New K5 owner says Hi!

Hello PU forum viewers

Recently split with my girlfriend so the engagement ring money went on upgrading my Samsung GX10 (Pentax K10D) to a lovely K5. Fair exchange no robbery.

Obviously the lenses accumulated for the Samsung work on the Pentax and I have recently just upgraded the 18-55mm kit lens to a Sigma 17-70mm.

Lenses I have are 18-55mmm, 17-70mm f/2.8 (new), 50-200mm (to upgrade next), a 100mm f/2.8 Macro, a 50mm f/1.4, a 16-45mm Wide.
As mentioned Im looking at improving the range a bit where possible and looking for reviews is how I came across this website.

I'm currently partners in a small business, with a Canon user, as a side line. We have covered Balls, sporting events, family portrait weekends, Baby shoots, and Weddings.

Why a K5? Cos I loved my K10D equivalent, didnt need to buy a load of new lenses and I needed the extra Megapixels for the canvas prints we were starting to do. The top end ISO of 1600 on the GX10 was also limiting although if Im shooting at 800 or above Im not happy and really should be doing more with lighting.

Current issues are lighting. I have two umbrellas and two softboxes all at around 105W 5600K. Nice, but I really need to be upgrading to some flashguns.


OBLIGATORY NOOB QUESTION:
There is a (various) 3x300W lighting kit(s) on ebay. Any experience with these?

SECOND MORE PENTAX BASED QUESTION:
50-200mm upgrade - See poll
I'm not into wildlife photography at the moment, and sporting events in poor light have shown that f/4 is not necessarily fast enough - certainly f/6.3 isnt.
Also I have used the 50-200mm for portraits but Im pretty sure I have better lens for this now.

So you are looking to upgrade the 50-200mm because you want better performance at sporting events?

What's your budget?

Not just sporting. Just need a mid range zoom. I shot a recent rugby match with my 50mm prime and the 17-70mm which were fine due to the maximum apertures. My colleague had a 100mm-400mm lens with f/5.6 at the top end, and due to being a flood lit pitch being relatively dark her ISO had to go up and she got washed out grainy shots.

I quite liked mine as we were allowed along the touch line so I could get relatively close.....
[IMG]http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5858/sg104502pu.jpg[/IMG]
GX10 F/2.0 ISO400 1/90s

...but some tries were between the posts and I didnt have much zoom.


I'd want it for that but also at weddings for candid photography, or at events/gigs where I have limited access.

Budget is not massively excessive. most decent lenses Ive managed to get for around the £250 mark but new they would have been more. I'd go to £650 for a Bigma as I've missed out on that twice at that price - otherwise I'm happy to pay for what I need. I'll make it back from the shots if they are good enough.

£600 will by you the Tamron 70-200 which I think is regarded better than the new Sigma 70-200. The older Sigma 70-200 which you'll pick up for £400 or so secondhand is considered better again.

There are also the Pentax 60-250 and the Sigma 100-300, whilst they both have a max aperture of f4 that shouldn't be an issue with your new K5. Secondhandthough these will cost a bit more than your £650.

I think Blythman has hit the nail firmly on the head. Though the newer Sigma 70-200 may be better for you than the Tamron as it is quieter (HSM) though not quite as sharp (not an issue for weddings/portraits).

Personally with your range of interests I'd go for the either the new Sigma or the Pentax 60-250 (wonderful lens though best used through 220/230 and cropped rather than to 250 where it softens up).

Great Feedback guys. Very helpful.

I would recomend you seriously think abot the Bigma (Sigma 50-500mm) I have tried bags full of primes, Standard Zooms, Quality Zooms. If I could only have two I would Have a DA*16-50 or the Sigma equivalent and the Sigma 50-500.

For doing sports & gigs & portraits I dont think the 50-135mm can be beat, the sigma 70-200mm is good but heavy & also not very wide. The bigma is also heavy & is a very slow lens, so not so good for portraits/weddings.

I would suggest you don't overlook the 150-500 either. For the price of the Bigma you could very nearly buy the Sigma 70-200 Macro II and the Sigma 150-500.

In terms of the Flebay Studio lights,

I purchased a set 3+ years ago for about £250 delivered, as I was'nt sure how I'd get on with them, ( had some jessops units 15+ years ago and did'nt get much use so sold them )

The ebay ( Link Delight )ones are excellent, get used at least once a month, transported in car, really pleased, imo no need to spend any more for moderate useage.

I own none of these lenses but voted for the 50-135mm, I imagine that would be lovely for weddings and events and possibly some sports. For longer range you could get the DA55-300mm and bump the ISO to 3200 at a pinch? I am a bit phobic about big lenses though!

I have the Sigma 150-500, good lens , but not that fast, but should work fine under spotlights. These seem to be coming down in price, so could be worth considering.

More invaluable stuff guys. Many thanks.

Cheers for the lights comment chrisM8

Hello and welscome

I will let those who know best give the advice