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11-12-2008, 08:03 AM   #1
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A bit lost to replace my 18-55

Hi,
I am bit lost.
I want to replace the 18-55mm pentax that was coming with my k100d. I also have a 70-300 sigma that I like but I dont use that much (less than 10% of my picture).
For the budget I want to contain it, from low to medium (I mean super maximum is 400$, but 300$ or under would be much better). I am open to other brand like sigma or whatever.
The range would be something like 16-50 to 20-70, the wider it can open the better. Of course it needs to be better than the original 18-55 because if no I will stay with this one (and clean it).
So what do you recommend me?
Thanks

11-12-2008, 08:15 AM   #2
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I have found these lenses in my budget:


Sigma | 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro Lens for Pentax | 669109
Best choice ?

Tamron | 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II Macro Lens | AF014P700
Is it really util as I have a 70-300 already ?

Sigma | 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 DC Lens for Pentax Digital AF | 521109
cheap choice, will I feel some improvement from my previous lense ?

Thanks for the help
11-12-2008, 08:22 AM   #3
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Either the Pentax 16-45 ... or the Sigma 17-70.

I have seen some great images from both lenses ... and I have used a Sigma 17-70 quickly ... and it was a really nice lens indeed ... a very good upgrade over the 18-55mm kit lens.
11-12-2008, 08:24 AM   #4
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The DA 16-45mm F4 is a clear upgrade to the 18-55mm. Low distortion even at 16mm, sharp as a prime from wide open, great colours & contrast, and squarely in your price range.

11-12-2008, 08:26 AM   #5
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what do you want to achieve in total?

Although I see your present list, I don't know if you are pleased or not with the quality of the kit lens.

This raises a real question, do you really want to get rid of it, or do you perhaps, want to extend your range at the wide end?

You might want to look at the sigma 10-20mm, Tamron 10-24mm or the pentax 12-24mm, before replacing the kit lens.

I always found 18mm was just not wide enough, especially for travel where narrow streets make it difficult to fit entire buildings in the shot.
11-12-2008, 08:53 AM   #6
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Since it seems you still want wide angle, but also want some range, I think the Sigma 17-70mm would be a great choice for you. It is very highly regarded. If you want a "faster" lens, you might consider the Sigma 24-60mm f2.8. It is only $199 on Amazon.com.

Amazon.com: Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8 EX DG IF Aspherical Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Pentax and Samsung SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

Of course, the 24mm wide focal length may not be wide enough for you, but it is worth a thought. I use the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 and love it, but it sounds like that will not be wide enough for you. All in all though, there are plenty of fine possibilities in the Pentax mount for good walk-around upgrades to the 18-55mm kit lens. Good luck.
11-12-2008, 09:44 AM   #7
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Loopingz, I have the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8, and I am extremely happy with it. It is also available affordably at Amazon. It is pleasingly sharp and very bright. It's a heavy sucker, though.

A note: I had to send the first copy of this lens back and request another. There was a severe glare problem with night shots and street lamps. The replacement was perfect.

11-12-2008, 08:46 PM   #8
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QuoteQuote:
Loopingz, I have the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8, and I am extremely happy with it. It is also available affordably at Amazon. It is pleasingly sharp and very bright. It's a heavy sucker, though.

A note: I had to send the first copy of this lens back and request another. There was a severe glare problem with night shots and street lamps. The replacement was perfect.
Ditto, here (except I did not need to send it back). Those are my sample images in that link :-)

I'm surprised Cameta still lists them in stock as they seem to be the only one for a long time.
11-17-2008, 01:16 PM   #9
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Thanks for the advice. Going wide angle with a separate lens is a bit expensive for me, it would be a solution only if both lenses were 200$... That is why the sigma 17-70 could be a good choice, I widen a bit my range, and I only have to change my lens for my teleobjective. It sounds good to me.
11-17-2008, 03:27 PM   #10
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Loopingz, I upgraded from the Mk. II kit lens to the DA 16-45/F4. It's a much bigger lens with a larger diameter & heavier than the kit lens which feels like a toy in comparison. You have to watch out using the built in flash at about 24mm or wider as you get a shadow. But aside from that, it's a good upgrade.
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