Newbie ... convert from Nikon??

Changed from Nikon myself and you wont regret it, listen to these guys on here they know there gear (Pentax) well

Thanks.

Everyone seems, well so much nicer than the people on the Nikonians forums!!

I have looked at both SRS and Warehouse Express, but I really need to hold one and have a play, to check I am happy with the weight, buttons, menus etc.

I'll try to get to the one in Altrincham (Kamara) and go from there.

I am thinking K20d with the 16-45mm kit lens and also get the 50mm f1.7 at the same time.

Once I have played with these, I'll look at some secondhand bargains for longer range and macro stuff.

James

Dont tell me you were in there on Saturday James :, I too was appalled by Jessops lack of Pentax gear, I was considering buying a lowepro slingshot but then decided that any dealer who wont even stock one Pentax DSLR doesn't deserve my custom.

I can also vouch for SRS

This isn't the usual "kit lens" (which is good for a kit lens but is at the cheaper end of the spectrum) but others here will attest that it is a very good lens indeed. I am putting up with the standard kit lens for now and am saving my pennies for the DA* 16-50mm.

Best wishes, Kris.

The Da* 16-50 looks a gorgeous piece of kit! May have to look at that as well!!

I went to the Trafford Centre on Sunday. The sales guy in Jessops was very honest and basically said that the cabinet that used to hous Pentax / Olympus etc kit had been purchased by Sony who had thrown a lot of cash at them to stock their cameras exclusively in that old cabinet. As a result other cameras were now "kept in the back" - so you really had to ask for them, instead of them being on show.

I really dislike Sony!!

James

There were a few dodgy ones when they first came out but if you get a good'un (one reason to go with someone like SRS) consensus is they are great (but on the heavier side). I have the DA* 50-135 and it's lovely.

Cheers, Kris.

Been reading up on the DA* 16-50 and seen a few sample photos as well. Would I be right in saying that if I got this, I could do without a 50mm prime (f1.4). Keen to get good Bokeh for portrait photos on whichever lens I choose, and the sample photos seem to be able to do this.

Also, I had a really bad experience for a Nikon 18-70mm kit lens on my D70 either getting some crap inside it, or perhaps paint flaking off! Anyways, half my photos from a trip to Oz had a rather intrusive blub on them - it was definitely in the lens because I could see it when looking into it when off teh camera body!

Thanks, James

The DA*16-50 is certainly fast for a zoom lens (at f/2.8 ) but the FA50/1.4 is extremely fast. You'll probably find the depth of field from the DA* will be narrow enough for pleasing portraits 95% of the time, however, there may well be odd occassions when you wish for something more extreme which is where the FA50 comes in.

I'd suggest starting with something like the DA*16-50 (if it's in your budget) and seeing how you get on - you can always buy the FA50 at a later date if you think you need it.

Hefty is right - the 50/1.4 will always have a place
Even at f/2.0 to f/2.8 it's incredible! And sometimes you just have to shoot nearer f/1.4!
Here are some examples:
f/2.2 - http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/926895
f/2.8 - http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/931148
f/2.2 - http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/1012029 at ISO3200!
(You can click on them all to see a larger 1000 pixel view)

Bokeh to die for
Matt

I, too, thought that. I now have both. As good as the 16-50 is (and if you get a good copy, it's really good), the FA50 1.4 is better. It's the first prime I've ever owned, and though I've owned a bunch of fast zooms, I can't believe I waited so long to get the FA50 - despite reading the veterans here telling all of us to get one (at least once a week). Well, I'm convinced. You'll be fine using the 16-50 without an FA50 -- until you try one. Then you'll need to get one.

Thanks for the advice. Surely, if that is the case, I am better off saving money and going for the DA 16-45, and spending what I save on the 50 f1.4? I am not made of money, unfortunately!!

James

I'd agree with that, James.

For what you seem to want to do, that would be a good plan. I tend to be taking photos of things that don't move (much) using a tripod so don't often need f/1.4, and when I do I now have (thanks Dodge!) an old A-series 50mm f/1.4 which does the job.

Best wishes, Kris.

I'd probably go for the flexibility of the DA16-45 / FA50 combo over the convenience of the DA*16-50, although it's a tough call and I'd probably change my mind at least half a dozen times on the way to the shop...

The 16-50 is:
a) larger & heavier
b) weather sealed
c) focussed with SDM

I don't have the DA* lenses (can't afford them!), but the SMC-DA 16-45 is a great lens! Very, very sharp, light and portable. Interestingly the barrel extends at the 16mm end, which means you can get very close at 16mm and get some crazy angles of view! (Whacky portraits included!)

Since the SMC-DA 17-70 came out (which effectively replaces the 16-45) there have been a few 16-45 bargains out there

Matt