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06-27-2013, 11:06 PM   #1
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Lens choice for k-30 package

Hi,

I am currently looking at buying a k-30 at the reduced prices in australia:

The two bundles I am considering are:

Pentax K-30 DSLR & 18-50mm Lens Bundle $499+Shipping @ TVSN - OzBargain - Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS

Pentax K30 + Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.5 | Teds Cameras - Ted's Cameras - Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.5

Does anyone have experience with these lenses and would you pay $90 more for the 17-70mm lens over the 18-50mm ?

Thanks!

06-28-2013, 02:38 AM   #2
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If I had the WR k30, I would get the 18-135 WR lens
If not, I would get the 17-70. This is what I have on my k-01. It's a grwat walk around lens and the IQ is higher than the 18-50.

Be aware though that the 3d version of that 17-70 lens just came out abd the one in your kit is version 1 which is maybe from 2008 or so.
06-28-2013, 05:24 AM   #3
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Seems a shame to have a WR body and not have a WR lens - WR includes dust intrusion.
06-28-2013, 05:47 AM   #4
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Which Zoom?

Hello Glengood, Welcome to the Forum!
I don't have experience with either lens, so can't offer an opinion from that standpoint.
However, I do have experience with wide-to-medium zooms and can tell you that the range from 50mm to 70mm is very useful. It will sometimes make the difference between getting a good telephoto 'isolation' of (for example) a single person vs a crowded-looking shot. In other situations it will save you time because you don't have to change lenses to get a little more 'reach'. The short tele range will also save you from making a major crop in post-processing, since the uncropped image will be larger at 70mm vs 50mm.
All things like f/stop range and lens quality being equal, the 50mm to 70mm difference would be the deal-breaker for me and certainly worth $90 more.
JMO
Ron

06-28-2013, 05:53 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by glengood Quote
would you pay $90 more for the 17-70mm lens over the 18-50mm ?

Thanks!
Yes. Amongst these two, the 17-70 is the better optical choice.

The Pentax 18-135 is about the same optically as the 17-70, but has WR and goes to 135. However, from 70 to 135, the optical performance drops off some, so it's really more like a very good 18-70 with an OK 70-135 added on. The Sigma 17-70 focuses closer, so better for macro-type close ups.

If you are an outdoorsy type of person, get the 18-135, if you don't think you need to take pictures in the rain, get the Sigma 17-70. I thought WR was not important to me, until I was on vacation in a storm, and got to keep taking pictures.

On the other hand, you could get the 17-70, and get the 18-55WR for those days, but then you'd have just about the same money invested as the 18-135.
06-28-2013, 05:54 AM   #6
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My choice would be the Sigma 17-70. Your next purchase should be a WR lens like 50-200, or some of the more expensive WR lenses if you can afford it.
06-28-2013, 06:40 AM   #7
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Get the K30 with the 18-55WR or the 18-135WR. K30 is WR no point getting it with non WR lenses . . .

06-28-2013, 07:27 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by felixkh Quote
Get the K30 with the 18-55WR or the 18-135WR. K30 is WR no point getting it with non WR lenses . . .
Both bundles the OP are talking about have Sigma lenses
06-28-2013, 08:00 AM   #9
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I haven't used either lens. But I have a Sigma 70 that I often use as a walk around lens. I'll agrees with the previous poster that going to 70mm makes a lens a lot more useful. I'd also say get the Pentax DA 18-135, but if that's not on the table, you can rest happy knowing that though the 18-135 has superior centre sharpness and water and dust resistance, the 17-70 is excellent in the centre as well, and is much better edge to edge. It certainly looks like a keeper to me.
06-28-2013, 07:22 PM   #10
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Go for the Sigm 17-70mm from this site.

Pentax K30 from $512.00 | 104697-bundle

I just purchased from them and recieved the order very quickly. Cost me $558 incl postage. They appear to be a subsidiary of Teds.

Hope that helps.
06-28-2013, 07:25 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by glengood Quote
Does anyone have experience with these lenses and would you pay $90 more for the 17-70mm lens over the 18-50mm ?
Many of us have that 17-70 (early version). It is much more useful that the 18-50. So yes, it's worth it.
06-28-2013, 09:01 PM   #12
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Thanks for all the advice - got the 17-70mm kit for $574 in store at Teds today! Excited to get snapping
06-28-2013, 11:12 PM - 1 Like   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by felixkh Quote
Get the K30 with the 18-55WR or the 18-135WR. K30 is WR no point getting it with non WR lenses . . .
First Off, to the OP... Congrats on the Purchase!

Secondly however, why are so many people obsessed with having a WR lens. There are so many other wonderful features of the K30 that warrant getting it, regardless of WR. Plus, the body is WR regardless of what lens you have on it. Would having a WR lens be a benifit? Sure, if you are shooting in the deserts of Iraq or Monsoons of India. Photography existed and thrived long before full WR kits were available.

Get the lens (lenses) that help you achieve the photographs that you desire at a cost you can justify. The End.
06-29-2013, 04:16 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Jon Quote
Get the lens (lenses) that help you achieve the photographs that you desire at a cost you can justify. The End.
I'll agree with one caveat- Maybe I'm wrong, but I think many new K-30 owners already have a lens collection when making the jump to K-30 (based on the upgrade threads) and are looking to take advantage of a greatly discounted lens at the time of purchase to round out their collection. At least for me, it was a reason to get the 18-135 WR. It 'completes' my use of this camera. Otherwise, absolutely, I have my other non-WR lenses varying from a year to 30 years old and I certainly do use them on my K-30.
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