One "all-in-one" lens for beginner

Accepting the compromises inherent in the lens type, which extreme range zoom should I get for the K-5 I have got on the way? I'm thinking the Sigma 18-125mm?

^^^^^ The Short Version ^^^^^

vvvvv The Long Version vvvvv

I'm new to photography. I've bought a K-5 with the 18-55mm kit lens. The camera's going to be used by me and my wife.

I'm keen to try out new techniques and develop my understanding - an extreme range zoom lens will let me experiment with fore-shortening, and various other opportunities.

My wife will want to use one lens all the time, and frame a shot using the zoom.

We are both likely to only want to take one lens with us to certian opportunities for photographs (ie, weddings, walking etc), at least to begin with, after such time we'll get better lenses.

I appreciate that manufacturers have to make serious compromises with these lenses and I appreciate that primes will possibly make me a better photographer.

Thanks for any advice.

I've worked on what fits in a small Lowepro rucksack.

I think I use my Sigma 10 - 20mm least, my Pentax DA 55 - 300 the most.

A used Pentax or Tamron 18-250mm (not made any longer) is a good compromise. It's good quality across the whole range and will give you a chance to experiment with different focal lengths and see what you use the most. After some time you will have a better idea of the range you use the most and can then decide whether or not to upgrade to something more specialist (and expensive!).

A good used copy will cost around £250 and you won't lose anything if and when you decide to change it.

I have just got the Pentax 18-135WR lens, for me it is great, and the fastes quitest focassing lens I have, for me the focussing is the best selling point, so much better than my Sigma 18-200. The next selling point is the weather proofing, so as an all-weather lens it can't be bested IMHO.

On the Image Quality front, yes the science shows the compromises, however my heart loves this lens and the images it delivers!

When using this lens, I don't have to think about the lens, it just does its job!

My advice for a novice is to buy a 50mm and nothing else. You will learn more about photography with a single fixed-focus lens. It will teach you how to 'find' a photograph by walking around a subject rather than standing in the same spot and zooming in.

I'm not saying that zooms are bad, but I don't think you will learn as much with one on.

But if you want a camera to take on holiday and take snaps with better quality than a point and shoot, then the 18-250 is a pretty good lens.

For the purposes outlined, the Pentax 18-135mm hits the spot. We use ours very extensively and it delivers crisp, contrasty images, has silent and fast focusing and is weather resistant.

If you ever see a good Pentax 18-250mm that too is a great choice, but no WR, no QuickShift focusing and as it's no longer made it might be difficult to find one at a good price. The Tamron 18-250mm is very similar, but without the Pentax SMC coatings.

The Pentax 18-135mm does seem like the obvious choice, but it gets such a slating here I was instantly put off.

Gah! Very torn!

Try my own review for EPZ, because I don't really agree with the Photozone conclusion.

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/smc-pentax-da-18-135mm-f-3-5-5-6-ed-al--if--dc...

But don't get totally bogged down with the reviews because, although the technical pewrformance of the 18-135mm does have its limitations, it actually takes very attractive and sharp images. Most of my recent Gallery shots here and on EPZ have been taken with this lens.

I too was concerned about this lens after reading a number of reviews. I also found John's review very honest and decided to take a risk. That is where my comment about the heart comes in. This lens is not about the head, it just delivers images for the heart.

I love how this lens renders every scene, I would buy one before it goes up significantly!

I am not sure a agree with the 50mm, I would suggest a 35mm by preference as this is more standard on the K5.

Ooo. Lenses going UP in price. What's that about, then?

You might want to have a read here.

Better still, get over to SRS quick and buy what you need first.

Failing that, I'll soon have a pristine DA 17-70 in the classifieds for a lot less than the £500 quid or so it's going for new.

I have to agree with Bill.
Since getting my Pentax DA 55-300 I've left it on my K-r (which came with the DAL 18-55 and 50-200 kit) all the time !
But is does depend on what you want to 'shoot' !
This lens obviously won't be any use where a wide angle is needed but as well as its telephoto capability I've used it for close ups/simulated macros - it just needs a bit of care standing far enough back to overcome the minimum focal distance !

But as I said - each to his own !

Good luck
Peter

+1 for the Pentax 18-135!

I really like the colors it produces, focusing is very fast and silent.

I would disagree with that claim

Only you will make you a better photographer