Decision time

**csa** · 11-29-2014, 11:05 AM

I currently have the K10D. I have to choose between a 400mm lens or a new K5IIs. I frankly don't know which would be the greater benefit, especially during the winter when the opportunities for photos drop. Both are priced about the same, the 400mm would be used, either the Tokina, or the Pentax A.

Open to your thoughts!

Adam · 11-29-2014, 11:23 AM

I would probably upgrade the body at this point, but because the K-5 IIs will get you much better image quality and will be faster in everyday use.

**Canada_Rockies** · 11-29-2014, 11:27 AM - **1 Like**

It all depends on how much you need:
1. to print large - which works better with more pixels, but my K10D prints up to 20x30 well enough to impress people looking at one from 12" (30 cm) away.
2. to shoot in the dark - CCD sensors get noisy over 400 ASA

Myself I would go for the K5ii, or better yet grab one of the deals on a K3, because you can crop twice as much as on the K10. That would mean turning a 200mm lens into a 400mm when you print or view on screen. Combined with the better AF and dark handling with the CMOS sensor, I think the camera would serve you better.

I have an M 400 - but I have had it since the early 1980's. My next big $ on camera gear is the K3, when the funds allow.

**csa** · 11-29-2014, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by Adam

I would probably upgrade the body at this point, but because the K-5 IIs will get you much better image quality and will be faster in everyday use.

Thanks Adam, I think that would be the wise move, and then get the 400 in the spring.

**csa** · 11-29-2014, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by Canada_Rockies

It all depends on how much you need:
1. to print large - which works better with more pixels, but my K10D prints up to 20x30 well enough to impress people looking at one from 12" (30 cm) away.
2. to shoot in the dark - CCD sensors get noisy over 400 ASA

Myself I would go for the K5ii, or better yet grab one of the deals on a K3, because you can crop twice as much as on the K10. That would mean turning a 200mm lens into a 400mm when you print or view on screen. Combined with the better AF and dark handling with the CMOS sensor, I think the camera would serve you better.

I have an M 400 - but I have had it since the early 1980's. My next big $ on camera gear is the K3, when the funds allow.

Thanks! I can't afford the K3, so it would be the K5IIs. I had planned on getting one, then I got the taste of what a long lens can do, that's why I was trying to decide.

Docrwm · 11-29-2014, 11:42 AM

It's a great time to get the K-5iis with the free cards and grip. You'll enjoy in during the lower light Winter months more too.

**csa** · 11-29-2014, 11:45 AM

I would have no use for the grip; but for the price for the combo, I could sell the grip when the camera comes in.

Docrwm · 11-29-2014, 11:51 AM

Originally posted by csa

I would have no use for the grip; but for the price for the combo, I could sell the grip when the camera comes in.

I thought the same once. Now I can't imagine not using it. Try it out, if you don't like it the sell it as you said and further reduce the cost for the new camera. Enjoy.

**csa** · 11-29-2014, 12:53 PM

The added size/weight would be a no for me. I would have an extra battery, so that would be fine for my usage.

dakight · 11-29-2014, 02:51 PM

I don't recall where, but I've seen the K-3 body at less the $700 ($696.) You might have a quick look around before you decide for sure.

**demondata** · 11-29-2014, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by csa

The added size/weight would be a no for me. I would have an extra battery, so that would be fine for my usage.

The weight might be an issue, don't know your circumstances, but I can tell you that whenever I put my Tamron 70-200 on my K5, I attach the grip as well. Even more so with my Sigma 120-400. The grip provides the prefect counterbalance to the heavier lenses, you'll actually find it more comfortable with the grip than without. If you plan to use longer lenses, which seems likely given your question, you will find the grip invaluable. This does not include how perfectly convenient it is for portrait photography. If you leave the battery out of the grip, weight becomes a non-issue, too.

**UncleVanya** · 11-29-2014, 05:06 PM

K50 is cheap has great ISO performance, etc. Could you buy the lens and the k50?

MadMathMind · 11-29-2014, 05:51 PM

I had a K110D and upgraded to a K-5IIs. It's such a monumental upgrade that you will change your approach to photography entirely.

micromacro · 11-29-2014, 06:17 PM

Originally posted by csa

I would have no use for the grip; but for the price for the combo, I could sell the grip when the camera comes in.

Before you sell the grip, try it with long telephoto. I've tried it empty with Sigma 70-300mm and keep it

Oldbayrunner · 11-29-2014, 07:43 PM

Originally posted by bradshea

K50 is cheap has great ISO performance, etc. Could you buy the lens and the k50?

I started with a K50, don't get me wrong it's nice camera but once I put the K5 lls in my hands and used it with it's quietness, top lcd, and great back button feature layout then by adding a grip to it it didn't take long for the K50 to go bye bye. For me the k5 lls has got everything I want even over the K3 as great as the reviews are.

11-29-2014, 11:05 AM	#1
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Decision time I currently have the K10D. I have to choose between a 400mm lens or a new K5IIs. I frankly don't know which would be the greater benefit, especially during the winter when the opportunities for photos drop. Both are priced about the same, the 400mm would be used, either the Tokina, or the Pentax A. Open to your thoughts!

11-29-2014, 11:23 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	I would probably upgrade the body at this point, but because the K-5 IIs will get you much better image quality and will be faster in everyday use. 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:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
decision time once again	ClinchShots	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	11	01-10-2014 07:11 AM
Macro Lens - Decision Time!	bellavida	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	13	07-30-2013 06:48 PM
Nikon D700 vs K5 decision time.	haycyn	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	13	06-04-2013 04:55 PM
Lens Decision Time... Poll	Mlcinema	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	22	02-22-2013 02:34 PM
Decision Time for Prime	john mood	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	8	02-21-2012 08:08 PM

11-29-2014, 11:27 AM - 1 Like	#3
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	It all depends on how much you need: 1. to print large - which works better with more pixels, but my K10D prints up to 20x30 well enough to impress people looking at one from 12" (30 cm) away. 2. to shoot in the dark - CCD sensors get noisy over 400 ASA Myself I would go for the K5ii, or better yet grab one of the deals on a K3, because you can crop twice as much as on the K10. That would mean turning a 200mm lens into a 400mm when you print or view on screen. Combined with the better AF and dark handling with the CMOS sensor, I think the camera would serve you better. I have an M 400 - but I have had it since the early 1980's. My next big $ on camera gear is the K3, when the funds allow.

11-29-2014, 11:33 AM	#4
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam I would probably upgrade the body at this point, but because the K-5 IIs will get you much better image quality and will be faster in everyday use. Thanks Adam, I think that would be the wise move, and then get the 400 in the spring.

11-29-2014, 11:34 AM	#5
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	Originally posted by Canada_Rockies It all depends on how much you need: 1. to print large - which works better with more pixels, but my K10D prints up to 20x30 well enough to impress people looking at one from 12" (30 cm) away. 2. to shoot in the dark - CCD sensors get noisy over 400 ASA Myself I would go for the K5ii, or better yet grab one of the deals on a K3, because you can crop twice as much as on the K10. That would mean turning a 200mm lens into a 400mm when you print or view on screen. Combined with the better AF and dark handling with the CMOS sensor, I think the camera would serve you better. I have an M 400 - but I have had it since the early 1980's. My next big $ on camera gear is the K3, when the funds allow. Thanks! I can't afford the K3, so it would be the K5IIs. I had planned on getting one, then I got the taste of what a long lens can do, that's why I was trying to decide.

11-29-2014, 11:42 AM	#6
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	It's a great time to get the K-5iis with the free cards and grip. You'll enjoy in during the lower light Winter months more too.

11-29-2014, 11:45 AM	#7
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	I would have no use for the grip; but for the price for the combo, I could sell the grip when the camera comes in.

11-29-2014, 11:51 AM	#8
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by csa I would have no use for the grip; but for the price for the combo, I could sell the grip when the camera comes in. I thought the same once. Now I can't imagine not using it. Try it out, if you don't like it the sell it as you said and further reduce the cost for the new camera. Enjoy.

11-29-2014, 12:53 PM	#9
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	The added size/weight would be a no for me. I would have an extra battery, so that would be fine for my usage.

11-29-2014, 02:51 PM	#10
dakight Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,216	I don't recall where, but I've seen the K-3 body at less the $700 ($696.) You might have a quick look around before you decide for sure.

11-29-2014, 04:02 PM	#11
demondata Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Aurora, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 632	Originally posted by csa The added size/weight would be a no for me. I would have an extra battery, so that would be fine for my usage. The weight might be an issue, don't know your circumstances, but I can tell you that whenever I put my Tamron 70-200 on my K5, I attach the grip as well. Even more so with my Sigma 120-400. The grip provides the prefect counterbalance to the heavier lenses, you'll actually find it more comfortable with the grip than without. If you plan to use longer lenses, which seems likely given your question, you will find the grip invaluable. This does not include how perfectly convenient it is for portrait photography. If you leave the battery out of the grip, weight becomes a non-issue, too.

11-29-2014, 05:06 PM	#12
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	K50 is cheap has great ISO performance, etc. Could you buy the lens and the k50?

11-29-2014, 05:51 PM	#13
MadMathMind Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,717	I had a K110D and upgraded to a K-5IIs. It's such a monumental upgrade that you will change your approach to photography entirely.

11-29-2014, 06:17 PM	#14
micromacro Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,722	Originally posted by csa I would have no use for the grip; but for the price for the combo, I could sell the grip when the camera comes in. Before you sell the grip, try it with long telephoto. I've tried it empty with Sigma 70-300mm and keep it

11-29-2014, 07:43 PM	#15
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by bradshea K50 is cheap has great ISO performance, etc. Could you buy the lens and the k50? I started with a K50, don't get me wrong it's nice camera but once I put the K5 lls in my hands and used it with it's quietness, top lcd, and great back button feature layout then by adding a grip to it it didn't take long for the K50 to go bye bye. For me the k5 lls has got everything I want even over the K3 as great as the reviews are.