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09-17-2013, 11:26 AM   #1
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Greetings and Salutations from Indianapolis!

It is a pleasure to meet you all! My name is Aaron. I just recently purchased the K-30 kit with the 18-55 and 50-200 WR lenses. So far I have enjoyed ever moment of using it. By the way, if anyone is interested I bought it from the following link. They have a killer deal going on right now - BuyDig.com - Pentax K-30 16.3 MP Digital SLR Camera w/ 18-55mm & 50-200mm AL Lenses Kit - White $599 for the whole kit is a steal.

Anywho, I've done a lot of photography in the past but now that I have this, I really want to start taking it more seriously. I have used a Canon AE-1 Program and a Nikon D3000 in the past. Both helped me learn a lot. I feel like the K-30 fits that intermediate ground that will help with more of the advanced features of such cameras. I really look forward to using the HDR feature. I love HDR shots and I want to learn how to do them myself.

Aside from the 2 kit lenses, I would love to add a macro lens to my set. Are there any older lenses, say from the F or M series, that I could get for a decent price (less than $300, perhaps) that would work as well as some of the newer ones? Anywhere from 70-100mm would do nicely, I think. I am doing my research but I'll gladly take any advice you folks can offer.

Thanks. I hope I can learn a lot here!

09-17-2013, 12:21 PM   #2
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Welcome aboard from just up I-65. I don't get to Indy frequently, my relatives there left and we don't get to Gencon often...

Keep an eye on the Marketplace here, set up a keyword macro and see what shows up. Which focal length you want will depend on the work you want to do.
09-17-2013, 03:08 PM   #3
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Welcome to the forum, enjoy that new K30 and your right about that deal!
09-17-2013, 05:13 PM   #4
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Thanks for the advice. I have been watching that closely but it seems like the macro lenses go pretty quick. Is there any advantage other than newness in buying a DFA over macros, or lenses in general, from A, M or K? The images I have seen posted on here seem to be of high quality, so I would assume no. I'd also like to find a good 40 or 50mm prime.

09-18-2013, 05:28 AM   #5
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The only advantage is automatic controls, really. Auto-aperture and autofocus are available in the later lenses. The glass is usually good in most of the macro lenses.
09-18-2013, 08:25 AM   #6
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Good to know. Thanks for the feedback. I can't wait to pick one up.
09-18-2013, 08:29 AM   #7
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I will add I use and FA100 macro for insect work and a Sigma 28mm f1.8 macro for things like models, miniatures etc. It's also a nice indoor lens for shows etc.
The autofocus 100mm is useful for chasing bees around, I don't think I can keep up with focus. For the 28mm it's just more convenient, a manual would be fine for that stuff.

09-18-2013, 08:35 AM   #8
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I would definitely love to have a 70, 90, 100 or 105mm. Looking at the lens reviews on here, the Tamron and Vivitar ones seem to be decently priced and well reviewed. I'll see if I can get one of those, I think.
09-18-2013, 09:01 AM   #9
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Welcome to PF and bonjour from France ... enjoy that K-30 and please post us an image or two soon ... Salut, J
09-18-2013, 10:23 AM   #10
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Thanks Jean. I plan to do a lot of shooting this weekend. Hopefully I'll have something good to share with you guys.
09-18-2013, 12:14 PM   #11
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Welcome! My hubby has the K30 and loves it.
09-18-2013, 12:16 PM   #12
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Aaron, welcome.

I have a vivitar series 1 70-210 for sale that has very good macro capabilities. It's all manual, heavy, and takes great shots. And I'm only an hour up I65.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-equipment-sale/224624-sale-v...ml#post2483104

But be warned. You will get hooked on buying old lenses.

Kevin
09-18-2013, 12:30 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by klh Quote
Aaron, welcome.

I have a vivitar series 1 70-210 for sale that has very good macro capabilities. It's all manual, heavy, and takes great shots. And I'm only an hour up I65.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-equipment-sale/224624-sale-v...ml#post2483104

But be warned. You will get hooked on buying old lenses.

Kevin
That's a steal but the spotting worries me a bit. Still, with the sample images you provided and the price you are quoting, I'd likely be willing to try it. Do you have a M42 adapter as well? I don't have one of those yet.
09-19-2013, 01:33 AM   #14
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I do have an adapter, but I can't sell it. I have several other m42 lenses that I use.
09-20-2013, 10:55 AM   #15
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Picking up a SCM M 50mm f/1.7 today for $20. The reviews on here are encouraging, so I hope that will work well. I also found out that a friend of my Grandmother's has some old Pentax equipment, so I'm going to see what she has. Maybe I'll find some good stuff.
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