thinking about getting a K-S2 - how are they to handle with bigger lenses?

Glen_S · 12-14-2015, 04:49 PM

I was looking at at getting my wife one to replace her K-x, and was thinking about the K3 or K3II but they are still a little out of my range and overall the K-S2 looks like it would suit her, (and the fact I can get it in white which is how she likes to differentiate between hers and my cameras)

She's getting into some portrait work, and the larger image size and built in Wi-fi look like they would be good for this application. I may also pick up a 50mm prime lens for it.

Her most used lens though, is a Sigma 18-250, and it's quite bulky diameter & weight wise compared to my Pentax 18-250 lens, and I'm wondering with the smaller body mentioned in the review on this board, if it may be an awkward combination.

I thought I'd check here and see if anyone here has a similar lens on their K-S2 and how it handles with it.

Thanks in advance.

**THoog** · 12-14-2015, 04:53 PM

The K-S2 is not smaller than the K-x. (You may be thinking of the K-S1.) Width and height are about the same, and the grip on the K-S2 is actually a little deeper than the K-x, which may make it handle the larger lenses better.

Compare camera dimensions side by side

Glen_S · 12-14-2015, 09:19 PM

thanks, good to know about the grip - and I'll bookmark that site!

redimp · 12-15-2015, 12:29 PM

However, I wouldn't bank on the wifi working. In fact you might want to check with Ricoh to see if the app works on your phone because if it doesn't, they won't do anything about it.

Glen_S · 12-15-2015, 02:55 PM

Well, the wi-fi is more of a nice to have - but it would still be disappointing if it didn't work. I pulled the trigger on one last night so it'll get here in time, so I guess I'll find out.

I don't recall reading anything terrible negative about the wi-fi in the reviews, however. Are some here finding it flaky?

concealer404 · 12-15-2015, 03:01 PM

Wifi works fine on ours. Camera overall is a huge upgrade over the K-X it replaced. I think she'll be pleased.

Glen_S · 12-15-2015, 03:14 PM - **1 Like**

I like using her K-x ok, but I really miss the dual control dials that my K10D has, it'll be nice to have them on her camera now.

I wanted to get her a K3 or K3 II, but I think that'll be my next camera, I'm thinking there should be a price drop pretty soon when Pentax releases it's next model.

**clackers** · 12-15-2015, 04:52 PM - **1 Like**

Handling has technique, so you have to ask yourself - "The way I currently hold a camera to my eye, what happens if I remove my right hand altogether?"

If two seconds later there'd be the sound of your 70-200 hitting the ground, your method's wrong. :-)

nucleon · 01-04-2016, 07:43 PM

Originally posted by Glen_S

I was looking at at getting my wife one to replace her K-x, and was thinking about the K3 or K3II but they are still a little out of my range and overall the K-S2 looks like it would suit her, (and the fact I can get it in white which is how she likes to differentiate between hers and my cameras)

She's getting into some portrait work, and the larger image size and built in Wi-fi look like they would be good for this application. I may also pick up a 50mm prime lens for it.

Her most used lens though, is a Sigma 18-250, and it's quite bulky diameter & weight wise compared to my Pentax 18-250 lens, and I'm wondering with the smaller body mentioned in the review on this board, if it may be an awkward combination.

I thought I'd check here and see if anyone here has a similar lens on their K-S2 and how it handles with it.

Thanks in advance.

I have received my KS2 on December 31 around 2PM. Put on a 55-300 and took the couple to a local park. Previously I was using K-30, however it failed - so called aperture motor block (black photos). It did not feel that easy as on K-30, as K-30 grip has different shape and curves. I was very disappointed. It was my first day. The next day I have replaced 55-300 to 50-200. The camera with this lens felt very comfortable while walking and photographing. The 16-45 is also fine. Now after such built up experience I expect that 55-300 would feel also OK. My next camera walk will be with 55-300.
Leo

NutterKam · 01-09-2016, 10:58 AM

Originally posted by clackers

Handling has technique, so you have to ask yourself - "The way I currently hold a camera to my eye, what happens if I remove my right hand altogether?"

If two seconds later there'd be the sound of your 70-200 hitting the ground, your method's wrong. :-)

Bingo bongo! I bought a K-S1 even though reviews and general comments all poo poo the flashing LEDs and slippery grip. Over the decades, I have held my cameras primarily by the lens barrel and the right hand acts as a steady and trigger finger. So IMHO Clackers is absolutely right - it depends entirely on how you hold your gear. I personally say the bigger the lens the better!

**Wingincamera** · 01-09-2016, 02:39 PM

I have the K-S2 and love it. The largest lens I have is the Tamron 70-200 and it works fine for my average size hands. One of the best things I like about the K-S2 is the folding lcd screen. I have bad knees and when I want to take a quick knee level photo it is so much easier using this camera. Before I would have to either sit or lay on the ground, which in a quickly changing scene is not good for me.

nucleon · 01-17-2016, 05:08 PM

Today use my K-S2 with 55-300 on and off monopod. The same as on K-30 easy and nice. I have upload two just taken photos to Pentax to this post - low clouds and dark. K-S2 is a very convenient camera, also smaller and lighter than K-3.

The Oak: 1/400s, f/7, ISO 400, 120mm
The Hills: 1/60s, f/6.3. ISOO 400, 107mm
Leo

robtcorl · 01-20-2016, 09:00 AM

I'm using a DA* 300mm on mine with no problems.

nucleon · 01-20-2016, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by robtcorl

I'm using a DA* 300mm on mine with no problems.

I like this lens on K-S2 :-)
Leo

paulvzo · 01-26-2016, 08:24 AM

Second or third on the wifi issue. The app works for some, not for many others. Myself included. Seems to be a total crap shoot, at least with Android phones. I suggest downloading it, Ricoh Image Sync, and see if you get past the splash screen. OK, my goes past it, but just to black. No nothing. Older Android I bought cheap just for this purpose, does not work. Should, according the the specs and my version.

12-14-2015, 04:49 PM	#1
Glen_S Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 105	thinking about getting a K-S2 - how are they to handle with bigger lenses? I was looking at at getting my wife one to replace her K-x, and was thinking about the K3 or K3II but they are still a little out of my range and overall the K-S2 looks like it would suit her, (and the fact I can get it in white which is how she likes to differentiate between hers and my cameras) She's getting into some portrait work, and the larger image size and built in Wi-fi look like they would be good for this application. I may also pick up a 50mm prime lens for it. Her most used lens though, is a Sigma 18-250, and it's quite bulky diameter & weight wise compared to my Pentax 18-250 lens, and I'm wondering with the smaller body mentioned in the review on this board, if it may be an awkward combination. I thought I'd check here and see if anyone here has a similar lens on their K-S2 and how it handles with it. Thanks in advance.

12-14-2015, 09:19 PM	#3
Glen_S Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 105 Original Poster	thanks, good to know about the grip - and I'll bookmark that site! Last edited by Glen_S; 12-14-2015 at 09:24 PM.

12-15-2015, 04:52 PM - 1 Like	#8
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Handling has technique, so you have to ask yourself - "The way I currently hold a camera to my eye, what happens if I remove my right hand altogether?" If two seconds later there'd be the sound of your 70-200 hitting the ground, your method's wrong. :-) Last edited by clackers; 12-15-2015 at 04:57 PM.

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12-14-2015, 04:53 PM	#2
THoog Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,685	The K-S2 is not smaller than the K-x. (You may be thinking of the K-S1.) Width and height are about the same, and the grip on the K-S2 is actually a little deeper than the K-x, which may make it handle the larger lenses better. Compare camera dimensions side by side

12-15-2015, 12:29 PM	#4
redimp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lincoln Photos: Albums Posts: 106	However, I wouldn't bank on the wifi working. In fact you might want to check with Ricoh to see if the app works on your phone because if it doesn't, they won't do anything about it.

12-15-2015, 02:55 PM	#5
Glen_S Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 105 Original Poster	Well, the wi-fi is more of a nice to have - but it would still be disappointing if it didn't work. I pulled the trigger on one last night so it'll get here in time, so I guess I'll find out. I don't recall reading anything terrible negative about the wi-fi in the reviews, however. Are some here finding it flaky?

12-15-2015, 03:01 PM	#6
concealer404 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 89	Wifi works fine on ours. Camera overall is a huge upgrade over the K-X it replaced. I think she'll be pleased.

12-15-2015, 03:14 PM - 1 Like	#7
Glen_S Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 105 Original Poster	I like using her K-x ok, but I really miss the dual control dials that my K10D has, it'll be nice to have them on her camera now. I wanted to get her a K3 or K3 II, but I think that'll be my next camera, I'm thinking there should be a price drop pretty soon when Pentax releases it's next model.

01-04-2016, 07:43 PM	#9
nucleon Forum Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 58	Originally posted by Glen_S I was looking at at getting my wife one to replace her K-x, and was thinking about the K3 or K3II but they are still a little out of my range and overall the K-S2 looks like it would suit her, (and the fact I can get it in white which is how she likes to differentiate between hers and my cameras) She's getting into some portrait work, and the larger image size and built in Wi-fi look like they would be good for this application. I may also pick up a 50mm prime lens for it. Her most used lens though, is a Sigma 18-250, and it's quite bulky diameter & weight wise compared to my Pentax 18-250 lens, and I'm wondering with the smaller body mentioned in the review on this board, if it may be an awkward combination. I thought I'd check here and see if anyone here has a similar lens on their K-S2 and how it handles with it. Thanks in advance. I have received my KS2 on December 31 around 2PM. Put on a 55-300 and took the couple to a local park. Previously I was using K-30, however it failed - so called aperture motor block (black photos). It did not feel that easy as on K-30, as K-30 grip has different shape and curves. I was very disappointed. It was my first day. The next day I have replaced 55-300 to 50-200. The camera with this lens felt very comfortable while walking and photographing. The 16-45 is also fine. Now after such built up experience I expect that 55-300 would feel also OK. My next camera walk will be with 55-300. Leo

01-09-2016, 10:58 AM	#10
NutterKam New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 7	Originally posted by clackers Handling has technique, so you have to ask yourself - "The way I currently hold a camera to my eye, what happens if I remove my right hand altogether?" If two seconds later there'd be the sound of your 70-200 hitting the ground, your method's wrong. :-) Bingo bongo! I bought a K-S1 even though reviews and general comments all poo poo the flashing LEDs and slippery grip. Over the decades, I have held my cameras primarily by the lens barrel and the right hand acts as a steady and trigger finger. So IMHO Clackers is absolutely right - it depends entirely on how you hold your gear. I personally say the bigger the lens the better!

01-09-2016, 02:39 PM	#11
Wingincamera Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pine Haven, Wyoming Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,182	I have the K-S2 and love it. The largest lens I have is the Tamron 70-200 and it works fine for my average size hands. One of the best things I like about the K-S2 is the folding lcd screen. I have bad knees and when I want to take a quick knee level photo it is so much easier using this camera. Before I would have to either sit or lay on the ground, which in a quickly changing scene is not good for me.

01-20-2016, 09:00 AM	#13
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	I'm using a DA* 300mm on mine with no problems.

01-20-2016, 11:20 AM	#14
nucleon Forum Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 58	Originally posted by robtcorl I'm using a DA* 300mm on mine with no problems. I like this lens on K-S2 :-) Leo

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01-26-2016, 08:24 AM	#15
paulvzo Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 95	Second or third on the wifi issue. The app works for some, not for many others. Myself included. Seems to be a total crap shoot, at least with Android phones. I suggest downloading it, Ricoh Image Sync, and see if you get past the splash screen. OK, my goes past it, but just to black. No nothing. Older Android I bought cheap just for this purpose, does not work. Should, according the the specs and my version.