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Overwhelmed by choices....

Al-Ro
Posted 22/10/2012 - 14:42 Link
Hi

I'm very new to this site and not yet purchased a camera. I've got my eye on a K-30 (in black, seeing as I can't seem to get hold of the silver Japanese import), I was hoping some of the more experienced users would be able to offer me some advice and guidance on which lenses to go for.

I'll be heading off to the African bush in a few months and wondered which lens/es would be the better options to invest in. I've seen several kit options; so would appreciate anyone's thoughts and comments.

The options I'm looking at are:

a) Pentax 18-55mm WR and Sigma 70-300mm
b) Pentax 18-55mm WR and either Pentax 55-200mm or 300mm
c) Pentax 18-135mm
d) any other suggestions would be welcome!

Unfortunately I don't have an endless budget so the bigger lenses are out of my price range. There will be an abundance of opportunities to photograph wildlife, with some of it being extremely close.

If any one can help with advice, I'd be most grateful!

Al
Al-Ro
Posted 22/10/2012 - 14:44 Link
sorry... I neglected to include another option:

Sigma 18-200/250mm
Mannesty
Posted 22/10/2012 - 14:52 Link
Welcome to the forum Al.

I would personally go for your option B with perhaps 300mm at the long end.

I would also recommend you invest in a macro lens of around 100mm in focal length. You have some awesome looking bugs out there.

I once spent a weekend in the Kruger National Park armed only with a Pentax Super-A body, a 50mm 1:1.7 lens, and a 70-200mm 1:4 lens and can say that 200mm was nowhere near long enough for some of the animals I saw.

The crop factor of modern Pentax DSLR's might help getting a bit more reach from a 200mm, but 300mm will be even better.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Al-Ro
Posted 22/10/2012 - 15:07 Link
Hi Mannesty

Thank you for your advice! I was leaning towards something with a 300mm.

This is the Sigma option I was considering; and seeing as it's about £100 cheap that the option, that extra money could go towards the Macro lens you've suggested!

http://www.microglobe.co.uk/sigma-70-300mm-telephoto-zoom-f-4-56-apo-dg-pentax-f...
johnriley
Posted 22/10/2012 - 15:10 Link
You could get so many options offered by various members that it would end up being very confusing. If you have your mind tending towards 300mm, then that's where you should go. Option B then.

Adding more lenses later as the need arises. After a while where you want to go next should become apparent because of any shots you find unworkable with your initial kit.
Best regards, John
milamber
Posted 22/10/2012 - 15:21 Link
Join the club. I've been trying to make a similar decision and for the all my trips in the last 2 years....Whatever you choose, you will wish you had done differently so go with the best choice at the time.

If you buy good used you will rarely ever make a loss on re-sale if (when) you change your mind.

Pentax/Tamron 18-250mm are tremendous 'one solution' travel lenses, but you sacrifice a little in quality (only a little) at the long end for the convenience. I used one for 18 months or so without any regret and only after my interest in the hobby developed did I want to upgrade. Didn't have any sensor cleaning issues at all as the lens didn't come off the camera which is also worth bearing in mind. A good used Pentax copy will cost around £275, but you will always get your money back.
Mannesty
Posted 22/10/2012 - 15:41 Link
You are welcome, the APO version of that lens is the better one. I got some good images from mine but I replaced it with a DA* 300mm because I was only using the 300mm end of the Sigma.

If you have the money, you might consider one of the longer Sigma zooms. There are a couple on here for sale. I can particularly recommend the 150-500mm if you can find one at a good price.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Mike-P
Posted 22/10/2012 - 16:43 Link
Pentax 16-45mm and 55-300mm would be a pretty good match up.
Add something like a Raynox DCR-250 for macro and you are sorted.
ilovesaabs
Posted 22/10/2012 - 16:54 Link
Budget option? Option B only, 18-55 and 55-300.

However, as a safari 'veteran' 300 is at the short end... and I've had to use a TC - I don't know which converters are compatible with the 55-300 since I did not own mine for long enough....

But 18-55 and 55-300 will satisfy most users and the DA will outtrump the 3rd party makes.
AKA Welshwizard/PWynneJ
Assorted Pentax/Nikon/Mamiya stuff
Al-Ro
Posted 22/10/2012 - 16:54 Link
Thank you all, some useful information without having my head pop!
Stuey
Posted 22/10/2012 - 20:55 Link
Beware the Sigma 70-300 if you need the 300mm the most.

I have the apo non o/s version it's great at 70mm - still good at 135mm and at 200mm but from 210mm on the iq drops notably - it is better to shoot at or below 200mm and then crop - I am told that the Pentax 55-300 is much better at 300mm but the sigma has closer focus but is not true macro.

Cheers


Stu
K10D, K5 plus plenty of clueless enthusiasm.

My Flickr site link
lostboy
Posted 23/10/2012 - 13:22 Link
I'd add my vote to option B for budget, weight and convenience when travelling.

The 18-55 WR is fine little lens and the WR is a bonus in dusty places (mine has survived Egyptian deserts, trekking in Nepal and Capadoccia and more) and it takes excellent pics for a kit lens.

The 55-300 is also a fine lens and whilst it might not be in the sharpest league at 300mm it weighs almost nothing (I love my sigma 100-300 f4 but its a heavy lump of glass to lug about all day, and its got nothing on the bigma...)

I'd also endorse Mike's idea on the Raynox - great way to try macro out for a smidge of the cost.

Add a lightweight tripod to the mix and you'll be good to go
DaveHolmes
Posted 23/10/2012 - 13:30 Link
Option B - 15-55 WR and the 55-300... Cracking starter kit and best budget kit for a safari type trip imo...

Would second (budget permitting) the addition of a 100mm (1:1) macro lens... If possible... but option B is a good start kit.
........................................................................
Digital:
Pentax K5- Vivitar 19mm 3.8; FA35mm f2; D-Xenon 100mm macro f2.8; DA50-200mm WR...
Flash:
Yongnuo YN-560; Vivitar 285HV; Cactus V4 triggers...
Film:
Pentax-MX & M50mm f1.4; Spottie & 55mm f1.8; MG & M40mm 2.8...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/daveholmesphotos/
Al-Ro
Posted 23/10/2012 - 14:16 Link
Thank you all again! You've been brilliant with your comments and advice! I think I will be going for 'Option B' - the main draw towards the single lens option; was exactly that. The lack of having to change lenses. However, the range of the 18-55mm and 55mm-300 starter kit, I think will be better to cover all bases. Unfortunately, the 18-55mm lens that I've found supplied with a 55-300mm isn't a WR - besides the weather resistance malarky, is there much more difference?
Mannesty
Posted 23/10/2012 - 16:33 Link
You could talk to Chris at SRS about swapping the 50-200mm lens with a 55-300mm lens in this kit.

He might well do it if it's a kit that SRS have put together themselves.

It's worth talking to them anyway, 2 years warranty from a Pentax-Pro dealer and free postage for PU forum members ought to be a good incentive.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream

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