Pentax setup

alexgn · 01-10-2009, 02:04 PM

Looking for used gear: a camera and a couple of lenses. Either fixed focal length lenses or zooms. Covering wide and standard (short telephoto) range.

Budget $700

What would you recommend?

Thanks!

Sharkonwheels · 01-10-2009, 03:38 PM

Alex, you're probably going to need to provide more info...
Are you looking for an upper-end camera, or lower-end?

For example, Amazon can provide you a brand-new K200D with 18-55mm lens for $555
If a small, entry-level SLR will suffice, the K2000D outfit includes the 18-55 lens, and the AF-200FG flash for under $600

Don't forget to check out the marketplace here on PentaxForums, as well:

link to Marketplace

Tony

alexgn · 01-10-2009, 03:46 PM

Thanks for your reply. Had I enough cash I would have looked at high end cameras. With $700 to spend on a used camera & two lenses - I'd take the best outfit available.

I was thinking of *ist DS2 or K100D Super with Tamron 17-50mm and a prime at 85mm or Tamron 28-75mm and a prime at wide angle.

Something like that. There may be other options too.

*Mallee Boy* · 01-10-2009, 04:37 PM

Hi Alex,

Assuming you are in the US.
May I suggest a bit of legwork on Adorama or B&H Photo.

For $758 you can buy a NEW K200D (or K2000) with Pentax 18-55 and a Tamron Di 70-300. You could also buy a K200D body for $475 (new) and then add in a Sigma 18-200 ($287) which would make a very nice starter kit, and while I am not a big fan of superzooms, they have a place and are a viable alternative when starting out. I used a Sigma 18-125 in my early digital years and took many good shots with it.

This is going to be far, far superior to any second hand DS.

Think about it.

Cheers

jak442 · 01-10-2009, 05:21 PM

For $700 I'd go (and did) with a new K200D, easily found for under $500 and pick up a few M lenses. You could easily find 3 great lenses for under $200(28mm 2.8, 50mm 2, 100mm 2.8 or 4-macro)

Or you could get it with the kit lens for under $600 and still get an M or 2.

I, also, would not recommend buying a used kit when you can afford something new And just take your time, save some money and do some shooting and research to find the lenses that you really want/need.

alexgn · 01-10-2009, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by jak442

For $700 I'd go (and did) with a new K200D, easily found for under $500 and pick up a few M lenses. You could easily find 3 great lenses for under $200(28mm 2.8, 50mm 2, 100mm 2.8 or 4-macro)

Or you could get it with the kit lens for under $600 and still get an M or 2.

I, also, would not recommend buying a used kit when you can afford something new And just take your time, save some money and do some shooting and research to find the lenses that you really want/need.

Thanks for your suggestions.

What are M lenses?
28mm is not wide enough on a DSLR.

I don't want to buy kit lenses nor super zooms from third parties.

K200D nice to have but I think I may buy used K100D and better quality lenses instead.

Sharkonwheels · 01-10-2009, 11:27 PM

Again - don't forget to check the marketplace here.

Folks are listing bodies and lenses all the times, and most times they are in great condition.

Tony

alexgn · 01-10-2009, 11:35 PM

Originally Posted by Sharkonwheels

Again - don't forget to check the marketplace here.

Folks are listing bodies and lenses all the times, and most times they are in great condition.

Tony

I will check all places once I decide what to buy.

**roentarre** · 01-10-2009, 11:43 PM

Da 16-45 + Da 50-200mm

That would fit the range nicely. Both zooms fringe a lot but it is not something you would notice unless the images are blown up to A4...

A bargain set to start with.

alexgn · 01-11-2009, 02:35 AM

What do you think of Tamron 17-50mm? It looks like a good lens

What camera should I choose between k100d , k100d super & and k10d?
And which short telephoto lens?

Thanks!

jeffrey r · 01-11-2009, 04:56 AM

Tamron 17-50/2.8 is an excellent lens. Very highly regarded, and can be had new for about $270 from prodigital on ebay. It's relatively new and very good, so I haven't seen many available used to know what the going rate is.

Out of the K100D, K100D Super, and K10, I'd narrow it down to K100D Super and K10. K10 is obviously the better camera--only you can decide which features you want and what you want to spend. Although I switched to the K200D, I still have the K100D Super and it more than holds its own. It's a great camera in its own right. I think the K100D Super is available for $300 refurbished on onecall.com.

Short telephoto, you can consider Pentax 50-200mm and 55-300mm amongst others. The 50-200mm has kind of lost favor on this board, but it really is a pretty good performer, very light and compact, and seems to go for around $100 used. The 55-300mm seems to be better regarded, but it will obviously cost you more. You can also consider either the Tamron/Sigma 70-300mm, both if which have their detractors and fans.

alexgn · 01-11-2009, 05:24 AM

Jeffrey, thanks for your reply.

A quick question: what is the difference between K100D and K100D Super?
I could not find any differences in specifications provided by dpreview.com.

I will read about two telephoto lenses.

*hwblanks* · 01-11-2009, 06:16 AM

If I remember correctly, the main differences between the K100D and the K100D Super are that the K100DS added the dust removal feature and autofocus compatibility with HSM lenses (DA*16-50, DA*50-135, DA17-70). Here's another review for you to look at:
Steves Digicams - Pentax K100D Super Digital SLR - Hands on Review

Personally, I think you should see about spending a little more and picking up the K10D. With all the features it has, you won't grow out of it anytime soon.

Heather

alexgn · 01-11-2009, 06:57 AM

Prodigital2000 on eBay offers some fantastic deals. It's based in Canada. Has anyone dealt with this trader before or heard anything about them?

Thanks!

Marc Sabatella · 01-11-2009, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by alexgn

What are M lenses?

A series of manual focus, manual exposure lenses produced by Pentax during the 70's and 80's (?), and very high up on the value/price scale. See the "M lens club" thread on the SLR Lens forum. The 28, 50, 100, 135, and 200 in this series can all be found for under $100 each. The M50/1.7 in particular is *amazing* for the price (around $25).

28mm is not wide enough on a DSLR.

Well, it's not a very wide lens, but it's still a wonderful focal length in itself - a little short of what 50mm used to be on film in terms of FOV. I love it for landscape, and also for certain types of indoor person-in-his-surroundings types of shots.

K200D nice to have but I think I may buy used K100D and better quality lenses instead.

Note the K200D is available new for well under $400. You're not likely to save *that* much by getting a K100D instead.