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Maberto · 05-31-2016, 11:48 AM

I currently shoot a K-x with the DA L lens and a Tamron 70-200 f2.8. I rented a K-3II over the weekend and I had the expectation that my images would be considerably sharper. I wasn't expecting much from the kit lens, but I still expected some improvement. I found some improvements here and there. Using the pixel shift was much cleaner on object with fine detail, but I didn't see that much of an improvement in a landscape shot.

Was I overly optimistic in what I should expect?
Should I save the money on the upgrade and buy better lens?
Which lens should I look at? I want to be able to cover the 18mm - 200mm range.

Adam · 05-31-2016, 11:55 AM

Originally posted by Maberto

Should I save the money on the upgrade and buy better lens?

Yup, since the 18-55mm is clearly the limiting factor here.

I would recommend the 16-85mm if you want more flexiblity:
HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Or the DA* 16-50mm/Tamron 17-50mm/Sigma 17-50mm if you want a wider aperture.

**jatrax** · 05-31-2016, 12:00 PM

k-x was/is a very good camera, some of my best shots were taken with it. That said the k-3II is a large improvement but not necessarily at everything. For example as you noted with the kit lens in good light with average settings the difference might not be much. This would be described as "lens limited". You've heard a chain is only as strong as the weakest link. In this case that might be the lens.

Now if you are looking for better high ISO performance, faster frame rate, larger images and a lot of other things, then the K-3II is clearly superior.

I would suggest you look at upgrading your lens first. look at either the DA18-135 or the DA16-85 for consumer zooms. Or perhaps the DA*16-50 if you have the budget.

**microlight** · 05-31-2016, 12:05 PM

Have no doubts, the K-3II is excellent. I shoot mainly with a 20-40 Limited and the detail (especially with pixel shift) is marvellous, especially in RAW and developed in DCU5.

C_Jones · 05-31-2016, 12:46 PM

As has been said, the K-3II is excellent. I have a 16-85 also, and it is a great lens.

**TER-OR** · 05-31-2016, 01:18 PM

Yes, it's time for a lens or two. You should look at lenses which will still be good on a new body when it's time for that.

There are some inexpensive primes you can also consider, the DA 35mm f2.4 probably would be my first purchase. That will give you an idea what quality glass can do on your current body without blowing your budget.

DennisH · 05-31-2016, 01:55 PM

You can get a DA 40mm Limted at KEH right now for $170. A lot of people here (including me) count that little wonder as their first high-quality Pentax lens. You'll see an immediate differecne for the better.

totsmuyco · 06-01-2016, 03:09 AM

Oh it's definitely worth the upgrade.

Amoon · 06-09-2016, 04:29 PM

K-3II and it's 8pfs makes it for me.
Also Pixel Shift Resolution is wonderful. Just use the latest version of Pentax's software for developing the PS Raw file which has the motion correction feature.

digitaleagle12 · 06-09-2016, 05:16 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Yup, since the 18-55mm is clearly the limiting factor here.

I would recommend the 16-85mm if you want more flexiblity:
HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Or the DA* 16-50mm/Tamron 17-50mm/Sigma 17-50mm if you want a wider aperture.

I second the Tamron 17-50mm if you are looking for a zoom that's about as good as primes. You can buy them without warranty directly from Japan form Amazon for a song. I just purchased one and am very impressed.

Oh - and I want a K3II as well!

pentasonic49 · 06-10-2016, 02:32 PM

If you can rent the camera, perhaps you could rent a better lens to see if your KX has more to offer.

mikeSF · 06-10-2016, 02:36 PM

Originally posted by pentasonic49

If you can rent the camera, perhaps you could rent a better lens to see if your KX has more to offer.

this.
good luck

talkskiwon · 06-24-2016, 04:20 PM

In case you are still looking for k-3 II, there are Japanese sellers prelisting K-3 ii + 16-85 bundle on ebay. Price tag from ~$1150 to 2100 so take a look. I bought one yesterday.

05-31-2016, 11:48 AM	#1
Maberto New Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 4	Thinking of upgrading to a K-3II I currently shoot a K-x with the DA L lens and a Tamron 70-200 f2.8. I rented a K-3II over the weekend and I had the expectation that my images would be considerably sharper. I wasn't expecting much from the kit lens, but I still expected some improvement. I found some improvements here and there. Using the pixel shift was much cleaner on object with fine detail, but I didn't see that much of an improvement in a landscape shot. Was I overly optimistic in what I should expect? Should I save the money on the upgrade and buy better lens? Which lens should I look at? I want to be able to cover the 18mm - 200mm range.

05-31-2016, 11:55 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Originally posted by Maberto Should I save the money on the upgrade and buy better lens? Yup, since the 18-55mm is clearly the limiting factor here. I would recommend the 16-85mm if you want more flexiblity: HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews Or the DA* 16-50mm/Tamron 17-50mm/Sigma 17-50mm if you want a wider aperture. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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05-31-2016, 12:00 PM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,992	k-x was/is a very good camera, some of my best shots were taken with it. That said the k-3II is a large improvement but not necessarily at everything. For example as you noted with the kit lens in good light with average settings the difference might not be much. This would be described as "lens limited". You've heard a chain is only as strong as the weakest link. In this case that might be the lens. Now if you are looking for better high ISO performance, faster frame rate, larger images and a lot of other things, then the K-3II is clearly superior. I would suggest you look at upgrading your lens first. look at either the DA18-135 or the DA16-85 for consumer zooms. Or perhaps the DA*16-50 if you have the budget.

05-31-2016, 12:05 PM	#4
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,129	Have no doubts, the K-3II is excellent. I shoot mainly with a 20-40 Limited and the detail (especially with pixel shift) is marvellous, especially in RAW and developed in DCU5.

05-31-2016, 12:46 PM	#5
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,086	As has been said, the K-3II is excellent. I have a 16-85 also, and it is a great lens.

05-31-2016, 01:18 PM	#6
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Yes, it's time for a lens or two. You should look at lenses which will still be good on a new body when it's time for that. There are some inexpensive primes you can also consider, the DA 35mm f2.4 probably would be my first purchase. That will give you an idea what quality glass can do on your current body without blowing your budget.

05-31-2016, 01:55 PM	#7
DennisH Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Stratford, CT Photos: Gallery Posts: 730	You can get a DA 40mm Limted at KEH right now for $170. A lot of people here (including me) count that little wonder as their first high-quality Pentax lens. You'll see an immediate differecne for the better.

06-01-2016, 03:09 AM	#8
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	Oh it's definitely worth the upgrade.

06-09-2016, 04:29 PM	#9
Amoon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 155	K-3II and it's 8pfs makes it for me. Also Pixel Shift Resolution is wonderful. Just use the latest version of Pentax's software for developing the PS Raw file which has the motion correction feature.

06-09-2016, 05:16 PM	#10
digitaleagle12 Junior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ormond Beach Florida Posts: 31	Originally posted by Adam Yup, since the 18-55mm is clearly the limiting factor here. I would recommend the 16-85mm if you want more flexiblity: HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews Or the DA* 16-50mm/Tamron 17-50mm/Sigma 17-50mm if you want a wider aperture. I second the Tamron 17-50mm if you are looking for a zoom that's about as good as primes. You can buy them without warranty directly from Japan form Amazon for a song. I just purchased one and am very impressed. Oh - and I want a K3II as well!

06-10-2016, 02:32 PM	#11
pentasonic49 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: weston-super-mare Posts: 395	If you can rent the camera, perhaps you could rent a better lens to see if your KX has more to offer.

06-10-2016, 02:36 PM	#12
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	Originally posted by pentasonic49 If you can rent the camera, perhaps you could rent a better lens to see if your KX has more to offer. this. good luck

06-24-2016, 04:20 PM	#13
talkskiwon Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 90	In case you are still looking for k-3 II, there are Japanese sellers prelisting K-3 ii + 16-85 bundle on ebay. Price tag from ~$1150 to 2100 so take a look. I bought one yesterday.

Thinking of upgrading to a K-3II

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!