New member

Hi. My name is Matt. I've found this forum after searching for a Pentax K-30 and have already found some helpful advice, thanks.

I run my own equine transport business and as part of the services I offer I do take photos for customers when they are at shows etc. I've been using a Panasonic bridge camera up until now, but after using my Dad's K-r have decided to move up to a DSLR to give me better results and the K-30 looks ideal.

Hi Matt, .. welcome on board; .. hope the platform will fit your expectations and give new perspectives to your passion

Nuri (Belgium)

Hello and Welcome to the Forum Matt!

Hello and welcome

A huge welcome Matt. This is a really good place to chat about photography (with a Pentax slant of course!). I'm sure you'll fit right in!

Thanks everyone. Just ordered a K-30 from SRS. Not sure what lens to get to go with it. I've had a play with some of my dad's lenses, and my sister's, but none of them are quite right for what I need.

I often have to take photos in fairly dusty environments (indoor arenas are often sand/woodchip floored) so ideally don't want to be changing lenses if I can help it. I used my dad's DA 40mm at the weekend, but it was neither long or wide enough - it's ok when I can move around, but no good if I'm stuck up in a viewing area. My sister's kit lens was wide enough, but not long enough when I can't get closer.

I thought about an 18-250mm, but can't really afford one of those at the moment and probably don't need 250mm at the long end anyway (and possibly not 18mm at the wide end).

Any suggestions for decent budget zooms?

Not sure if the 18-135 is budget but it seems to suit your needs to a T (wide, long, dust-proof). I'd save up and get that one rather than compromising on a stop-gap.

Hi. Unfortunately the 18-135mm is beyond my means at the moment, new business and all that, but looks ideal for the future. I need something for the time being though. I realise it would be a stop-gap, but my K-30 is body only, so need something and the kit lens isn't really long enough.

Welcome.

The 50-200 is about the cheapest zoom to add to a kit lens. Both WR and non WR versions. Plenty available second hand. If the money is tight they offer very good value for money. There is also Samsung branded, non WR, versions that seem to be even cheaper just a different badge.

I like mine and still use it even though I have other better lenses. It is nice and compact to take up the mountains, I have the WR version so can take it when the weather is inclement.

You may be able to write it off against tax if it's for work useage... (?)

Welcome to here

I think the 50-200 is an underrated lens but by the sounds of it you'd ideally want something that went wider.

A Tamron 18-200 that might suit you to a T. OK, it's not as well regarded as the Pentax 18-250 (I'm not just saying that because I'm selling one of those in the classifieds!) but second hand values are much lower as a result. You could maybe pick up a used example for £75 at a guess. It would get you started, and if you decide down the road its holding you back you could buy a better alternative once you'd save a bit.

Edit - Or you could get a new one with a 5 year warranty for £149 from forum sponsor SRS link