Pentax K50 lens recommendations

mactattie · 10-09-2015, 08:21 AM

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could recommend lenses for the K50? I'm looking at these lenses just now, the Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD, the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC HSM and the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di-II LD ASP IF.

Thanks

bertwert · 10-09-2015, 08:34 AM

What lenses have you got?
What do you need the next lens for?

mactattie · 10-09-2015, 08:51 AM

All I currently have are the kit 18-55 and a 50mm prime. I'd like a telephoto for getting pics of my kids playing football and wildlife/nature shots when I'm out and about. Was also thinking of a better quality lens from the 17/18-50/55 range for landscapes?
I'm a beginner with dslr's so all help is appreciated!

**UncleVanya** · 10-09-2015, 09:22 AM

70-200 will add a range you lack. I have seen really good pictures made with even the humble 18-55. Landscapes can also be made by turning the camera vertical and taking a lot of frames that you stitch together. The 70-200 at 70 and f/8 should do a great job and you can also catch those football moments. Wildlife is tough - depends on the size and habits of the critter. 200 is typically quite a bit short for birds. A 1.4x teleconveter might help not sure which work best with that lens.

https://luminous-landscape.com/stitching/

rr1736 · 10-09-2015, 09:27 AM

The Pentax 50-300 WR if you are going out in wet weather with a good reach for the sporting events. The 70-200 is a fast lens for indoor events like at you kids school. I have a Sigma 70-200 F2.8 which I use at the granddaughters events sadly it is no longer available but the Tamron should fill the bill at a better price point. The Pentax 18-135 WR is also a nice choice for a walking around lens. SIgma makes a 18-250 not weather resistant but a great walking around lens. If you don't mind manual focus the 14mm F2.8 Rokinon is around $300 I have gotten some nice shot with mine it is also very good for night shots. I have the Pentax 10-17 Fisheye wide angle which I find to be a fun lens and now on sale I think. Good luck and have fun with you camera. I have 6 Pentax bodies including a K50 I like the all

**Scorpio71GR** · 10-09-2015, 09:27 AM

For an all around wide angle to mid telephoto lens I do not think you can beat the 18-135. You get weather sealing, fast silent DC focus, and it is a rather compact lens. The DC motor is the fastest Pentax offers which will be great for sports. The Tamaron 70-200 is a fantastic lens but you may find it a bit awkward on the K50 without a battery grip. I would recommend the DA* 50-135 or the Sigma 50-150 instead. They are smaller and lighter. You can only get Sigma used. I have used the 50-135 on my K50 with excellent results, however you may find the focus a little slow for fast action shots. My 18-135 rarely leaves my K50. You see 18-135's in the Marketplace often.

sassinak · 10-09-2015, 09:35 AM

+1 for 18-135mm for general increase in quality for the range.

I also have the 55-300mm HD which is LOUD and much slower for focussing. Having said that it does produce great pictures if you learn to work with it - I got some really nice ones from an air show.

Zerv · 10-09-2015, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by sassinak

+1 for 18-135mm for general increase in quality for the range.

I also have the 55-300mm HD which is LOUD and much slower for focussing. Having said that it does produce great pictures if you learn to work with it - I got some really nice ones from an air show.

Can you compare the IQ and general use experience of the 18-135 vs the 55-300? I'm referring to the 55-135 territory. Noticeably better results from either? When you have either on, do you more miss the 18-54 or 135-300? I know this depends on personal preferences, whether someone is doing one type of shooting vs another. I guess I'm asking more from a one lens / walk around lens perspective.

**UncleVanya** · 10-09-2015, 11:13 AM

One lens walk about = 18-135.

55-300 is more specialized.

Kath · 10-09-2015, 11:18 AM

Originally posted by mactattie

All I currently have are the kit 18-55 and a 50mm prime. I'd like a telephoto for getting pics of my kids playing football and wildlife/nature shots when I'm out and about. Was also thinking of a better quality lens from the 17/18-50/55 range for landscapes?
I'm a beginner with dslr's so all help is appreciated!

As others have indicated, there are plenty of good (and more expensive) lenses to choose from, but I can tell you that I have your kit lens (18-55) as well as expensive primes and long lenses and have spent a small fortune on that. The truth is that the 18-55 you have is capable of getting wonderful landscape shots with your K50 (which I also have and use). I would encourage you to go out and use that lens to death, until you feel you've really exceeded its capabilities (which I feel is actually harder to do than we think). Some of my favorite shots are ones I took with that inexpensive little lens... beautiful colors, amazing rendering for a lens that doesn't enjoy much of a reputation. It's still in my bag and gets used regularly.

For your longer shots (you mentioned kids sports and wildlife), the also-kit 50-200 makes a great, inexpensive companion to the 18-55 and can be had for a song here on the forums. I have lots of great shots from it as well. It won't get you the reach of a 300 FL, but won't eat up your wallet, either. If you have more cash, then I would go for something that will get you to 300mm. I split my time between landscape and wildlife and can tell you that 300mm is probably the minimum you'll want to use for getting close to critters. I find anything less to be frustrating.

You described yourself as a beginner, so my advice is directed at that. IMHO, unless you're into collecting, it's best to max out your capabilities on a lens you have before spending money on "better" gear. I'm continually blown away by images I admire and then look to find they were taken with a humble lens. Many examples of this are found on this forum but, daily, I see increasing evidence of it on the Pentaxian Facebook page. It's inspiring.

sassinak · 10-09-2015, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by Zerv

Can you compare the IQ and general use experience of the 18-135 vs the 55-300? I'm referring to the 55-135 territory. Noticeably better results from either? When you have either on, do you more miss the 18-54 or 135-300? I know this depends on personal preferences, whether someone is doing one type of shooting vs another. I guess I'm asking more from a one lens / walk around lens perspective.

I find that I was happy with my kit lens for quality to start with but then wanted something that covered a range beyond that. I then bought a 70-300mm. Problem was I discovered as I progressed that I missed the gap between 55 and 70mm as that was where a lot of my pictures tended to fall.

I then got a 50-200mm which was perfectly fine (and WR) to cover the gap. IQ was perfectly fine and I used this with my kit lens for around a year. Unfortunately this meant I was now carrying around 3 lenses to cover the 18-300mm rang when I went on holiday which was frankly back (well shoulder) breaking.

I therefore decided to sell the 50-200 and 70-300 (and other lenses) to pay for the HD 55-300 which I use for wildlife and days out (like air shows). As UncleVanya says this lens is for specific uses and has a bit of learning curve to get the best out of it, plus you have to be prepared for the noise of the ofcussing mechanism.

I've only just gotten the 18-135mm but intend it to be on the camera most of the time as a walkaround if I'm not sure what to expect or come across when out and about. For me the IQ is perfectly acceptable, it is much quicker to use and much more forgiving regarding quirks/technique. It's also really quiet which is great when out and about as sometimes the only time people realise you've taken a shot is when you press the shutter!

If you want 'one lens to replace them all' that won't break your shoulder the 18-135mm is the way to go.

Regards

MikeW · 10-09-2015, 05:52 PM

My wife is thrilled with the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm on her K50. Fast, quiet focusing, very sharp, weather resistant, and an extremely usable zoom range. Not cheap, but I don't think she'll ever want to use another lens.

**UncleVanya** · 10-09-2015, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by MikeW

My wife is thrilled with the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm on her K50. Fast, quiet focusing, very sharp, weather resistant, and an extremely usable zoom range. Not cheap, but I don't think she'll ever want to use another lens.

That lens has a great reputation.

mactattie · 10-10-2015, 03:18 AM

Thanks very much to everyone for taking the time to answer my question so clearly

I'll definitely take all your advice on board and have a good think about what I'm going to do.

Thanks again

10-09-2015, 08:21 AM	#1
mactattie New Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 3	Pentax K50 lens recommendations Hi, I was wondering if anyone could recommend lenses for the K50? I'm looking at these lenses just now, the Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD, the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC HSM and the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di-II LD ASP IF. Thanks

10-10-2015, 03:18 AM	#14
mactattie New Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Thanks Thanks very much to everyone for taking the time to answer my question so clearly I'll definitely take all your advice on board and have a good think about what I'm going to do. Thanks again

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10-09-2015, 08:34 AM	#2
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	What lenses have you got? What do you need the next lens for?

10-09-2015, 08:51 AM	#3
mactattie New Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 3 Original Poster	All I currently have are the kit 18-55 and a 50mm prime. I'd like a telephoto for getting pics of my kids playing football and wildlife/nature shots when I'm out and about. Was also thinking of a better quality lens from the 17/18-50/55 range for landscapes? I'm a beginner with dslr's so all help is appreciated!

10-09-2015, 09:22 AM	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,409	70-200 will add a range you lack. I have seen really good pictures made with even the humble 18-55. Landscapes can also be made by turning the camera vertical and taking a lot of frames that you stitch together. The 70-200 at 70 and f/8 should do a great job and you can also catch those football moments. Wildlife is tough - depends on the size and habits of the critter. 200 is typically quite a bit short for birds. A 1.4x teleconveter might help not sure which work best with that lens. https://luminous-landscape.com/stitching/

10-09-2015, 09:27 AM	#5
rr1736 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Chicago Illinois Photos: Albums Posts: 203	The Pentax 50-300 WR if you are going out in wet weather with a good reach for the sporting events. The 70-200 is a fast lens for indoor events like at you kids school. I have a Sigma 70-200 F2.8 which I use at the granddaughters events sadly it is no longer available but the Tamron should fill the bill at a better price point. The Pentax 18-135 WR is also a nice choice for a walking around lens. SIgma makes a 18-250 not weather resistant but a great walking around lens. If you don't mind manual focus the 14mm F2.8 Rokinon is around $300 I have gotten some nice shot with mine it is also very good for night shots. I have the Pentax 10-17 Fisheye wide angle which I find to be a fun lens and now on sale I think. Good luck and have fun with you camera. I have 6 Pentax bodies including a K50 I like the all

10-09-2015, 09:27 AM	#6
Scorpio71GR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,005	For an all around wide angle to mid telephoto lens I do not think you can beat the 18-135. You get weather sealing, fast silent DC focus, and it is a rather compact lens. The DC motor is the fastest Pentax offers which will be great for sports. The Tamaron 70-200 is a fantastic lens but you may find it a bit awkward on the K50 without a battery grip. I would recommend the DA* 50-135 or the Sigma 50-150 instead. They are smaller and lighter. You can only get Sigma used. I have used the 50-135 on my K50 with excellent results, however you may find the focus a little slow for fast action shots. My 18-135 rarely leaves my K50. You see 18-135's in the Marketplace often.

10-09-2015, 09:35 AM	#7
sassinak Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Nottinghamshire, UK Posts: 77	+1 for 18-135mm for general increase in quality for the range. I also have the 55-300mm HD which is LOUD and much slower for focussing. Having said that it does produce great pictures if you learn to work with it - I got some really nice ones from an air show.

10-09-2015, 10:42 AM	#8
Zerv Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 92	Originally posted by sassinak +1 for 18-135mm for general increase in quality for the range. I also have the 55-300mm HD which is LOUD and much slower for focussing. Having said that it does produce great pictures if you learn to work with it - I got some really nice ones from an air show. Can you compare the IQ and general use experience of the 18-135 vs the 55-300? I'm referring to the 55-135 territory. Noticeably better results from either? When you have either on, do you more miss the 18-54 or 135-300? I know this depends on personal preferences, whether someone is doing one type of shooting vs another. I guess I'm asking more from a one lens / walk around lens perspective.

10-09-2015, 11:13 AM	#9
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,409	One lens walk about = 18-135. 55-300 is more specialized.

10-09-2015, 11:18 AM	#10
Kath Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portland, OR Photos: Gallery Posts: 737	Originally posted by mactattie All I currently have are the kit 18-55 and a 50mm prime. I'd like a telephoto for getting pics of my kids playing football and wildlife/nature shots when I'm out and about. Was also thinking of a better quality lens from the 17/18-50/55 range for landscapes? I'm a beginner with dslr's so all help is appreciated! As others have indicated, there are plenty of good (and more expensive) lenses to choose from, but I can tell you that I have your kit lens (18-55) as well as expensive primes and long lenses and have spent a small fortune on that. The truth is that the 18-55 you have is capable of getting wonderful landscape shots with your K50 (which I also have and use). I would encourage you to go out and use that lens to death, until you feel you've really exceeded its capabilities (which I feel is actually harder to do than we think). Some of my favorite shots are ones I took with that inexpensive little lens... beautiful colors, amazing rendering for a lens that doesn't enjoy much of a reputation. It's still in my bag and gets used regularly. For your longer shots (you mentioned kids sports and wildlife), the also-kit 50-200 makes a great, inexpensive companion to the 18-55 and can be had for a song here on the forums. I have lots of great shots from it as well. It won't get you the reach of a 300 FL, but won't eat up your wallet, either. If you have more cash, then I would go for something that will get you to 300mm. I split my time between landscape and wildlife and can tell you that 300mm is probably the minimum you'll want to use for getting close to critters. I find anything less to be frustrating. You described yourself as a beginner, so my advice is directed at that. IMHO, unless you're into collecting, it's best to max out your capabilities on a lens you have before spending money on "better" gear. I'm continually blown away by images I admire and then look to find they were taken with a humble lens. Many examples of this are found on this forum but, daily, I see increasing evidence of it on the Pentaxian Facebook page. It's inspiring.

10-09-2015, 01:23 PM	#11
sassinak Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Nottinghamshire, UK Posts: 77	Originally posted by Zerv Can you compare the IQ and general use experience of the 18-135 vs the 55-300? I'm referring to the 55-135 territory. Noticeably better results from either? When you have either on, do you more miss the 18-54 or 135-300? I know this depends on personal preferences, whether someone is doing one type of shooting vs another. I guess I'm asking more from a one lens / walk around lens perspective. I find that I was happy with my kit lens for quality to start with but then wanted something that covered a range beyond that. I then bought a 70-300mm. Problem was I discovered as I progressed that I missed the gap between 55 and 70mm as that was where a lot of my pictures tended to fall. I then got a 50-200mm which was perfectly fine (and WR) to cover the gap. IQ was perfectly fine and I used this with my kit lens for around a year. Unfortunately this meant I was now carrying around 3 lenses to cover the 18-300mm rang when I went on holiday which was frankly back (well shoulder) breaking. I therefore decided to sell the 50-200 and 70-300 (and other lenses) to pay for the HD 55-300 which I use for wildlife and days out (like air shows). As UncleVanya says this lens is for specific uses and has a bit of learning curve to get the best out of it, plus you have to be prepared for the noise of the ofcussing mechanism. I've only just gotten the 18-135mm but intend it to be on the camera most of the time as a walkaround if I'm not sure what to expect or come across when out and about. For me the IQ is perfectly acceptable, it is much quicker to use and much more forgiving regarding quirks/technique. It's also really quiet which is great when out and about as sometimes the only time people realise you've taken a shot is when you press the shutter! If you want 'one lens to replace them all' that won't break your shoulder the 18-135mm is the way to go. Regards

10-09-2015, 05:52 PM	#12
MikeW Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 437	My wife is thrilled with the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm on her K50. Fast, quiet focusing, very sharp, weather resistant, and an extremely usable zoom range. Not cheap, but I don't think she'll ever want to use another lens.

10-09-2015, 08:09 PM	#13
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,409	Originally posted by MikeW My wife is thrilled with the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm on her K50. Fast, quiet focusing, very sharp, weather resistant, and an extremely usable zoom range. Not cheap, but I don't think she'll ever want to use another lens. That lens has a great reputation.