[THAN THE SWORD]

I bought the K10D in January of 2007 and for a year had the best that Pentax had to offer. Now the K20D is out and I am the proud owner of the 2nd best.

Instead of rushing out and buying the new model I want to upgrade my lens instead. I bought the camera and everything else from Cametacamera and have no complaints about them, they sold me exactly what I asked for.

I have the DA 18-55 3.5 5.6 lens by Pentax and it is good for what it is. What I want is a faster lens, 1.4 with the same or greater range. AF of course, but the right MF might do as well. I also have the kit zoom lens but hardly every take it out of my bag because I like the 18-55 so much.

I have looked around and seen what is out there but to a lens newb like me it is confusing. What is the best I can expect to find?

The K10D has the K mount, right? What other mounts would be ok to use or should I stick to the K?

Just got a bonus at work and could spend up to $400 on this new lens. Or the right, gently used one.

Thanks for any help or advise.

[Gooshin]

I have the DA 18-55 3.5 5.6 lens by Pentax and it is good for what it is. What I want is a faster lens, 1.4 with the same or greater range. AF of course, but the right MF might do as well. I also have the kit zoom lens but hardly every take it out of my bag because I like the 18-55 so much.

the Pentax DA* 16-50 F2.8 is your best bet, you will never find a zoom lens that is 1.4, the only lens in the pentax line up that goes that low is their 50mm primes.


also, you dont have to TRASH your lens, you can buy something that compliments it.

right now you are shooting 16-50, so why not either get a telephoto lens, so somethign thats more than 50mm, like a 50-135, 80-200 and so forth

or a super wide angle, like a Sigma 10-20, Pentax 12-24, or a fish-eye wide angle.

[Finn]

You want a f/1.4 zoom with decent reach for $400? Get in line.

Just kidding. You might try a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8, 18-50 f/2.8, or Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. They're all in the $350-450 range.

[Finn]

Just curious...what is the "kit zoom" you have if not the 18-55?

I have the DA 18-55 3.5 5.6 lens by Pentax and it is good for what it is. I also have the kit zoom lens but hardly every take it out of my bag because I like the 18-55 so much.

Just got a bonus at work and could spend up to $400 on this new lens. Or the right, gently used one.

Thanks for any help or advise.

I'm not quite sure I understand your statement that I have Highlighted????

$400 won't buy you a replacement that will give you anything much faster than what you already have.

The DA 16-45 would be a good replacement for your kit lens. Slower wide open and a little faster at the long end.

[heatherslightbox]

You've got several options that are in the general range of the kit lens--From Sigma, you have the 17-70/2.8-4.5 ($389) and the 18-50/2.8 Macro ($419). From Tamron, you have the 28-75/2.8 ($399) and the 17-50/2.8 (ca. $449), which is forthcoming (next month) in the Pentax mount. Pentax has the 16-45/4 ($409.95).

If you check out the Marketplace, I've seen a couple of 16-45s (both $300 ea.) and a 17-70 for sale ($333), as of late.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographer-s-marketplace/20253-fs-penta...1-filters.html
I just bought a kit lens off this seller, who's open to counteroffers.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographer-s-marketplace/20177-fs-penta...-4-da-smc.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographer-s-marketplace/20438-fs-black...-16-45-f4.html
I just bought my K10D off of Erik. If you want the 16-45, he may be willing to negotiate on the price.

All of these lenses are highly regarded and they all have their strengths and weaknesses, so I would encourage you to check out the reviews. One place to get started is http://www.slrgear.com and a good place to see sample pics taken with these lenses is PBase.com --you can search by specific lens and see the pics for yourself.

HTH,
Heather

[joele]

Depends on the range you want, the Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.5 and Pentax 16-45/4 are both decent steps up from the kit lens.. I have also heard good things about the upcoming Tamron 17-50/2.8 but haven't tried one as yet.. The DA*16-50/2.8 would also be a great option as long as you don't have the focusing issues

if you want f1.4 then you will have to grab the Pentax FA 50/1.4

[little laker]

You might try a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8,

Others may disagree with me Finn, but in my opinion that's a great lens.

I know that they're shot with a Sigma SD14, but I took these pictures with my version.




The 28 - 70 f2.8 is a fair amount cheaper, and still a good lens.
I mainly chose the 24 - 70 because it was in stock.

[roentarre]

That is a beautiful image, Stu. What a lovely colour and detail. It seems like a performer too. SD definitely got the colours to envy for.

[little laker]

Thanks James,

It's not the easiest camera to use, but when you learn how to use it there's sure a lot of potential.

[AVANT]

Just curious...what is the "kit zoom" you have if not the 18-55?

I'm fairly sure the OP is referring to the DA 50-200.

[THAN THE SWORD]

I have the Tamron 70-300 zoom. I guess I think of it as the kit zoom because I bought everything as a package deal.

I like both lenses but want something faster. I love shooting low light without a flash but dont always have my tripod handy or am too lazy to get it set up.

[Mallee Boy]

I bought the K10D in January of 2007 and for a year had the best that Pentax had to offer. Now the K20D is out and I am the proud owner of the 2nd best.

Instead of rushing out and buying the new model I want to upgrade my lens instead. I bought the camera and everything else from Cametacamera and have no complaints about them, they sold me exactly what I asked for.

I have the DA 18-55 3.5 5.6 lens by Pentax and it is good for what it is. What I want is a faster lens, 1.4 with the same or greater range. AF of course, but the right MF might do as well. I also have the kit zoom lens but hardly every take it out of my bag because I like the 18-55 so much.

I have looked around and seen what is out there but to a lens newb like me it is confusing. What is the best I can expect to find?

The K10D has the K mount, right? What other mounts would be ok to use or should I stick to the K?

Just got a bonus at work and could spend up to $400 on this new lens. Or the right, gently used one.

Thanks for any help or advise.

Hi,
Just on your question regarding the K Mount.

That is Pentax's system, in order to put a lens, any lens, on your K10D it will have to be a " K mount ", otherwise it will not attach.

Each camera manufacturer has their own lens mounting system (so as you will buy only their product)...to the best of my knowledge none are interchangeable. Some adapter gizmos maybe offered but you would be advised to do a lot of homework before going down this path.

Lens: I take it you are asking about a lens in or around the focal range of the 18-55 but faster?
Some options for you to consider (in addition to those already mentioned) would be the Tamron 28-75 f2.8; Sigma 17-70; and then you have the primes, one I would point you towards is the Sigma EX DG 24mm f1.8.

If I was in your shoes, I would be waiting, saving up and getting the DA* 50-135.

Don't overlook the primes, there are a lot of very good options out there....and hang onto the tamron 70-300, besides not getting much for it, it has its place.

Hope thats of some help.
Cheers

[Lowell Goudge]

I bought the K10D in January of 2007 and for a year had the best that Pentax had to offer. Now the K20D is out and I am the proud owner of the 2nd best.

Instead of rushing out and buying the new model I want to upgrade my lens instead. I bought the camera and everything else from Cametacamera and have no complaints about them, they sold me exactly what I asked for.

you still have the best. I have not seen a K20 yet in stores, so go out and get new glass, bodies can wait, the lenses are the most important most stable thing in your set.