[5shot]

I have a K10D, and for MOST of what I do, it works great, but it is severely lacking in high ISO performance. I do most of my shooting with an FA43 and my other lenses are kit zoom lenses (18-55 and 70-200).

So...the same old question...go with a great lens or upgrade my body?

Either way, I will be going for a used item in the marketplace.

Thanks.

[DSims]

Of course you go with the lens.

You said it yourself - you do most of your shooting with your FA43. That means the kit lenses aren't cutting it.


The FA77 is vastly different than the FA43. It shoots well wide-open at f/1.8 (compared to the FA43 which, as you know, should at least be stopped down to between f/2.2 and f/2.8). The K10D (like my K200D) has beautiful output, so you'll be able to take full advantage of this lens.

After you get at least a couple more good lenses you have permission to upgrade your body


If you're desperate for high ISO performance, a K-x or K-r will do just fine. But you really need a few more lenses. Even if you can't get top end yet, at least get some mid-range models (e.g. DA16-45 or DA17-70) before you go for a K-5 or better. And keep in mind that the color output from the K10D/K200D's 10MP CCD sensor is unmatched by anything since them.

Nevertheless, the FA77, more than any other lens I know of, will transform your photography. The K-5 can never do that.


In fact, a couple of years ago, I was waiting for my new K-5 to arrive just before a shoot on the Universal Studios Backlot. It didn't get there in time, but I'd already sold my K-x, so I used my K200D. The shots I got with my K200D and FA77, K200/2.5, DA*50-135, and other top Pentax glass were noticeably better than what I got with the Canon 5D Mk II and 16-35 and 24-70 L glass I borrowed. The K-5 wouldn't have been an improvement.


(Actually, the A100/2.8 non-macro (also available as an M lens) began the transformation for me. It's almost like a cheaper, slower MF version of the FA77. But the FA77 will allow you to fully turn the corner).

[LeRolls]

Love my FA77! I'd go for the lens!

[sterretje]

If low light performance holds you back (you're the judge), I would go for the / a camera. I however like to give a little warning about front focusing issues of the K5 under tungsten light. If that is an issue, it might be better to stretch the budget to a K5/II(s) or opt for a K30/K50.

I went from K10D to K5 and I really did not know what hit me when I started using high ISO; it's absolutely jaw dropping

[aglet]

If you NEED high ISO ability, the K5, K30, and newer, are very impressive. So is the K-01. You can de-noise and actually use iso 6400 quite readily.

I started with the K52s tho also acquired a K10 and quite like the output from it for certain kinds of shots. Not sure how to explain the difference, they both have a use.
I also have the FA77, which I under-utilize at this time but am looking forward to putting it to work more.

Lenses are nice, bodies that can do the job are a necessity.

[todd]

seeing that you're currently at 77 posts on the forum, take that as a sign...

[sterretje]

seeing that you're currently at 77 posts on the forum, take that as a sign...

[hcc]

seeing that you're currently at 77 posts on the forum, take that as a sign...

+1

[Parry]

THE LENS!!!!

Without question the lens. 77 on IIs.

[5shot]

seeing that you're currently at 77 posts on the forum, take that as a sign...

Hmmm...you got me there! The lens will be next. Thanks for the input everyone.