[shemazar]

Hi there,

I'm going to Nepal in January, and I'm looking to replace a few of my lenses. I enjoy landscape photography, but would love to do some portraits while I'm in Nepal. I prefer the versatility of zooms mostly, but I do have to have my prime FA 50 f/1.4. Here's my current lineup of lenses:

Sigma 10-20
Pentax 10-17 Fisheye
Pentax 18-55 AL
Pentax FA 50 f/1.4
Promaster 70-300 (ancient, from film SLR days)

I'd really like to replace my 18-55 AL kit lens. I've been looking, and Pentax has quite a number of lenses in this focal range. I was thinking of getting the DA* 16-50 f/2.8. Additionally, I don't use my 300 zoom very often for the big zoomage (200-300 range), so I was thinking of dumping this one in favor of the DA* 50-135. These two would also give me nice weather resistance, which would be nice... especially based on my last trip to Yosemite!

This would give me a decent upgrade path and leaves open something like the FA* 80-200 or Tamron 70-200 for a 100-300ish range on the cropped sensor of the K10D in the future.

Thoughts?

[openyourap]

10-20
16-50
50-135

Sounds like a perfect travel setup if you're not going on safari. Throw in the 50/1.4 for low light and portraits, and you're set.

I'd be focussing on how to round out the kit - tripod, CPL, Flash. . .although perhaps you're already sorted for that gear.

[Eagle_Friends]

if price is a factor, consider getting a used 16-45, you can get one around 240-250 around in the marketplace.

[hcc]

I cannot comment on the zoom lens(es), but I would definitely take the Pentax FA 50 f/1.4 for low light conditions.

I have been travelling almost non-stop for 2 months and I love a fast prime for low-light (sunset, sunrise, dusk..). I would feel very disappointed to miss some good shots without a fast prime....

[lats]

Those rooms cover you pretty darn well. A fast 50 is a good thing, but so is a good tripod. You've got this focal length covered already.

[manishved]

How about a 70-200 with a 1.4x TC. Its a heavy lens but well worth it.

[Andi Lo]

Sigma 10-20 + Pentax 16-50 + 50-135 like mentioned above

Or alternatively Tamron 17-50 + Sigma 50-150 (cheaper and non-SDM)

Alot of people find that with their 50-135, FA 50's utility is highly reduced. Can't comment on this since my FA 50 cannot be reduced further in utility (Not a knock to the lens quality, just its focal length)

If you're going to Nepal, I would think that big zoomage might be nice for long distance landscape stuff...

Another thing you shoudl consider is a small second body like a K100d or K-m. Not having to change lenses while travelling is awesome