Hi all,
Well, yesterday my K-5 II with a DR 18-135 WR and DA 50-200 WR lenses were delivered. I was hoping to get a IIs but there were none available in Moscow with an undetermined amount of wait time for one to come in. I chose to bite the bullet and go for a II. I chose the lighter weather-sealed lenses as I'm having a beach holiday at the beginning of next month and I'm taking this kit with me. I wanted a camera that could stand up to the elements, not cost an arm and a leg and delivered amazing results.
Yesterday was the first time I had chance to see and hold a K-5 II 'in the flesh' as all dealers in Moscow simply do not stock Pentax DSLRs (this is a Nikon town). But after a LOT of research online I was sure it was the right one for me. Last night as I was holding it and taking a couple of shots, I knew I was right.
Firstly, I was surprised at how compact yet solid the body was and the overall quality of the workmanship. I was very happy with the low light focusing (it was dark in my flat) and how fast and quick the 18-135 was. The 50-200 seemed much slower and noisier to focus by comparison - nothing that I'm going to lose sleep over, though. It was much cheaper lens to buy - and it's light and weather sealed. The menu system made sense without looking at the manual - and the whole camera was fast and responsive. I also checked the automatic horizon correction because I remembered that some people had a problem with this function (it's not super important but without it it looks like I have one leg shorter than the other). It worked great as was very impressive!
Anyway, I'm hoping to put it through it's paces this weekend - the wife and I have been invited to our friend's 'dacha' (Russian summer house in the country) where I hope to take some nature shots.
So far, I'm VERY happy with my purchase.
I'm still thinking of getting a IIs when they are finally available here. I'll either sell the II or keep it as a second body for when I'm out in harsh conditions and I don't want to swap lenses (winters can get cold here). I'm not sure yet.
Last edited by auricle; 07-10-2013 at 05:53 AM.
Reason: added section