K-30 travel lens choice

jaspdx · 08-12-2012, 09:33 PM

I have just ordered a K-30 with kit lenses 18-55 da-l and 55-300 da-l. I am switching to Pentax digital after years of Nikon DX gear, but somehow the K-30 seemed to have all the desired attributes of a perfect travel camera. I did not want the weight of the D7000 or D800, and did not want the tiny viewfinder of the D5100. I am hoping the K-30 represents the perfect compromise. What I did like about Nikon was the quality of the optics in the two travel zooms I used the most, the Nikon 16-85vr and 18-105vr. I would appreciate any suggestions from forum members as to their favorite Pentax lenses which would cover this range of 18-105 for travel. I will plan on bringing the 55-300 on the trips for distant subjects. Looking forward to receiving the K-30 this week. Thanks.

hcc · 08-13-2012, 12:10 AM

If you want to travel simple with one lens only, the two best options IMHO are:
- DA18-135 mm WR, and
- DA18-250mm.

The DA18-135mm is available new, its price is now lower and it is WR.

Th DA18-250mm is no longer manufactured byt can be found easily on the marketplace (PF market place, Adorama (used), keh.com). It has a longer reach and the lens is very sturdy. The DA18-250mm is in fact teh Tamron 18-250mm. The lens is very well regarded across all brands among th the all-around lenses.

Another option is the Sifam 18-250mm HSM OS. The lens is heavier and has HSM. Both are negative points IMHO when you want to travel light and want reliability.

The main weakness of all these all-around zoom lenses is the low-light conditions. In my case, I have the DA18-250mm and I complement it with a fast prime when I travel. My fav fast prime is the VL Nokton 58mm f1.4

Hope that the comment will help.

msatlas · 08-13-2012, 01:41 AM

Sounds like the Pentax 18-135 is the lens for you. I like my Tamron 17-50/2.8 but you get less zoom range with the fast aperture.

jaspdx · 08-13-2012, 08:46 AM

Thanks for the input. I would like to know if everyone is satisfied with the image quality of the 18-135 throughout its focal length range, or if a lens such as the Pentax 17-70 would be a viable option with the 55-300 as a two lens kit.

08-12-2012, 09:33 PM	#1
jaspdx New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 7	K-30 travel lens choice I have just ordered a K-30 with kit lenses 18-55 da-l and 55-300 da-l. I am switching to Pentax digital after years of Nikon DX gear, but somehow the K-30 seemed to have all the desired attributes of a perfect travel camera. I did not want the weight of the D7000 or D800, and did not want the tiny viewfinder of the D5100. I am hoping the K-30 represents the perfect compromise. What I did like about Nikon was the quality of the optics in the two travel zooms I used the most, the Nikon 16-85vr and 18-105vr. I would appreciate any suggestions from forum members as to their favorite Pentax lenses which would cover this range of 18-105 for travel. I will plan on bringing the 55-300 on the trips for distant subjects. Looking forward to receiving the K-30 this week. Thanks.

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08-13-2012, 12:10 AM	#2
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	If you want to travel simple with one lens only, the two best options IMHO are: - DA18-135 mm WR, and - DA18-250mm. The DA18-135mm is available new, its price is now lower and it is WR. Th DA18-250mm is no longer manufactured byt can be found easily on the marketplace (PF market place, Adorama (used), keh.com). It has a longer reach and the lens is very sturdy. The DA18-250mm is in fact teh Tamron 18-250mm. The lens is very well regarded across all brands among th the all-around lenses. Another option is the Sifam 18-250mm HSM OS. The lens is heavier and has HSM. Both are negative points IMHO when you want to travel light and want reliability. The main weakness of all these all-around zoom lenses is the low-light conditions. In my case, I have the DA18-250mm and I complement it with a fast prime when I travel. My fav fast prime is the VL Nokton 58mm f1.4 Hope that the comment will help.

08-13-2012, 01:41 AM	#3
msatlas Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 309	Sounds like the Pentax 18-135 is the lens for you. I like my Tamron 17-50/2.8 but you get less zoom range with the fast aperture.

08-13-2012, 08:46 AM	#4
jaspdx New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 7 Original Poster	Thanks for the input. I would like to know if everyone is satisfied with the image quality of the 18-135 throughout its focal length range, or if a lens such as the Pentax 17-70 would be a viable option with the 55-300 as a two lens kit.