Three lenses for Pentax

[alexgn]

Could you please name three best zoom lenses for Pantax to cover 15-200mm. From Pentax and other manufacturers.

Thanks!

[frank]

DA12-24/4 or DA*16-50/2.8 if you don't need 15mm
FA*28-70/2.8
FA*80-200/2.8

[alexgn]

Originally Posted by frank

DA12-24/4 or DA*16-50/2.8 if you don't need 15mm
FA*28-70/2.8
FA*80-200/2.8

Thanks!

Are there known resources which provide review for Pentax lenses preferably with sample images?

[bc_the_path]

Search this forum! User galleries are full of photos and the lenses are named most of the time. There is also a dedicated lens review section. For more info, you can even write messages to the reviewers..

[w6wat]

Well....you can spend lots money to cover that range or.......you can just pick up the kit lens, and the 50-200. You won't cover that 15mm range, but you'll be close. The DA 18-55, and the DA 50-200 perform spectacularly for their prices. The build quality is quite good in terms of lightweight materials and a metal mount.

I've got some images posted here:
Kit lens surprises!

[benplaut]

Originally Posted by w6wat

Well....you can spend lots money to cover that range or.......you can just pick up the kit lens, and the 50-200. You won't cover that 15mm range, but you'll be close. The DA 18-55, and the DA 50-200 perform spectacularly for their prices. The build quality is quite good in terms of lightweight materials and a metal mount.

I've got some images posted here:
Kit lens surprises!

when someone asks for the best, they probably want the best
..until they realize the price

The best are listed, the cheapest are listed, here are some other good options:

Pentax 16-45/4
Pentax 50-135/2.8
Pentax DA200/2.8 (not a zoom)
Tamron 28-75/2.8 (highly regarded)
Sigma 24-70/2.8
Pentax 14/2.8 (not a zoom)

upcoming lenses to watch out for:
Pentax 17-70/4
Sigma 70-200/2.8 (LOOKS NICE! )
Tamron 70-200/2.8

Do your research before you buy, and decide what you actually need most. For myself, I prefer to buy glass that won't be "replaced" later on by something else of the same FL, but getting the kit lens(es) is a good idea to see what you need.

[wwwmorrell]

Try here
Welcome to Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-Mount Page

& here
Stan's Pentax Photography

[axl]

Budget best:
Sigma 10-20
Sigma 17-17
Tamron 70-300

otherwise
Pentax 16-50 DA* (providing you get a good copy)
Pentax 50-135 DA*
and I really can't suggest the long end ...

[Fl_Gulfer]

Just get the Tamron 18-250 Di II. and the Sigma 10-20

[aegisphan]

Originally Posted by frank

DA12-24/4 or DA*16-50/2.8 if you don't need 15mm
FA*28-70/2.8
FA*80-200/2.8

That's definitely the priciest option (fetching close to $4K), and it's certainly the best as well. The next best would be:

DA* 16-50
DA* 50-135
DA* 200.

Adimittedly, there is a huge gap between the 135 and 200. High ratio zoom is not advisable if you look for pure optical performance. But that can be the fourth lens if you really want to fill up the gap between 135 and 200.

Keep in mind, in order to clearly see the difference between 2 lenses (especially when stop down), you have to print them at large size. Small size print or web posting would not make much of a difference.

[mi2nc]

This may be a little off topic here, but here goes;

someone mentioned above that you should "test glass" before you buy it. How do you go about acquiring glass to give a good test? My example is that I have a son that is a hockey player that I want to shoot. I would love to take a lense to several different rinks in my area and shoot different games to see the real life results. How do I get a hold of a couple lenses to test? for instance a zoom vs. a prime?