All Forum Comments
Comment by bychan posted on Manual for Kx at 01/03/2010 - 23:29
Steve Chasey wrote:
Take a look at the Velbon CX-640. Weighs a liitle over 1.8Kg, comes with own bag, has a bubble level built in (not enormous, but functional) and will take a 4kg payload. It's quite compact, so won't be a problem to carry about + it fits into a normal suitecase. SRS have it for £45 inc VAT (and postage to PU members).
Tripods aren't something you will drag along everytime you go out with a camera, so its a good entry level contender which won't break the bank. Use SRS's web site to look at what's about - you need something which has the capacity to cope with your current kit and a bit more so it won't be useless if you get that big heavy zoom you'd like (unless it's a SMC K 135-600 - then you'll need a crane :lol
Steve
Another vote here for the Velbon CX-640.Take a look at the Velbon CX-640. Weighs a liitle over 1.8Kg, comes with own bag, has a bubble level built in (not enormous, but functional) and will take a 4kg payload. It's quite compact, so won't be a problem to carry about + it fits into a normal suitecase. SRS have it for £45 inc VAT (and postage to PU members).
Tripods aren't something you will drag along everytime you go out with a camera, so its a good entry level contender which won't break the bank. Use SRS's web site to look at what's about - you need something which has the capacity to cope with your current kit and a bit more so it won't be useless if you get that big heavy zoom you'd like (unless it's a SMC K 135-600 - then you'll need a crane :lol
Steve
Steve's description is spot-on, and I've been happily using mine for over a year with my then K100D and now Kx.
Adrian
RobE17 wrote:
Does anyone have any experience of this lens? I know there is a fair bit on here about the Tamron version but couldn't find out much about the Sigma variety. I know that this is lighter than the DA*16-50 and not as wide and no weather sealing, just after some opinions really
Although I have said to myself that I want to go through the year without buying any more lenses - how long will that last though I wonder??
Another thumbs up here.Does anyone have any experience of this lens? I know there is a fair bit on here about the Tamron version but couldn't find out much about the Sigma variety. I know that this is lighter than the DA*16-50 and not as wide and no weather sealing, just after some opinions really
Although I have said to myself that I want to go through the year without buying any more lenses - how long will that last though I wonder??
I haven't had it for that long, but so far it cannot be faulted, and is highly recommended.
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on Sigma 18-50mm EX F2.8 at 20/02/2010 - 00:19
I also own the 18-250 in the Tamron guise, as well as the Sigma 10-20.
Recently added was the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 (72mm filter).
Very pleased with it, and both of the Sigmas make a lovely pair .
Regards
Adrian
Recently added was the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 (72mm filter).
Very pleased with it, and both of the Sigmas make a lovely pair .
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on A shorter zoom to replace my 18-250mm at 20/02/2010 - 00:13
I purchased my Kx from www.pixmania.com
no problems with the service, goods etc.
However their suppliers are in France, and as such the supplied manual came in French! Whilst an English PDF version is supplied on CD, I would like to obtain a hard copy.
Whilst there are plenty of laser printers at work, binding 300+ pages unnoticed wouldn't be so easy .
Does anybody know where/how I could obtain an English manual?
I've looked at the Pentax web site without any joy.
Thanks
Adrian
no problems with the service, goods etc.
However their suppliers are in France, and as such the supplied manual came in French! Whilst an English PDF version is supplied on CD, I would like to obtain a hard copy.
Whilst there are plenty of laser printers at work, binding 300+ pages unnoticed wouldn't be so easy .
Does anybody know where/how I could obtain an English manual?
I've looked at the Pentax web site without any joy.
Thanks
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on Manual for Kx at 19/02/2010 - 23:34
vjayshutterbug wrote:
James, if you don't mind buying used items, you might care to take a look at the classifieds section on this forum. Unfortunately most of the items here are based in the UK, not sure how this works with VAT and so on seeing as you are based in the USA (I know that I paid VAT on a used lens from the USA...). bychan wrote:
Now if ever the 18-50 feels lonely, the Sigma 10-20 also comes very highly recommended... (will it ever end??!!).
Regards
Adrian
Thanks Adrian. And yes, it never ends. My next lens will be in the telephoto zoom type. Doing research now. vjayshutterbug wrote:
Ok....I know the suspense has been killing you all! LOL
I decided yesterday on my primo lens for my new k7!
Actually it was decided for me. I was evenly torn between the Tamron 17-50, sigma 18-50, and the pentax 17-70. I decided to let the fickle fingers of fate of Amazon. com decide it for me. Whatever was the best deal cost-wise, I would go for it. I felt like I could not go wrong on either choice. But when I went online, only the Sigma was available. So, an easy decision.
I chose one day shipping, and it arrive earlier today. All I can say is WOW! So much brighter in the viewfinder! So much faster focusing! Looking a test shots, so much sharper at 100% viewing. Am more than pleased! And a lens, I think, that deserves to be on a K7.
Thanks again for all that gave me all the great advice!
-James
An inspired choice, even if I recommended this one myself Ok....I know the suspense has been killing you all! LOL
I decided yesterday on my primo lens for my new k7!
Actually it was decided for me. I was evenly torn between the Tamron 17-50, sigma 18-50, and the pentax 17-70. I decided to let the fickle fingers of fate of Amazon. com decide it for me. Whatever was the best deal cost-wise, I would go for it. I felt like I could not go wrong on either choice. But when I went online, only the Sigma was available. So, an easy decision.
I chose one day shipping, and it arrive earlier today. All I can say is WOW! So much brighter in the viewfinder! So much faster focusing! Looking a test shots, so much sharper at 100% viewing. Am more than pleased! And a lens, I think, that deserves to be on a K7.
Thanks again for all that gave me all the great advice!
-James
Now if ever the 18-50 feels lonely, the Sigma 10-20 also comes very highly recommended... (will it ever end??!!).
Regards
Adrian
Another excellent source for used Pentax gear is at the following forum, if you haven't already come across it;
http://www.pentaxforums.com
Here the majority of items for sale are located in the USA.
Good luck!
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on I have died and gone to Heaven! ;-) at 13/02/2010 - 00:55
vjayshutterbug wrote:
Ok....I know the suspense has been killing you all! LOL
I decided yesterday on my primo lens for my new k7!
Actually it was decided for me. I was evenly torn between the Tamron 17-50, sigma 18-50, and the pentax 17-70. I decided to let the fickle fingers of fate of Amazon. com decide it for me. Whatever was the best deal cost-wise, I would go for it. I felt like I could not go wrong on either choice. But when I went online, only the Sigma was available. So, an easy decision.
I chose one day shipping, and it arrive earlier today. All I can say is WOW! So much brighter in the viewfinder! So much faster focusing! Looking a test shots, so much sharper at 100% viewing. Am more than pleased! And a lens, I think, that deserves to be on a K7.
Thanks again for all that gave me all the great advice!
-James
An inspired choice, even if I recommended this one myself Ok....I know the suspense has been killing you all! LOL
I decided yesterday on my primo lens for my new k7!
Actually it was decided for me. I was evenly torn between the Tamron 17-50, sigma 18-50, and the pentax 17-70. I decided to let the fickle fingers of fate of Amazon. com decide it for me. Whatever was the best deal cost-wise, I would go for it. I felt like I could not go wrong on either choice. But when I went online, only the Sigma was available. So, an easy decision.
I chose one day shipping, and it arrive earlier today. All I can say is WOW! So much brighter in the viewfinder! So much faster focusing! Looking a test shots, so much sharper at 100% viewing. Am more than pleased! And a lens, I think, that deserves to be on a K7.
Thanks again for all that gave me all the great advice!
-James
Now if ever the 18-50 feels lonely, the Sigma 10-20 also comes very highly recommended... (will it ever end??!!).
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on I have died and gone to Heaven! ;-) at 12/02/2010 - 23:30
vjayshutterbug wrote:
Hi all! In my never-ending quest to get a lens "good enough" for my amazing K7, I have narrowed down some choices to either the Tamron 17-50 or the Pentax 16-45. They would cost about the same at my local camera store. And advantages/disadvantages? WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Thanks in advance for any advice. hope to pull the trigger on one by Friday.
BTW...getting a good telephoto zoom is step two in my plan.
Whilst in a similar situation at the start of the year, I ended up purchasing an used Sigma 18-50 f2.8 (excellent price, UK seller etc.)Hi all! In my never-ending quest to get a lens "good enough" for my amazing K7, I have narrowed down some choices to either the Tamron 17-50 or the Pentax 16-45. They would cost about the same at my local camera store. And advantages/disadvantages? WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Thanks in advance for any advice. hope to pull the trigger on one by Friday.
BTW...getting a good telephoto zoom is step two in my plan.
Whilst I haven't had it for very long, I'm very pleased with it.
Brand new the Sigma sells slightly cheaper than the Tamron, whilst there have been numerous threads on various forums comparing the two (again not much to choose between them).
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on which lens would YOU choose? at 10/02/2010 - 16:27
L4byr1nth wrote:
Hi all! I'm new here *^-^*
So, long story short, did Photography in college, but never made the jump to digital. Haven't properly held an SLR for about 8 years.
Looking to get back into photography now I'm at university, and as my manual SLR was a Pentax, I figured I'd stick with the tried and true formula
DP Reviews hasn't got an in-depth of the Pentax K-X up yet
I was originally looking at the K200D with the kit lens, but it seems like that camera has been discontinued? Nowhere has it, anyway...
So the new entry level DSLR is the Pentax K-X. It's right on the edge of my budget with the kit lens (looking at getting it from SRS Microsystems - read that they are very reputable? I see that they are affiliated with this forum.).
Questions;
1./ What is the build quality of the K-X like compared to that of the K200D - does the K-X include the weather-proofing like the K200D?
2./ I have heard that the K-X (and some other Pentax DSLR's) have some issues with AA batteries, and draining them too fast?
I've read that this is fixed with a firmware update, but how necessary is this? Are 100% of the cameras affected?
It's just that I am on a Mac Book, so most software isn't compatible with my computer. My post-processing is done through GIMP, a great freeware program.
3./ Where's the cheapest place to acquire one?
After all, I am a student It's pretty much the money I saved throughout the year, plus a little from Santa Claus, and the rest from my student loan in January - anywhere having a big January sale?
Cheers!
Ben.
BenHi all! I'm new here *^-^*
So, long story short, did Photography in college, but never made the jump to digital. Haven't properly held an SLR for about 8 years.
Looking to get back into photography now I'm at university, and as my manual SLR was a Pentax, I figured I'd stick with the tried and true formula
DP Reviews hasn't got an in-depth of the Pentax K-X up yet
I was originally looking at the K200D with the kit lens, but it seems like that camera has been discontinued? Nowhere has it, anyway...
So the new entry level DSLR is the Pentax K-X. It's right on the edge of my budget with the kit lens (looking at getting it from SRS Microsystems - read that they are very reputable? I see that they are affiliated with this forum.).
Questions;
1./ What is the build quality of the K-X like compared to that of the K200D - does the K-X include the weather-proofing like the K200D?
2./ I have heard that the K-X (and some other Pentax DSLR's) have some issues with AA batteries, and draining them too fast?
I've read that this is fixed with a firmware update, but how necessary is this? Are 100% of the cameras affected?
It's just that I am on a Mac Book, so most software isn't compatible with my computer. My post-processing is done through GIMP, a great freeware program.
3./ Where's the cheapest place to acquire one?
After all, I am a student It's pretty much the money I saved throughout the year, plus a little from Santa Claus, and the rest from my student loan in January - anywhere having a big January sale?
Cheers!
Ben.
I bought my Kx just before Christmas, the deal included Kx+ kit lens, 4Gb SD card plus Pentax's own SLR shoulder nylon bag (excellent it is as well). When I opened the box it also included a set of Energizer Lithium batteries, plus a set of Sanyo Eneloops and charger.
The price paid was £450, although the price has gone up slightly since. Also comes with a 2 year warranty.
Slight downside is that the suppliers are based in France, and the supplied manual was in French (although an English one is included in PDF format).
The link to this is
http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/3832297/art/pentax/k-x-black-da-18-55mm-f-3.html
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on Some K-X questions... at 05/01/2010 - 20:04
Have you considered splitting the items?
If so, I might be interested in the camera.
Regards
Adrian
If so, I might be interested in the camera.
Regards
Adrian
Comment by bychan posted on K10D for sale Under 2 years old + lenses + accessories at 06/12/2009 - 15:31
I opted to purchase from http://www.oldtimercameras.com/
The manual arrived on Saturday, and came in the format of three separate A4 booklets stapled together.
For the price, it would have been nice to receive the whole manual properly binded, but then again I do now have a manual, which is not foreign to me (excuse the pun).
Regards
Adrian