[teacoffeejunkie]

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Hi everyone,

I'm going to be working in the Amazon rainforest mid-next year for 5 weeks and am looking to purchase a DSLR. I'm aware that humidity is a major challenge, as well as the low levels of light and photographing wildlife up in the canopy.
As i'm relatively new to "good" photography and am a student, I will sadly be only be able to spend 400/450 pounds.

Atm, I'm considering a Pentax K-50 as it's weather-sealed and has the capacity for high ISO images. I'm also looking to get some weather sealed lenses (maybe, the DAL18-55wr and DAL50-200wr) though I am open to suggestions as I certainly have no expertise in this area.

Do you think this is a good choice for the conditions in the amazon rainforest? Also I will be backpacking afterwards, so size would also be a consideration I need to take into account.
If not, what should I consider with this budget?

Thanks,
Teacoffeejunkie

P.s If anyone any is selling one, please message me.

[Blue]

We have a wanted items sub forum located here:

Wanted Items - PentaxForums.com

That is the proper place to make requests. Please familiarize yourself with the rules for the wanted section.

[Docrwm]

Welcome aboard. Yes, that would be an excellent combination for you given your circumstances. The two WR lenses that you mention are probably the best option within your budget. Good coverage out to 200mm and WR plus they're not bad lenses. I'd also suggest SanDisk SD Cards because they are the only cards that I know of that are listed as weather resistant as well. Finally, a good bag that is small but holds this gear that has its own rain cover would be another piece to your setup. I have a preference for LowePro gear but there are lots of good bags around that have good rain protection.

[PKMike]

Welcome aboard. Yes, that would be an excellent combination for you given your circumstances. The two WR lenses that you mention are probably the best option within your budget. Good coverage out to 200mm and WR plus they're not bad lenses. I'd also suggest SanDisk SD Cards because they are the only cards that I know of that are listed as weather resistant as well. Finally, a good bag that is small but holds this gear that has its own rain cover would be another piece to your setup. I have a preference for LowePro gear but there are lots of good bags around that have good rain protection.

Yes. What he said, including Sandisk and LowePro. Check B&H Photo right now. The body and 2 lenses you are considering are 526.95 USD and they are tossing in a free Pentax Flash! I would move quickly though as these type of deals tend to to vanish very suddenly.

[Adam]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be working in the Amazon rainforest mid-next year for 5 weeks and am looking to purchase a DSLR. I'm aware that humidity is a major challenge, as well as the low levels of light and photographing wildlife up in the canopy.
As i'm relatively new to "good" photography and am a student, I will sadly be only be able to spend 400/450 pounds.

Atm, I'm considering a Pentax K-50 as it's weather-sealed and has the capacity for high ISO images. I'm also looking to get some weather sealed lenses (maybe, the DAL18-55wr and DAL50-200wr) though I am open to suggestions as I certainly have no expertise in this area.

Do you think this is a good choice for the conditions in the amazon rainforest? Also I will be backpacking afterwards, so size would also be a consideration I need to take into account.
If not, what should I consider with this budget?

Thanks,
Teacoffeejunkie

P.s If anyone any is selling one, please message me.

The K-50 kits are all weather sealed and available for a very low price, so I'd say go for it.

Due to the humidity, I'd advise against changing lenses. Therefore, the K-50 + 18-135mm lens kit may be your best bet, as that's an all-in-one lens:
Pentax K-50 Digital SLR Camera with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 10916 B&H

Plus, that particular lens has silent AF, so you won't scare away any wildlife

Other kits are listed here; the body only starts at $359:
pentax k-50 | B&H Photo Video

[Docrwm]

As Adam said the 18-135 has the added benefits of not requiring a lens change at 55 and being silent. In addition it's image quality is better than the 18-55 generally. Of course it's more expensive as a result.

[teacoffeejunkie]

Thanks, everyone. Those are some excellent deals but I'm in the UK so I'll end up paying an arm and a leg in customs fees. But I'm now sure that this is the kit that I want.

[kshapero]

Just became a Manfrotto Camera backpack fan boy. It includes a rain cover. So much cooler looking than the Lowepro.

[gtis]

Thanks, everyone. Those are some excellent deals but I'm in the UK so I'll end up paying an arm and a leg in customs fees. But I'm now sure that this is the kit that I want.

Hi
Try srs micro systems of Watford
Neil

[LoneWolf]

Hi
Try srs micro systems of Watford
Neil

Camera Price Buster at Camera Price Comparison, Compare Camera & Camera Accessory Prices is currently showing SRS Micro Systems as currently having the best deal for a K50 plus a 18-135 outside Amazon. Have used them in the past and would recommend them in preference to (Jenny all things) Amazon even with the cost difference. SRS is a specialist photograohic dealer.

The K50 plus 18-135 is a relatively light weight, weather (and sandy beach) resistant, walk round outfit and one which I personally enjoy using. A second hand, low use K5ll could also be a good choice. It is more robust but it is heavier, especially at the end of a long day, as I have found out! Lovely camera though.

[Equus17]

The K-50 kits are all weather sealed and available for a very low price, so I'd say go for it.

Due to the humidity, I'd advise against changing lenses. Therefore, the K-50 + 18-135mm lens kit may be your best bet, as that's an all-in-one lens:
Pentax K-50 Digital SLR Camera with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 10916 B&H

Plus, that particular lens has silent AF, so you won't scare away any wildlife

Other kits are listed here; the body only starts at $359:
pentax k-50 | B&H Photo Video

I was thinking the same thing about changing lenses. Some excellent advice. :-)

[teacoffeejunkie]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-K-50-DSLR-Camera-18-135mm/dp/B00DI74QMA/ref=s...tax+k50+18-135

524 pounds with cashback. Not too bad for the 18-135mm lens too.

Just to double check, this setup would be completely weather-sealed? I.e the lens too?

[Docrwm]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-K-50-DSLR-Camera-18-135mm/dp/B00DI74QMA/ref=s...tax+k50+18-135

524 pounds with cashback. Not too bad for the 18-135mm lens too.

Just to double check, this setup would be completely weather-sealed? I.e the lens too?

Yes K-50 + 18-135 is weater resistant! Nice find.

[TimR]

another recommendation for the K-50 + 18-135. Its what I started with also.
A great starter kit. Good Luck! Let us know what you do.

[nonstopnick]

I have the k-50 and 18-135 combo and it's excellent. My first field trip was at a giant waterfall with lots of spay and mist. I was taking pictures out in the open. other folks with their Canokons under trash bags were looking at me like I was nuts.