Buying K3 need suggestions on Lenses

tyrepeddler · 03-12-2014, 07:38 PM

I am going to buy a new K3 and would like some suggestions on lenses to buy
I like to use zooms and not primes as I can carry less equipment
Would like to cover the most range with good lenses maybe 3 would make do
Thanks to everyone who helps

fgaudet · 03-12-2014, 08:05 PM

depends on your taste and on your budget (mostly) at typically you could cover most of the range with only 2 decent zooms (maybe add a third for very wide angle)

A cheaper kit:
Pentax DAL 18-55 + Pentax DA 50-200

Mid range:
Sigma 17-70 (C) + Pentax HD DA 55-300
or
Tamron 17-50 + Tamron 70-200 f/2.8

More expensive:
Pentax DA* 16-50 + Pentax DA* 50-135 (or Pentax DA* 60-250)
Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 + Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 + Sigma 70-200 f/2.8

And add a Sigma 10-20, or a Tamron 10-24, or a Pentax 12-24 or a Sigma 12-24 to the list if you want another very wide zoom

You can always mix and match to your liking. Check the lens reviews also, it is very useful. Mostly it'll depend on your budget, cheap zooms are ... well cheap to buy (<$400 each). Good zooms are very expensive (~$1000 to ~$1700 each)

You can always go with older AF glass to save a few bucks or try your luck with MF ones, but good ones are gonna be expensive.

I'm slowly working on getting HQ zooms, one at a time, starting with a wide to normal zoom since that's what I use most.

You can also go a long way if you go with 3 good primes (i.e. 24/50/100) which would cover the same range, you would only need to zoom with your feet

**ak_kiwi** · 03-12-2014, 08:07 PM - **1 Like**

Budget wise I would say Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro HSM (Contemporary) and HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR is the "best bang for your buck" at the moment.
For the ultra wide end the Sigma 8-16 is good if you can find one but it is priced a bit higher then the above lenses.

fgaudet · 03-12-2014, 08:10 PM

And one more thing. If you go the zoom way, you may carry less lenses but good zooms are big. You can probably fit the whole Pentax limited series in the same volume as a DA* 60-250

**wizofoz** · 03-12-2014, 08:30 PM

Hi and welcome
The K-3 is a great camera, you will not be disappointed. For the purpose of this reply I'll stick to the Pentax lenses as I know them best. (and I'll stick to the current lens lineup) Others will no doubt recommend Sigma or Tamron, and there is nothing wrong with that.
I assume you will get a kit zoom with your new 'precious'. Will that be the 18-135 or the 18-55? The general consensus seems to be that the 18-135 is a great general purpose, weather resistant, 'walk around' lens (I have lots of lenses, but not that one)

If you want quality the DA* lenses are the way to go. A pairing of the 16-50 F2.8 and 50-135 F2.8 is weather resistant setup of very high quality, but the 18 - 135 covers much of the range of this pair, at reduce optical quality (and for a fraction of the cost)

if you will want wider, the 12 - 24 F4 is a wonderful landscape 'fit everything in the frame' lens.

and if you will want longer - for quality that is the DA* 60-250 which is expensive (in Pentax terms) or for budget, probably the DA55-300 (WR version)

There is also a Pentax 18 - 270 which I believe is a re-badged version of a Tamron (?) lens. Nice to have the all in one convenience, but the price is paid in light gathering ability and optical quality.

I would make a different suggestion to you though. Assuming you will be getting the 18 -135, and assuming you are starting out, I would suggest you look at a couple of the 'plastic fantastic' prime lenses, the DA35 and the DA50. For around $400 you can have the light gathering and sharpness capabilities of prime lenses to go with your walk around zoom. Primes help you to think like a photographer, and you can always 'zoom with your feet'

Hope this helps

**wtlwdwgn** · 03-12-2014, 08:44 PM

If you haven't bought the K-3 yet B&H has a deal going on now that includes a lens, battery grip, and an SD card. It'll be a great way to get started. Buy through Pentax Forums and the forum gets a help from B&H!

SpecialK · 03-12-2014, 09:35 PM

12-24, 17-70, and something longer.

ElJamoquio · 03-12-2014, 09:38 PM

Originally posted by tyrepeddler

I am going to buy a new K3 and would like some suggestions on lenses to buy
I like to use zooms and not primes as I can carry less equipment
Would like to cover the most range with good lenses maybe 3 would make do
Thanks to everyone who helps

Sure.

As mentioned above in normal zooms the Tamron 17-50 might be your best option, though it doesn't have weather sealing (the Pentax 16-50 does).

If you want a fast telephoto zoom, I love the Tamron 70-200. If you're willing to go a bit slower (but much lighter and cheaper) the 55-300 is great.

Personally I love wide angle stuff. I have a Sigma 8-16mm and I love it. If I had to pick between it and the Pentax 15mm Limited, I'd keep the 15mm. Of course if you already have a 17mm you might not be that interested in a 15mm.

Hope that helps. More info about your budget and goals would help us tailor the conversation...

AquaDome · 03-13-2014, 01:27 AM

Pentax DA18-55 and DA55-300 get you there in two, and they're WR just like the K-3.
You can probably get the DA18-135 with the camera. Its better image quality than the DA18-55.
Their overlap in focal lengths from 55-135mm just means you get to decide which lens you like better at which focal length.
From there, you have to decide if you want to go wide, go long, or upgrade for higher image quality.
I don't know much about the Sigma or Tamaron lenses, but they seem to be popular among the more discerning lens-buyers.

tyrepeddler · 03-13-2014, 06:52 AM

Thanks for the answers guys
I am coming from Nikon and Canon before and am an advance amatuer. I really appreciate the answers and will take them all into consideration. I Have a buget of 3000 to spend now as I sold lots of Nikon equipment I think I will start with the kit with the 18-135 and go from there as it is a great walk around lens from what I heard
Jim

Barry Pearson · 03-13-2014, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by SpecialK

12-24, 17-70, and something longer.

My "workhorse" lens are the Pentax versions of those plus the DA* 60-250mm. (This has been my default set for about 4 years or more). And consistent f/4 end-to-end.

dwheels · 03-13-2014, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by wtlwdwgn

If you haven't bought the K-3 yet B&H has a deal going on now that includes a lens, battery grip, and an SD card. It'll be a great way to get started. Buy through Pentax Forums and the forum gets a help from B&H!

Adorama has a deal going on as well, K3 with 18-135 and a Pentax D-FA 50mm macro, or body only with a Pentax SMCP-DA 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5.

tyrepeddler · 03-13-2014, 11:28 AM

I know about the deals and I am not sure I want the battery grip or the 50mm lens
I can buy the camera only on Amazon 1049

---------- Post added 03-13-14 at 01:31 PM ----------

Also does Pentax run Deals on the lenses like Canon and or Nikon do

ChristianRock · 03-13-2014, 11:33 AM

Pentax SMC DA 12-24 f/4
Tamron 28-75 f/2.8
Pentax SMC DA* 60-250.

I don't have any of those lenses as I usually prefer primes. But that's what I would buy if I had your requirements and a good budget (2K+ dollars).

If I had a small budget (less 1000 dollars) I would get only two cheaper lenses with good IQ:
Pentax SMC DA 17-70 f/4 or Tamron 17-50 f/2.8
Pentax HD DA 55-300 f/4-5.8

I tend to prefer Pentax rendering and colors whenever I can afford it, that's why most of my suggestions are Pentax lenses.

Originally posted by tyrepeddler

Also does Pentax run Deals on the lenses like Canon and or Nikon do

I don't know what Canon or Nikon do... but there's usually some deals on Pentax lenses every now and then. Look for our "Pentax Price Watch" sub-forum, things end up getting posted there when there are good deals to be had.
One recent deal on lenses just ended at Adorama and B&H... I mean literally, just days ago.
You can always check those recent deals (https://www.pentaxforums.com/news/3-day-pentax-lens-sale.html) and call them and see if they can still sell you what you want for those prices. I have a feeling that if you say "well let me then call the other guys", they will.

dcBear78 · 03-13-2014, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by tyrepeddler

Thanks for the answers guys
I am coming from Nikon and Canon before and am an advance amatuer. I really appreciate the answers and will take them all into consideration. I Have a buget of 3000 to spend now as I sold lots of Nikon equipment I think I will start with the kit with the 18-135 and go from there as it is a great walk around lens from what I heard
Jim

Welcome to Pentax. You will soon learn we are a big fan of prime lenses here. I've no doubt you will be soon too.

03-12-2014, 07:38 PM	#1
tyrepeddler Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Phoenix Az Posts: 88	Buying K3 need suggestions on Lenses I am going to buy a new K3 and would like some suggestions on lenses to buy I like to use zooms and not primes as I can carry less equipment Would like to cover the most range with good lenses maybe 3 would make do Thanks to everyone who helps

03-13-2014, 06:52 AM	#10
tyrepeddler Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Phoenix Az Posts: 88 Original Poster	Lenses Thanks for the answers guys I am coming from Nikon and Canon before and am an advance amatuer. I really appreciate the answers and will take them all into consideration. I Have a buget of 3000 to spend now as I sold lots of Nikon equipment I think I will start with the kit with the 18-135 and go from there as it is a great walk around lens from what I heard Jim

03-13-2014, 11:33 AM	#14
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Pentax SMC DA 12-24 f/4 Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 Pentax SMC DA* 60-250. I don't have any of those lenses as I usually prefer primes. But that's what I would buy if I had your requirements and a good budget (2K+ dollars). If I had a small budget (less 1000 dollars) I would get only two cheaper lenses with good IQ: Pentax SMC DA 17-70 f/4 or Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 Pentax HD DA 55-300 f/4-5.8 I tend to prefer Pentax rendering and colors whenever I can afford it, that's why most of my suggestions are Pentax lenses. Originally posted by tyrepeddler Also does Pentax run Deals on the lenses like Canon and or Nikon do I don't know what Canon or Nikon do... but there's usually some deals on Pentax lenses every now and then. Look for our "Pentax Price Watch" sub-forum, things end up getting posted there when there are good deals to be had. One recent deal on lenses just ended at Adorama and B&H... I mean literally, just days ago. You can always check those recent deals (https://www.pentaxforums.com/news/3-day-pentax-lens-sale.html) and call them and see if they can still sell you what you want for those prices. I have a feeling that if you say "well let me then call the other guys", they will. Last edited by ChristianRock; 03-13-2014 at 11:40 AM.

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03-12-2014, 08:05 PM	#2
fgaudet Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Ontario Posts: 726	depends on your taste and on your budget (mostly) at typically you could cover most of the range with only 2 decent zooms (maybe add a third for very wide angle) A cheaper kit: Pentax DAL 18-55 + Pentax DA 50-200 Mid range: Sigma 17-70 (C) + Pentax HD DA 55-300 or Tamron 17-50 + Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 More expensive: Pentax DA* 16-50 + Pentax DA* 50-135 (or Pentax DA* 60-250) Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 + Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 + Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 And add a Sigma 10-20, or a Tamron 10-24, or a Pentax 12-24 or a Sigma 12-24 to the list if you want another very wide zoom You can always mix and match to your liking. Check the lens reviews also, it is very useful. Mostly it'll depend on your budget, cheap zooms are ... well cheap to buy (<$400 each). Good zooms are very expensive (~$1000 to ~$1700 each) You can always go with older AF glass to save a few bucks or try your luck with MF ones, but good ones are gonna be expensive. I'm slowly working on getting HQ zooms, one at a time, starting with a wide to normal zoom since that's what I use most. You can also go a long way if you go with 3 good primes (i.e. 24/50/100) which would cover the same range, you would only need to zoom with your feet

03-12-2014, 08:07 PM - 1 Like	#3
ak_kiwi Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Auckland, New Zealand. Posts: 328	Budget wise I would say Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro HSM (Contemporary) and HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR is the "best bang for your buck" at the moment. For the ultra wide end the Sigma 8-16 is good if you can find one but it is priced a bit higher then the above lenses.

03-12-2014, 08:10 PM	#4
fgaudet Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Ontario Posts: 726	And one more thing. If you go the zoom way, you may carry less lenses but good zooms are big. You can probably fit the whole Pentax limited series in the same volume as a DA* 60-250

03-12-2014, 08:30 PM	#5
wizofoz Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne, Outer east. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,695	Hi and welcome The K-3 is a great camera, you will not be disappointed. For the purpose of this reply I'll stick to the Pentax lenses as I know them best. (and I'll stick to the current lens lineup) Others will no doubt recommend Sigma or Tamron, and there is nothing wrong with that. I assume you will get a kit zoom with your new 'precious'. Will that be the 18-135 or the 18-55? The general consensus seems to be that the 18-135 is a great general purpose, weather resistant, 'walk around' lens (I have lots of lenses, but not that one) If you want quality the DA* lenses are the way to go. A pairing of the 16-50 F2.8 and 50-135 F2.8 is weather resistant setup of very high quality, but the 18 - 135 covers much of the range of this pair, at reduce optical quality (and for a fraction of the cost) if you will want wider, the 12 - 24 F4 is a wonderful landscape 'fit everything in the frame' lens. and if you will want longer - for quality that is the DA* 60-250 which is expensive (in Pentax terms) or for budget, probably the DA55-300 (WR version) There is also a Pentax 18 - 270 which I believe is a re-badged version of a Tamron (?) lens. Nice to have the all in one convenience, but the price is paid in light gathering ability and optical quality. I would make a different suggestion to you though. Assuming you will be getting the 18 -135, and assuming you are starting out, I would suggest you look at a couple of the 'plastic fantastic' prime lenses, the DA35 and the DA50. For around $400 you can have the light gathering and sharpness capabilities of prime lenses to go with your walk around zoom. Primes help you to think like a photographer, and you can always 'zoom with your feet' Hope this helps

03-12-2014, 08:44 PM	#6
wtlwdwgn Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Billings, MT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,845	If you haven't bought the K-3 yet B&H has a deal going on now that includes a lens, battery grip, and an SD card. It'll be a great way to get started. Buy through Pentax Forums and the forum gets a help from B&H!

03-12-2014, 09:35 PM	#7
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	12-24, 17-70, and something longer.

03-12-2014, 09:38 PM	#8
ElJamoquio Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 4,873	Originally posted by tyrepeddler I am going to buy a new K3 and would like some suggestions on lenses to buy I like to use zooms and not primes as I can carry less equipment Would like to cover the most range with good lenses maybe 3 would make do Thanks to everyone who helps Sure. As mentioned above in normal zooms the Tamron 17-50 might be your best option, though it doesn't have weather sealing (the Pentax 16-50 does). If you want a fast telephoto zoom, I love the Tamron 70-200. If you're willing to go a bit slower (but much lighter and cheaper) the 55-300 is great. Personally I love wide angle stuff. I have a Sigma 8-16mm and I love it. If I had to pick between it and the Pentax 15mm Limited, I'd keep the 15mm. Of course if you already have a 17mm you might not be that interested in a 15mm. Hope that helps. More info about your budget and goals would help us tailor the conversation...

03-13-2014, 01:27 AM	#9
AquaDome Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Carlisle, IN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,475	Pentax DA18-55 and DA55-300 get you there in two, and they're WR just like the K-3. You can probably get the DA18-135 with the camera. Its better image quality than the DA18-55. Their overlap in focal lengths from 55-135mm just means you get to decide which lens you like better at which focal length. From there, you have to decide if you want to go wide, go long, or upgrade for higher image quality. I don't know much about the Sigma or Tamaron lenses, but they seem to be popular among the more discerning lens-buyers.

03-13-2014, 09:53 AM	#11
Barry Pearson Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Stockport Posts: 964	Originally posted by SpecialK 12-24, 17-70, and something longer. My "workhorse" lens are the Pentax versions of those plus the DA* 60-250mm. (This has been my default set for about 4 years or more). And consistent f/4 end-to-end.

03-13-2014, 11:14 AM	#12
dwheels New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Idaho Photos: Albums Posts: 11	Originally posted by wtlwdwgn If you haven't bought the K-3 yet B&H has a deal going on now that includes a lens, battery grip, and an SD card. It'll be a great way to get started. Buy through Pentax Forums and the forum gets a help from B&H! Adorama has a deal going on as well, K3 with 18-135 and a Pentax D-FA 50mm macro, or body only with a Pentax SMCP-DA 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5.

03-13-2014, 11:28 AM	#13
tyrepeddler Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Phoenix Az Posts: 88 Original Poster	I know about the deals and I am not sure I want the battery grip or the 50mm lens I can buy the camera only on Amazon 1049 ---------- Post added 03-13-14 at 01:31 PM ---------- Also does Pentax run Deals on the lenses like Canon and or Nikon do

03-13-2014, 11:34 AM	#15
dcBear78 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Gladstone, QLD Photos: Gallery Posts: 823	Originally posted by tyrepeddler Thanks for the answers guys I am coming from Nikon and Canon before and am an advance amatuer. I really appreciate the answers and will take them all into consideration. I Have a buget of 3000 to spend now as I sold lots of Nikon equipment I think I will start with the kit with the 18-135 and go from there as it is a great walk around lens from what I heard Jim Welcome to Pentax. You will soon learn we are a big fan of prime lenses here. I've no doubt you will be soon too.