Next Lens?

Hey guys, I was wondering if you could suggest a next lens for my K-30. I'm currently using a 35 2.4, 18-55 WR, and a few old lenses (helios 58mm, some 28mm and a push-zoom(?) 50-200mm). I generally seem to take pictures in the city at night and with a tripod these days, but it's really nature that interests me, I just don't have the opportunity very often. I would like to expand to doing portraits/weddings in the future. I realise now these two pursuits are pretty different within photography, so feel free to suggest what you think!

It's got to be the 50 135

You don't give an indication of how much you can spend. However, if funds are fairly limited, how about the DA 50mm F1.8 for portraits as well as low light city work, and the DA 55-300mm for nature?

Cheers.
Philip

For nature. and given that you use a K-30 you won't have the funds for a DA*. I'd be tempted for a Tamron 70-300 zoom lens which is highly rated and much cheaper than the DA 55-300 (if you have the funds get the HD-DA 55-300 WR). Alternatively a cheaper alternative to the DA*50-135 would be a Sigma 50-150 or Sigma/Tamron 70-200 2.8 used in the classifieds...

The 50-135 is far too expensive for me sadly. The 50mm was a consideration, however 50mm doesn't seem as great a walkabout lens as the 35mm, although the speed/price is attractive (seems like a brother to the 35mm, which I love and use all the time). The telephoto lenses are certainly an idea which I'll consider. Any thoughts on a wide/ultrawide, such as the Sigma 10-20mm, or the Pentax 12-24? Seems like it could be fun for urban photos, and landscapes/astrophotography.

For the money, you can't beat a 55-300 lens, the DA L plastic mount versions (like mine) are quite cheap nowadays. Every time I use my 55-300 I am amazed how good it is. It even bears up well on the K-3 and can handle the resolution of this camera, also it focusses very accurately on this body, should be good on a K30.

Regards
David

Another option is a cheap used Tamron or Sigma 100 mm macro

It's unfortunate one can no longer find a new Zeiss in PK

55-300 is awesome (for the money) and blows the Tamron & Sigma 70-300's out of the water. If you are serious about the upgrade don't waste any money on the 70-300's they are OK at best and then only in good light.
Crossed-up has a 55-300 for very reasonable money in the classifieds.