Help making the right decision K50 or K5iis

sriks · 01-17-2014, 05:30 AM

Hello all,..

I have decided to get a new pentax dslr (this will be first dslr)..

I do release the quality on k5iis is slightly better in terms of low light focus and dynamic range than the k50

I have four options infront of me and unable to make up my mind...

Pentax K-50 White + DAL 18-55WR + DAL 50-200WR Twin Lens Kit : 659 GBP

Pentax K-50 White + DA 18-135WR : 739 GBP

PENTAX K5 II DIGITAL CAMERA WITH 18-55MM WR LENS: 679.00 GBP

PENTAX K5 II S DIGITAL CAMERA WITH 18-55MM WR LENS : 799.00

My max budget is around 700 but willing to go to extra 100 quid just to get the extra performance if needed..

I probably wont be able to invest anything else into this for atleast 6-9 months so confused if going down the kit lens route with k5ii/s isn't such a great idea

Mainly my pictures will be while I travel.. nature, landscapes, buildings, kids and indoor once in a while...

Any suggestions here are greatly appreciated thanks

sriks · 01-17-2014, 05:47 AM

on a different note.. a friend has pointed me to a offer showing the D7100 + 18-105mm for 800 GBP .. just makes my decision tougher i guess

Apologies for making second post.. i am not allowed to edit my post yet

k5astro · 01-17-2014, 06:51 AM

I wouldn't pass up the chance to get Pentax's flagship camera K5ii at a good price. I think you have to decide what you want most, all purpose (#2), pro quality/performance (#3). I wouldn't spend the extra money on the K5iis and the 50-200mm zoom lens has a very poor review so forget that one.

k5astro · 01-17-2014, 06:56 AM

Originally posted by gbeaton

I wouldn't pass up the chance to get Pentax's flagship camera K5ii at a good price. I think you have to decide what you want most, all purpose (#2), pro quality/performance (#3). I wouldn't spend the extra money on the K5iis and the 50-200mm zoom lens has a very poor review so forget that one.

Woah! The 55-135 has a bad review too. Forget that one. Here is a very good resource you should check before you buy any lens... Pentax K Lens Tests

altopiet · 01-17-2014, 07:06 AM

Originally posted by gbeaton

55-135

He's talking about the 18-135...

SpecialK · 01-17-2014, 07:08 AM

Even the kit lenses get good reviews and have fans. All lenses have good and bad reviews. You should look in the lens sample image threads to see actual results people get.

At some point you will likely replace them with something more suitable (faster/longer/shorter) for your particular needs and preferences, but you are not there :-)

altopiet · 01-17-2014, 07:16 AM

Originally posted by sriks

DAL 18-55WR + DAL 50-200WR

If it is a DA L lens, it's not WR....so it's either a DA L or DA....WR lens? I can only say that I would stay away from the 18-55 lenses, WR or not. I had a good DA L 200, but haven't tried the WR version, for general purposes I would pick the 18-135WR, as I should've done when I bought my K-30, which is about the same as the K-50. I would then save for the K-3 which should drop in price in a years time, or perhaps a FF Pentax if it eventually arrives.

EDIT: The 18-135 should give you an idea of what focal length you'll need, I originally went with a 18-55 and 50-200 kit with my K-x, but soon found the 200 too short, so if you're going to need longer than 135, you might just as well get a 55-300 at some stage later on...

Last edited by altopiet; 01-17-2014 at 07:23 AM.

sriks · 01-17-2014, 07:21 AM

Originally posted by gbeaton

I wouldn't pass up the chance to get Pentax's flagship camera K5ii at a good price. I think you have to decide what you want most, all purpose (#2), pro quality/performance (#3). I wouldn't spend the extra money on the K5iis and the 50-200mm zoom lens has a very poor review so forget that one.

Is #2 all purpose because of the lens ? or k50 is a more versatile camera compared to k5ii ..

Originally posted by gbeaton

Woah! The 55-135 has a bad review too. Forget that one. Here is a very good resource you should check before you buy any lens... Pentax K Lens Tests

Thanks for pointing to that site.. the 15-135 fared quite bad in their tests ..

Originally posted by SpecialK

Even the kit lenses get good reviews and have fans. All lenses have good and bad reviews. You should look in the lens sample image threads to see actual results people get.

At some point you will likely replace them with something more suitable (faster/longer/shorter) for your particular needs and preferences, but you are not there :-)

Agreed

so its important to get a better body and bad lens :P

Deni · 01-17-2014, 07:31 AM

I'd get the K50 + 18-135. Excellent as a first DSLR camera.

**TER-OR** · 01-17-2014, 07:39 AM

The 18-135 is a nice lens. Is it a prime? No. Is it a big step up from most kit lenses - hell yes.
I'd get the 18-135 over the 18-55 and 55-200 set, then save up for a used 55-300 and you'll have a great starter kit - much better than the competition.

You'll have a weather resistant camera with a fantastic sensor, a solid motorized silent focusing lens which will make your friends jealous when they try it.

The K50 looks great in white, too.
I have a K5 and the 18-135 and 55-300 is my go-to general purpose kit.

sriks · 01-17-2014, 07:49 AM

Originally posted by altopiet

If it is a DA L lens, it's not WR....so it's either a DA L or DA....WR lens? I can only say that I would stay away from the 18-55 lenses, WR or not. I had a good DA L 200, but haven't tried the WR version, for general purposes I would pick the 18-135WR, as I should've done when I bought my K-30, which is about the same as the K-50. I would then save for the K-3 which should drop in price in a years time, or perhaps a FF Pentax if it eventually arrives.

EDIT: The 18-135 should give you an idea of what focal length you'll need, I originally went with a 18-55 and 50-200 kit with my K-x, but soon found the 200 too short, so if you're going to need longer than 135, you might just as well get a 55-300 at some stage later on...

i guess the site listing them is confused in someway, will give them a call to see if its DAL or WR

(Pentax K-50 White + DAL 18-55WR + DAL 50-200WR Twin Lens Kit | Buy Pentax K50 at Clifton Cameras) they list as DAL WR

I do have plans for getting better lenses down the line..

Originally posted by TER-OR

The 18-135 is a nice lens. Is it a prime? No. Is it a big step up from most kit lenses - hell yes.
I'd get the 18-135 over the 18-55 and 55-200 set, then save up for a used 55-300 and you'll have a great starter kit - much better than the competition.

You'll have a weather resistant camera with a fantastic sensor, a solid motorized silent focusing lens which will make your friends jealous when they try it.

The K50 looks great in white, too.
I have a K5 and the 18-135 and 55-300 is my go-to general purpose kit.

i love the Starship Trooper look of the k50 but having the top end k5ii with its improved AF and low light just in the same price range kind of puts me in an unwanted place..

altopiet · 01-17-2014, 08:00 AM

Originally posted by sriks

i love the Starship Trooper look of the k50 but having the top end k5ii with its improved AF and low light just in the same price range kind of puts me in an unwanted place..

have a look at post #7 in particular, but also the other posts https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/130-lens-sample-photo-archive/191544-pent...-18-135mm.html, that is the 18-135 with the K-30, which is almost identical to the k-50...

stevebrot · 01-17-2014, 08:07 AM

Originally posted by altopiet

If it is a DA L lens, it's not WR....so it's either a DA L or DA....WR lens?

The K-50 may come bundled as a two-lens kit with DAL WR versions of the 18-55 and 50-200 zooms. The lenses have a grey band as opposed to the green band on the non-L versions. I know because I just helped a friend purchase this kit.

Steve

IchabodCrane · 01-17-2014, 08:10 AM

Another vote for the K-50 + 18-135 WR for GBP 739. That looks like the best deal.

ruggiex · 01-17-2014, 08:11 AM

Imo, for your usage and being first DSLR, I'd just stick to K-50 with 18-135mm. That lens is quiet, focuses fast and sharp for commonly used range. The AF and high iso performance of K-50 compared to K-5ii I don't think is *that* drastic. K-5ii does offer some extra convenience features that K-50 doesn't have and the shutter is quieter.

But from my observations there could be such thing as having too many features when starting out -- I've seen people end up making so many mistakes because the camera lets the user control it and the user gets frustrated with the results. So it might be worth asking if you may fall into this category or not before jumping on K5ii. Or perhaps the joy of using a camera maybe increased due to having a cool looking camera.

I know I felt that way when I had my K-x.

01-17-2014, 05:30 AM	#1
sriks New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 8	Help making the right decision K50 or K5iis Hello all,.. I have decided to get a new pentax dslr (this will be first dslr).. I do release the quality on k5iis is slightly better in terms of low light focus and dynamic range than the k50 I have four options infront of me and unable to make up my mind... Pentax K-50 White + DAL 18-55WR + DAL 50-200WR Twin Lens Kit : 659 GBP Pentax K-50 White + DA 18-135WR : 739 GBP PENTAX K5 II DIGITAL CAMERA WITH 18-55MM WR LENS: 679.00 GBP PENTAX K5 II S DIGITAL CAMERA WITH 18-55MM WR LENS : 799.00 My max budget is around 700 but willing to go to extra 100 quid just to get the extra performance if needed.. I probably wont be able to invest anything else into this for atleast 6-9 months so confused if going down the kit lens route with k5ii/s isn't such a great idea Mainly my pictures will be while I travel.. nature, landscapes, buildings, kids and indoor once in a while... Any suggestions here are greatly appreciated thanks

01-17-2014, 08:07 AM	#13
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by altopiet If it is a DA L lens, it's not WR....so it's either a DA L or DA....WR lens? The K-50 may come bundled as a two-lens kit with DAL WR versions of the 18-55 and 50-200 zooms. The lenses have a grey band as opposed to the green band on the non-L versions. I know because I just helped a friend purchase this kit. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 01-17-2014 at 08:42 AM.

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01-17-2014, 05:47 AM	#2
sriks New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 8 Original Poster	on a different note.. a friend has pointed me to a offer showing the D7100 + 18-105mm for 800 GBP .. just makes my decision tougher i guess Apologies for making second post.. i am not allowed to edit my post yet

01-17-2014, 06:51 AM	#3
k5astro Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 387	I wouldn't pass up the chance to get Pentax's flagship camera K5ii at a good price. I think you have to decide what you want most, all purpose (#2), pro quality/performance (#3). I wouldn't spend the extra money on the K5iis and the 50-200mm zoom lens has a very poor review so forget that one.

01-17-2014, 06:56 AM	#4
k5astro Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 387	Originally posted by gbeaton I wouldn't pass up the chance to get Pentax's flagship camera K5ii at a good price. I think you have to decide what you want most, all purpose (#2), pro quality/performance (#3). I wouldn't spend the extra money on the K5iis and the 50-200mm zoom lens has a very poor review so forget that one. Woah! The 55-135 has a bad review too. Forget that one. Here is a very good resource you should check before you buy any lens... Pentax K Lens Tests

01-17-2014, 07:06 AM	#5
altopiet Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: The Gem of the Karoo, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,307	Originally posted by gbeaton 55-135 He's talking about the 18-135...

01-17-2014, 07:08 AM	#6
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Even the kit lenses get good reviews and have fans. All lenses have good and bad reviews. You should look in the lens sample image threads to see actual results people get. At some point you will likely replace them with something more suitable (faster/longer/shorter) for your particular needs and preferences, but you are not there :-)

01-17-2014, 07:16 AM	#7
altopiet Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: The Gem of the Karoo, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,307	Originally posted by sriks DAL 18-55WR + DAL 50-200WR If it is a DA L lens, it's not WR....so it's either a DA L or DA....WR lens? I can only say that I would stay away from the 18-55 lenses, WR or not. I had a good DA L 200, but haven't tried the WR version, for general purposes I would pick the 18-135WR, as I should've done when I bought my K-30, which is about the same as the K-50. I would then save for the K-3 which should drop in price in a years time, or perhaps a FF Pentax if it eventually arrives. EDIT: The 18-135 should give you an idea of what focal length you'll need, I originally went with a 18-55 and 50-200 kit with my K-x, but soon found the 200 too short, so if you're going to need longer than 135, you might just as well get a 55-300 at some stage later on... Last edited by altopiet; 01-17-2014 at 07:23 AM.

01-17-2014, 07:21 AM	#8
sriks New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Originally posted by gbeaton I wouldn't pass up the chance to get Pentax's flagship camera K5ii at a good price. I think you have to decide what you want most, all purpose (#2), pro quality/performance (#3). I wouldn't spend the extra money on the K5iis and the 50-200mm zoom lens has a very poor review so forget that one. Is #2 all purpose because of the lens ? or k50 is a more versatile camera compared to k5ii .. Originally posted by gbeaton Woah! The 55-135 has a bad review too. Forget that one. Here is a very good resource you should check before you buy any lens... Pentax K Lens Tests Thanks for pointing to that site.. the 15-135 fared quite bad in their tests .. Originally posted by SpecialK Even the kit lenses get good reviews and have fans. All lenses have good and bad reviews. You should look in the lens sample image threads to see actual results people get. At some point you will likely replace them with something more suitable (faster/longer/shorter) for your particular needs and preferences, but you are not there :-) Agreed so its important to get a better body and bad lens :P

01-17-2014, 07:31 AM	#9
Deni Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tirana, Albania, South Europe, Planet Earth Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 621	I'd get the K50 + 18-135. Excellent as a first DSLR camera.

01-17-2014, 07:39 AM	#10
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	The 18-135 is a nice lens. Is it a prime? No. Is it a big step up from most kit lenses - hell yes. I'd get the 18-135 over the 18-55 and 55-200 set, then save up for a used 55-300 and you'll have a great starter kit - much better than the competition. You'll have a weather resistant camera with a fantastic sensor, a solid motorized silent focusing lens which will make your friends jealous when they try it. The K50 looks great in white, too. I have a K5 and the 18-135 and 55-300 is my go-to general purpose kit.

01-17-2014, 07:49 AM	#11
sriks New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 8 Original Poster	Originally posted by altopiet If it is a DA L lens, it's not WR....so it's either a DA L or DA....WR lens? I can only say that I would stay away from the 18-55 lenses, WR or not. I had a good DA L 200, but haven't tried the WR version, for general purposes I would pick the 18-135WR, as I should've done when I bought my K-30, which is about the same as the K-50. I would then save for the K-3 which should drop in price in a years time, or perhaps a FF Pentax if it eventually arrives. EDIT: The 18-135 should give you an idea of what focal length you'll need, I originally went with a 18-55 and 50-200 kit with my K-x, but soon found the 200 too short, so if you're going to need longer than 135, you might just as well get a 55-300 at some stage later on... i guess the site listing them is confused in someway, will give them a call to see if its DAL or WR (Pentax K-50 White + DAL 18-55WR + DAL 50-200WR Twin Lens Kit \| Buy Pentax K50 at Clifton Cameras) they list as DAL WR I do have plans for getting better lenses down the line.. Originally posted by TER-OR The 18-135 is a nice lens. Is it a prime? No. Is it a big step up from most kit lenses - hell yes. I'd get the 18-135 over the 18-55 and 55-200 set, then save up for a used 55-300 and you'll have a great starter kit - much better than the competition. You'll have a weather resistant camera with a fantastic sensor, a solid motorized silent focusing lens which will make your friends jealous when they try it. The K50 looks great in white, too. I have a K5 and the 18-135 and 55-300 is my go-to general purpose kit. i love the Starship Trooper look of the k50 but having the top end k5ii with its improved AF and low light just in the same price range kind of puts me in an unwanted place..

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01-17-2014, 08:00 AM	#12
altopiet Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: The Gem of the Karoo, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,307	Originally posted by sriks i love the Starship Trooper look of the k50 but having the top end k5ii with its improved AF and low light just in the same price range kind of puts me in an unwanted place.. have a look at post #7 in particular, but also the other posts https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/130-lens-sample-photo-archive/191544-pent...-18-135mm.html, that is the 18-135 with the K-30, which is almost identical to the k-50...

01-17-2014, 08:10 AM	#14
IchabodCrane Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,728	Another vote for the K-50 + 18-135 WR for GBP 739. That looks like the best deal.

01-17-2014, 08:11 AM	#15
ruggiex Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: East Bay Area Photos: Gallery Posts: 811	Imo, for your usage and being first DSLR, I'd just stick to K-50 with 18-135mm. That lens is quiet, focuses fast and sharp for commonly used range. The AF and high iso performance of K-50 compared to K-5ii I don't think is that drastic. K-5ii does offer some extra convenience features that K-50 doesn't have and the shutter is quieter. But from my observations there could be such thing as having too many features when starting out -- I've seen people end up making so many mistakes because the camera lets the user control it and the user gets frustrated with the results. So it might be worth asking if you may fall into this category or not before jumping on K5ii. Or perhaps the joy of using a camera maybe increased due to having a cool looking camera. I know I felt that way when I had my K-x.