I'm edging more and more towards buying a new K-1. For quite awhile I was wrestling with getting a Canon 5D3....but as my mental gymnastics continued I thought the K-1 has a lot of features over the 5D3.
Some questions.
I have quite a few Pentax lenses, some of which are fully compatible with the full frame Pentax, some which will work ok ...full frame wise...at certain lens settings, but generally lenses to be used with the crop setting. I'm listing them with the hope that others will share their opinion...on my opinion. I have checked out different threads that assess a particular lens' success on the K-1, but there is sometimes dissenting opinion.
Full Frame without a doubt:
- Pentax 50mm F 1.4
-Pentax 50mm F 2.8 Macro
- Sigma 150-500, but causes cosmetic scratch to K-1 body.
ASP-C lenses that are useful at certain F stops/ focal length settings:
--10- 17 Fisheye @ 17mm....vignettes at other focal lengths
-55-300mm - ok at 300mm....vignettes at 55m to ?
-40mm Limited- OK at all F stops ?
-70mm Limited OK at F 5.6 on ?
Crop setting only:
-12-24mm....unhappy about this as my 12-24 is one of my favourite lenses...top notch quality IMO.
-16-45mm
-21mm Limited
I have put a lot of consideration in about the new FF lenses, particularly the 15-30, the 24-70 and the 28-105 mm. The 15-30, well I'd rather have a lens that has a moderate telephoto....like the 24-70 or 28-105 for portraits.
I take a lot of vintage vehicle photos and like a really good wide angle. I've mostly thought about getting either the Pentax 24-70 or the Pentax 28-105. I don't know what the equivalent ASP-C focal view width is for either 24mm or 28mm full frame.
I've read a number of reviews about the Pentax (Tamron) 24-70 and reviews (Pentax forum, etc.) seem to be lukewarm. In contrast, the cheaper Pentax 28-105 seems to be quite a good lens and regarded more favourably by many.
I'm leaning towards the 28-105. I have the Pentax 18-135 which I'm very pleased with...no it doesn't have the build quality of my Limiteds and it has the dreaded lens creep...but does it ever take sharp photos and it's WR.. I'm assuming the Pentax 28-105 is similar in design and build quality to the 18-135 ?
Opinions please.
I've also thought about getting the 31mm Limited...but it might be a bit too moderate a wide angle focal length for me...and limited being a single focal length.
Other AF wide angles to consider ?
I also have a Pentax flash...the AF360FGZ. It's been ok....actually very good when I mount my Rogue Flashbender. I'm assuming it is completely compatible with the K-1 ?
Also would get a battery grip with spare battery. I have my K10D and K-5 set this way and don't notice the additional weight that much. I'm a big, but old guy
and so far seem to be able to handle the weight a DSLR equipped this way. I'm guessing the K-1 with battery grip and extra battery, would only weigh a couple of ounces or so more than the K-5/K10D equipped this way.
I recently read the Joe Farace test, of the Pentax K-1 in Shutterbug magazine and it seems glowing. I have a lot of respect for Joe's opinion. In general the K-1 seems to have a reputation for a very rugged, well built, sophisticated camera. Although I'm quite impressed with the photographic taking ability of both my K-5 and K10D, am I correct in assuming I will see a increase in picture quality with the K-1 ?
Lot of questions I realize. I appreciate anything K-1 owner/users can provide.
Les