[Bucky]

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

---

Hi everyone,

I introduced myself here:

Hello from the Yukon - PentaxForums.com

I am a complete beginner living in the Yukon. I have decided on a k-70 on which to learn and am looking for advice on an accompanying lens. I expect to be shooting mostly landscape (cold climate) and possibly some Aurora Borealis this winter.

What should I be looking for in a first lens? Budget will be around 6 or 700usd.

[luftfluss]

That's a nice budget for a "first lens"!

If you don't mind used, you could get:

SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

SMC Pentax-DA 50mm F1.8 Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

That would be quite a complete kit to start, until you determine if you needed some more specialized lenses.

[wadge22]

Just to clarify, that's $600-700 for the lens itself, or total with the camera?
Do you lean towards a prime, or a zoom? Or not really know yet?
Would you potentially be comfortable buying second hand?
Are you quite set on buying just one lens, or might we suggest two or more that together fit within your budget?

Answers to those questions will help us give better advice. Even if the answers are "I don't know."

[ramseybuckeye]

There is so many ways you can go and probably none are wrong. My most used lenses for landscapes are the DA20-40Ltd, and the DA55-300PLM. I’ve not shot the Aurora, but if it’s like shooting a landscape any lens can do it, but depending on your likes some will be better. A lot of people start with the 18-135 or the 16-85; both are good choices. I’ve never used the Q16-85, I have the 18-135, which is a good lens, but I use the previous two mentioned lenses way more. The 20-40 is just special, the 55-300PLM, is very versatile.

[nixxo2002]

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR / HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR / SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

SMC Pentax-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited

[Bucky]

Well that budget was for one lens only. I could manage another hundred or so ($800) for two lenses.

Used is fine with me. Honestly leaning towards prime lenses but I thought a zoom lens wouldn’t be a bad idea until I really know what I’ll be using (and what I’m doing). I think most of my photography in the beginning will be outdoor wide angle.

---------- Post added 12-22-21 at 07:37 PM ----------

Also, it’s freezing cold. Should I be using WR lenses?

[nixxo2002]

Well that budget was for one lens only. I could manage another hundred or so ($800) for two lenses.

Used is fine with me. Honestly leaning towards prime lenses but I thought a zoom lens wouldn’t be a bad idea until I really know what I’ll be using (and what I’m doing). I think most of my photography in the beginning will be outdoor wide angle.

---------- Post added 12-22-21 at 07:37 PM ----------

Also, it’s freezing cold. Should I be using WR lenses?

for 800$ you can buy it 3 lenses .
right now on ebay ( HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR ) for 215$ in mint condition it's a great price
18-135 you can get for 150-170$ , and prime 70 2/4 for 250$ , or prime 50 1/8 for 80$

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294643683142?hash=item449a21cf46:g:5P8AAOSw06NhvKtR

[nixxo2002]

most of pentax da zoom lenses are WR , but only one prime Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM WR

[FozzFoster]

+1 for DA 50 1.8

[wadge22]

That's a nice budget. You can for sure get something you'll be happy with at that price. If I were you, I'd probably shoot for one zoom and one prime. Since you have mentioned weather sealing so much, I would say that yes, you should probably stick to WR or AW lenses, for at least one lens.

Zooms to be sure and consider:
16-85mm f3.5-5.6
18-135mm f3.5-5.6
20-40mm f2.8-4 Limited
55-300mm f4.5-6.3 PLM


Primes to be sure and consider:
15mm f4 Limited
21mm 3.2 Limited
35mm 2.8 Limited Macro

[ramseybuckeye]

If you do opt for a DA55-300, get the PLM version, it is better all around, and the autofocus is fast, maybe not needed for a landscape, but you may want to shoot a bit of wildlife up there too.

The WR lenses are definitely going to be preferred in cold weather.

[vector]

Starting out I think the 18-135mm is going to offer you the most bang for your buck. I would also look to have at least one fast prime to go with it. On APSC a 50mm makes a great people/portrait lens and a 35mm is a great normal perspective lens, still good for people and portraits but a little wider. Either of those paired with the 18-135mm zoom would get you off to a good start.

[Bucky]

Thanks everyone.

Best price I can find (in Canada) is $989 for the body and the 18-135. I think I’ll start with that and one of the primes suggested by wadge (mostly based on I like what I see in the various lens club photos).

I’ve also got to budget for a good tripod and other accessories.

[wadge22]

I’ve also got to budget for a good tripod and other accessories.

Yes Yes. Don't skimp on your tripod. There are some amazing values out there, though, so it doesn't need to be crazy expensive.

---------
I'll also add, please don't take my advice on those lenses as definitive or exhaustive. I would wait for some people who shoot more landscapes and/or night sky shots and/or APS-C to weigh in (I shoot mostly telephoto on FF, and haven't used the lenses I just recommended).
I was mostly trying to list the obvious candidates to be helpful.

[luftfluss]

We do have another member here who is temporarily in Fairbanks, Alaska, and he posted a very nice photo here: The 15mm Limited controls my mind - club - Page 795 - PentaxForums.com

Maybe he will see this thread have have some advice. Paging @SpruceBruce