First great lens for K3

kref · 10-09-2014, 02:52 AM

Hi, I have over a half year Pentax K3 with 18-135 as my only lens and I am looking for new lens to buy.

I am using it mainly to shot my 10months year old daughter and shoting landscape (or party report :])

So this is a list that after like month of reading searching and asking and i can afford only 1 item:
Sigma 18-35 art
Sigma 35 art
Sigma 16-50
Pentax 35 2.8 and Pentax 50mm 1.8
Pentax 55mm

I am hasitating what to but, could anyone help me? :]

Thank you very much

**felixkh** · 10-09-2014, 03:16 AM

Landscape:
Pentax DA 14mm
Pentax DA 12-24mm

Small child:
Pentax FA 50mm/1.4
Pentax DA*16-50/2.8
Pentax DA 50/1.8
Pentax FA 43/1.9 Limited
Pentax FA 40/2.8 Limited

JohnX · 10-09-2014, 03:22 AM

The focal length(s) of all the lenses you list are already covered by the 18-135, so what isn't it doing for you?

Looking for something faster for low light? Improved IQ?

Start with what your current lens doesn't do, and it will help guide you towards the lens you need.

btnapa · 10-09-2014, 03:23 AM

Originally posted by kref

Hi, I have over a half year Pentax K3 with 18-135 as my only lens and I am looking for new lens to buy.

I am using it mainly to shot my 10months year old daughter and shoting landscape (or party report :])

So this is a list that after like month of reading searching and asking and i can afford only 1 item:
Sigma 18-35 art
Sigma 35 art
Sigma 16-50
Pentax 35 2.8 and Pentax 50mm 1.8
Pentax 55mm

I am hasitating what to but, could anyone help me? :]

Thank you very much

Your general photography is covered with the 18-135. For kid photography, you will need a fast lens. I have the Limited lenses. They are incredible but pricy. If budget is not an Issue, get the 43 and the 77 for portrait work. You might also consider a macro for close up work.

If budget is an issue, do what I recommended to my brother. He bought a used Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and a new Pentax 50mm f1.8. His camera is a K5IIs and the pictures he has managed to take of his kids are fantastic.

Apapukas · 10-09-2014, 03:34 AM

I really enjoy Sigma 35mm.

Even though, it is very heavy and big, it might get a little frustrating if photography is purely just about good time and joy for you

35mm 2.4 is nice too, my friend just bought it, extremely happy with it. Feather weight, small, performs well, focuses super quick, even though a little louder than Limiteds. Cheap also

kref · 10-09-2014, 03:38 AM

Originally posted by JohnX

The focal length(s) of all the lenses you list are already covered by the 18-135, so what isn't it doing for you?

Looking for something faster for low light? Improved IQ?

Start with what your current lens doesn't do, and it will help guide you towards the lens you need.

Good question!

I think primary lens with better IQ (+ faster in low light as bonus)

Originally posted by btnapa

Your general photography is covered with the 18-135. For kid photography, you will need a fast lens. I have the Limited lenses. They are incredible but pricy. If budget is not an Issue, get the 43 and the 77 for portrait work. You might also consider a macro for close up work.

If budget is an issue, do what I recommended to my brother. He bought a used Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and a new Pentax 50mm f1.8. His camera is a K5IIs and the pictures he has managed to take of his kids are fantastic.

Yeah budget is an issue I have like 1000$ max

So maybe what about
Pentax 15mm HD + Pentax 50mm 1.8?

DennisH · 10-09-2014, 04:16 AM

21 and 35 (or 43) limiteds. Used prices will be well under 1k.

For just a hair over your budget (used), you can get the 21 and 77 limiteds.

Last edited by DennisH; 10-09-2014 at 05:38 AM.

Jannis · 10-09-2014, 04:30 AM

Originally posted by kref

Sigma 18-35 art
Sigma 35 art
Sigma 16-50
Pentax 35 2.8 and Pentax 50mm 1.8
Pentax 55mm

I have bad experience with Sigma 30 A and Sigma 18-35 A. Optically - they are very nice, but AF problems are too much intrusive.

Most of photographers here are satisfied with Tamron 17-50, but I have very mediocre experience with it. But it is possible that only my piece is problematic.

In case of 15ltd - I thought that this is lens that I want - but then I realized, that it is too wide for my purpose. I ended with DA21ltd and I don't regret.

I had opportunity to take photos with 35ltd - and it is amazing. I can reccomend it.

Just my 2 cents.

gmans · 10-09-2014, 04:45 AM

The Pentax 16-45mm f4 is great value lens for a K3 and very good IQ for your landscape and children. Its a bargain and leaves you extra money for LBA.

kp0c · 10-09-2014, 04:56 AM

You could get a 16-45mm for landscape and faster kit lens, da 35mm 2.4 for party report (small, sharp from 2.4 and fast focus) and the da 50mm 1.8 for child portraits and low light pictures. Oh, you would still have 500$ Left... Maybe for a da 70mm...

Edit: (I do have a 16-45mm for sale in the marketplace, but I'd like to think that my suggestion were sincere, just to set the record straight.)

afan137 · 10-09-2014, 05:17 AM

Originally posted by kref

Hi, I have over a half year Pentax K3 with 18-135 as my only lens and I am looking for new lens to buy.

I am using it mainly to shot my 10months year old daughter and shoting landscape (or party report :])

So this is a list that after like month of reading searching and asking and i can afford only 1 item:
Sigma 18-35 art
Sigma 35 art
Sigma 16-50
Pentax 35 2.8 and Pentax 50mm 1.8
Pentax 55mm

I am hasitating what to but, could anyone help me? :]

Thank you very much

If I were you, I will get limited 15 and 70mm. If you are not so sure, check this blog (in Japanese), but you can actually get some impressions how the image quality look like : ??? - pentax memo

**jrpower10** · 10-09-2014, 05:22 AM

If you want a serious step up in IQ, pick up a FA 31 limited. I use it for landscapes (not wide angle on APS-C but I prefer this focal length for landscapes) and also portraits. Fast max aperture and sharp. It'll kill your entire budget, but mine is on my camera 80% of the time.

Apapukas · 10-09-2014, 05:36 AM

Somebody already mentioned 21Ltd.

Definitely my most used lens. Not my favorite (70mm is), but a really nice lens. Excellent build, small, light, optically is pretty good and can find used in great condition for good price

really recommended.

Heie · 10-09-2014, 06:31 AM

Originally posted by kref

Good question!

I think primary lens with better IQ (+ faster in low light as bonus)

Yeah budget is an issue I have like 1000$ max

So maybe what about
Pentax 15mm HD + Pentax 50mm 1.8?

WIth your budget, that would be a phenomenal combo. I disagree with the FA31 recommended above - I've now owned/tested two copies of vastly different serial numbers (it matters to some people because it identifies that they are not from the same batch), and both were immediately disappointing. The one I owned I sold within a month and the other was for the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 "Art" in-depth review for here that is just about finishing up (sneak peak - stunning lens optically with the most problematic AF I've ever experienced in my entire photographic career - ever, and that's with multiple copies and using the Sigma USB dock). I know I will get flogged for that and my views on the FA31, but I honestly believe it to be overwhelmingly overrated and a lens that has brought much problems to Pentax as a system because the company unfortunately rests on its laurels with that lens. I wouldn't pay $600 for one, honestly.

That aside, the two lenses you selected would run you about $800, perhaps less with the rebates/2% rewards. You might be able to do a little better shopping around. Regardless, they will offer you two truly different purposes than what your 18-135 WR offers at the moment, which is important. You go much wider (15 vs 18 is significant) and the 50mm is significantly faster than the 18-135 at 50mm (over two stops). That would give you much more opportunities than just replacing the 18-135 (which is a fantastic walkaround kit lens, not to mention WR and the other two lenses unfortunately aren't).

In addition to that, since you'll have about $150-200 left over from your budget, I'd recommend either a small tripod (my vote goes to the Sirui T-025x, about $235 - Disclaimer - I wrote that review), or get some flash equipment and practice with taking portraits using umbrellas/softboxes. With the 50 and good lighting (even if just one light) can make stunning portraits, but you'll have to get a lot of practice

Another possibility, and now that I think about it this would be an even stronger recommendation, might be the HD 70mm Limited (and not the 50) and instead of the HD 15 mm go for something even crazier (and cheaper) - the Samyang 8mm Fisheye. Fisheye shots are A LOT of fun with kids, and the 70mm will make just stunning portraits (way better than the 50mm).

Hope this helps

-Heie

Undot · 10-09-2014, 07:06 AM

I don't own any limiteds. As nice as they may be they are just way too pricey for me (yet) and what I do with my photography. And I'm hestitant about buying used.

But I'm really happy with the Pentax plastics, the 35mm and 50mm you posted. Those were my first primes and a very nice addition to my kit lens. 50mm for closer portraits, 35mm for life-size stuff. Small, lightweight and quite fast.
For landscape you could look into something wider than you can currently do. The first addition to my kit was the Tamron 10-24mm super wide. That's not too fishy and will get you a lof of scape on your sensor. Or maybe a prime around the 10ish?

I am rather new at all this, though, so what do I know.

10-09-2014, 02:52 AM	#1
kref New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 18	First great lens for K3 Hi, I have over a half year Pentax K3 with 18-135 as my only lens and I am looking for new lens to buy. I am using it mainly to shot my 10months year old daughter and shoting landscape (or party report :]) So this is a list that after like month of reading searching and asking and i can afford only 1 item: Sigma 18-35 art Sigma 35 art Sigma 16-50 Pentax 35 2.8 and Pentax 50mm 1.8 Pentax 55mm I am hasitating what to but, could anyone help me? :] Thank you very much

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10-09-2014, 03:16 AM	#2
felixkh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,201	Landscape: Pentax DA 14mm Pentax DA 12-24mm Small child: Pentax FA 50mm/1.4 Pentax DA*16-50/2.8 Pentax DA 50/1.8 Pentax FA 43/1.9 Limited Pentax FA 40/2.8 Limited

10-09-2014, 03:22 AM	#3
JohnX Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,116	The focal length(s) of all the lenses you list are already covered by the 18-135, so what isn't it doing for you? Looking for something faster for low light? Improved IQ? Start with what your current lens doesn't do, and it will help guide you towards the lens you need.

10-09-2014, 03:23 AM	#4
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,616	Originally posted by kref Hi, I have over a half year Pentax K3 with 18-135 as my only lens and I am looking for new lens to buy. I am using it mainly to shot my 10months year old daughter and shoting landscape (or party report :]) So this is a list that after like month of reading searching and asking and i can afford only 1 item: Sigma 18-35 art Sigma 35 art Sigma 16-50 Pentax 35 2.8 and Pentax 50mm 1.8 Pentax 55mm I am hasitating what to but, could anyone help me? :] Thank you very much Your general photography is covered with the 18-135. For kid photography, you will need a fast lens. I have the Limited lenses. They are incredible but pricy. If budget is not an Issue, get the 43 and the 77 for portrait work. You might also consider a macro for close up work. If budget is an issue, do what I recommended to my brother. He bought a used Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and a new Pentax 50mm f1.8. His camera is a K5IIs and the pictures he has managed to take of his kids are fantastic.

10-09-2014, 03:34 AM	#5
Apapukas Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lietuva, Vilnius Posts: 627	I really enjoy Sigma 35mm. Even though, it is very heavy and big, it might get a little frustrating if photography is purely just about good time and joy for you 35mm 2.4 is nice too, my friend just bought it, extremely happy with it. Feather weight, small, performs well, focuses super quick, even though a little louder than Limiteds. Cheap also

10-09-2014, 03:38 AM	#6
kref New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 18 Original Poster	Originally posted by JohnX The focal length(s) of all the lenses you list are already covered by the 18-135, so what isn't it doing for you? Looking for something faster for low light? Improved IQ? Start with what your current lens doesn't do, and it will help guide you towards the lens you need. Good question! I think primary lens with better IQ (+ faster in low light as bonus) Originally posted by btnapa Your general photography is covered with the 18-135. For kid photography, you will need a fast lens. I have the Limited lenses. They are incredible but pricy. If budget is not an Issue, get the 43 and the 77 for portrait work. You might also consider a macro for close up work. If budget is an issue, do what I recommended to my brother. He bought a used Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and a new Pentax 50mm f1.8. His camera is a K5IIs and the pictures he has managed to take of his kids are fantastic. Yeah budget is an issue I have like 1000$ max So maybe what about Pentax 15mm HD + Pentax 50mm 1.8?

10-09-2014, 04:16 AM	#7
DennisH Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Stratford, CT Photos: Gallery Posts: 730	21 and 35 (or 43) limiteds. Used prices will be well under 1k. For just a hair over your budget (used), you can get the 21 and 77 limiteds. Last edited by DennisH; 10-09-2014 at 05:38 AM.

10-09-2014, 04:30 AM	#8
Jannis Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2014 Photos: Gallery Posts: 76	Originally posted by kref Sigma 18-35 art Sigma 35 art Sigma 16-50 Pentax 35 2.8 and Pentax 50mm 1.8 Pentax 55mm I have bad experience with Sigma 30 A and Sigma 18-35 A. Optically - they are very nice, but AF problems are too much intrusive. Most of photographers here are satisfied with Tamron 17-50, but I have very mediocre experience with it. But it is possible that only my piece is problematic. In case of 15ltd - I thought that this is lens that I want - but then I realized, that it is too wide for my purpose. I ended with DA21ltd and I don't regret. I had opportunity to take photos with 35ltd - and it is amazing. I can reccomend it. Just my 2 cents.

10-09-2014, 04:45 AM	#9
gmans Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Hunter Valley,NSW, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,466	The Pentax 16-45mm f4 is great value lens for a K3 and very good IQ for your landscape and children. Its a bargain and leaves you extra money for LBA.

10-09-2014, 04:56 AM	#10
kp0c Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal Photos: Gallery Posts: 761	You could get a 16-45mm for landscape and faster kit lens, da 35mm 2.4 for party report (small, sharp from 2.4 and fast focus) and the da 50mm 1.8 for child portraits and low light pictures. Oh, you would still have 500$ Left... Maybe for a da 70mm... Edit: (I do have a 16-45mm for sale in the marketplace, but I'd like to think that my suggestion were sincere, just to set the record straight.)

10-09-2014, 05:17 AM	#11
afan137 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Kyoto Posts: 158	Originally posted by kref Hi, I have over a half year Pentax K3 with 18-135 as my only lens and I am looking for new lens to buy. I am using it mainly to shot my 10months year old daughter and shoting landscape (or party report :]) So this is a list that after like month of reading searching and asking and i can afford only 1 item: Sigma 18-35 art Sigma 35 art Sigma 16-50 Pentax 35 2.8 and Pentax 50mm 1.8 Pentax 55mm I am hasitating what to but, could anyone help me? :] Thank you very much If I were you, I will get limited 15 and 70mm. If you are not so sure, check this blog (in Japanese), but you can actually get some impressions how the image quality look like : ??? - pentax memo

10-09-2014, 05:22 AM	#12
jrpower10 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935	If you want a serious step up in IQ, pick up a FA 31 limited. I use it for landscapes (not wide angle on APS-C but I prefer this focal length for landscapes) and also portraits. Fast max aperture and sharp. It'll kill your entire budget, but mine is on my camera 80% of the time.

10-09-2014, 05:36 AM	#13
Apapukas Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lietuva, Vilnius Posts: 627	Somebody already mentioned 21Ltd. Definitely my most used lens. Not my favorite (70mm is), but a really nice lens. Excellent build, small, light, optically is pretty good and can find used in great condition for good price really recommended.

10-09-2014, 06:31 AM	#14
Heie Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 968	Originally posted by kref Good question! I think primary lens with better IQ (+ faster in low light as bonus) Yeah budget is an issue I have like 1000$ max So maybe what about Pentax 15mm HD + Pentax 50mm 1.8? WIth your budget, that would be a phenomenal combo. I disagree with the FA31 recommended above - I've now owned/tested two copies of vastly different serial numbers (it matters to some people because it identifies that they are not from the same batch), and both were immediately disappointing. The one I owned I sold within a month and the other was for the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 "Art" in-depth review for here that is just about finishing up (sneak peak - stunning lens optically with the most problematic AF I've ever experienced in my entire photographic career - *ever,* and that's with multiple copies and using the Sigma USB dock). I know I will get flogged for that and my views on the FA31, but I honestly believe it to be overwhelmingly overrated and a lens that has brought much problems to Pentax as a system because the company unfortunately rests on its laurels with that lens. I wouldn't pay $600 for one, honestly. That aside, the two lenses you selected would run you about $800, perhaps less with the rebates/2% rewards. You might be able to do a little better shopping around. Regardless, they will offer you two truly different purposes than what your 18-135 WR offers at the moment, which is important. You go much wider (15 vs 18 is significant) and the 50mm is significantly faster than the 18-135 at 50mm (over two stops). That would give you much more opportunities than just replacing the 18-135 (which is a fantastic walkaround kit lens, not to mention WR and the other two lenses unfortunately aren't). In addition to that, since you'll have about $150-200 left over from your budget, I'd recommend either a small tripod (my vote goes to the Sirui T-025x, about $235 - Disclaimer - I wrote that review), or get some flash equipment and practice with taking portraits using umbrellas/softboxes. With the 50 and good lighting (even if just one light) can make stunning portraits, but you'll have to get a lot of practice Another possibility, and now that I think about it this would be an even stronger recommendation, might be the HD 70mm Limited (and not the 50) and instead of the HD 15 mm go for something even crazier (and cheaper) - the Samyang 8mm Fisheye. Fisheye shots are A LOT of fun with kids, and the 70mm will make just stunning portraits (way better than the 50mm). Hope this helps -Heie

10-09-2014, 07:06 AM	#15
Undot Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 176	I don't own any limiteds. As nice as they may be they are just way too pricey for me (yet) and what I do with my photography. And I'm hestitant about buying used. But I'm really happy with the Pentax plastics, the 35mm and 50mm you posted. Those were my first primes and a very nice addition to my kit lens. 50mm for closer portraits, 35mm for life-size stuff. Small, lightweight and quite fast. For landscape you could look into something wider than you can currently do. The first addition to my kit was the Tamron 10-24mm super wide. That's not too fishy and will get you a lof of scape on your sensor. Or maybe a prime around the 10ish? I am rather new at all this, though, so what do I know.