What are some alright WR lenses for a beginner?

Ropuchy · 08-28-2018, 09:41 AM

Hello!
I'd like to get a WR lens for my K-5 sometime so that I can take photos out in the rain without having to worry so much.
What would be an alright WR lens to start out with?

I'd be up for first or third party lenses, though I've heard there really aren't many third party ones.

Thanks!

lotech · 08-28-2018, 09:48 AM - **1 Like**

My first WR lens was the DA 18-135mm, you may also want to checkout the new but shorter DA 18-85mm.

leekil · 08-28-2018, 09:50 AM - **1 Like**

The 18-55 (WR version) and the 18-50 are both pretty good and relatively cheap.

Ropuchy · 08-28-2018, 09:55 AM

Originally posted by lotech

My first WR lens was the DA 18-135mm, you may also want to checkout the new but shorter DA 18-85mm.

Both of those lenses look really nice, but they cost a bit too much for me.
Thank you for the suggestion!

---------- Post added 08-28-18 at 09:57 AM ----------

Originally posted by leekil

The 18-55 (WR version) and the 18-50 are both pretty good and relatively cheap.

Alright, thanks!
The 18-55 would be nice, but I'll probably be able to find the 18-55 WR for a bit cheaper.

lotech · 08-28-2018, 09:58 AM - **1 Like**

Yeah I forgot that one, very sharp but noisy... may be also the Tarmon or Sigma I forgot super zoom 16-300, Pentax has very limited collection of WR lens.

Originally posted by leekil

The 18-55 (WR version) and the 18-50 are both pretty good and relatively cheap.

**aslyfox** · 08-28-2018, 10:00 AM - **1 Like**

you might want to take a look at this thread:

About those WR body weather seals...User responsibility and best practice

Read more at: About those WR body weather seals...User responsibility and best practice - Page 4 - PentaxForums.com

Ropuchy · 08-28-2018, 10:01 AM

Originally posted by lotech

Yeah I forgot that one, very sharp but noisy... may be also the Tarmon or Sigma I forgot super zoom 16-300, Pentax has very limited collection of WR lens.

Oh ok.
Any more specifics/info on the Tamron and Sigma WR lenses?

lotech · 08-28-2018, 10:04 AM - **1 Like**

Please check this out.

You Tube

Originally posted by Ropuchy

Oh ok.
Any more specifics/info on the Tamron and Sigma WR lenses?

link81 · 08-28-2018, 10:05 AM - **3 Likes**

Pretty certain that the only WR lens's yo'll find with a pentax mount will be pentax lenses. I don't believe that any 3rd party WR lens's exist.
The cheapest you're going to be able to find will be the 18-55WR, they go up in price from there, with the 18-135 and 16-85 being the next step up, both in quality and in price.

alamo5000 · 08-28-2018, 10:10 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Ropuchy

Hello!
I'd like to get a WR lens for my K-5 sometime so that I can take photos out in the rain without having to worry so much.
What would be an alright WR lens to start out with?

I'd be up for first or third party lenses, though I've heard there really aren't many third party ones.

Thanks!

I wouldn't look at lenses as 'beginner' or not. Just get a good lens and you can use it for years and years. I personally am a big fan of the 16-85mm but it depends on your budget. I have used that lens extensively and it's just great. From what I hear the 18-135 isn't a slouch either.

Ropuchy · 08-28-2018, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

you might want to take a look at this thread:

About those WR body weather seals...User responsibility and best practice

Read more at: About those WR body weather seals...User responsibility and best practice - Page 4 - PentaxForums.com

Thanks Aslyfox! I'll try to keep that thread in mind when I'm in a humid or rainy environment.

---------- Post added 08-28-18 at 10:16 AM ----------

Originally posted by link81

Pretty certain that the only WR lens's yo'll find with a pentax mount will be pentax lenses. I don't believe that any 3rd party WR lens's exist.
The cheapest you're going to be able to find will be the 18-55WR, they go up in price from there, with the 18-135 and 16-85 being the next step up, both in quality and in price.

There is an "Irix 15mm F2.4 Balckstone" in the lens database that is recorded as being WR.

---------- Post added 08-28-18 at 10:18 AM ----------

Originally posted by alamo5000

I wouldn't look at lenses as 'beginner' or not. Just get a good lens and you can use it for years and years. I personally am a big fan of the 16-85mm but it depends on your budget. I have used that lens extensively and it's just great. From what I hear the 18-135 isn't a slouch either.

I suppose what I meant by 'beginner' was something not too expensive or specialized. An all-rounder sort of lens.
Thank you for the input!

SSGGeezer · 08-28-2018, 10:20 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by link81

Pretty certain that the only WR lens's yo'll find with a pentax mount will be pentax lenses. I don't believe that any 3rd party WR lens's exist.
The cheapest you're going to be able to find will be the 18-55WR, they go up in price from there, with the 18-135 and 16-85 being the next step up, both in quality and in price.

here is the truth, for WR reject Sigma, Tamron and Tokina in K mount. They don't exist as far as I know. the reviews here don't lie.

Save your cash for the best lens you can get since your K-5 is very capable. Look in the forums here in the for sale thread, it will give you ideas on actual cost for used (or experienced,) lenses will cost. Then cross reference the reviews and you can make an informed decision and spend your money wisely.

The DA 18-55 WR is pretty good as are pretty much all of the newer generations of lenses with WR. I have seen the 18-55 for under 60.00 USD on KEH. Good luck!

lotech · 08-28-2018, 10:20 AM - **1 Like**

Oh sorry I've not check that, Pentax really in need of lenses.

Originally posted by link81

Pretty certain that the only WR lens's yo'll find with a pentax mount will be pentax lenses. I don't believe that any 3rd party WR lens's exist.
The cheapest you're going to be able to find will be the 18-55WR, they go up in price from there, with the 18-135 and 16-85 being the next step up, both in quality and in price.

SSGGeezer · 08-28-2018, 10:21 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Ropuchy

There is an "Irix 15mm F2.4 Balckstone" in the lens database that is recorded as being WR.

That is pretty much it and that series is usually over 600.00 USD! Not a budget lens or one for a beginner as UWA is a whole new world for most of us newbies!

---------- Post added 08-28-18 at 10:24 AM ----------

Originally posted by lotech

Oh sorry I've not check that, Pentax really in need of lenses.

No, some updated lenses would be nice, but other than WR there are really no gaps in focal length that would demand new lenses. That statement is a fallacious argument since there are over several thousand different lenses to use on any K mount Pentax Camera. Your results will vary since many are not good and old poor quality consumers lenses make up a percentage of those thousands but there are some jewels that are inexpensive out there.

**gump** · 08-28-2018, 10:24 AM - **1 Like**

I got the 18-55 WR as a kit lens with the K-70. It does a descent job in the middle of the range. I also have the 55-300 PLM WR which is very good if not great, The photos posted here support the 18-135, it was the option as a kit lens, as a good choice.

08-28-2018, 09:41 AM	#1
Ropuchy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 207	What are some alright WR lenses for a beginner? Hello! I'd like to get a WR lens for my K-5 sometime so that I can take photos out in the rain without having to worry so much. What would be an alright WR lens to start out with? I'd be up for first or third party lenses, though I've heard there really aren't many third party ones. Thanks!

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08-28-2018, 09:48 AM - 1 Like	#2
lotech Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 1,312	My first WR lens was the DA 18-135mm, you may also want to checkout the new but shorter DA 18-85mm.

08-28-2018, 09:50 AM - 1 Like	#3
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	The 18-55 (WR version) and the 18-50 are both pretty good and relatively cheap.

08-28-2018, 09:55 AM	#4
Ropuchy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 207 Original Poster	Originally posted by lotech My first WR lens was the DA 18-135mm, you may also want to checkout the new but shorter DA 18-85mm. Both of those lenses look really nice, but they cost a bit too much for me. Thank you for the suggestion! ---------- Post added 08-28-18 at 09:57 AM ---------- Originally posted by leekil The 18-55 (WR version) and the 18-50 are both pretty good and relatively cheap. Alright, thanks! The 18-55 would be nice, but I'll probably be able to find the 18-55 WR for a bit cheaper.

08-28-2018, 09:58 AM - 1 Like	#5
lotech Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 1,312	Yeah I forgot that one, very sharp but noisy... may be also the Tarmon or Sigma I forgot super zoom 16-300, Pentax has very limited collection of WR lens. Originally posted by leekil The 18-55 (WR version) and the 18-50 are both pretty good and relatively cheap.

08-28-2018, 10:00 AM - 1 Like	#6
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	you might want to take a look at this thread: About those WR body weather seals...User responsibility and best practice Read more at: About those WR body weather seals...User responsibility and best practice - Page 4 - PentaxForums.com

08-28-2018, 10:01 AM	#7
Ropuchy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 207 Original Poster	Originally posted by lotech Yeah I forgot that one, very sharp but noisy... may be also the Tarmon or Sigma I forgot super zoom 16-300, Pentax has very limited collection of WR lens. Oh ok. Any more specifics/info on the Tamron and Sigma WR lenses?

08-28-2018, 10:05 AM - 3 Likes	#9
link81 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 12822 Photos: Albums Posts: 459	Pretty certain that the only WR lens's yo'll find with a pentax mount will be pentax lenses. I don't believe that any 3rd party WR lens's exist. The cheapest you're going to be able to find will be the 18-55WR, they go up in price from there, with the 18-135 and 16-85 being the next step up, both in quality and in price.

08-28-2018, 10:10 AM - 1 Like	#10
alamo5000 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 2,962	Originally posted by Ropuchy Hello! I'd like to get a WR lens for my K-5 sometime so that I can take photos out in the rain without having to worry so much. What would be an alright WR lens to start out with? I'd be up for first or third party lenses, though I've heard there really aren't many third party ones. Thanks! I wouldn't look at lenses as 'beginner' or not. Just get a good lens and you can use it for years and years. I personally am a big fan of the 16-85mm but it depends on your budget. I have used that lens extensively and it's just great. From what I hear the 18-135 isn't a slouch either.

08-28-2018, 10:14 AM	#11
Ropuchy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 207 Original Poster	Originally posted by aslyfox you might want to take a look at this thread: About those WR body weather seals...User responsibility and best practice Read more at: About those WR body weather seals...User responsibility and best practice - Page 4 - PentaxForums.com Thanks Aslyfox! I'll try to keep that thread in mind when I'm in a humid or rainy environment. ---------- Post added 08-28-18 at 10:16 AM ---------- Originally posted by link81 Pretty certain that the only WR lens's yo'll find with a pentax mount will be pentax lenses. I don't believe that any 3rd party WR lens's exist. The cheapest you're going to be able to find will be the 18-55WR, they go up in price from there, with the 18-135 and 16-85 being the next step up, both in quality and in price. There is an "Irix 15mm F2.4 Balckstone" in the lens database that is recorded as being WR. ---------- Post added 08-28-18 at 10:18 AM ---------- Originally posted by alamo5000 I wouldn't look at lenses as 'beginner' or not. Just get a good lens and you can use it for years and years. I personally am a big fan of the 16-85mm but it depends on your budget. I have used that lens extensively and it's just great. From what I hear the 18-135 isn't a slouch either. I suppose what I meant by 'beginner' was something not too expensive or specialized. An all-rounder sort of lens. Thank you for the input!

08-28-2018, 10:20 AM - 1 Like	#12
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Originally posted by link81 Pretty certain that the only WR lens's yo'll find with a pentax mount will be pentax lenses. I don't believe that any 3rd party WR lens's exist. The cheapest you're going to be able to find will be the 18-55WR, they go up in price from there, with the 18-135 and 16-85 being the next step up, both in quality and in price. here is the truth, for WR reject Sigma, Tamron and Tokina in K mount. They don't exist as far as I know. the reviews here don't lie. Save your cash for the best lens you can get since your K-5 is very capable. Look in the forums here in the for sale thread, it will give you ideas on actual cost for used (or experienced,) lenses will cost. Then cross reference the reviews and you can make an informed decision and spend your money wisely. The DA 18-55 WR is pretty good as are pretty much all of the newer generations of lenses with WR. I have seen the 18-55 for under 60.00 USD on KEH. Good luck!

08-28-2018, 10:20 AM - 1 Like	#13
lotech Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 1,312	Oh sorry I've not check that, Pentax really in need of lenses. Originally posted by link81 Pretty certain that the only WR lens's yo'll find with a pentax mount will be pentax lenses. I don't believe that any 3rd party WR lens's exist. The cheapest you're going to be able to find will be the 18-55WR, they go up in price from there, with the 18-135 and 16-85 being the next step up, both in quality and in price.

08-28-2018, 10:21 AM - 1 Like	#14
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Originally posted by Ropuchy There is an "Irix 15mm F2.4 Balckstone" in the lens database that is recorded as being WR. That is pretty much it and that series is usually over 600.00 USD! Not a budget lens or one for a beginner as UWA is a whole new world for most of us newbies! ---------- Post added 08-28-18 at 10:24 AM ---------- Originally posted by lotech Oh sorry I've not check that, Pentax really in need of lenses. No, some updated lenses would be nice, but other than WR there are really no gaps in focal length that would demand new lenses. That statement is a fallacious argument since there are over several thousand different lenses to use on any K mount Pentax Camera. Your results will vary since many are not good and old poor quality consumers lenses make up a percentage of those thousands but there are some jewels that are inexpensive out there.

08-28-2018, 10:24 AM - 1 Like	#15
gump Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Canton, Ohio Posts: 1,016	I got the 18-55 WR as a kit lens with the K-70. It does a descent job in the middle of the range. I also have the 55-300 PLM WR which is very good if not great, The photos posted here support the 18-135, it was the option as a kit lens, as a good choice.