[dstar]

Hello everybody I need some help. I use K20 from day one mostly landscape ,image old town street Not too much for sport
If I have time hiking and use my mostly lenses as Sigma 10-20 and Pentax 18-250 and few Russian older lenses. So sometimes 400-500 image per weekend
Now K 20 show some problem and 18-250 creep very severe even I use rubber rings
So my dilemma upgrade to K 3 or wait when k3ii will more settings
Down or buy k5 price very much down
I never play with k3 so how good for landscape with dust environment how hungry camera for energy
Second how K 3 work with Sigma 10-20
3 good idea upgrade 18-250 to 18-135 or 18-270
One more how good quality item camera and lense if go to buy on Amazon
I have some problem before with BH photo so want stay far for now
Thank you so much for future help

[Adam]

Hello everybody I need some help. I use K20 from day one mostly landscape ,image old town street Not too much for sport
If I have time hiking and use my mostly lenses as Sigma 10-20 and Pentax 18-250 and few Russian older lenses. So sometimes 400-500 image per weekend
Now K 20 show some problem and 18-250 creep very severe even I use rubber rings
So my dilemma upgrade to K 3 or wait when k3ii will more settings
Down or buy k5 price very much down
I never play with k3 so how good for landscape with dust environment how hungry camera for energy
Second how K 3 work with Sigma 10-20
3 good idea upgrade 18-250 to 18-135 or 18-270
One more how good quality item camera and lense if go to buy on Amazon
I have some problem before with BH photo so want stay far for now
Thank you so much for future help

The K-3 is a great camera, you should go for it. Read our review if you haven't already:

Pentax K-3 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

There's not much new in the K-3 II. You can also ready about on it on the homepage.

Buying from Amazon is fine, but look for listings that are fulfilled by Amazon. Be wary of grey market sellers that offer no warranty. B&H is a great store, I'd give them a second chance even if you had a hiccup in the past.

I'd recommend asking lens-specific questions in the lens forum.

[jawsy]

I've just upgraded from the K20D to the K-3ii. It's a huge capability leap over the K-20D and I have no regrets. I'm finding it very easy to use and the results are outstanding.

If you use the on-board flash and don't need GPS in-built, buy the K-3.

If you have little or no use for the on-board flash, and do some astro photography (like me) or GPS stuff, go with the K-3ii.

I honestly don't think you can go wrong either way.

The other thing to keep in mind is that if you have a five year old PC or laptop, you might want to consider upgrading that too. The larger file size will result in slow processing times.

As far as buying goes, steer clear of grey imports. It's not worth it.

[dstar]

I've just upgraded from the K20D to the K-3ii. It's a huge capability leap over the K-20D and I have no regrets. I'm finding it very easy to use and the results are outstanding.

If you use the on-board flash and don't need GPS in-built, buy the K-3.

If you have little or no use for the on-board flash, and do some astro photography (like me) or GPS stuff, go with the K-3ii.

I honestly don't think you can go wrong either way.

The other thing to keep in mind is that if you have a five year old PC or laptop, you might want to consider upgrading that too. The larger file size will result in slow processing times.

As far as buying goes, steer clear of grey imports. It's not worth it.

Computer easy I build my from scratch myself
Easy upgrade
Camera different story
May more advice about lenses
Adam regarding your comment BH they sale grey market as well same as adorama
I had my experience before with BH and few another fine store in NY

[Al_Kahollick]

BH they sale grey market as well same as adorama

You're mistaken, both are authorized Pentax dealers. See list here: Find a RICOH Imaging Retailer

[jawsy]

May more advice about lenses

Buy second hand and go for a 17-50mm 2.8 and 70-200mm 2.8. If you're cash strapped, pick the focal length you prefer and buy that first, then save for the second.

If you're on a budget the brand doesn't really matter for these lens sizes if you're coming off a kit lens. Sigma, Pentax or Tamron; they're all good quality lenses.

I borrowed a Sigma 10-20 last year from a relative and took about 500 photos with it in challenging conditions with the K20D, all of which turned out well. Whilst I haven't tried it on the K-3ii, I have been running comparisons with other lens (17-50, 70-200 and 77ltd) and the K-3ii brings out the best in them all. The 10-20 would be no different.

[BrianR]

Adam regarding your comment BH they sale grey market as well same as adorama

Both label their grey market offerings as either "Grey Market" or "Imported". If you're unsure about the status of something you are about to order from either store, I'm sure their customer service would be happy to help you.

[howieb101]

At a minimum go for K5 IIs. The greater resolution without aa filter is noticeable and extra F2.8 sensor improves AF.

If u r a serious landscape shooter the K3 is formidable with 24mpx at low iso.

I would go for the K3. Note: I currently own K3 and K5.

Howie Be

[shuttles12000]

Get the replacement lens first and the camera second.
I'd be looking at a Pentax 18-270 or 18-135.
You just need to decide which is more important - longer reach or weather proofing
You may also get a quote to have the existing one repaired.
Your 10-20 will be fine on any modern Pentax body.
Don't get rid of your camera body. It was the last of the CCD sensor bodies and the CMOS ones since then are less "creamy". You may miss that look and feel

[ScooterMaxi Jim]

dstar, I'm a part-time New Mexico resident. Keep in mind that Weather Resistant in your part of the world not only means rain, but especially applies to wind-whipped sand and dust. So, think about those dusty days when you might want to keep a WR lens on the body, rather than going with slightly better IQ lenses that require you to change lenses often - and aren't WR. This isn't my first instinct, as I'm all about high IQ. If my typical weekend shoot was usually spent within 100 miles of ABQ, I'd strongly consider the K-3 with the 18-135 as my initial kit. Personally, I'm not a fan of the 18-135 based on the IQ and doubt I'll ever own one - but it sounds like that your situation really calls for that combo.

[dstar]

Thanks. Reason to ask about 18-135 so different
Opinion
My walking lens mostly sigma 10-20
even not WR but I keep coverage with plastic bag both body and lens
when hiking into desert or mountain
I just have hard time to to decided what to buy 18-135 or 18/270
Or just try buy again 18-250
My older 18-250 was repaired 2 times ready by Pentax
About these 2 lenses so much different opinion

[i_trax]

no the K10D was the last Pentax with CCD sensor, still have it and not selling it

---------- Post added 06-27-15 at 13:33 ----------

Thanks. Reason to ask about 18-135 so different
Opinion
My walking lens mostly sigma 10-20
even not WR but I keep coverage with plastic bag both body and lens
when hiking into desert or mountain
I just have hard time to to decided what to buy 18-135 or 18/270
Or just try buy again 18-250
My older 18-250 was repaired 2 times ready by Pentax
About these 2 lenses so much different opinion

my liking:
1 Sigma 18-250 DC HSM Macro ( the latest one , 62mm filter , silent focus, about the same size as DA 18-250)
2 Pentax DA 18-250 ( by Tamron, I was lucky to purchase new one in MAY2012)
3 Pentax DA 18-270 ( by Tamron silent focus, the largest)
4 Pentax DA 18-135 ( WR , silent focus and very compact)

[Bengan]

I would really recommend the K-3, a fantastic camera. Since the release of the K-3II, it is very well priced.
You should take advantage of the weather seal and get at least one WR lens. I would personally go for the DA 16-85 WR but the 18-135 is an alternative.
The K-3 unfotunately increases the desire for better lenses and you will probably benefit from a sharp 35 or 50 mm prime and a fast 70-200 mm. I would personally skip the non-weather sealed superzooms.

[dstar]

I would really recommend the K-3, a fantastic camera. Since the release of the K-3II, it is very well priced.
You should take advantage of the weather seal and get at least one WR lens. I would personally go for the DA 16-85 WR but the 18-135 is an alternative.
The K-3 unfotunately increases the desire for better lenses and you will probably benefit from a sharp 35 or 50 mm prime and a fast 70-200 mm. I would personally skip the non-weather sealed superzooms.

One more question
I still in my bag several older style Russian lenses
I used before with K-20/ manual/
But what about k-3?

[normhead]

If you can use it on K20D you can use it on a K-3, no change there.