[mariakruse]

Well, my new K3 is in and I can use the few Pentax lenses I had for the Kx just fine. They are : a 55-300mm, a 50-200mm and a Tamron 10-24mm. If I can get 3 new lenses, ones that are not awfully expensive, what would be my best choice? I am looking at a 50mm, a 35mm, and a macro. Would that seem reasonable?
Thank you for any advice you may care to share.
mariakruse

[mikeodial]

Well, my new K3 is in and I can use the few Pentax lenses I had for the Kx just fine. They are : a 55-300mm, a 50-200mm and a Tamron 10-24mm. If I can get 3 new lenses, ones that are not awfully expensive, what would be my best choice? I am looking at a 50mm, a 35mm, and a macro. Would that seem reasonable?
Thank you for any advice you may care to share.
mariakruse

Would suggest the da 50 mm 1.8, 35mm f2.4 and if you want a cheap 100mm macro the M series 100mm f4 has been a great buy if you don't mind manual focusing. In the USA You can get that lot ford under 500usd

[clackers]

Three great suggestions. You want the macro to be MF anyway! :-)

[Des]

If you say a bit more about your shooting preferences and budget you will get more targetted advice.

[mariakruse]

Would suggest the da 50 mm 1.8, 35mm f2.4 and if you want a cheap 100mm macro the M series 100mm f4 has been a great buy if you don't mind manual focusing. In the USA You can get that lot ford under 500usd

Thank you, those two, the 50 and the 35 were on my list and I was planning to get them next week. They are in my cart at Amazon.
maria

---------- Post added 08-20-14 at 08:34 PM ----------

Three great suggestions. You want the macro to be MF anyway! :-)

I think you are right, I do a lot of close up work.
maria

---------- Post added 08-20-14 at 08:37 PM ----------

If you say a bit more about your shooting preferences and budget you will get more targetted advice.

I'm sorry, you're right. I should have been more specific. I do mostly still life and landscapes as well as trying to create some abstract pieces . When I need a bit of money for more gear I do pet portraits.
mariakruse

[jb0501]

Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 DC HSM Contemporary is my suggestion. Very sharp and is close focusing. The Sigma 105 macro EX DG can be found at reasonable prices also.

[mariakruse]

I could only find the 105mm Sigma used. Is it no longer made? What do you think of the Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro Lens for Pentax ?
maria

[Des]

I could only find the 105mm Sigma used. Is it no longer made? What do you think of the Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro Lens for Pentax ?
maria

Each variant of Tamron 90 is very highly regarded:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/tamron-90mm-macro-vs-pentax-100mm-wr/introduction.html
http://www.photozone.de/pentax/362-tamron-af-90mm-f28-di-sp-macro-pentax-
https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-sp-af-90mm-f28-macro-11-model-172e.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-sp-af-90mm-f2-8-di-macro.html

[jb0501]

The Tamron will do you good also. The Sigma 105 I was able to find new but is available used. The Sigma 17-70 is less than a year old and costs $450.00 to $500.00 but is worth it.

[Des]

As for the wide to short-telephoto range, the anterior question is whether you need primes or a good zoom (e.g. Tamron 17-50 or the Sigma 17-70 C mentioned above). This is a common discussion in relation to pet photography:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/195277-reco...portraits.html

You will see in that thread that some people suggest a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. Fast and sharp enough. Would nicely complement your 10-24 and 55-300.

However I take it from what you have said that you are already leaning towards primes, and particularly the plastic fantastics (DA 35 and DA 50). You can't go wrong with these lenses. There is a whole thread of photos taken with them so you can see for yourself.

Some people will argue for other prime lenses in the normal to short-tele range, like the three amigos (FA 31, 43 or 77), the 40 ltd, 35 or 50 macro, DA*55 or 70. Most of these are more expensive, but if you are using a lens for pro photography could be worth the investment.

[clackers]

What do you think of the Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro Lens for Pentax ?
maria

It's the one I use, Maria - like it a lot. Has AF too and can double as a portrait lens at a pinch.

I could only find the 105mm Sigma used. Is it no longer made? What do you think of the Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro Lens for Pentax ?
maria

Sharp as a razor. My goto lens for portrait and macro.

[bdery]

Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 DC HSM Contemporary is my suggestion.

That's a great all-around lens, I'd have recommended it but you seem to be interested mostly in primes.

If you want to keep the price down, either look at a used F50 f1,7 (to be had for about 180$) or a new DA50 f1,8. Both are great. You want a 35 AND a macro, why not look at the DA35 f2.8 macro limited? Two birds with one stone. If you want macro to photograph critters 35mm is not very long, you'll be very close to the bugs, otherwise it is a fantastic lens.

[DeadJohn]

You want a 35 AND a macro, why not look at the DA35 f2.8 macro limited?

Yes, good suggestion. Or, since the OP also mentioned a 50mm prime, there's the D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro.

@mariakruse, what are your goals for the macro? If you want closeups of insects you might prefer something in the 100mm range for more working distance, but a 35 or 50 can work for flowers and "still life" macros.

Note that the 35 and 50 macros are f2.8. If your goal for getting primes is ultra-thin depth of field or handheld low light photography, f2.8 might not be enough aperture.

[mariakruse]

Each variant of Tamron 90 is very highly regarded:
Review: Tamron 90mm Macro vs Pentax 100mm WR: - Introduction - Lens Comparisons
Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 SP Di macro (Pentax) - Review / Lab Test Report
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 (model 172E) Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Thank you
maria

---------- Post added 08-21-14 at 09:35 AM ----------

The Tamron will do you good also. The Sigma 105 I was able to find new but is available used. The Sigma 17-70 is less than a year old and costs $450.00 to $500.00 but is worth it.

Where did you find the Sigma new?
thank you
maria

---------- Post added 08-21-14 at 09:41 AM ----------

As for the wide to short-telephoto range, the anterior question is whether you need primes or a good zoom (e.g. Tamron 17-50 or the Sigma 17-70 C mentioned above). This is a common discussion in relation to pet photography:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/195277-reco...portraits.html

You will see in that thread that some people suggest a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. Fast and sharp enough. Would nicely complement your 10-24 and 55-300.

However I take it from what you have said that you are already leaning towards primes, and particularly the plastic fantastics (DA 35 and DA 50). You can't go wrong with these lenses. There is a whole thread of photos taken with them so you can see for yourself.

Some people will argue for other prime lenses in the normal to short-tele range, like the three amigos (FA 31, 43 or 77), the 40 ltd, 35 or 50 macro, DA*55 or 70. Most of these are more expensive, but if you are using a lens for pro photography could be worth the investment.

Thank you, lots to think about now.
maria

---------- Post added 08-21-14 at 09:43 AM ----------

It's the one I use, Maria - like it a lot. Has AF too and can double as a portrait lens at a pinch.

It looked pretty good to me.
maria

---------- Post added 08-21-14 at 09:43 AM ----------

Sharp as a razor. My goto lens for portrait and macro.

Thank you.
maria

---------- Post added 08-21-14 at 09:48 AM ----------

As for the wide to short-telephoto range, the anterior question is whether you need primes or a good zoom (e.g. Tamron 17-50 or the Sigma 17-70 C mentioned above). This is a common discussion in relation to pet photography:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/195277-reco...portraits.html

You will see in that thread that some people suggest a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. Fast and sharp enough. Would nicely complement your 10-24 and 55-300.

However I take it from what you have said that you are already leaning towards primes, and particularly the plastic fantastics (DA 35 and DA 50). You can't go wrong with these lenses. There is a whole thread of photos taken with them so you can see for yourself.

Some people will argue for other prime lenses in the normal to short-tele range, like the three amigos (FA 31, 43 or 77), the 40 ltd, 35 or 50 macro, DA*55 or 70. Most of these are more expensive, but if you are using a lens for pro photography could be worth the investment.

What please, does the FA mean?
Not only interested in primes, but wanted to get what I was told were the "standard lenses everyone should have" first before I plunged into the world of zooms.
maria