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06-24-2012, 10:23 PM   #1
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New K-5 lens set

I am about to pull the trigger on a new K-5 and have done extensive reading on many sites re. the best 2 lens mix. I am returning to SLR photography after having used a superzoom for several years. I will be travelling regularly, and taking a mixture of photos in a variety of settings, although my preferred interest is landscape shots. I don't mind spending a reasonable amount of money if the lenses justify it, but I have read such mixed reviews on most lenses, I am quite confused. My first choice at the moment is the DA 17-70 SDM and the DA 55-300. I would be interested in more experienced user thoughts and or alternative suggestions. Thanks


Last edited by Camjor; 06-24-2012 at 10:29 PM.
06-24-2012, 10:47 PM   #2
Zav
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For not that much more money ($599 vs $669 at bhphoto), I think you should consider a Sigma 17-50 f2.8 which has some very good reviews (for example: Sigma 17-50 mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM review - Introduction - Lenstip.com). You will appreciate the larger aperture for your pictures and the brighter viewfinder. It's a good walkaround lens.
The 55-300 is a good lens much appreciated here, I would go with it.
06-24-2012, 11:28 PM   #3
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Wide to normal zooms indeed usually have mixed reviews because they are difficult to make. Especially f2,8 ones. Read something about how to recognize decentered lenses and buy the lens somewhere you can try before you buy or from a online shop where you can return it.
But once you get a good copy of the lens, it is just about the build quality how long it will last (excluding repair of HSM or SDM drive one a few years).
06-25-2012, 02:29 AM   #4
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Give more consideration to the size and weight of the lenses. If you're traveling a lot, then this will really be important, if only because bigger lenses in the luggage equals less of other (duty free shopping and so on) stuff you can carry. My ideal travel set up WILL be (as soon as I get my 15 Ltd) 15 Ltd, 35 Ltd and 55-300.

Another potential problem when traveling is that you probably don't want to pack an external flash with you, and those large filter size lenses like the 17-70 will block the built in flash. I've heard that the Tamron 17-50 is relatively small and doesn't, so it may give the best of all worlds?? Could a tammy 17-50 owner confirm this please?

07-02-2012, 11:10 PM   #5
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Thanks for input

Thanks everyone. I have ordered the K-5 now with the 18-135 WR and the 55-33 as "starters". The plan then is to gain some experience with the camera and once I understand it better, start to add in some primes and more specific lenses as I know what will suit my style and the camera best.
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