[formercanuck]

I'm at a stage where I will be purchasing a new lens (maybe used even) for my K-30. I'm at a toss up between Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 or should I look at a fixed wide (Rokinon 15mm f/2.8 + Pentax 18-135mm WR?). Basically I'm looking to replace my old battle axe Sigma 18-200 and somewhat upgrade at the same time - Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 + Rokinon 15mm f/2.8 would also do. Of course, I could wait for the reviews on the 16-85mm.

Current line up:
Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC (well used, lens is not in the best physical shape)
Sigma mini-wide II - 28mm f/2.8 ($30)
Rokinon 85mm f/1.4
Pentax DAL 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (red kit lens)
Rokinon 500mm f/8
Cheap Kenko 2x6e TC ($3)

I have tried the DA 18-135mm WR, and I do like it in general.
For primes, I have a 28mm f/2.8 and an 85mm f/1.4 already.. adding a 15mm would fill the wide end.

To add a bit more input for this... I'm not a professional, and I would typically shoot travel/outdoors/landscape/candid/portrait pictures. I am currently down in the desert (SoCal) where dust can be an issue (not too bad though), so I'm not too concerned about WR, though its a nice to have.

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Last edited by formercanuck; 12-31-2014 at 10:12 AM.

[blackcloudbrew]

Wow, your wants are kinda all over the place. I'm thinking you might be a candidate for the new HD 16-85mm or even the DA 18-135 as those ranges would give you something closer to a better quality lens for all around shooting.

[Driline]

I would choose between the new 16-85 or just jump on an 18-135 now. The 18-135 will be about half the price of the new lens right now.

[formercanuck]

Well... it doesn't take much to get better than the old 18-200mm DC

I did use the 18-135mm and thought it was a decent lens - albeit a little soft on the edges, and would be a good replacement.
What has me interested - has been that a Tamron 28-75mm or 17-50mm f/2.8 is basically the same price, and with the exception of some focusing issues has had very rave reviews.
I have gone for years w/o WR, but that probably didn't help my old Sigma much, as its been effectively everywhere. I'll have to review some of my pics taken with the 18-135mm rental.

Heck - Adorama and B&H still have ~$75 off today. I think that's probably enough incentive to push me to the 18-135mm.

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Last edited by formercanuck; 12-31-2014 at 11:31 AM.

[AquaDome]

The Tamaron 17-50/2.8 is my recommended upgrade/replacement for your 18-55 kit lens, but it doesn't give you any focal length you don't already have.

Perhaps consider the DA*60-250 (weather-sealed) as a replacement for your Sigma 18-200 as well.

The DA50/1.8 would give you a prime between your 28 and 85.

Over all, I see room for better IQ in your bag. Get one really good lens and you won't stop.

[formercanuck]

Thanks - as much as I'd like the DA 60-250 - probably wouldn't be able to justify the cost or heft of using it. It is a nice lens, but big
Basically - I'm looking for something that's a good walk around lens (i.e. not too bulky), yet decently sharp/wide enough for landscape large group shots (18-200 was also mush on wide)

Pretty much what I use:
Wide end/telephoto end - fixed. Eg. Landscapes, or long distance shots (moon) - Rokinon 500mm doesn't focus well to infinity. Not a whole lot of long distance shots. Up to 200mm, but typically up to ~120mm is normal for me. Landscapes - again - travel stuff, group pictures.

Day to day walkabout stuff - zoom lens. When I'm out - I don't want to be swapping lenses 'all the time', but will for an occasional picture when its required or I have the time.

Eventually, I'll probably pick up a 35mm and 50mm from the Pasadena camera show - old used fixed are decently cheap. Wider is hard to get. 14mm would probably be my next desired prime.

I just ordered the 18-135mm - $419 new isn't bad from Adorama/B&H.

[blackcloudbrew]

Good choice I think.

[formercanuck]

Thanks - I hope it is.
I wish there were some stores in California that carried Pentax gear - or Pentax mount so that I could 'try before I buy'.
I guess that's what lens rental stores are for - unfortunately, they have a limited amount of gear.

[blackcloudbrew]

Well, there are here in Northern California where I live. Rent professional cameras or camera lenses for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and more Is one option, they have the best spectrum of k-mount lenses for rent although not complete.

[formercanuck]

Excellent! Another company which carries some Pentax / K-mount

I used LensRentals.com - as they carried the DA 18-135mm, and when I was using it - I was given an extra few days (end of year deal). They also carry some Sigma lenses for K-Mount, and medium format.
BorrowLenses.com was the first one that I heard of - but they pretty much had only higher end (DA* 16-50, 50-135mm) which I didn't really want to take for vacation / hiking.

At least they're filling in where Pentax/Ricoh doesn't. Here in SoCal, so there's only Samy's, and they had a total of 4 lenses - DA 18-55mm WR, DA-50-200mm WR, DA*16-50mm, DA*60-250mm

[Des]

Basically - I'm looking for something that's a good walk around lens (i.e. not too bulky), yet decently sharp/wide enough for landscape large group shots (18-200 was also mush on wide)

Pretty much what I use:
Wide end/telephoto end - fixed. Eg. Landscapes, or long distance shots (moon) - Rokinon 500mm doesn't focus well to infinity. Not a whole lot of long distance shots. Up to 200mm, but typically up to ~120mm is normal for me. Landscapes - again - travel stuff, group pictures.

Day to day walkabout stuff - zoom lens. When I'm out - I don't want to be swapping lenses 'all the time', but will for an occasional picture when its required or I have the time.

You are the person for whom the DA 18-135 was made.

[formercanuck]

That's encouraging. I didn't have any real issues with it when I rented/traveled to Hawaii.
Only thing was getting used to a focus ring without a useful scale or end stop.