Is there an alternative to the K-1?

**Rondec** · 07-31-2017, 01:45 PM

Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy

Are the A7 cameras able to focus well in low light? My previous Sony mirrorless cameras, the RX100 II and the FF RX1, were both pretty abysmal at focusing in low light.

I think those before the A7r II don't do very well in low light. They have a wider spread of auto focus points, maybe, but not great at grabbing focus.

To me, the K-1 does make a lot of sense. It works well and auto focuses very nicely in AF-S mode. When people talk about Pentax lagging in auto focus capability, they are usually referring to tracking auto focus. The K-1 is decent, but not up to a D750. I think it would be fine for your purposes.

As far as the sensor goes, the K-1 actually performs better than the D810 at every iso that DXO Mark tested from iso 100 on. The D810 does have iso 64 and is like .2 EV better than K-1 at iso 100 there, but otherwise, the K-1 is about as good as gets from a dynamic range up to iso 1600. Add in pixel shift, where you can use it, and you can definitely push shadows four stops without intrusive noise.

gidewey52 · 07-31-2017, 02:10 PM

If memory serves me correctly, the was a hardware issue with the K-5's that prevented flashes from working properly. Long since corrected with the K-3's and K-1.

If I am wrong I am sure someone in the forum will correct me.

Jerry

**aslyfox** · 07-31-2017, 02:17 PM

I would second the recommendation of looking into renting various set ups - camera bodies and lenses - to do your own "experimentation"

I have used LensRental.com from Tennessee to try out the Pentax 150 - 450 zoom and the 1.4 rear converter before I purchased them.

they also indicate that they might sell the rental equipment to you with a discount based on the rental fee.

Is the problem that you are not satisfied with the K 5 or that you want a K 1

if the former, I would suggest you look at the K 5 II, K 5 II s, the K 3 or the K 3 II or the other Pentax cameras developed since the K 5

I have never tried the K 1 but I like the K 5 II and K 3 that I have

( altho my needs are simple and may not match yours )

Egg Salad · 07-31-2017, 11:02 PM

Originally posted by awscreo

You mentioned access to a wide variety of lenses, so Sony system could be an option for that, since you're basically gaining access to the best Nikkor and Canon mount lenses, plus modern Zeiss glass, as well as their excellent G master lens line up. Pentax glass would still be usable in manual, as well as any vintage lens out there. You can even get an adapter that turns Leica glass to AF lenses which is pretty cool. Plus you'd keep IBIS on A7 II and higher.

Certainly intriguing. Since the A7 system emerged, I've been very interested in it. Only handled an A7 once, though. But this is more of a if-money-was-of-no-concern-thing. What I meant was primarily the access to the whole Sigma Art line and the Tamron lenses that Pentax users don't get.

Originally posted by disconnekt

Cameras directly comparable to the K1? Yes, but body wise they will be more expensive (around $900 and up), but each brand has something that's as good/better in certain areas and not as good/worse in others. As far as "name brand" lenses, Sony, Canon & Nikon's cost more (especially Sony's), so 3rd party would be a better choice if looking to save money.

Not necessarily. I've seen a Nikon D810 for around 1600€. The lowest price for the K-1 still is 1800€. In most shops it's 2000€ and up.
The chance to find my current lenses or similar ones for another system for a lower price than what I paid is there.
I'm still very conflicted...

---------- Post added 08-01-2017 at 08:11 AM ----------

Originally posted by Rondec

To me, the K-1 does make a lot of sense. It works well and auto focuses very nicely in AF-S mode. When people talk about Pentax lagging in auto focus capability, they are usually referring to tracking auto focus. The K-1 is decent, but not up to a D750. I think it would be fine for your purposes.

As far as the sensor goes, the K-1 actually performs better than the D810 at every iso that DXO Mark tested from iso 100 on. The D810 does have iso 64 and is like .2 EV better than K-1 at iso 100 there, but otherwise, the K-1 is about as good as gets from a dynamic range up to iso 1600. Add in pixel shift, where you can use it, and you can definitely push shadows four stops without intrusive noise.

As I said, tracking-AF is not that important. If AF-S is reliable, that's enough.
I've seen the test results and the articles on its DR. Both are on a very high level. Very impressive indeed.
Pixel shift is lacking software support. If I can't use it with Lightroom, I'll probably not use it that often. Kinda lame.

Originally posted by gidewey52

If memory serves me correctly, the was a hardware issue with the K-5's that prevented flashes from working properly. Long since corrected with the K-3's and K-1.

If I am wrong I am sure someone in the forum will correct me.

Jerry

Good to know.

Originally posted by Aslyfox

I would second the recommendation of looking into renting various set ups - camera bodies and lenses - to do your own "experimentation"

I have used LensRental.com from Tennessee to try out the Pentax 150 - 450 zoom and the 1.4 rear converter before I purchased them.

they also indicate that they might sell the rental equipment to you with a discount based on the rental fee.

Is the problem that you are not satisfied with the K 5 or that you want a K 1

if the former, I would suggest you look at the K 5 II, K 5 II s, the K 3 or the K 3 II or the other Pentax cameras developed since the K 5

I have never tried the K 1 but I like the K 5 II and K 3 that I have

( altho my needs are simple and may not match yours )

You forget that I'm not located in the US. As far as I know there is no rental company in Germany that even carries Pentax.

It's both: the K-5's quirks (constant misfocusing and mismetering) and restraints annoy me and I've been lusting after FF since the beginning of time. But it's more of a want than a need. I still take pictures with my K-5 and most of the time I don't feel like it's crippling me.

**aslyfox** · 08-01-2017, 01:27 AM

Originally posted by Egg Salad

. . . . .

You forget that I'm not located in the US. As far as I know there is no rental company in Germany that even carries Pentax.

It's both: the K-5's quirks (constant misfocusing and mismetering) and restraints annoy me and I've been lusting after FF since the beginning of time. But it's more of a want than a need. I still take pictures with my K-5 and most of the time I don't feel like it's crippling me.

oops, sorry

I did forget, another poster mentioned renting a Nikon, so I was following that suggestion

my bad

good luck

**StevenLS** · 08-02-2017, 07:58 PM

I have the Sigma 70-200 and am happy with it on my K-1. I've shot extensive ballet photos of my grand daughter in available light and am very happy with exposure, sharpness, and color rendition. If in doubt, rent-a-lens.

Egg Salad · 08-04-2017, 12:05 PM

I suppose that's with f/2.8-f/4 at infinity and more or less the center of the frame used, right?

MJKoski · 08-07-2017, 02:54 AM

D850 is on the horizon now. Tilt screen included. Only thing missing are pixel shift and astrotracer. PS is sometimes not reasonable and tracking mount beats astrotracer for accuracy and exposure length. So D850 is the correct replacement. Price will be a bit steep for majority of customers though. Large Pentax and Nikon DSLR bodies share ergonomics too (large enough and excellent grip).

Egg Salad · 08-08-2017, 02:59 AM

While I wouldn't miss any of those features, I'm sure it will cost about a million bucks (roughly), so I'm out. In fact, I'm trying to resist buying anything at all. Going full frame most likely results in needing new lenses and I'm not sure if I can justify these expenses. But I'm also still keeping my eyes open for a bargain - be it Pentax, Nikon or even Sony. We'll see for how long I'll succeed in resisting...

**aslyfox** · 08-08-2017, 03:04 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Egg Salad

. . . We'll see for how long I'll succeed in resisting...

" resistance is futile "

is an idea that preexisted " the borg "

Egg Salad · 08-08-2017, 08:18 AM

I knew that this was coming!
But yes - the want is strong with this one.

jbranch040597 · 08-09-2017, 08:30 PM - **1 Like**

What you gain is more like loose against the 750. Having owned the 750, I wouldn't compare the D750 to the Pentax K1. K1 has more Megapixels, more functional dials, better menu interface, In-Body stabilization, pixel shift, Astro if that is your thing. Ohh, the 750 does have a pop-up flash, so there is a gain. The specs between the two are everywhere, so I won't go on with that.

Something to consider with Nikon, having also owned the 600 and the 800e, Nikon quality control is slipping. If you check with their three of their last four launches have major issues with the camera. Yes, they will fix it, but you just spent $2000 for something that is in the shop. That is one reason I vacated Nikon after the 750.

Just some random thoughts of my experiences.

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07-31-2017, 01:45 PM	#16
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy Are the A7 cameras able to focus well in low light? My previous Sony mirrorless cameras, the RX100 II and the FF RX1, were both pretty abysmal at focusing in low light. I think those before the A7r II don't do very well in low light. They have a wider spread of auto focus points, maybe, but not great at grabbing focus. To me, the K-1 does make a lot of sense. It works well and auto focuses very nicely in AF-S mode. When people talk about Pentax lagging in auto focus capability, they are usually referring to tracking auto focus. The K-1 is decent, but not up to a D750. I think it would be fine for your purposes. As far as the sensor goes, the K-1 actually performs better than the D810 at every iso that DXO Mark tested from iso 100 on. The D810 does have iso 64 and is like .2 EV better than K-1 at iso 100 there, but otherwise, the K-1 is about as good as gets from a dynamic range up to iso 1600. Add in pixel shift, where you can use it, and you can definitely push shadows four stops without intrusive noise.

07-31-2017, 02:10 PM	#17
gidewey52 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: United States Posts: 35	If memory serves me correctly, the was a hardware issue with the K-5's that prevented flashes from working properly. Long since corrected with the K-3's and K-1. If I am wrong I am sure someone in the forum will correct me. Jerry

07-31-2017, 02:17 PM	#18
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	I would second the recommendation of looking into renting various set ups - camera bodies and lenses - to do your own "experimentation" I have used LensRental.com from Tennessee to try out the Pentax 150 - 450 zoom and the 1.4 rear converter before I purchased them. they also indicate that they might sell the rental equipment to you with a discount based on the rental fee. Is the problem that you are not satisfied with the K 5 or that you want a K 1 if the former, I would suggest you look at the K 5 II, K 5 II s, the K 3 or the K 3 II or the other Pentax cameras developed since the K 5 I have never tried the K 1 but I like the K 5 II and K 3 that I have ( altho my needs are simple and may not match yours )

07-31-2017, 11:02 PM	#19
Egg Salad Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Berlin, Germany Posts: 344 Original Poster	Originally posted by awscreo You mentioned access to a wide variety of lenses, so Sony system could be an option for that, since you're basically gaining access to the best Nikkor and Canon mount lenses, plus modern Zeiss glass, as well as their excellent G master lens line up. Pentax glass would still be usable in manual, as well as any vintage lens out there. You can even get an adapter that turns Leica glass to AF lenses which is pretty cool. Plus you'd keep IBIS on A7 II and higher. Certainly intriguing. Since the A7 system emerged, I've been very interested in it. Only handled an A7 once, though. But this is more of a if-money-was-of-no-concern-thing. What I meant was primarily the access to the whole Sigma Art line and the Tamron lenses that Pentax users don't get. Originally posted by disconnekt Cameras directly comparable to the K1? Yes, but body wise they will be more expensive (around $900 and up), but each brand has something that's as good/better in certain areas and not as good/worse in others. As far as "name brand" lenses, Sony, Canon & Nikon's cost more (especially Sony's), so 3rd party would be a better choice if looking to save money. Not necessarily. I've seen a Nikon D810 for around 1600€. The lowest price for the K-1 still is 1800€. In most shops it's 2000€ and up. The chance to find my current lenses or similar ones for another system for a lower price than what I paid is there. I'm still very conflicted... ---------- Post added 08-01-2017 at 08:11 AM ---------- Originally posted by Rondec To me, the K-1 does make a lot of sense. It works well and auto focuses very nicely in AF-S mode. When people talk about Pentax lagging in auto focus capability, they are usually referring to tracking auto focus. The K-1 is decent, but not up to a D750. I think it would be fine for your purposes. As far as the sensor goes, the K-1 actually performs better than the D810 at every iso that DXO Mark tested from iso 100 on. The D810 does have iso 64 and is like .2 EV better than K-1 at iso 100 there, but otherwise, the K-1 is about as good as gets from a dynamic range up to iso 1600. Add in pixel shift, where you can use it, and you can definitely push shadows four stops without intrusive noise. As I said, tracking-AF is not that important. If AF-S is reliable, that's enough. I've seen the test results and the articles on its DR. Both are on a very high level. Very impressive indeed. Pixel shift is lacking software support. If I can't use it with Lightroom, I'll probably not use it that often. Kinda lame. Originally posted by gidewey52 If memory serves me correctly, the was a hardware issue with the K-5's that prevented flashes from working properly. Long since corrected with the K-3's and K-1. If I am wrong I am sure someone in the forum will correct me. Jerry Good to know. Originally posted by Aslyfox I would second the recommendation of looking into renting various set ups - camera bodies and lenses - to do your own "experimentation" I have used LensRental.com from Tennessee to try out the Pentax 150 - 450 zoom and the 1.4 rear converter before I purchased them. they also indicate that they might sell the rental equipment to you with a discount based on the rental fee. Is the problem that you are not satisfied with the K 5 or that you want a K 1 if the former, I would suggest you look at the K 5 II, K 5 II s, the K 3 or the K 3 II or the other Pentax cameras developed since the K 5 I have never tried the K 1 but I like the K 5 II and K 3 that I have ( altho my needs are simple and may not match yours ) You forget that I'm not located in the US. As far as I know there is no rental company in Germany that even carries Pentax. It's both: the K-5's quirks (constant misfocusing and mismetering) and restraints annoy me and I've been lusting after FF since the beginning of time. But it's more of a want than a need. I still take pictures with my K-5 and most of the time I don't feel like it's crippling me.

08-01-2017, 01:27 AM	#20
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by Egg Salad . . . . . You forget that I'm not located in the US. As far as I know there is no rental company in Germany that even carries Pentax. It's both: the K-5's quirks (constant misfocusing and mismetering) and restraints annoy me and I've been lusting after FF since the beginning of time. But it's more of a want than a need. I still take pictures with my K-5 and most of the time I don't feel like it's crippling me. oops, sorry I did forget, another poster mentioned renting a Nikon, so I was following that suggestion my bad good luck

08-02-2017, 07:58 PM	#21
StevenLS Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Hartsville, SC Posts: 61	I have the Sigma 70-200 and am happy with it on my K-1. I've shot extensive ballet photos of my grand daughter in available light and am very happy with exposure, sharpness, and color rendition. If in doubt, rent-a-lens.

08-04-2017, 12:05 PM	#22
Egg Salad Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Berlin, Germany Posts: 344 Original Poster	I suppose that's with f/2.8-f/4 at infinity and more or less the center of the frame used, right?

08-07-2017, 02:54 AM	#23
MJKoski Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 1,784	D850 is on the horizon now. Tilt screen included. Only thing missing are pixel shift and astrotracer. PS is sometimes not reasonable and tracking mount beats astrotracer for accuracy and exposure length. So D850 is the correct replacement. Price will be a bit steep for majority of customers though. Large Pentax and Nikon DSLR bodies share ergonomics too (large enough and excellent grip).

08-08-2017, 02:59 AM	#24
Egg Salad Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Berlin, Germany Posts: 344 Original Poster	While I wouldn't miss any of those features, I'm sure it will cost about a million bucks (roughly), so I'm out. In fact, I'm trying to resist buying anything at all. Going full frame most likely results in needing new lenses and I'm not sure if I can justify these expenses. But I'm also still keeping my eyes open for a bargain - be it Pentax, Nikon or even Sony. We'll see for how long I'll succeed in resisting...

08-08-2017, 03:04 AM - 1 Like	#25
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by Egg Salad . . . We'll see for how long I'll succeed in resisting... " resistance is futile " is an idea that preexisted " the borg "

08-08-2017, 08:18 AM	#26
Egg Salad Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Berlin, Germany Posts: 344 Original Poster	I knew that this was coming! But yes - the want is strong with this one.

08-09-2017, 08:30 PM - 1 Like	#27
jbranch040597 New Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 5	What you gain is more like loose against the 750. Having owned the 750, I wouldn't compare the D750 to the Pentax K1. K1 has more Megapixels, more functional dials, better menu interface, In-Body stabilization, pixel shift, Astro if that is your thing. Ohh, the 750 does have a pop-up flash, so there is a gain. The specs between the two are everywhere, so I won't go on with that. Something to consider with Nikon, having also owned the 600 and the 800e, Nikon quality control is slipping. If you check with their three of their last four launches have major issues with the camera. Yes, they will fix it, but you just spent $2000 for something that is in the shop. That is one reason I vacated Nikon after the 750. Just some random thoughts of my experiences.