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vikranta · 08-10-2015, 02:16 PM

Hi I am looking for recommendations for a good travel lens for a trip to Mexico. I want to travel light but at the same time be able to produce sharp quality images. I am looking at being able to do street photography, a few on the beach and ofcourse general landscape.

I have a K5 II and the kit lens (18-55 DA WR). I also have a Sigma 10-20 and HD 70mm.

Please let me know as your recommendations will shape my decision in buying the right lens.

(p.s. I was looking at DA 16-85mm for its WR but it is really expensive!).

Thanks!

seventysixersfan · 08-10-2015, 02:19 PM

I'd suggest a Tamron 17-50 or Tamron 28-75; both sharp lenses, both under $300 USD.

DA 18-135 is pretty affordable and WR and fairly sharp, a step up from your 18-55 WR

Another excellent option is Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 Contemporary. Gets great reviews though not WR.

Adam · 08-10-2015, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by vikranta

Hi I am looking for recommendations for a good travel lens for a trip to Mexico. I want to travel light but at the same time be able to produce sharp quality images. I am looking at being able to do street photography, a few on the beach and ofcourse general landscape.

I have a K5 II and the kit lens (18-55 DA WR). I also have a Sigma 10-20 and HD 70mm.

Please let me know as your recommendations will shape my decision in buying the right lens.

(p.s. I was looking at DA 16-85mm for its WR but it is really expensive!).

Thanks!

Look at the 18-135mm if you want something a bit more affordable than the 16-85mm.

**mattb123** · 08-10-2015, 02:32 PM

I'd bring the 18-135. It's a good lens, especially for what they have been going for lately.

Odovacar · 08-10-2015, 02:52 PM

Zoom lens is handy, would pic 18-135 or 16-50. For high quality fixed lens 21 mm is very handy for street shots (or pyramids ;-) or people at close range. I Love that one myself.

seacapt · 08-10-2015, 02:52 PM

I'with 6ers fan. Both lenses he mentioned are constant f2.8 which makes them far more useful in many circumstances.

cali92rs · 08-10-2015, 03:06 PM

Originally posted by vikranta

Hi I am looking for recommendations for a good travel lens for a trip to Mexico. I want to travel light but at the same time be able to produce sharp quality images. I am looking at being able to do street photography, a few on the beach and ofcourse general landscape.

I have a K5 II and the kit lens (18-55 DA WR). I also have a Sigma 10-20 and HD 70mm.

Please let me know as your recommendations will shape my decision in buying the right lens.

(p.s. I was looking at DA 16-85mm for its WR but it is really expensive!).

Thanks!

Where in mexico are you going?
There are a lot of areas, like Cancun, where it rains a lot and is VERY humid so WR would definitely come in handy.

**clackers** · 08-10-2015, 03:31 PM

The Sigma 17-70 is a quality walkaround lens.

vikranta · 08-10-2015, 03:34 PM

Thanks for the suggestions.. I do find the Tamron lenses very appealing for their performance/value.

I am going to Cancun and the weather there can be pretty wet.. I wish Tamron lenses had WR

ZombieArmy · 08-10-2015, 03:41 PM

If you plan on going to the cities and leaving the tourist areas I highly recommend you bring something you don't mind losing. Pack cheap.

Mexico isn't exactly in a good spot right now.

vikranta · 08-10-2015, 03:54 PM

I do plan on leaving touristy areas.. In that case do you think the 18-55 would be good enough? I find that it is good with closeups and long exposure landscapes.. Otherwise the sharpness and focus is lacking..

mholford · 08-10-2015, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by Odovacar

Zoom lens is handy, would pic 18-135 or 16-50. For high quality fixed lens 21 mm is very handy for street shots (or pyramids ;-) or people at close range. I Love that one myself.

I'd agree for general purpose both of these zooms are pretty great - and WR depending on your budget.

timb64 · 08-10-2015, 04:16 PM

Look at the specific 18-135 thread to see what it's capable of plus you've got the reassurance of WR.

**UncleVanya** · 08-10-2015, 04:56 PM

I think the 18-55 isn't that shabby for a trip to a crime prone area. You could grab an 18-135 or add a 55-300 WR, but more gear equals more risk. Get insurance, carry a bag made to be inconspicuous, take precautions.

Or pick up a superzoom compact camera...

mholford · 08-10-2015, 05:28 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

I think the 18-55 isn't that shabby for a trip to a crime prone area. You could grab an 18-135 or add a 55-300 WR, but more gear equals more risk. Get insurance, carry a bag made to be inconspicuous, take precautions.

Or pick up a superzoom compact camera...

on that last note... my "other" camera is a fujifilm XP (waterproof, compact, zoom) - I love taking my pentax on holidays but there have been quite a few occasions where I've left it somewhere safe and just taken my bulletproof fuji with me (like to the beach if I'm planning to swim) Waterproof, shockproof, and small enough to fit in my pocket...

08-10-2015, 02:16 PM	#1
vikranta Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Toronto Posts: 31	Good walkaround/travel zoom lens for a trip to Mexico Hi I am looking for recommendations for a good travel lens for a trip to Mexico. I want to travel light but at the same time be able to produce sharp quality images. I am looking at being able to do street photography, a few on the beach and ofcourse general landscape. I have a K5 II and the kit lens (18-55 DA WR). I also have a Sigma 10-20 and HD 70mm. Please let me know as your recommendations will shape my decision in buying the right lens. (p.s. I was looking at DA 16-85mm for its WR but it is really expensive!). Thanks!

08-10-2015, 02:22 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Originally posted by vikranta Hi I am looking for recommendations for a good travel lens for a trip to Mexico. I want to travel light but at the same time be able to produce sharp quality images. I am looking at being able to do street photography, a few on the beach and ofcourse general landscape. I have a K5 II and the kit lens (18-55 DA WR). I also have a Sigma 10-20 and HD 70mm. Please let me know as your recommendations will shape my decision in buying the right lens. (p.s. I was looking at DA 16-85mm for its WR but it is really expensive!). Thanks! Look at the 18-135mm if you want something a bit more affordable than the 16-85mm. 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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08-10-2015, 02:19 PM	#2
seventysixersfan Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 2,054	I'd suggest a Tamron 17-50 or Tamron 28-75; both sharp lenses, both under $300 USD. DA 18-135 is pretty affordable and WR and fairly sharp, a step up from your 18-55 WR Another excellent option is Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 Contemporary. Gets great reviews though not WR.

08-10-2015, 02:32 PM	#4
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,874	I'd bring the 18-135. It's a good lens, especially for what they have been going for lately.

08-10-2015, 02:52 PM	#5
Odovacar New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 12	Zoom lens is handy, would pic 18-135 or 16-50. For high quality fixed lens 21 mm is very handy for street shots (or pyramids ;-) or people at close range. I Love that one myself.

08-10-2015, 02:52 PM	#6
seacapt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Carolina , USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,271	I'with 6ers fan. Both lenses he mentioned are constant f2.8 which makes them far more useful in many circumstances.

08-10-2015, 03:06 PM	#7
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Originally posted by vikranta Hi I am looking for recommendations for a good travel lens for a trip to Mexico. I want to travel light but at the same time be able to produce sharp quality images. I am looking at being able to do street photography, a few on the beach and ofcourse general landscape. I have a K5 II and the kit lens (18-55 DA WR). I also have a Sigma 10-20 and HD 70mm. Please let me know as your recommendations will shape my decision in buying the right lens. (p.s. I was looking at DA 16-85mm for its WR but it is really expensive!). Thanks! Where in mexico are you going? There are a lot of areas, like Cancun, where it rains a lot and is VERY humid so WR would definitely come in handy.

08-10-2015, 03:31 PM	#8
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	The Sigma 17-70 is a quality walkaround lens.

08-10-2015, 03:34 PM	#9
vikranta Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Toronto Posts: 31 Original Poster	Thanks for the suggestions.. I do find the Tamron lenses very appealing for their performance/value. I am going to Cancun and the weather there can be pretty wet.. I wish Tamron lenses had WR

08-10-2015, 03:41 PM	#10
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	If you plan on going to the cities and leaving the tourist areas I highly recommend you bring something you don't mind losing. Pack cheap. Mexico isn't exactly in a good spot right now.

08-10-2015, 03:54 PM	#11
vikranta Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Toronto Posts: 31 Original Poster	I do plan on leaving touristy areas.. In that case do you think the 18-55 would be good enough? I find that it is good with closeups and long exposure landscapes.. Otherwise the sharpness and focus is lacking..

08-10-2015, 04:09 PM	#12
mholford Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vancouver Island, BC Photos: Albums Posts: 238	Originally posted by Odovacar Zoom lens is handy, would pic 18-135 or 16-50. For high quality fixed lens 21 mm is very handy for street shots (or pyramids ;-) or people at close range. I Love that one myself. I'd agree for general purpose both of these zooms are pretty great - and WR depending on your budget.

08-10-2015, 04:16 PM	#13
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,514	Look at the specific 18-135 thread to see what it's capable of plus you've got the reassurance of WR.

08-10-2015, 04:56 PM	#14
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	I think the 18-55 isn't that shabby for a trip to a crime prone area. You could grab an 18-135 or add a 55-300 WR, but more gear equals more risk. Get insurance, carry a bag made to be inconspicuous, take precautions. Or pick up a superzoom compact camera...

08-10-2015, 05:28 PM	#15
mholford Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vancouver Island, BC Photos: Albums Posts: 238	Originally posted by UncleVanya I think the 18-55 isn't that shabby for a trip to a crime prone area. You could grab an 18-135 or add a 55-300 WR, but more gear equals more risk. Get insurance, carry a bag made to be inconspicuous, take precautions. Or pick up a superzoom compact camera... on that last note... my "other" camera is a fujifilm XP (waterproof, compact, zoom) - I love taking my pentax on holidays but there have been quite a few occasions where I've left it somewhere safe and just taken my bulletproof fuji with me (like to the beach if I'm planning to swim) Waterproof, shockproof, and small enough to fit in my pocket...

Good walkaround/travel zoom lens for a trip to Mexico

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