[janstew]

Hi all
I have been going through my older pics and realise I mostly used my 100-300 kit lens ( with film).......at around 200mm

It still works but I need something a wee bit better for my KM... so I am looking for a replacement in roughly the same range........but think budget!

I have been through the lens pages quite a few times.........

I am happy to have older glass but would like some recomendations.......not fussy on brand either!

I am a sneaky photographer I think.........I wait till people are used to me and are not looking and shoot from a distance if that makes sense but I also like to shoot critters!

Any suggestions on what I should look out for?

cheers
Jan

[deadwolfbones]

Best option in this range is the Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 (~$250 used). Cheaper, but still good, is the Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 (~$100 used).

[SpecialK]

On digital, a 200mm looks like a 300mm on film, so if you only used "mostly" out to 200 on film, you could actually get by with a slightly shorter FL, such as Pentax 50-135, or Sigma 50-150, or Tamron 70-200. They are over $700, though.

The Pentax 55-300 is probably the best bang for the buck at under $350.

[northcoastgreg]

135mm is the APS-C equivalent of 200mm. So why not consider a used 135 prime lens? A prime is likely to be sharper, faster, and quite possibly cheaper (as long as you avoid those older * 135 primes) than a consumer grade zoom lens. An M-series 135mm f3.5 can easily be found for under $100. Even better, the K-series 135mm f2.5, though harder to find, often sells for under $200.

[janstew]

Many thanks! Now I am geting closer to what I need to look for!
cheers
Jan