To some degree I'm in the same position. I've kept the K-3 going for many many years now and am at an upgrade point, so assessing what's out there. Pentax have rather stalled on this area of late, so the K-1 (2016) or K-3 iii (2021) are the latest relevant options.

Having moved from a K-30 to the K-3 they are clearly different focus cameras, in terms of speed/burst rate/buffer/AF capabilities etc, so I'd recommend considering that aspect. If static landscapes are your thing then the K-1 would be an ideal fit. If you're after sports photography or birding when in flight etc then the K-3 would offer more in that space.

Might struggle to find new at a reasonable price. I'd rather hoped likes of Amazon prime day sales would offer something up but it doesn't appear like it this year.

All the best with your decision and let us know how you get on.

Of note I have the exact same lens and mine too has an issue. I suspect someone tried some burned steel wool spinning photos as there are what look like pit marks on the front element. As above though, has not appeared in any images taken with the lens, so again a pretty robust and solid lens that I'd recommend.

Very nice 👍

Are any AF?

Are these all manual focus?

Love it, well done.

Hi all,

I'm going through similar thoughts across a range of areas currently. Still running my K-3 from many years ago.

I have the plm zoom to 300mm but looking to get more reach, or get more quality at that point.

Am considering:

An upgrade to a K-3 iii IF i can find one I can afford. They're tended to hold their value and I tend to buy second hand when the price falls to within my budget range. The K-3 iii's are proving difficult to find though and if I do they're around the same price as new?!.

Upgrading to a 300mm f4 (not sure on the SDM reliability but the optics of a prime should be better than the current zoom).
Am also considering the 1.4 AF teleconverter on this (wouldn't consider on the PLM zoom).

Upgrading to a Sigma Bigma of some sort, though there are a wide range of options here I'd need to research.
Ideally after something with inbuilt lens stabilisation and the best long range image quality past 300m.

Gut feel has changed from the bigma to the 300mm prime, probably with a teleconverter.

Any thoughts/feelings welcome!

Does that include the 300 f4?

There’s a story of something similar in New Zealand that included 3D printing a small broken component because official parts were just not available.

Great to hear you found a resolution on your trip Peter 👍