[v5planet]

So I'm thinking of giving my sister my old K-7 as a gift for Christmas, bundled with some appropriate glass for a beginner.

My budget is probably about 300 dollars on this particular adventure. The temptation is to get her some simple standard zoom, but I think she would probably be okay with manual focus. Manual aperture and all, however, I am thinking might be slightly overwhelming. So basically, I would not sit her with any pre-A series glass.

So I was thinking, if anyone knew, what might be a good little bundle of 2-3 lenses in the standard range from the A series, or a single reputable zoom that covers the same.

[elliott]

You really can't go wrong with a 18-55mm and 55-300mm combination for a beginner, maybe add a manual prime if the budget allows.

[GibbyTheMole]

I would go with mostly autofocus lenses. Either:

18-55 and the 55-300 DA-L (used)
or
A used superzoom in the 18-200 range, and a Pentax-A 50/1.7 for low light stuff.

You could do either for well under $300 if you buy used.

[jatrax]

18-55 and 55-300 + Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7 is hard to beat and within your price range if you are careful.

You could also look at: DA 18-55 + Pentax-F 35-70 and Pentax-F 70-210

Another option would be the DA 18-135 but I think that is a little out of your range.

[DSims]

18-55 and 55-300 + Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7 is hard to beat and within your price range if you are careful.

You could also look at: DA 18-55 + Pentax-F 35-70 and Pentax-F 70-210

Another option would be the DA 18-135 but I think that is a little out of your range.

I would second all of these, but I wonder if a used DA18-135 might be cheap enough (since someone could sell it for essentially the same amount they paid for it as part of a kit).

I'd also add the A24-50/4, or better yet the F version if you can find it. And a strong vote for the F70-210/4-5.6. Get the even cheaper Takumar version if you can find it - and then you can especially afford to add the A50/1.7 as well.

[wtlwdwgn]

For a beginning photographer I would only give one lens. There is no sense in overwhelming her with too many choices when starting out. When she develops (!) her style she'll be better able to choose her next lens. Perhaps a DA 35mm F2.4AL would be just right. Just my ¢¢.

[Zaphodmonster]

I second the suggestion of the DA35mm f2.4, and maybe add a M or A 50mm f1.7. Should be around your price range and I think some great stuff to begin on

[lytrytyr]

what might be a good little bundle of 2-3 lenses in the standard range from the A series, or a single reputable zoom that covers the same.

Other posters have suggested zooms, so as an MF prime fan, let me take you up on your first option.

The budget is limiting, so it looks like A28/2.8, A50/1.7, and A135/2.8.

Or A24/2.8 (my own favorite) and A50/1.7.
I normally work with a 24 and a 50 on two bodies.

[Schmidlapper]

I second the DA18-55WR, as it covers a useful range, the price/performance is great and it would give her full weather sealing. I wouldn't presume much more regarding different primes and if she will want manual or auto focus, or A or M. That I think should become her adventure, of course you could loan her a lens now and then and she could discover what she prefers. The current Black Friday prices for the 18-55 would allow you enough from your mentioned budget to add some often overlooked accessories such as an extra battery and extra memory cards. Consider also whether the camera sensor might need cleaned since it is your old one, I don't think she would be impressed by Pentax or DSLRs if she ends up having to clean dust spots in post processing. Very nice thing you are doing by the way.

[kh1234567890]

You really can't go wrong with a 18-55mm and 55-300mm combination for a beginner, maybe add a manual prime if the budget allows.

I'd agree with the 18-55, in fact I'd go for the 18-55 and 50-200 WR pair. For manual focus the 50s are just a bit too long on the K-7 and can be difficult to focus well manually with the stock Pentax screen, a 28mm f/2.8 would probably get more use.

[TOUGEFC]

I say, start off with the kit 18-55mm and put the money aside for her, after a while and she how she feels about the kit lens and what type of photography shes interested in.
She may want more reach, in that case with the money set aside get a 55-300
She may want macro, get a macro.
She may want to shallow DOF, get a fast fifty.

[msatlas]

And a strong vote for the F70-210/4-5.6. Get the even cheaper Takumar version if you can find it - and then you can especially afford to add the A50/1.7 as well.

So according to Pentax K-Mount Lenses and Lens Accessories, while the F 70-210 has 13 elements in 9 groups, the Takumar-F has 10 elements in 8 groups, and not-as-good coatings. Not sure how accurate this information is, but since the F 70-210 can be had for <$100, to me it just makes sense to go for the known-good version.

[timo]

So I'm thinking of giving my sister my old K-7 as a gift for Christmas, bundled with some appropriate glass for a beginner.

My budget is probably about 300 dollars on this particular adventure. The temptation is to get her some simple standard zoom, but I think she would probably be okay with manual focus. Manual aperture and all, however, I am thinking might be slightly overwhelming. So basically, I would not sit her with any pre-A series glass.

So I was thinking, if anyone knew, what might be a good little bundle of 2-3 lenses in the standard range from the A series, or a single reputable zoom that covers the same.

Keep it really simple. Kit 18-55 plus an M50 1.7 as a tool for learning about focusing and the relationships between f-number, shutter speed and ISO.

Occasionally one sees on this and other forums questions from beginners asking what 'lenses' they should buy. I think it's best to start with one, max. two, and find out for yourself, based on experience, where you want to go from there. That's a much more rewarding and educational experience, ultimately.

[yorik]

For a beginning photographer I would only give one lens. There is no sense in overwhelming her with too many choices when starting out. When she develops (!) her style she'll be better able to choose her next lens. Perhaps a DA 35mm F2.4AL would be just right. Just my ¢¢.

I third the single-prime-to-start suggestion, and by all accounts the 35/2.4 is an excellent (inexpensive) choice. A single focal length will force her to focus on composition...

[top-quark]

How is a manual focus 50mm suitable for a beginner? This is the 21st century! We can do better!

For $300 you should be able to get a Sigma 17-70mm F2.8 - 4.5 and have some change left over. For a beginner, a lens like that which does pretty much everything should be ideal.