If you were allowed only one lens for the K3....

**MJSfoto1956** · 12-14-2016, 09:00 AM

easy: DA* 60-250mm

M

mholford · 12-14-2016, 12:36 PM

K5 owner here... only one lens? (and I infer that size/weight is therefore important) 18-135.
Great all around lens.
Yes I have "better" lenses in my stable, but if I could only bring one, it has the best compromise of size/weight/range/optics.
Yes, I would sneak my 15ltd into a pocket somewhere

if given half a chance.

**RobA_Oz** · 12-14-2016, 01:00 PM

Welcome to Pentax Forums, Paddy.

I've done more than my share of overseas travel with a DSLR, and while it's good to have primes like the FA31 that you can exercise your mind with occasionally, most of the time I've found the DA18-135 has been my mainstay on APS-C bodies, including a K-3. I'm also one of the group who likes to put a DA15 in my bag, for those times when 18mm is simply too long (and there are lots of those moments in Europe).

normhead · 12-14-2016, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by MJSfoto1956

easy: DA* 60-250mm

M

Even moreso if you have a K-1.

E-man · 12-14-2016, 02:14 PM

I don't own a K3 but of the lenses I own, my choice would be my Tamron 28-105. It's easily the brightest, most versatile lens I've got.

**pres589** · 12-14-2016, 02:27 PM

I can't imagine suggesting the combination of aps-c with a lens that goes 60mm at the wide lens unless the goal was very specific and not general street carry. Mix a 60-250 with a second lens like a 17-50, 20-40, et cetera? That I would buy in on but that wasn't at all the question asked.

Jonathan Mac · 12-14-2016, 03:08 PM - **1 Like**

A one-lens option really needs a fast aperture for depth of field control and low light, so I would rule out anything that doesn't go to at least f/2.8. Flexibility in a lens is more than focal length range.

**shardulm** · 12-14-2016, 03:10 PM

I would say DA*55/1.4 in a heartbeat. This lens amazes me on K-5iis each time. I am sure on a K-3 it will be jaw dropping.
If one zoom then DA*50-135/2.8 that would be.

pakinjapan · 12-14-2016, 03:43 PM

I like 20 mm on 1.5 ASP-C body. Therefore, I would vote for a DA21. Reasonable price, light weigh, well build, sharp, and very beautiful starbursts effect limited prime. If Pentax makes it bit faster + WR feature, it would be a very welcome upgrade. However look at its current price and what it can do, I have no complain at all.

PaddyKajinski · 12-14-2016, 05:51 PM

Wow! So many answers! Thanks guys, definitely alot to check out and photos samples to view. The trip is to Beijing, so it will be mostly monuments and hopefully some street style photos. Coming from fixed lens compacts, I suppose I am not the SLR mindset yet as regards to swapping out lens. The Ricoh GR 28mm is great and I like that field of view, but some times I'd like to get in closer, but i am not really into long lens stuff like wildlife etc. My thinking was a lens that would cover at least 28 -85, so that i would only have to carry one camera.

I would go for more lens later, but financial considerations would limit me at the minute to one good one, although i would be prepared to pay for a really decent lens. My trip is not until April, so I have time to get used to shooting the K3.

a quick question on the FA/DA lens, what are the differences.. is one for crop sensor and one for full frame? so if I see a 55m DA 1.4, that's 55mm for a crop sensor?

**WPRESTO** · 12-14-2016, 06:17 PM - **1 Like**

For Beijing = buildings, people, indoors, outdoors. I would certainly opt for the 16~85mm. You'd probably have to kick up the ISO for interiors, but IMHO the versatility far outweighs gaining two f-stops. The FF equivalent would be 24~127mm, an excellent range for the type of photo-ops you're likely to encounter on such a trip. If you really think you need the extra apertures, a Sigma 17~50mm (constant f2.8) or Sigma 17~70mm (f2.8 to F4) might also serve, but, I predict you will want something as wide as possible. Also, fair warning, sometimes there are limitations or prohibitions on photographing interiors.

**aslyfox** · 12-14-2016, 06:58 PM

Originally posted by PaddyKajinski

Wow! So many answers! Thanks guys, definitely alot to check out and photos samples to view. The trip is to Beijing, so it will be mostly monuments and hopefully some street style photos. Coming from fixed lens compacts, I suppose I am not the SLR mindset yet as regards to swapping out lens. The Ricoh GR 28mm is great and I like that field of view, but some times I'd like to get in closer, but i am not really into long lens stuff like wildlife etc. My thinking was a lens that would cover at least 28 -85, so that i would only have to carry one camera.

I would go for more lens later, but financial considerations would limit me at the minute to one good one, although i would be prepared to pay for a really decent lens. My trip is not until April, so I have time to get used to shooting the K3.

a quick question on the FA/DA lens, what are the differences.. is one for crop sensor and one for full frame? so if I see a 55m DA 1.4, that's 55mm for a crop sensor?

do yourself a favor and start checking out the other parts of the forum for the helpful info and hints. heaven knows I need to

Comprehensive Pentax Lens Guide - Gear Guides | PentaxForums.com

"You may know that all Pentax K-mount lenses ever made can be attached to all Pentax DSLRs, including the mirrorless K-01 and the latest full-frame K-1. But evolutionary differences between each lens series mean that supported features may vary. This guide will make you an expert on Pentax lenses by first explaining lens terminology, then highlighting the main differences between past and present lens generations.

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/gear-guides/comprehensive-pentax-lens-guide.html#ixzz4SrsSFdvD"

that might be a good place to start

Arjay Bee · 12-14-2016, 07:04 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Qwntm

One lens for a K3 would be the HD 21mm LTD.

+1 for a small and light kit

**WPRESTO** · 12-14-2016, 07:18 PM - **1 Like**

FYI: An image taken with the 16~85mm, 2.5 seconds @ f9, ISO 800, uncropped and a selective crop.

AquaDome · 12-14-2016, 08:24 PM

If I were allowed only one lens with the K-3...
For work I use the Sigma 17-50 almost exclusively.
My favorite is the DA*50-135. I guess I would have to own two K-3's.

12-14-2016, 07:18 PM - 1 Like	#44
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,084	FYI: An image taken with the 16~85mm, 2.5 seconds @ f9, ISO 800, uncropped and a selective crop. Attached Images

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12-14-2016, 09:00 AM	#31
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305	easy: DA* 60-250mm M

12-14-2016, 12:36 PM	#32
mholford Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vancouver Island, BC Photos: Albums Posts: 238	K5 owner here... only one lens? (and I infer that size/weight is therefore important) 18-135. Great all around lens. Yes I have "better" lenses in my stable, but if I could only bring one, it has the best compromise of size/weight/range/optics. Yes, I would sneak my 15ltd into a pocket somewhere if given half a chance.

12-14-2016, 01:00 PM	#33
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,191	Welcome to Pentax Forums, Paddy. I've done more than my share of overseas travel with a DSLR, and while it's good to have primes like the FA31 that you can exercise your mind with occasionally, most of the time I've found the DA18-135 has been my mainstay on APS-C bodies, including a K-3. I'm also one of the group who likes to put a DA15 in my bag, for those times when 18mm is simply too long (and there are lots of those moments in Europe).

12-14-2016, 01:05 PM	#34
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,448	Originally posted by MJSfoto1956 easy: DA* 60-250mm M Even moreso if you have a K-1.

12-14-2016, 02:14 PM	#35
E-man Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 678	I don't own a K3 but of the lenses I own, my choice would be my Tamron 28-105. It's easily the brightest, most versatile lens I've got.

12-14-2016, 02:27 PM	#36
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,528	I can't imagine suggesting the combination of aps-c with a lens that goes 60mm at the wide lens unless the goal was very specific and not general street carry. Mix a 60-250 with a second lens like a 17-50, 20-40, et cetera? That I would buy in on but that wasn't at all the question asked.

12-14-2016, 03:08 PM - 1 Like	#37
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,881	A one-lens option really needs a fast aperture for depth of field control and low light, so I would rule out anything that doesn't go to at least f/2.8. Flexibility in a lens is more than focal length range.

12-14-2016, 03:10 PM	#38
shardulm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 793	I would say DA55/1.4 in a heartbeat. This lens amazes me on K-5iis each time. I am sure on a K-3 it will be jaw dropping. If one zoom then DA50-135/2.8 that would be.

12-14-2016, 03:43 PM	#39
pakinjapan Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,041	I like 20 mm on 1.5 ASP-C body. Therefore, I would vote for a DA21. Reasonable price, light weigh, well build, sharp, and very beautiful starbursts effect limited prime. If Pentax makes it bit faster + WR feature, it would be a very welcome upgrade. However look at its current price and what it can do, I have no complain at all.

12-14-2016, 05:51 PM	#40
PaddyKajinski New Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 2 Original Poster	Wow! So many answers! Thanks guys, definitely alot to check out and photos samples to view. The trip is to Beijing, so it will be mostly monuments and hopefully some street style photos. Coming from fixed lens compacts, I suppose I am not the SLR mindset yet as regards to swapping out lens. The Ricoh GR 28mm is great and I like that field of view, but some times I'd like to get in closer, but i am not really into long lens stuff like wildlife etc. My thinking was a lens that would cover at least 28 -85, so that i would only have to carry one camera. I would go for more lens later, but financial considerations would limit me at the minute to one good one, although i would be prepared to pay for a really decent lens. My trip is not until April, so I have time to get used to shooting the K3. a quick question on the FA/DA lens, what are the differences.. is one for crop sensor and one for full frame? so if I see a 55m DA 1.4, that's 55mm for a crop sensor?

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12-14-2016, 06:17 PM - 1 Like	#41
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,084	For Beijing = buildings, people, indoors, outdoors. I would certainly opt for the 16~85mm. You'd probably have to kick up the ISO for interiors, but IMHO the versatility far outweighs gaining two f-stops. The FF equivalent would be 24~127mm, an excellent range for the type of photo-ops you're likely to encounter on such a trip. If you really think you need the extra apertures, a Sigma 17~50mm (constant f2.8) or Sigma 17~70mm (f2.8 to F4) might also serve, but, I predict you will want something as wide as possible. Also, fair warning, sometimes there are limitations or prohibitions on photographing interiors.

12-14-2016, 06:58 PM	#42
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,576	Originally posted by PaddyKajinski Wow! So many answers! Thanks guys, definitely alot to check out and photos samples to view. The trip is to Beijing, so it will be mostly monuments and hopefully some street style photos. Coming from fixed lens compacts, I suppose I am not the SLR mindset yet as regards to swapping out lens. The Ricoh GR 28mm is great and I like that field of view, but some times I'd like to get in closer, but i am not really into long lens stuff like wildlife etc. My thinking was a lens that would cover at least 28 -85, so that i would only have to carry one camera. I would go for more lens later, but financial considerations would limit me at the minute to one good one, although i would be prepared to pay for a really decent lens. My trip is not until April, so I have time to get used to shooting the K3. a quick question on the FA/DA lens, what are the differences.. is one for crop sensor and one for full frame? so if I see a 55m DA 1.4, that's 55mm for a crop sensor? do yourself a favor and start checking out the other parts of the forum for the helpful info and hints. heaven knows I need to Comprehensive Pentax Lens Guide - Gear Guides \| PentaxForums.com "You may know that all Pentax K-mount lenses ever made can be attached to all Pentax DSLRs, including the mirrorless K-01 and the latest full-frame K-1. But evolutionary differences between each lens series mean that supported features may vary. This guide will make you an expert on Pentax lenses by first explaining lens terminology, then highlighting the main differences between past and present lens generations. Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/gear-guides/comprehensive-pentax-lens-guide.html#ixzz4SrsSFdvD" that might be a good place to start

12-14-2016, 07:04 PM - 1 Like	#43
Arjay Bee Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Horn Island, Torres Straits, Q Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,713	Originally posted by Qwntm One lens for a K3 would be the HD 21mm LTD. +1 for a small and light kit

12-14-2016, 08:24 PM	#45
AquaDome Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Carlisle, IN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,475	If I were allowed only one lens with the K-3... For work I use the Sigma 17-50 almost exclusively. My favorite is the DA*50-135. I guess I would have to own two K-3's.