Still no more issues with my K-5iis since updating firmware, it has now taken thousands of shots. I suspect if some are having problems this may be a faulty camera or possibly electrical contact issues between the camera and the lens. I would try cleaning the contacts on both camera and lens first.

Regards
David

The 55-300 is ideal for any level of photography, beginner or not. Almost everyone who has one loves it based on opinions I've seen on here!

Regards
David

They look correct to me Mike.

Regards
David

Probably! It has a 16mp sensor, whereas the K-x is 12.3mp, but the X-5 is not in the same league as the K-x despite the higher resolution.

The K-x is a proper photographer's tool with all of the flexibility that a DSLR brings. I suppose whether you keep the X-5 or not depends on your needs, but it is a handy point and shoot camera, good for more casual use.

My suggestion would be to keep the X-5 for now, but learn how to use the K-x to its full potential and if you're doing more serious photography there's no contest, the K-x wins hands down. Also, the K-x will accept any K-mount lens, which opens up a whole world of possibilities.

Regards
David

The OP said he already had a 18-55 and wanted another lens he could use for 'almost any occasion'; from this it's pretty clear that the 'almost any occasion' bit was intended to mean 'except when using the 18-55'.

He also said he was leaning towards the 55-300 so I do think it 'is the obvious choice'.

The 55-300 is not just for wildlife and birds, it is really too short in focal length for that (it will do in an emergency, but it's not ideal). It is more of a general use lens, great for portraits outside, candid shots, isolating areas of a landscape, butterflies and many other photographic opportunities. So, I don't think we are labelling the lens as an 'obvious choice' for no reason; it seems to fit with what the OP said he wanted and stated he was favouring.

Regards
David

I really couldn't disagree more Nigel! If someone can't shoot sharp images with a 55-300 and the Pentax SR system, there's something seriously wrong with their camera technique (physical disabilities excepted of course). Also, I was referring to the fact that the 55-300 is a perfect focal length complement to the 18-55 - no overlap - and to the fact that it's a Pentax lens which a lot of Pentax users prefer.

Why someone would prefer a 50-200 over a 55-300 baffles me completely! You don't have to use a 55-300 at the long end if you don't want to, but the extra reach is invaluable in lots of situations. That's why I always have this lens fixed to one of my cameras when out and about and why I think it is the obvious choice as a complement to the 18-55 for a Pentax user just starting out who wants a 'cover-all' lens setup for a reasonable cost.

Regards
David

You already have a 18-55mm which is a very good lens and perfectly adequate for the 'walk about' use you have mentioned. It is also capable of taking excellent landscape shots if used correctly - keep it around F7.1 to F11 and it will be sharp.

I you are going to keep the 18-55 (which I think you are), the most obvious choice is the 55-300 which is a magnificent lens for the money. Even more so if you go for the DA L (plastic mount) version. This is optically identical to the DA (metal mount) version and the only downside is the lack of 'quick shift' focus, i.e. the ability to manually focus the lens without switching the camera to manual focus. The plastic mount should not be a concern, I've never found I to be a problem.

I love my 55-300 and would not swap it for anything.

Once you have developed your photography and learned your lenses / camera inside out, you may feel the need to upgrade the 18-55; if so the DA 17-70 is a 'no brainer'.

Regards
David

Do you have an over the shoulder type strap? If so, you'll hardly notice you're carrying two cameras!

If it's definitely one only, I think the 17-70 will offer greatest flexibility and least restriction. Obviously it's a bit slower in aperture than the Tamron, but that shouldn't be a problem with the K-5.

Regards
David

I seem to bump into loads of them too! I was at Hardwick Hall a few weeks ago and met a chap who had taken his K-5 mountaineering in Peru and it had kept taking shots when everyone elses cameras packed up!

They are usually very friendly and eager for a chat and it's not often that they fail to spot me as I'm usually carrying two K-5's. The K-5IIs seems to attract a fair amount of interest, particularly at wedding shoots when people constantly seem surprised at the quality of images it takes in low light without flash.

Regards
David

Have you got the option of taking two cameras Drew? If so, the Tammy on one and the 55-300 on the other would be my choice. If not, I would go with the 17-70 if you're only taking a single lens.

Regards
David