16-45 is a better lens by some margin I'd go for a wider range.

Thanks guys,

how about the logic of my trying to bridge the full gap between my current lens, like for instance the 18-250mm f3.5 to 6.3? Is this an inferior lens to those you mention?

Many Tks
Ken

it's not inferior to what you're using.....covers all the same ranges, and has af....so it would be a small improvement.......one lens convenience......is actually a very nice lens. high quality for that range..but not quite what you'd get from the other lenses suggested...if you plan on making large prints, the differences will be noticable.
you'll suffer in low light where you (already) would need faster glass....
I'd spend my money Expanding my photo options, not Swapping them....

The DA12-24 and DA 16-45 would make a formidable pair for land/city scapes.

Peter, Don and Pwynnej, many thanks for the advice - I'll have to do some serious surfing to get my price info lined up; then I'll make the decision.

Thanks again
Ken

Decided on the Sigma 17-70mm - thanks again for the advice.

Oh well, never mind. We tried . . .

IMHO Sigma 17-70 will serve you very well, I've always been impressed with mine & to be honest I can't see the justification for price of the Pentax equivalent....if you want something wider in future the Sigma 10-20 compliments the 17-70 nicely, although it suffers poor sample variation so you need to check your copy !!

simon

I have been reading quite alot of reviews regarding the sigma 17/70 and mostly they seem to realy rate this lens. It is one Im considering buying myself at the moment.

Thanks Simon and Phil, it's winging it's way to me from warehouseexpress as we speak - I'll post some comments asap.