What lens?

I have a pentax K-m DSLR and a zoom lens. I would like a lighter and more compact lens which I could use when in the mountains. I still want zoom but also a wider angle to capture landscapes. I have limited budget - now retired.
What can you suggest?

Well for landscape work thw Sigma 10-20mm zoom is nice and light, try ebay for a bargain.

Also try the used section at SRS, they have a 16-45mm pentax relatively cheap.

What lens have you currently using?

I also have a K-m and haven't found a zoom that is lighter or smaller than the kit lens (18-55mm). However, in similar situations, I've used a 28mm prime lens and been very happy with the results.

Found this also.link

Pentax 16-45mm .. excellent lens for the money.

I've also got a K-m and found the 16-45mm very good, both optically and also value for money!
Although I'm not sure what sort of mountain terrain are you negotiating but I still find the Km with the 16-45mm too big especially when I'm dealing with vertical rock so it hardly goes out into the hills...
if you want the extra range of zoom the tamron 10-24mm might be an option, though most people tend to recommend the sigmas...personally i'd be dreaming over a DA* 16-50

I find the 16-45mm ideal for mountains, but it is bulkier than the kit lens. I do find situations where a wider angle would be useful, though I'm more often looking for additional reach.

I wouldn't have thought the difference between the kit lens and the 16/45 would make that much difference!....

Someone's just sold a SH ....
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Pentax link

for £311.99 I didn't think they did HSM for Pentax?

Fancy putting a bid on for £311.99 anyway probably didn't
want to spend £312

Well you have both so why not try it.
The difference is quite noticeable on a landscape shot.

Besides, OP is on a limited budget (although he doesn't say how much).

Hi William,
Welcome to the forum,

Sorry to hijack the topic, I can vouch for the difference between the 18-55m and the 16-45mm lens.

I have decided to sell my 16-45mm, (see other topic f2.8 recommendations) If you are interested let me know.

It will be in the classifieds soon. (not to expensive)

Further to my original posting I am adding the following:
I have the standard Pentax 18-55 lens plus a SIGMA DG 70-300 lens. I would like to have one lens to cover wide angle and zoom.

Hi there


Zoom just means the focal length on the lens can be varied. You can get a gish eye zoom that extends from 10mm to 17mm.

I'm assuming by 'zoom' you really mean 'telephoto'

Sigma make an 18-250

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/3142/Sigma-18-250mm-F3-5-6-3-DC-OS-HSM-Lens---P...

Sorry Mike,I meant bulk/size wise!....