sorry to beat a dead horse k-5 kit???

no694terry · 02-06-2013, 11:06 AM

I'm do a K-5 from adaroma tomorrow. I have a Tamron 17-50 and a tamron 70-300. i like the 70-300, great colors, but IQ drops off after 200, and it focus hunts so i might as well just get a nicer 18-200ish. Idealy I would like the tamron/pentax 18-250 and sell off my 70-300. Does anyone else have any suggestions for a walk around outdoors with the kids lens. I'd like to stay under $400 but those longer F2.8's sure are tempting. Im not really interested in the Pentax 55-300. My goal is to not need to carry my bag or extra lenses on quick trips with kids but i tend to be over picky on IQ then what i should be.

Adam · 02-06-2013, 11:18 AM

The bottom line is simple: with convenience comes worse image quality. You can certainly get fine family photos with a superzoom lens (like the new Pentax Pentax-DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 Review - Introduction - PentaxForums.com), but there will be noticeable vignetting, distortion, and lack of sharpness. IMO the 55-300 really is the best bet for tele shots given your budget.

With that said, if you're armed with the power of photoshop you sure can squeeze some good results out of a superzoom.

Docrwm · 02-06-2013, 12:04 PM

If you want just one lens and are looking at <$400 the Tamron 18-250 (rebagged as a Pentax too) is a solid choice as long as you realize that the old saying "Jack of All Trades - Master of None" applies to superzooms.

no694terry · 02-06-2013, 12:11 PM

I almost just clicked check out on a 55-300. Anyone have experience with it and the 18-250. Only a couple in market right now, the one down unders a good buy but too far for my liking.

Bramela · 02-06-2013, 12:25 PM

I have owned an 18-250 for some time, and find it gives acceptable results without being a world beater. Biggest problem with many of the 18-250's is barrel creep. Point it downwards and the zooming barrel self extends.
Then again, you may pick a up a good one, insofar as creep goes.

no694terry · 02-06-2013, 12:32 PM

I have a heavy old vivtar like that with variable focus. Its barrel not only zoomed when aimed below 0 degrees, it also changed focus

**crewl1** · 02-06-2013, 12:32 PM

My choice for a walk around lens with kids and family in tow is the DA18-135 WR.
Small, quick AF, good IQ, decent range for groups,closeups and portraits.
Plus it makes a weather resistant combo with your K-5.

no694terry · 02-06-2013, 12:40 PM

Id love an 18-135 maybe some day ill trade my 17-50 and my new 55-300 for one

**crewl1** · 02-06-2013, 12:46 PM

I would still keep the 17-50 for the 2.8 The 18-135 is 3.5-5.6. Didn't you say you were not interested in the 55-300?
If you have that you can definitely sell the 70-300 Tamron.

no694terry · 02-06-2013, 12:49 PM

I did but I guess the first couple comments made me realize theres no one lens answer and the 55-300 is easy to pack so its in. Thanks guys

no694terry · 02-06-2013, 12:51 PM

And I needed at least one peice of pentax glass

normhead · 02-06-2013, 01:04 PM

+1

If you have it keep, the Tamron 17-50. And as much as I like the 18-135, it's not in the same class as the Tamron 17-50 if you can carry two lenses. Neither will any other zoom starting from 16-18 be. Your problem would seem to be you can't afford the Tamron 70-200 2.8 and probably don't want to carry it. But after the Tamron 17-50, it's probably the next logical purchase. Or look for a Pentax F 70-210. Great lens, available second hand at low prices.(under $150). 300mm is vastly overrated, unless you're shooting birds. Even then I often find my Sigma 70-300 has been pulled back to under 200mm.

Personally I think the F 70-210 4:5.6 should be your lens. My wife loves hers.

GDRoth · 02-06-2013, 01:49 PM

I agree with crewl1...........I love the 18-135 WR..............

Docrwm · 02-06-2013, 02:20 PM

Originally posted by no694terry

I almost just clicked check out on a 55-300. Anyone have experience with it and the 18-250. Only a couple in market right now, the one down unders a good buy but too far for my liking.

It's weird but I own the 18-250, 18-135, and 55-300. The 55-300's IQ is better than the 18-250. The 18-135 is a terrific lens but is a bit limited at 135mm on the long end. When I know that I need longer I use the 55-300, when I can only take one lens and its nice weather its the 18-250. When its bad weather, no matter what I need, I take the 18-135 (and try to have it with me on outings just in case). If I HAD to only keep one of the the 3 it would be really tough. If it was a call between the 18-250 and the 55-300 - it would be the 55-300 without hesitation. Hope that helps.

Na Horuk · 02-06-2013, 02:42 PM

I would really suggest you get more than one lens, because I think that is the main point of a DSLR - interchangeable lenses. I understand the appeal of a zoom, but if you are picky about the IQ, you might want to try a fixed focal length, even if a second hand one. For walk around a 40mm or 50mm would be pretty nice. With Pentax you can even get two nice primes for 400usd, which gives you some flexibility and good IQ. Thing is, once you get used to a fixed focal length, you no longer "need" zoom.

02-06-2013, 11:06 AM	#1
no694terry Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 388	sorry to beat a dead horse k-5 kit??? I'm do a K-5 from adaroma tomorrow. I have a Tamron 17-50 and a tamron 70-300. i like the 70-300, great colors, but IQ drops off after 200, and it focus hunts so i might as well just get a nicer 18-200ish. Idealy I would like the tamron/pentax 18-250 and sell off my 70-300. Does anyone else have any suggestions for a walk around outdoors with the kids lens. I'd like to stay under $400 but those longer F2.8's sure are tempting. Im not really interested in the Pentax 55-300. My goal is to not need to carry my bag or extra lenses on quick trips with kids but i tend to be over picky on IQ then what i should be.

02-06-2013, 11:18 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	The bottom line is simple: with convenience comes worse image quality. You can certainly get fine family photos with a superzoom lens (like the new Pentax Pentax-DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 Review - Introduction - PentaxForums.com), but there will be noticeable vignetting, distortion, and lack of sharpness. IMO the 55-300 really is the best bet for tele shots given your budget. With that said, if you're armed with the power of photoshop you sure can squeeze some good results out of a superzoom. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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02-06-2013, 12:04 PM	#3
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	If you want just one lens and are looking at <$400 the Tamron 18-250 (rebagged as a Pentax too) is a solid choice as long as you realize that the old saying "Jack of All Trades - Master of None" applies to superzooms.

02-06-2013, 12:11 PM	#4
no694terry Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 388 Original Poster	I almost just clicked check out on a 55-300. Anyone have experience with it and the 18-250. Only a couple in market right now, the one down unders a good buy but too far for my liking.

02-06-2013, 12:25 PM	#5
Bramela Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,284	I have owned an 18-250 for some time, and find it gives acceptable results without being a world beater. Biggest problem with many of the 18-250's is barrel creep. Point it downwards and the zooming barrel self extends. Then again, you may pick a up a good one, insofar as creep goes.

02-06-2013, 12:32 PM	#6
no694terry Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 388 Original Poster	I have a heavy old vivtar like that with variable focus. Its barrel not only zoomed when aimed below 0 degrees, it also changed focus

02-06-2013, 12:32 PM	#7
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	My choice for a walk around lens with kids and family in tow is the DA18-135 WR. Small, quick AF, good IQ, decent range for groups,closeups and portraits. Plus it makes a weather resistant combo with your K-5.

02-06-2013, 12:40 PM	#8
no694terry Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 388 Original Poster	Id love an 18-135 maybe some day ill trade my 17-50 and my new 55-300 for one

02-06-2013, 12:46 PM	#9
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	I would still keep the 17-50 for the 2.8 The 18-135 is 3.5-5.6. Didn't you say you were not interested in the 55-300? If you have that you can definitely sell the 70-300 Tamron.

02-06-2013, 12:49 PM	#10
no694terry Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 388 Original Poster	I did but I guess the first couple comments made me realize theres no one lens answer and the 55-300 is easy to pack so its in. Thanks guys

02-06-2013, 12:51 PM	#11
no694terry Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 388 Original Poster	And I needed at least one peice of pentax glass

02-06-2013, 01:04 PM	#12
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	+1 If you have it keep, the Tamron 17-50. And as much as I like the 18-135, it's not in the same class as the Tamron 17-50 if you can carry two lenses. Neither will any other zoom starting from 16-18 be. Your problem would seem to be you can't afford the Tamron 70-200 2.8 and probably don't want to carry it. But after the Tamron 17-50, it's probably the next logical purchase. Or look for a Pentax F 70-210. Great lens, available second hand at low prices.(under $150). 300mm is vastly overrated, unless you're shooting birds. Even then I often find my Sigma 70-300 has been pulled back to under 200mm. Personally I think the F 70-210 4:5.6 should be your lens. My wife loves hers.

02-06-2013, 01:49 PM	#13
GDRoth Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: S.E. Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 830	I agree with crewl1...........I love the 18-135 WR..............

02-06-2013, 02:20 PM	#14
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by no694terry I almost just clicked check out on a 55-300. Anyone have experience with it and the 18-250. Only a couple in market right now, the one down unders a good buy but too far for my liking. It's weird but I own the 18-250, 18-135, and 55-300. The 55-300's IQ is better than the 18-250. The 18-135 is a terrific lens but is a bit limited at 135mm on the long end. When I know that I need longer I use the 55-300, when I can only take one lens and its nice weather its the 18-250. When its bad weather, no matter what I need, I take the 18-135 (and try to have it with me on outings just in case). If I HAD to only keep one of the the 3 it would be really tough. If it was a call between the 18-250 and the 55-300 - it would be the 55-300 without hesitation. Hope that helps.

02-06-2013, 02:42 PM	#15
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	I would really suggest you get more than one lens, because I think that is the main point of a DSLR - interchangeable lenses. I understand the appeal of a zoom, but if you are picky about the IQ, you might want to try a fixed focal length, even if a second hand one. For walk around a 40mm or 50mm would be pretty nice. With Pentax you can even get two nice primes for 400usd, which gives you some flexibility and good IQ. Thing is, once you get used to a fixed focal length, you no longer "need" zoom.