[jamarley]

Forum members - I need some sage advice. I'm totally happy with my K5, though of course I've lusted after the K3. After a lot of research i decided to go for the D-FA 100 WR as I've become more interested in close-up work and love the ability to take it out in lousy weather. The 15% off at BorrowLenses really excited me, unitl I found that in addition to shipping (reasonable) I would also have to pay sales tax for something that I could not even see before buying. So I began to look into new. I then took stock of my stagnant equipment and see that I have hundreds of $ worth of dust collectors that I can use to lessen the sting of a new purchase.

Now, this morning, I saw the Sellout Woot deal on the Silver K3 for $999 with the battery grip. Since I rarely go out with only 1 battery anyway I figure I could sell the grip and reduce that price even further. So, now I'm really torn. Any advice you all can pass along is much appreciated (except by my other half, who probably wishes I'd just stop with all this nonsense ).

[stillshot2]

What lens are you currently using with your K5?

[Na Horuk]

The good thing about the DFA 100mm WR is that it will produce great photos on the K-5 or K-3 or whatever comes next. Its a long term investment, whereas camera bodies are much more short term (at least now in the digital age). I would recommend the DFA 100mm, great lens for a great price!

If I were you, I would at least wait until Photokina is over, to see what Pentax announces

[jimr-pdx]

It's like a starting pitcher or infielder in baseball - get the 100WR for a shutout every fourth game, or a daily proven winner with the K-3? If the 100 will get plenty of use that would probably be the best use for one who really likes their K-5..

I know what you mean about spare gear, I recently sold a bunch to pay debts down and that's what makes the K-s1 (margainally) affordable - and I really like my K-5 too
My wife thinks the K-s1 looks so that was the push/excuse I needed!

[TER-OR]

I do loads of macro in the field with the K5 and FA100. I say get the lens. Have a look at my Flickr stream if you want to see what I do with the pairing (bear in mind some of these are not framable shots, but important scientific research images useful for species ID).

[miltona580]

Camera bodies should be treated as disposable. Advancing technology means they won't perform as well as current bodies probably fairly quickly. Even the shutter will wear out, and will need replaced eventually. It is true there might be better lens designs in the future, but a good lens will last you a lifetime.

[jamarley]

Camera bodies should be treated as disposable. Advancing technology means they won't perform as well as current bodies probably fairly quickly. Even the shutter will wear out, and will need replaced eventually. It is true there might be better lens designs in the future, but a good lens will last you a lifetime.

Well said. While I do agree in principle I should add that my K5 is going on 2 years old and is exhibiting Mirror Flops occasionally. Couple that with my tendency to shoot in a lot of late evening situations makes me want the K3.

I'm appreciating all the responses folks - it's what makes this place a true community.

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Last edited by jamarley; 09-16-2014 at 12:14 PM.

[Lukinosity]

I'll play devil's advocate. Glass is always a better investment, BUT you've got the rest of your life to buy that macro lens. This woot will be over in a few hours !!

[TER-OR]

A silver K3 is pretty cool. But then you'll want all the silver lenses...

[jamarley]

What lens are you currently using with your K5?

Most days I carry the 16-45 as a walk-around, with the FA77 for more reach and lower light. I also tote the Keno PZ-AF 1.5x in case the 77 is still too short.
If the weather be bad I snap on the 18-135 WR.

[sewebster]

I got the DFA100WR to use with my K200D not too long ago...

[normhead]

I have a K-3, I don't have a 100 macro, but I have a Tamron 90 macro and a Sigma 70 macro, so my choice is made. But if you have a 77 both my lenses are pretty much redundant, so a 100 might be nice although if Pentax made a 135 or 150 macro, that would be ideal. It's just not very far from 77 to 100.

[crewl1]

Here's how I work these situatons:
Buy the lusted new camera at ridiculous low sale
Sell the old camera on the marketplace
Put proceeds of old camera to new lens
Smile

[jamarley]

I have a K-3, I don't have a 100 macro, but I have a Tamron 90 macro and a Sigma 70 macro, so my choice is made. But if you have a 77 both my lenses are pretty much redundant, so a 100 might be nice although if Pentax made a 135 or 150 macro, that would be ideal. It's just not very far from 77 to 100.

Norm, if you didn't already have the K3, what would motivate you to buy it? Given that I'm committed to selling my Tamron 90 in order to get the WR of the D-FA, maybe I should sell the 77 too?

[bdery]

The current prices on the K-3 are impressive. the lens' price will remain constant until black Friday at least. I'd say get both, as the K-3 is a significant upgrade and the lens is a fine one, but it's not my money. I can only say that the two paired deliver amazing results

Honestly though, I went with the K-3 after living 6 years with the K20D so I shouldn't advise getting a new body so soon