| Good luck, to each their own. The only reason that 5D would be considered 'too much camera' when K20D would not would be if the cost difference was irresponsible spending for the purchaser. Both are full-featured and require the same amount of ability to use properly.
As for standard zooms (and a counterpoint for some of what kunik was saying) for FF I wouldn't really consider 17-40/4 a standard zoom, and I hadn't heard about a bad rep. for 17-40/4 or (the massive) 24-70/2.8. I will agree that the Canon package will be bulkier than a comparable Pentax package--though DA17-70/4 is not tiny it is considerably smaller than a comparable 24-105/4.
Canon has additional lenses that may be appropriate standard zoom for full-frame like 28-135/3.5-5.6 IS, 24-85/3.5-4.5 or even 28-105/3.5-4.5--the last two would be relatively compact and light compared to most of the other choices mentioned as possible choices for lighter-weight travel in good light.
I would be careful when shopping for any of these as so many of the posted tests are shot using crop-sensor cameras. While the Tamron 28-75/2.8 enjoys a good reputation on smaller sensors, it might not be ideal on FF digital. Personally I think the 24-105/4 IS is probably the safest and most practical choice, perhaps supplemented with a couple choice primes for when more speed or more compact size is wanted. If this lens is too expensive, then I would think the 5D is probably the wrong camera.
Canon also has a pretty decent-looking new bounceable compact (bring anywhere) hotshoe flash, the Speedlite 270EX--which though unfortunately I don't believe it functions as a wireless commander--is pretty much what the AF-200FG *should* have been. |