[aDayToRemember]

Hi everybody! My names Ben, New guy here. I've had my K-r for about a year and i'm getting more serious about photography and the Kit lens just isn't doing it for me anymore and i'm looking for an all around, multi- use lens thats affordable. Im sure this topic has been beat to death but im ready to upgrade my first lense. Thank you!

[VoiceOfReason]

Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 or DA 18-135 WR. Both can be had used for under 350 at times.

[Adam]

You're in luck, because this lens fits the bill:
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary - Introduction - In-Depth Reviews

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM Lens for Pentax 884109 B&H

[mattt]

First.. Welcome aboard.

Next You want a new lens to do what?

I had to negotiate into my gear acquisition.. I informed my wife I needed a fast fifty, because i couldn't catch the kids with the kit lens. Really I was making an excuse because there is no way for them to out run a flash.

Then I added a 12-24, and 35mm ƒ2, then a macro lens, then DA 21mm ƒ3.2 Ltd and well.. needless to say, I have added lots of gear, each for a different reason. I sold the fast fifty, but upgraded to DA*55mmƒ1.4 SDM --> Point being, you have to start somewhere, and GAS or LBA is never ending, so justify to yourself WHY you need the lens, go out and use it for that purpose, then rinse / repeat for future acquisitions

[Yos]

You're in luck, because this lens fits the bill:
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary - Introduction - In-Depth Reviews

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM Lens for Pentax 884109 B&H

+1 on that and if you want a prime lens I recommend DA 35mm F2.4 and DA 50mm 1.8
Got both of the primes and for the price they are doing a great job

[Na Horuk]

Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 or DA 18-135 WR. Both can be had used for under 350 at times.

You're in luck, because this lens fits the bill: Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary - Introduction - In-Depth Reviews Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM Lens for Pentax 884109 B&H

and if you want a prime lens I recommend DA 35mm F2.4 and DA 50mm 1.8

Bam! Perfect answers! Now you just have to decide what your priorities are - a zoom range, low light capabilities, or Image Quality?
Personally, I would also recommend the prime lenses (fixed focal length, no zoom, but fast AF, good low light capabilities, great IQ)

[Kozlok]

For a budget solution, get a used Sigma 17-70 and a manual focus 50/f1.7, probably an M would be cheapest. Manual focus really is fun.

[GateCityRadio]

My first lens upgrade was the DA50. Its a great budget lens.

[aDayToRemember]

Thanks for the replies guys! I'm basically looking for a bang for my buck upgrade in the 250$ range. Damn this is an expensive hobby

[Pepe Le Pew]

Love the 55-300 hd
Love the 70 da hd
Love the 50 prime lense

---------- Post added 07-13-14 at 10:10 PM ----------

Thanks for the replies guys! I'm basically looking for a bang for my buck upgrade in the 250$ range. Damn this is an expensive hobby

I forgot the 1.4x rear converter

[sassinak]

+1 for HD 55-300mm.

Got this for my K-r recently and I love the way it makes the colours pop and the increaed sharpness compared to the kit lens. Great if you want something longer range.