I put off upgrading my k200 for a long time, waiting to see what Pentax could come up with to tempt me. No surprise that a few days after walking out of the shop with a k5, the k30 turns up...

Do I think I should have waited? Probably not. Moving from the k200 I wanted a top lcd (one of the reasons I never went for the k-x or k-r) and I like the program selector on the left. Sure I could have got used to both of these though.

Strange thing is, I'm not sure I needed to upgrade at all. The video is useful and the better ISO and shooting speed are an improvement but really the camera wasn't the limiting factor!

Bottom line, don't think you'll go far wrong either way but consider putting the money into some new lenses instead.

Thanks guys, I'll keep my eye out for one.

For a one lens solution, I don't think you can beat the Pentax 18-250. I've had one for a couple of years and it's still my 'go to' lens.

Apart from sports/wildlife, the range should never be a limiting factor and you can decide where in that range you might want to invest when the time comes for something faster - in my view speed is the major gap in the 18-250's repertoire.

Using a k5 so don't need full frame compatibility.

Would really want something approaching 20mm at the short end so the DA*50-135 is out.

Anyone used both the DA*16-50 and the sigma option?

Don't think it will convince me to part with my FA50/1.4.

I love the flexibility of a zoom.

I also like fast lenses.

You've guessed it - what I'd like now is a fast zoom lens.

Any tips on alternatives to the FA* 28-70mm F2.8 AL that I think would fit the bill nicely...?

The 18-250 'lives' on my k5 (finally replaced the k200) and I love the simplicity it offers. I know a lot of people highlight its limitations but some of my favourite shots have been taken with it.

My primes, both AF and manual, tend to come out for special duties when I know they will do a better job, low light or portraits for example. Think I will force myself to live with one for a day though and see what happens - every day's a school day...

Just realised I'm not going to be home in time to get my entry in

Liquid lunch




k200d
FA 1.4 50mm
28/3/2011

Question for Hyram: is the red actually a reflection of a red object (car maybe) in the gloss paint?