What should I buy?

Humphrey78 · 10-30-2014, 01:34 PM

Hi guys I need your opinion on what to buy next. I have k-5II with the kit lens 18-55 wr and 50-200 wr. I just purchased a 55mm 1.8, I have about $500 on my photography I have three items I am thinking about getting 1. is a nice flash was looking at Pentax AF360FGZ II, 2. Is the Tamron 28-75 2.8, and last some kinda of nice micro lens maybe the Tamron 90mm 2.8. What do you guys think please share anything els that might be better for the price.

mremre · 10-30-2014, 01:37 PM

1st what do you wan't to shoot? I have Tamron 28-75, it's very good walk around lens. I suggest it.

Adam · 10-30-2014, 01:45 PM

I would also recommend that you invest a bit more in glass before picking up a dedicated flash. Either of those lenses are good choices. Another premium walkaround worth considering is the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8, and then there are the Limiteds, of course...the DA 15mm is worth trying as a wide-angle.

offertonhatter · 10-30-2014, 01:58 PM

As already has been said, it depends on what you want to shoot.
Having said that you have a great three lens kit (standard zoom, tele zoom and fast prime), so if you are finding your feet with photography and want to explore all the various options I would suggest your next a short telephoto macro lens. Not only would it provide you with the ability to explore the wonderful world of macro, it will also be a great portrait lens, should you wish to go down that route. Now, the advantage of the K-mount there is a lot of wonderful macro lenses out there albeit manual only. Consider the Tamron 90mm F2.5 macro with dedicated 2x converter. They can be found for half the price of an AF Tamron macro. Others include the Pentax 100mm, Vivitar macro, Sigmas pair of 70mm and 105mm etc. If you find one at a good price then you may be able to buy that AF360 as well within your budget.
I hope this helps.

**RobA_Oz** · 10-30-2014, 02:07 PM

If macro is important to you, the DA35/2.8 Limited Macro should just about fit in your budget. I've had longer FL macro lenses before, but this was a revelation, both as a macro and a standard lens.

kh1234567890 · 10-30-2014, 02:25 PM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

If macro is important to you, the DA35/2.8 Limited Macro should just about fit in your budget.

A few years ago I went down that route (DA18-55WR + DA50-200WR to the DA35 Macro). It is a great lens, the only problem is that 35mm is a bit short for a macro - you have to get quite close and anything alive will probably fly or crawl away from you

AF is not all that important in a macro.

Beware, once you get one of the Limiteds you'll end up buying them all eventually ...

**RobA_Oz** · 10-30-2014, 02:54 PM

Originally posted by kh1234567890

A few years ago I went down that route (DA18-55WR + DA50-200WR to the DA35 Macro). It is a great lens, the only problem is that 35mm is a bit short for a macro - you have to get quite close and anything alive will probably fly or crawl away from you

AF is not all that important in a macro.

Beware, once you get one of the Limiteds you'll end up buying them all eventually ...

True on all counts. I don't tend to think about moving subjects, as my macro interests tend to be elsewhere. The DA Limiteds are rather nice, I find. My original strategy had been to get the best FA lenses, but I've been tempted by more than one DA Limited, not to mention a couple of DA* lenses…

**jrpower10** · 10-30-2014, 03:02 PM

You can pick up a FA 100 macro within your budget. It'll double as a short tele. If you think you want something strictly for macro then don't worry about autofocus. You'll be manually focusing anyway. You'll also want something to help with light if doing macro. The cheapest option is a reflector, and that might be a better start than a flash.

Zeeke · 10-30-2014, 03:56 PM

Hello I think you should save up for the Fa 77 it is the diamond in the Pentax lineup....... the resend too choose Pentax scold I say.

**Lowell Goudge** · 10-30-2014, 04:14 PM

Originally posted by Humphrey78

Hi guys I need your opinion on what to buy next. I have k-5II with the kit lens 18-55 wr and 50-200 wr. I just purchased a 55mm 1.8, I have about $500 on my photography I have three items I am thinking about getting 1. is a nice flash was looking at Pentax AF360FGZ II, 2. Is the Tamron 28-75 2.8, and last some kinda of nice micro lens maybe the Tamron 90mm 2.8. What do you guys think please share anything els that might be better for the price.

If you are inclined to get a lens, get a freeware software package that can analyze your exif data. While the Tammy is a nice lens, if you are constantly shooting at either 18 or 200 mm. Maybe you need either a longer or shorter lens first , before a faster lens in the range you are shooting.

A flash is a good idea but I would go for a higher power one with both tilt and swivel a AF540FGZ or similar ~50Guide Number would be a better long term investment

kh1234567890 · 10-30-2014, 04:34 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

If you are inclined to get a lens, get a freeware software package that can analyze your exif data.

I did that once. All that I discovered was what I already knew - I was using the DA18-55WR most of the time at 18 or 55 mm with not that many shots in-between

Moropo · 10-31-2014, 02:52 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

A flash is a good idea but I would go for a higher power one with both tilt and swivel a AF540FGZ or similar ~50Guide Number would be a better long term investment

The AF360FGZ II has tilt and swivel.

gor80 · 11-02-2014, 12:50 AM

Tamron 28-75 2.8 - is an excellent choice.
If you buy it, it will be a permanent member of your camera
I watched the tests and reviews - it has worked well.
but in your place, I would have bought a 50 1.4

Jean Poitiers · 11-02-2014, 12:57 AM

The Tamron 90:2.8 is an excellent value and great lens ... will obviously do macro, but also a short telephoto and very nice portrait if you give it enough room. I had it before I upgraded to the Pentax D-FA 100/2.8 WR.

Also, think about a tripod ... IMHO.

**savoche** · 11-02-2014, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by Jean Poitiers

The Tamron 90:2.8 is an excellent value and great lens ... will obviously do macro, but also a short telephoto and very nice portrait if you give it enough room. I had it before I upgraded to the Pentax D-FA 100/2.8 WR.

Also, think about a tripod ... IMHO.

But buy a good one. The cheap ones are a waste of money. If you can't afford a good one, wait until you can.

Apart from that I agree on the "lens before flash". Which lens, however, depends on what you want to achieve. Before you set out to buy anything new you really should look at what your current lenses can't do for you. If you don't feel limited, then wait until you do. (Unless you are like a lot of us and enjoy buying new toys no matter what...)

The Tamron 90 is a very nice tele macro lens, though.

10-30-2014, 01:34 PM	#1
Humphrey78 New Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 7	What should I buy? Hi guys I need your opinion on what to buy next. I have k-5II with the kit lens 18-55 wr and 50-200 wr. I just purchased a 55mm 1.8, I have about $500 on my photography I have three items I am thinking about getting 1. is a nice flash was looking at Pentax AF360FGZ II, 2. Is the Tamron 28-75 2.8, and last some kinda of nice micro lens maybe the Tamron 90mm 2.8. What do you guys think please share anything els that might be better for the price.

10-30-2014, 01:45 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	I would also recommend that you invest a bit more in glass before picking up a dedicated flash. Either of those lenses are good choices. Another premium walkaround worth considering is the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8, and then there are the Limiteds, of course...the DA 15mm is worth trying as a wide-angle. 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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10-30-2014, 01:37 PM	#2
mremre New Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 6	1st what do you wan't to shoot? I have Tamron 28-75, it's very good walk around lens. I suggest it.

10-30-2014, 01:58 PM	#4
offertonhatter Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North West UK Posts: 390	As already has been said, it depends on what you want to shoot. Having said that you have a great three lens kit (standard zoom, tele zoom and fast prime), so if you are finding your feet with photography and want to explore all the various options I would suggest your next a short telephoto macro lens. Not only would it provide you with the ability to explore the wonderful world of macro, it will also be a great portrait lens, should you wish to go down that route. Now, the advantage of the K-mount there is a lot of wonderful macro lenses out there albeit manual only. Consider the Tamron 90mm F2.5 macro with dedicated 2x converter. They can be found for half the price of an AF Tamron macro. Others include the Pentax 100mm, Vivitar macro, Sigmas pair of 70mm and 105mm etc. If you find one at a good price then you may be able to buy that AF360 as well within your budget. I hope this helps.

10-30-2014, 02:07 PM	#5
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,197	If macro is important to you, the DA35/2.8 Limited Macro should just about fit in your budget. I've had longer FL macro lenses before, but this was a revelation, both as a macro and a standard lens.

10-30-2014, 02:25 PM	#6
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by RobA_Oz If macro is important to you, the DA35/2.8 Limited Macro should just about fit in your budget. A few years ago I went down that route (DA18-55WR + DA50-200WR to the DA35 Macro). It is a great lens, the only problem is that 35mm is a bit short for a macro - you have to get quite close and anything alive will probably fly or crawl away from you AF is not all that important in a macro. Beware, once you get one of the Limiteds you'll end up buying them all eventually ...

10-30-2014, 02:54 PM	#7
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,197	Originally posted by kh1234567890 A few years ago I went down that route (DA18-55WR + DA50-200WR to the DA35 Macro). It is a great lens, the only problem is that 35mm is a bit short for a macro - you have to get quite close and anything alive will probably fly or crawl away from you AF is not all that important in a macro. Beware, once you get one of the Limiteds you'll end up buying them all eventually ... True on all counts. I don't tend to think about moving subjects, as my macro interests tend to be elsewhere. The DA Limiteds are rather nice, I find. My original strategy had been to get the best FA lenses, but I've been tempted by more than one DA Limited, not to mention a couple of DA* lenses…

10-30-2014, 03:02 PM	#8
jrpower10 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935	You can pick up a FA 100 macro within your budget. It'll double as a short tele. If you think you want something strictly for macro then don't worry about autofocus. You'll be manually focusing anyway. You'll also want something to help with light if doing macro. The cheapest option is a reflector, and that might be a better start than a flash.

10-30-2014, 03:56 PM	#9
Zeeke New Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sweden Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 19	Hello I think you should save up for the Fa 77 it is the diamond in the Pentax lineup....... the resend too choose Pentax scold I say.

10-30-2014, 04:14 PM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by Humphrey78 Hi guys I need your opinion on what to buy next. I have k-5II with the kit lens 18-55 wr and 50-200 wr. I just purchased a 55mm 1.8, I have about $500 on my photography I have three items I am thinking about getting 1. is a nice flash was looking at Pentax AF360FGZ II, 2. Is the Tamron 28-75 2.8, and last some kinda of nice micro lens maybe the Tamron 90mm 2.8. What do you guys think please share anything els that might be better for the price. If you are inclined to get a lens, get a freeware software package that can analyze your exif data. While the Tammy is a nice lens, if you are constantly shooting at either 18 or 200 mm. Maybe you need either a longer or shorter lens first , before a faster lens in the range you are shooting. A flash is a good idea but I would go for a higher power one with both tilt and swivel a AF540FGZ or similar ~50Guide Number would be a better long term investment

10-30-2014, 04:34 PM	#11
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge If you are inclined to get a lens, get a freeware software package that can analyze your exif data. I did that once. All that I discovered was what I already knew - I was using the DA18-55WR most of the time at 18 or 55 mm with not that many shots in-between

10-31-2014, 02:52 AM	#12
Moropo Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 131	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge A flash is a good idea but I would go for a higher power one with both tilt and swivel a AF540FGZ or similar ~50Guide Number would be a better long term investment The AF360FGZ II has tilt and swivel.

11-02-2014, 12:50 AM	#13
gor80 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Балашиха Photos: Albums Posts: 595	Tamron 28-75 2.8 - is an excellent choice. If you buy it, it will be a permanent member of your camera I watched the tests and reviews - it has worked well. but in your place, I would have bought a 50 1.4

11-02-2014, 12:57 AM	#14
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	The Tamron 90:2.8 is an excellent value and great lens ... will obviously do macro, but also a short telephoto and very nice portrait if you give it enough room. I had it before I upgraded to the Pentax D-FA 100/2.8 WR. Also, think about a tripod ... IMHO.

11-02-2014, 12:22 PM	#15
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Originally posted by Jean Poitiers The Tamron 90:2.8 is an excellent value and great lens ... will obviously do macro, but also a short telephoto and very nice portrait if you give it enough room. I had it before I upgraded to the Pentax D-FA 100/2.8 WR. Also, think about a tripod ... IMHO. But buy a good one. The cheap ones are a waste of money. If you can't afford a good one, wait until you can. Apart from that I agree on the "lens before flash". Which lens, however, depends on what you want to achieve. Before you set out to buy anything new you really should look at what your current lenses can't do for you. If you don't feel limited, then wait until you do. (Unless you are like a lot of us and enjoy buying new toys no matter what...) The Tamron 90 is a very nice tele macro lens, though.