[SRG01]

There's a photographic trade show this weekend in my city and there will be a Pentax booth! I'm hoping there will be some lenses on sale while I'm there.

Speaking of that, I'm looking for a lens to replace my K-r kit. Something that's longer and faster since I frequently find myself not using 18mm and frequently trying to reach beyond 55mm in my shots. I already have a 55-300 and a manual 50/1.7 if that helps.

What should I keep my eyes open for?

[kenafein]

If you don't need the wide end, then the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 is the best deal out there. It is fast, sharp and has a useful range. It even serves as a 1:2 macro. Many consider it to be the bargain wedding and event photography lens for pros.

[klh]

If you don't need the wide end, then the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 is the best deal out there. It is fast, sharp and has a useful range. It even serves as a 1:2 macro. Many consider it to be the bargain wedding and event photography lens for pros.

I second that. I haven't touched my kit lens since I bought the Tamron 28-75/2.8. Very sharp, and the extra reach is great when walking around.

[jatrax]

For Pentax brand new:
DA*16-50 f/2.8 but that is about the same focal range
DA 17-70 f/4
DA 18-135 but this is not any faster than kit lens


Pentax used:
FA*28-70 f/2.8 unfortunately very pricy
FA 28-90 f/3.5-5.6 not any faster than kit but good range and very cheap though IQ possibly not as good as kit
F 35-70 f/3.5 - 4.5 very light, sharp lens but not really "fast"

Non-Pentax:
Lots of Sigma and Tamron lenses in the 28 - 70 or 75 range but I doubt you will find those in an official Pentax booth

What city by the way? I would love to go if it is close.

[MegaPower]

what's your budget?

I replaced my 18-55 with my *16-50.
It will put a smile on my face every time I use it.

[RickyFromVegas]

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8

You should get either of those two lenses.

[Roob-N-Boots]

For Pentax brand new:
DA*16-50 f/2.8 but that is about the same focal range
DA 17-70 f/4
DA 18-135 but this is not any faster than kit lens


Pentax used:
FA*28-70 f/2.8 unfortunately very pricy
FA 28-90 f/3.5-5.6 not any faster than kit but good range and very cheap though IQ possibly not as good as kit
F 35-70 f/3.5 - 4.5 very light, sharp lens but not really "fast"

Non-Pentax:
Lots of Sigma and Tamron lenses in the 28 - 70 or 75 range but I doubt you will find those in an official Pentax booth

What city by the way? I would love to go if it is close.

+1 on what Jatrax said, if you are on a budget you might want to check out the FA 28-70 f4 which could be had for about $100 or less.It has a constant 4 aperture, not fast but sharp stopped down a bit. I used it at a Halloween party this weekend along with my 540 flash and had realy good results. I have never been to a camera show but I would assume that prices would probably be higher than those online, I would do my research on prices prior to going to show. Good luck on whatever route you go.

[SRG01]

Thanks for the input guys The trade show is up here in Edmonton, so it's great for any Albertans up here in Canada I think there's a vendor with Sigma and Tamron as well, but I'll have to check.

The 28-70 f4 does sound pretty tempting, especially if it's significantly cheaper than the f2.8 lenses out there. Still, I think I'm in love with fast lenses ever since I got my manual f1.7 prime... I don't think I can live without fast lenses anymore

[ddharriman]

Hello

If you can afford it go with the Tamron 28-75 2.8, it’s worth every penny!

And if you will need (one day) to go below 28 (or a really light lens in a good light environment), you still have your kit lens for it, so not exactly replacing, but more empowering - your hard spend money with the kit lens still at use, hum?...

Best regards,

[SRG01]

I'd definitely consider the Tamron if it isn't MRSP at the booth. sigh...

edit: Budget isn't too much of an issue, but I like to be price-conscious. I got my 55-300 during a Pentax sale, and my 50 f1.7 manual for a song.

[ddharriman]

"but I like to be price-conscious"

That can not be beaten, good decision.

Best regards,

[SRG01]

They didn't carry the Tamron at the trade show, so I'm left with buying it online or in-store. I have a couple of options:

- Buying it used for about $350 + $50-odd shipping to Canada. Condition is supposedly EX+.
- Buying it new for a little over $500 from Amazon, including shipping. Not sure if they include GST.
- Buying it new locally for $499, not including GST.

So, the difference between new and used is around $100. Thoughts?

[hoanpham]

if you depend on it, get new.
100$ is not a big different but you have full returnable and guarantee.

The tamron 28-75 f2.8 is very good. I got my used, but I have many other options available.

[ddharriman]

I second hoanpham in his advice; guarantee is really worth having, specially with Tamron who does several years of guarantee (check how that is for your country).

[SRG01]

So I finally bought the Tamron 28-75. It's quite possibly the best thing I've ever spent money on.

thanks for all the help guys