Suggestions Needed - Upgrading Pentax K500

tosudarshana · 11-24-2015, 03:11 PM

Eventhough my K500 is under warrenty, its national only to India. To send it to the service center here in US is an expensive deal. a Minimum of $200 + any thing for the parts. Where as I am able to get a new K50 (weather sealed) for $300 body only.
So I descided that I would retire my K500 or take it back to Indian when possible. Since I got my hands on with K500, I would now want to upgrade. Considered the options of Ks2 & K3II.
I am getting a KS2 body only at $470+taxes. K3II at $765+ Taxes. Both are weather sealed. I have my K500's Kit lenses, DA 18-55 and DA 50-200.
Can I use them for KS2 or K3II as Both cameras or WR where as the lenses I have are not. How would that impact the maintenance ? Since both lenses are K- mount, I assume they fit into KS2 or K3II.
If I just buy the body of Ks2 or K3II can I buy any Tamron Superzoom Macro or the one from Sigma and use with Ks2 or K3II ?
Which camera and lense combination would you suggest ? Since I am making a fresh investment, I would want to make it more wise by making use of the existing accessories or by purchasing a separate lense instead of reinvestment on Kit lenses.
My budget is very low though. I would have prefered buying K50 (a WR version of K500) for $295 but trying to see if there is a better alternative ..

Last edited by tosudarshana; 11-24-2015 at 03:31 PM.

bertwert · 11-24-2015, 03:23 PM

Your K500 kit lenses are not WR.
Tamron/Sigma superzooms are also not WR.
Tamron/Sigma superzooms are not the best quality lenses you'll find and the Macro isn't that good

Three prices/kit levels that might be nice for you (can't find exact prices)
K-50 18-55 WR
K-S2 18-50 RE WR
K-3 18-135 WR

tosudarshana · 11-24-2015, 03:33 PM

Great. Thank you.
Can I use my K500's non WR lenses over the K50 or KS2 or K3II ? How would that impact ?
This way I can save come $150 bucks.

bertwert · 11-24-2015, 03:37 PM - **1 Like**

They will work fine, like they did on your K-500, they just won't be WR.

tosudarshana · 11-24-2015, 03:52 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

They will work fine, like they did on your K-500, they just won't be WR.

How about K-01 Mirrorless.. Looks like I can use K Mount lenses on that one too ? how is this camera performing ?

bertwert · 11-24-2015, 03:53 PM

Yes you can, but it would most likely disappoint you after using the K-500.

Imp · 11-24-2015, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

Yes you can, but it would most likely disappoint you after using the K-500.

Well... maybe. Its the same sensor, isn't it?

bertwert · 11-24-2015, 04:11 PM

Originally posted by Imp

Well... maybe. Its the same sensor, isn't it?

I mean feature wise, handling, etc...

Imp · 11-24-2015, 04:22 PM - **1 Like**

@ tosudarshana, all pentak k-mount cameras will accept k-mount lenses. So all pentax DSLRs, and the K-01. Pentax Q mirrorless and Pentax 645Z medium format will not accept k-mount lenses, unless you have an adapter, but all pentax dslrs and the k-01 will accept k-mount lenses.

K mount lenses include any current SMC DA, SMCP DA, HD DA, DFA, DA* lenses. All older K-mount lenses work as well, including FA, F, FAJ, A, M, K. Only M42 lenses are not k-mount, because they have a screw type attachment, not a bayonette type attachment.

If you are looking for cheaper lenses, perhaps look into older pentax lenses. This is a good source: http://www.keh.com

tosudarshana · 11-24-2015, 04:30 PM

Originally posted by Imp

@ tosudarshana, all pentak k-mount cameras will accept k-mount lenses. So all pentax DSLRs, and the K-01. Pentax Q mirrorless and Pentax 645Z medium format will not accept k-mount lenses, unless you have an adapter, but all pentax dslrs and the k-01 will accept k-mount lenses.

K mount lenses include any current SMC DA, SMCP DA, HD DA, DFA, DA* lenses. All older K-mount lenses work as well, including FA, F, FAJ, A, M, K. Only M42 lenses are not k-mount, because they have a screw type attachment, not a bayonette type attachment.

If you are looking for cheaper lenses, perhaps look into older pentax lenses. This is a good source: http://www.keh.com

This helps.. Also I am trying to find a local Service center in Chicago for my K500 any suggestions ?

swanlefitte · 11-24-2015, 05:33 PM - **1 Like**

if you can't say what you want that the k500 didn't have the k50 is the way to go. I went with the k-s2 because I wanted wireless tethering and a little more pixel cropping room. If you don't need features don't pay for them and spend that money on glass.

tosudarshana · 11-24-2015, 06:30 PM

Originally posted by swanlefitte

if you can't say what you want that the k500 didn't have the k50 is the way to go. I went with the k-s2 because I wanted wireless tethering and a little more pixel cropping room. If you don't need features don't pay for them and spend that money on glass.

I am getting the body of K50 for $270 and K-01 for $380.. which one should I go with ? KS2 is my option if I can afford to pay $470 for the body. I think K50 would probably my choice just based on my affordability.

bertwert · 11-24-2015, 06:35 PM

I would get the K-50, great camera!

HudsonShooter · 11-24-2015, 07:43 PM

buying a k50 with lenses may be a cheap option if you want WR kit lenses,

swanlefitte · 11-24-2015, 09:43 PM

on a budget k50 or used something. K01is great if it has something you want. It's smallish and no mirror flap. It has a style. None of these would make me pay more than for the k50. Go cheap price because you are not going cheap quality. Go higher price for features you want. A k50 with good glass will take excellent pictures. A k3 can't do much more in the best conditions. The difference is when things are not perfect.

11-24-2015, 03:11 PM	#1
tosudarshana Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Schaumbutg, IL, USA Posts: 39	Suggestions Needed - Upgrading Pentax K500 Eventhough my K500 is under warrenty, its national only to India. To send it to the service center here in US is an expensive deal. a Minimum of $200 + any thing for the parts. Where as I am able to get a new K50 (weather sealed) for $300 body only. So I descided that I would retire my K500 or take it back to Indian when possible. Since I got my hands on with K500, I would now want to upgrade. Considered the options of Ks2 & K3II. I am getting a KS2 body only at $470+taxes. K3II at $765+ Taxes. Both are weather sealed. I have my K500's Kit lenses, DA 18-55 and DA 50-200. Can I use them for KS2 or K3II as Both cameras or WR where as the lenses I have are not. How would that impact the maintenance ? Since both lenses are K- mount, I assume they fit into KS2 or K3II. If I just buy the body of Ks2 or K3II can I buy any Tamron Superzoom Macro or the one from Sigma and use with Ks2 or K3II ? Which camera and lense combination would you suggest ? Since I am making a fresh investment, I would want to make it more wise by making use of the existing accessories or by purchasing a separate lense instead of reinvestment on Kit lenses. My budget is very low though. I would have prefered buying K50 (a WR version of K500) for $295 but trying to see if there is a better alternative .. Last edited by tosudarshana; 11-24-2015 at 03:31 PM.

11-24-2015, 03:33 PM	#3
tosudarshana Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Schaumbutg, IL, USA Posts: 39 Original Poster	Great. Thank you. Can I use my K500's non WR lenses over the K50 or KS2 or K3II ? How would that impact ? This way I can save come $150 bucks. Last edited by tosudarshana; 11-24-2015 at 03:40 PM.

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11-24-2015, 03:23 PM	#2
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Your K500 kit lenses are not WR. Tamron/Sigma superzooms are also not WR. Tamron/Sigma superzooms are not the best quality lenses you'll find and the Macro isn't that good Three prices/kit levels that might be nice for you (can't find exact prices) K-50 18-55 WR K-S2 18-50 RE WR K-3 18-135 WR

11-24-2015, 03:37 PM - 1 Like	#4
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	They will work fine, like they did on your K-500, they just won't be WR.

11-24-2015, 03:52 PM	#5
tosudarshana Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Schaumbutg, IL, USA Posts: 39 Original Poster	Originally posted by bertwert They will work fine, like they did on your K-500, they just won't be WR. How about K-01 Mirrorless.. Looks like I can use K Mount lenses on that one too ? how is this camera performing ?

11-24-2015, 03:53 PM	#6
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Yes you can, but it would most likely disappoint you after using the K-500.

11-24-2015, 04:09 PM	#7
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749	Originally posted by bertwert Yes you can, but it would most likely disappoint you after using the K-500. Well... maybe. Its the same sensor, isn't it?

11-24-2015, 04:11 PM	#8
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by Imp Well... maybe. Its the same sensor, isn't it? I mean feature wise, handling, etc...

11-24-2015, 04:22 PM - 1 Like	#9
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749	@ tosudarshana, all pentak k-mount cameras will accept k-mount lenses. So all pentax DSLRs, and the K-01. Pentax Q mirrorless and Pentax 645Z medium format will not accept k-mount lenses, unless you have an adapter, but all pentax dslrs and the k-01 will accept k-mount lenses. K mount lenses include any current SMC DA, SMCP DA, HD DA, DFA, DA* lenses. All older K-mount lenses work as well, including FA, F, FAJ, A, M, K. Only M42 lenses are not k-mount, because they have a screw type attachment, not a bayonette type attachment. If you are looking for cheaper lenses, perhaps look into older pentax lenses. This is a good source: http://www.keh.com

11-24-2015, 04:30 PM	#10
tosudarshana Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Schaumbutg, IL, USA Posts: 39 Original Poster	Originally posted by Imp @ tosudarshana, all pentak k-mount cameras will accept k-mount lenses. So all pentax DSLRs, and the K-01. Pentax Q mirrorless and Pentax 645Z medium format will not accept k-mount lenses, unless you have an adapter, but all pentax dslrs and the k-01 will accept k-mount lenses. K mount lenses include any current SMC DA, SMCP DA, HD DA, DFA, DA* lenses. All older K-mount lenses work as well, including FA, F, FAJ, A, M, K. Only M42 lenses are not k-mount, because they have a screw type attachment, not a bayonette type attachment. If you are looking for cheaper lenses, perhaps look into older pentax lenses. This is a good source: http://www.keh.com This helps.. Also I am trying to find a local Service center in Chicago for my K500 any suggestions ?

11-24-2015, 05:33 PM - 1 Like	#11
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	if you can't say what you want that the k500 didn't have the k50 is the way to go. I went with the k-s2 because I wanted wireless tethering and a little more pixel cropping room. If you don't need features don't pay for them and spend that money on glass.

11-24-2015, 06:30 PM	#12
tosudarshana Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Schaumbutg, IL, USA Posts: 39 Original Poster	Originally posted by swanlefitte if you can't say what you want that the k500 didn't have the k50 is the way to go. I went with the k-s2 because I wanted wireless tethering and a little more pixel cropping room. If you don't need features don't pay for them and spend that money on glass. I am getting the body of K50 for $270 and K-01 for $380.. which one should I go with ? KS2 is my option if I can afford to pay $470 for the body. I think K50 would probably my choice just based on my affordability.

11-24-2015, 06:35 PM	#13
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	I would get the K-50, great camera!

11-24-2015, 07:43 PM	#14
HudsonShooter Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 108	buying a k50 with lenses may be a cheap option if you want WR kit lenses,

11-24-2015, 09:43 PM	#15
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	on a budget k50 or used something. K01is great if it has something you want. It's smallish and no mirror flap. It has a style. None of these would make me pay more than for the k50. Go cheap price because you are not going cheap quality. Go higher price for features you want. A k50 with good glass will take excellent pictures. A k3 can't do much more in the best conditions. The difference is when things are not perfect.