Is it still worth while getting a Pentax k-s2 or would i be better off with a K3...?

Timotis77 · 08-20-2019, 06:19 PM

Hi all,

So I'm looking at getting a crop sensor Pentax camera. Currently have a MF Pentax 645z and Nikon D810....

I only really plan to get the Pentax crop to pair with a 30mm and 50mm lens (a lighter ever day carry around camera, maybe use for travel with the 645z)

Is the Pentax ks-2 a good option, or should I be looking at something like a K-3ii or K-70????

Plan to spend around $500-$700 MAX on the body....

Some opinions and thoughts would be great.....?

**pepperberry farm** · 08-20-2019, 06:31 PM - **2 Likes**

if it's a smaller body you're after, think about a good used K-5 IIs...

slightly smaller than a K-3, but with all the pro-body features...

gatorguy · 08-20-2019, 06:34 PM - **1 Like**

K-70....

Adam · 08-20-2019, 06:35 PM - **2 Likes**

The K-S2 and K-70 are similar, but the latter has a more customizable UI and noticeably better image quality (which also surpasses that of the K-3). So, I would go for the K-70 in that price range.

Adam
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Timotis77 · 08-20-2019, 06:38 PM

Ok, I’ll look into the K-5iis too. I'm not overly worried about the size and weight, It’s not bigger than my Nikon d810 and not close to the 645z…… as said I only plan using smaller primes on it

Some reviews have said the 20.1 sensor on the ks2 is a little film like in its results? Rubbish? or it has?

Kozlok · 08-20-2019, 06:39 PM - **1 Like**

I do like my KS2. I liked the 16MP in the K30 I had (same as K5) also. Does anyone have side-by-side images of K70 and KS2? I've seen high-ISO images, and yeah, the K70 blows the KS2 away. Not sure below 3200?

Loads of examples on my Flickr.

Kozlok1 | Flickr

stillshot2 · 08-20-2019, 11:56 PM - **1 Like**

K-S2 may have questionable aperture block build quality like the K-50 and K-30. I'd personally go K-70 or newer, or consider used K-5ii or K-3. My K-3 has been good and used can be found for around $400 or less.

fsge · 08-21-2019, 12:08 AM - **1 Like**

I would go for a K70 instead of a ks2 or a second hand KP which might fit in your budget.

Benz3ne · 08-21-2019, 01:21 AM - **3 Likes**

I have both the K-S2 and K-70. I found that the K-70 is more responsive (both in function and autofocus, both of which may be placebo) and definitely handles low light better, with a bit more cropping room thanks to the bump in megapixel count and giving more scope for RAW file development being 14-bit (versus 12-bit for the K-S2).

However! Had I not snagged a marginally-used K-70 at a ludicrous price, I would have been absolutely happy with the K-S2 going forwards. It's a rugged, solid little unit, easy to function with buttons in a good place for my, admittedly quite slender, hands. The K-70 is, quite obviously, very similar in feel.

The aforementioned aperture block issues seem largely reduced with the K-70 and K-S2 versus, say, the K-30/K-50 models (of which I own a K-50 which is aperture blocked).

Last thing to note is that the KP is undoubtedly more 'premium' than the K-70 or K-S2, with it's ultrasonic dust cleaning, different aperture motor, improved shake reduction etc.

TL, DR; I would be happy going with the K-S2, K-70 or KP if I was looking afresh now, so the main differential would be budget. I think the cost of the K-70 (especially when it's on offer) is decently comparable to the K-S2 so you get a marked improvement for not a huge outlay. The KP has come up at stellar prices on the used market a couple of times, so if this was a clean example with a price around the RRP of the K-70 it would be a fantastic option. The only caveat here is that K-70s are now coming up on the used market for exceptional prices. As others have said, the K-70 is a great bang-for-buck option.

**rogerstg** · 08-21-2019, 07:58 AM - **1 Like**

A few months back, pentax had a special on the K-S2 for $300 or with the 18-135 lens, $450. I snagged one for my wife. I looked to see if it was still available but couldn't find it. Instead, I fell upon this deal for a refurbished K-70 with 18-55mm lens for $550.

Timotis77 · 08-21-2019, 01:34 PM

Thanks for all the opinions and thoughts all. Currently I have an option to buy a ks-2 for $450 AU (with the 18-135mm lens of which I’ll most likely sell, as I only plan on using a 30/35mm and 50mm primes)

There is also a couple of k70 and k-3 in the price range around…..

Thanks again for the great information and thoughts all - Tim

Timotis77 · 08-29-2019, 12:55 PM

Just an update on my final decision. I had planned on getting the Pentax K-S2, but…..

I saw a K-S1 with a 18-55mm lens on ebay auction. Won the auction and ended up getting it for $189 AUD after using an ebay code (Dead cheap).

Then I also brought a Pentax K70 with 18-135mm WR lens off ebay also, it was a demo with on 45 clicks, after adding an ebay code It ended up at $709

A little over my intended spend, but happy. Also just got a SMC 50mm DA 1.8 lens and SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 AL… Not sure how these will work out, but will see how they go…..

Most likely I’ll sell the 18-55 and toss up whether I sell the 18-135……

Thanks again for the opinions and thoughts

**Des** · 09-14-2019, 03:04 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Timotis77

Just an update on my final decision. I had planned on getting the Pentax K-S2, but…..

I saw a K-S1 with a 18-55mm lens on ebay auction. Won the auction and ended up getting it for $189 AUD after using an ebay code (Dead cheap).

Then I also brought a Pentax K70 with 18-135mm WR lens off ebay also, it was a demo with on 45 clicks, after adding an ebay code It ended up at $709

A little over my intended spend, but happy. Also just got a SMC 50mm DA 1.8 lens and SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 AL… Not sure how these will work out, but will see how they go…..

Most likely I’ll sell the 18-55 and toss up whether I sell the 18-135……

Thanks again for the opinions and thoughts

Congratulations Tim. Both great bargains.

Don't rush to sell the 18-135. Paired with the K-S1 it will make a great grab-and-go (or leave hidden in the car) kit. Paired with the K-70, it's a great WR kit for bushwalking, cycle touring, boat cruises etc (with a mini-tripod, e.g. Gorilla pod, and maybe a filter for long-exposure pixel-shift shots). The 18-135 is surprisingly capable, for such a wide-ranging zoom. Corners are soft (although they improve stopped down), but centre sharpness is excellent - the combination allows for some 3D pop, with practice. It has good colours and microcontrast.

.

Despite the soft corners it can even produce acceptable landscapes sometimes. ;-)

(A number of these are with the K-S2.)

Timotis77 · 09-15-2019, 08:03 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Des

Congratulations Tim. Both great bargains.

Don't rush to sell the 18-135. Paired with the K-S1 it will make a great grab-and-go (or leave hidden in the car) kit. Paired with the K-70, it's a great WR kit for bushwalking, cycle touring, boat cruises etc (with a mini-tripod, e.g. Gorilla pod, and maybe a filter for long-exposure pixel-shift shots). The 18-135 is surprisingly capable, for such a wide-ranging zoom. Corners are soft (although they improve stopped down), but centre sharpness is excellent - the combination allows for some 3D pop, with practice. It has good colours and microcontrast.

.

Despite the soft corners it can even produce acceptable landscapes sometimes. ;-)

(A number of these are with the K-S2.)

Don't rush to sell the 18-135. Paired with the K-S1 it will make a great grab-and-go (or leave hidden in the car) kit. Paired with the K-70, it's a great WR kit for bushwalking, cycle touring, boat cruises etc (with a mini-tripod, e.g. Gorilla pod, and maybe a filter for long-exposure pixel-shift shots). The 18-135 is surprisingly capable, for such a wide-ranging zoom. Corners are soft (although they improve stopped down), but centre sharpness is excellent - the combination allows for some 3D pop, with practice. It has good colours and microcontrast.

Hi Des, Some great photos, I've seems many of yours on this site and am always wowed by them. Plus you’re are semi local to me, so I know many of the area's they are taken. Fantastic

Yes after a few weeks with both my K70 and K-s1, I tired the 18-135 on both and have chosen to keep it, as you say attach it to the ks1 and it’s a very portable little camera with a great lens which covers almost all required focal lengths.
I did also buy a 20-40mm Limited, second hand and find it absolutely brilliant, so having this and the 18-135 attached to either of the cameras makes for light and compact photography. (My wife likes this)

Thanks again for your thoughts and post, again.....Beautiful pictures...

**Des** · 09-16-2019, 03:35 AM

Thanks very much for your kind words Tim.

Since you have a D810 and a Pentax 645z, I figure your expectations of an entry-level APS-C camera and wide-ranging zoom are suitably tempered! But for what they are (and for such a bargain price), they are amazingly capable. Very good that your wife likes them too.

I have the 20-40 Ltd as well and I find it a very nice lens too.

Look forward to seeing more.

08-20-2019, 06:19 PM	#1
Timotis77 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 84	Is it still worth while getting a Pentax k-s2 or would i be better off with a K3...? Hi all, So I'm looking at getting a crop sensor Pentax camera. Currently have a MF Pentax 645z and Nikon D810.... I only really plan to get the Pentax crop to pair with a 30mm and 50mm lens (a lighter ever day carry around camera, maybe use for travel with the 645z) Is the Pentax ks-2 a good option, or should I be looking at something like a K-3ii or K-70???? Plan to spend around $500-$700 MAX on the body.... Some opinions and thoughts would be great.....?

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08-20-2019, 06:31 PM - 2 Likes	#2
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,660	if it's a smaller body you're after, think about a good used K-5 IIs... slightly smaller than a K-3, but with all the pro-body features...

08-20-2019, 06:34 PM - 1 Like	#3
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092	K-70....

08-20-2019, 06:35 PM - 2 Likes	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	The K-S2 and K-70 are similar, but the latter has a more customizable UI and noticeably better image quality (which also surpasses that of the K-3). So, I would go for the K-70 in that price range. 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:

08-20-2019, 06:38 PM	#5
Timotis77 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 84 Original Poster	Ok, I’ll look into the K-5iis too. I'm not overly worried about the size and weight, It’s not bigger than my Nikon d810 and not close to the 645z…… as said I only plan using smaller primes on it Some reviews have said the 20.1 sensor on the ks2 is a little film like in its results? Rubbish? or it has?

08-20-2019, 06:39 PM - 1 Like	#6
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	I do like my KS2. I liked the 16MP in the K30 I had (same as K5) also. Does anyone have side-by-side images of K70 and KS2? I've seen high-ISO images, and yeah, the K70 blows the KS2 away. Not sure below 3200? Loads of examples on my Flickr. Kozlok1 \| Flickr

08-20-2019, 11:56 PM - 1 Like	#7
stillshot2 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,070	K-S2 may have questionable aperture block build quality like the K-50 and K-30. I'd personally go K-70 or newer, or consider used K-5ii or K-3. My K-3 has been good and used can be found for around $400 or less.

08-21-2019, 12:08 AM - 1 Like	#8
fsge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Genf Posts: 1,138	I would go for a K70 instead of a ks2 or a second hand KP which might fit in your budget.

08-21-2019, 01:21 AM - 3 Likes	#9
Benz3ne Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Cymru Posts: 2,356	I have both the K-S2 and K-70. I found that the K-70 is more responsive (both in function and autofocus, both of which may be placebo) and definitely handles low light better, with a bit more cropping room thanks to the bump in megapixel count and giving more scope for RAW file development being 14-bit (versus 12-bit for the K-S2). However! Had I not snagged a marginally-used K-70 at a ludicrous price, I would have been absolutely happy with the K-S2 going forwards. It's a rugged, solid little unit, easy to function with buttons in a good place for my, admittedly quite slender, hands. The K-70 is, quite obviously, very similar in feel. The aforementioned aperture block issues seem largely reduced with the K-70 and K-S2 versus, say, the K-30/K-50 models (of which I own a K-50 which is aperture blocked). Last thing to note is that the KP is undoubtedly more 'premium' than the K-70 or K-S2, with it's ultrasonic dust cleaning, different aperture motor, improved shake reduction etc. TL, DR; I would be happy going with the K-S2, K-70 or KP if I was looking afresh now, so the main differential would be budget. I think the cost of the K-70 (especially when it's on offer) is decently comparable to the K-S2 so you get a marked improvement for not a huge outlay. The KP has come up at stellar prices on the used market a couple of times, so if this was a clean example with a price around the RRP of the K-70 it would be a fantastic option. The only caveat here is that K-70s are now coming up on the used market for exceptional prices. As others have said, the K-70 is a great bang-for-buck option.

08-21-2019, 07:58 AM - 1 Like	#10
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	A few months back, pentax had a special on the K-S2 for $300 or with the 18-135 lens, $450. I snagged one for my wife. I looked to see if it was still available but couldn't find it. Instead, I fell upon this deal for a refurbished K-70 with 18-55mm lens for $550.

08-21-2019, 01:34 PM	#11
Timotis77 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 84 Original Poster	Thanks for all the opinions and thoughts all. Currently I have an option to buy a ks-2 for $450 AU (with the 18-135mm lens of which I’ll most likely sell, as I only plan on using a 30/35mm and 50mm primes) There is also a couple of k70 and k-3 in the price range around….. Thanks again for the great information and thoughts all - Tim

08-29-2019, 12:55 PM	#12
Timotis77 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 84 Original Poster	Just an update on my final decision. I had planned on getting the Pentax K-S2, but….. I saw a K-S1 with a 18-55mm lens on ebay auction. Won the auction and ended up getting it for $189 AUD after using an ebay code (Dead cheap). Then I also brought a Pentax K70 with 18-135mm WR lens off ebay also, it was a demo with on 45 clicks, after adding an ebay code It ended up at $709 A little over my intended spend, but happy. Also just got a SMC 50mm DA 1.8 lens and SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 AL… Not sure how these will work out, but will see how they go….. Most likely I’ll sell the 18-55 and toss up whether I sell the 18-135…… Thanks again for the opinions and thoughts

09-14-2019, 03:04 PM - 3 Likes	#13
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by Timotis77 Just an update on my final decision. I had planned on getting the Pentax K-S2, but….. I saw a K-S1 with a 18-55mm lens on ebay auction. Won the auction and ended up getting it for $189 AUD after using an ebay code (Dead cheap). Then I also brought a Pentax K70 with 18-135mm WR lens off ebay also, it was a demo with on 45 clicks, after adding an ebay code It ended up at $709 A little over my intended spend, but happy. Also just got a SMC 50mm DA 1.8 lens and SMC Pentax-DA 35mm F2.4 AL… Not sure how these will work out, but will see how they go….. Most likely I’ll sell the 18-55 and toss up whether I sell the 18-135…… Thanks again for the opinions and thoughts Congratulations Tim. Both great bargains. Don't rush to sell the 18-135. Paired with the K-S1 it will make a great grab-and-go (or leave hidden in the car) kit. Paired with the K-70, it's a great WR kit for bushwalking, cycle touring, boat cruises etc (with a mini-tripod, e.g. Gorilla pod, and maybe a filter for long-exposure pixel-shift shots). The 18-135 is surprisingly capable, for such a wide-ranging zoom. Corners are soft (although they improve stopped down), but centre sharpness is excellent - the combination allows for some 3D pop, with practice. It has good colours and microcontrast. . Despite the soft corners it can even produce acceptable landscapes sometimes. ;-) (A number of these are with the K-S2.)

09-15-2019, 08:03 PM - 1 Like	#14
Timotis77 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 84 Original Poster	Originally posted by Des Congratulations Tim. Both great bargains. Don't rush to sell the 18-135. Paired with the K-S1 it will make a great grab-and-go (or leave hidden in the car) kit. Paired with the K-70, it's a great WR kit for bushwalking, cycle touring, boat cruises etc (with a mini-tripod, e.g. Gorilla pod, and maybe a filter for long-exposure pixel-shift shots). The 18-135 is surprisingly capable, for such a wide-ranging zoom. Corners are soft (although they improve stopped down), but centre sharpness is excellent - the combination allows for some 3D pop, with practice. It has good colours and microcontrast. . Despite the soft corners it can even produce acceptable landscapes sometimes. ;-) (A number of these are with the K-S2.) Don't rush to sell the 18-135. Paired with the K-S1 it will make a great grab-and-go (or leave hidden in the car) kit. Paired with the K-70, it's a great WR kit for bushwalking, cycle touring, boat cruises etc (with a mini-tripod, e.g. Gorilla pod, and maybe a filter for long-exposure pixel-shift shots). The 18-135 is surprisingly capable, for such a wide-ranging zoom. Corners are soft (although they improve stopped down), but centre sharpness is excellent - the combination allows for some 3D pop, with practice. It has good colours and microcontrast. Hi Des, Some great photos, I've seems many of yours on this site and am always wowed by them. Plus you’re are semi local to me, so I know many of the area's they are taken. Fantastic Yes after a few weeks with both my K70 and K-s1, I tired the 18-135 on both and have chosen to keep it, as you say attach it to the ks1 and it’s a very portable little camera with a great lens which covers almost all required focal lengths. I did also buy a 20-40mm Limited, second hand and find it absolutely brilliant, so having this and the 18-135 attached to either of the cameras makes for light and compact photography. (My wife likes this) Thanks again for your thoughts and post, again.....Beautiful pictures...

09-16-2019, 03:35 AM	#15
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Thanks very much for your kind words Tim. Since you have a D810 and a Pentax 645z, I figure your expectations of an entry-level APS-C camera and wide-ranging zoom are suitably tempered! But for what they are (and for such a bargain price), they are amazingly capable. Very good that your wife likes them too. I have the 20-40 Ltd as well and I find it a very nice lens too. Look forward to seeing more.