[chipa]

Hi all.

New K-3 owner here. Recently upgraded from my (badly) ageing K10d.

I got a Sigma 18-200 (pre HSM ver) as a kit deal with I purchased the K10d. Which I used as my basic lens, mainly as I was just learning SLR techniques.
I then snagged a used Sigma 135-400 which got the most usage as my main use was for motorsport.

With a new bub on the way I decided it was more than time for an upgrade, so the K10d is out and the K-3 is in - And yes that excuse worked

I came across this site when doing reviews for both the K-3 and now a better 'happy snap' lens. Looking at the Sigma 17-50 or 17-70 right now, nearly flipping a coin to decide.
A better longer lens will wait for now as the K-3 has given the 135-400 more leeway.

[hcc]

Welcome to the forum. There are plenty of active Aussies at PF. The K-3 is a great camera. Look forward to see your shots.

You seem ready for DA*60-250mm, is it not? LBA, LBA...

[officiousbystander]

Because you're going to be documenting the life of a child you'll need a fast lens. With motorsports you can predict where the cars are going. With kids they're just as fast but completely unpredictable. You'll want 70mm for portraits and you'll also need a wide angle so if you're pointing the camera in their general direction they'll still be somewhere in the frame. The Sigma 24-70 2.8 could be just the thing but more expensive than the 17-70. However the Sigma 17-50 2.8 is currently cheap at B&H.

[Oldhand]

Welcome to the forum. Bubs can be hard to keep up with so AF is a must.
The Sigma 17-50 is a constant f2.8 as opposed ti the Sigma 17-70 which is f2.8-4.
If it was me I would go for the Sigma 17-50
There is a Sigma 17-50 currently available in the marketplace for a good price and it is in Oz if you are interested - not mine - just saying ......
Cheers
OH

[AussieTrev]

Welcome, or more appropriate G'day to a fellow Aussie from south of the border.

[sam-joseph]

Welcome mate. Good luck with the bub, and more importantly, those female hormones in your better half.

Regards

[JayBee451]

G'day Mate and welcome to the PF family.
Glad that you found us, looking forward to you sharing some shots from your new Toy.
The K3 is a great camera, now you are ready to join the LBA club.

[davidsyd]

Hello there, welcome to the forum. Didnt realise there are so many aussies here on the forum !

Dave

[PJ1]

G'day from another Aussie. Every second Australian must own a Pentax!

[Bruce Clark]

Gday from another Melbournite (Melton)

[chipa]

Thanks all. Not too sure about the LBA club, 3-4 at most.. I have too many other toys to keep up with

The 17-50 on the PF for sale is OK, but I've seen the same lens as a grey import for a similar prace, and would have a full 12 months of sudo warranty, so I'm a little 50/50 about it. Unless there is a significant reason I'd rather get warranty for current model lenses. Same for buying new OS. The price isn't worth it very often from what I've found so far.
I'm more tempted by the newer C model 17-70 due to the dock and being able to do AF adjustment at several different focal lengths.

I did want a better long zoom lens before October for the MotoGP. But due to budget and WAF, I'll probably have to make do with my old 135-400 for now. I may even look at hiring just to see how another model goes, but shops hiring Pentax mount lenses are probably rare.

[chipa]

Hmm, Teds actually has the 17-50 for $350 now

[Kerrowdown]

New K-3 owner here. Recently upgraded from my (badly) ageing K10d

Welcome to the forum, think you might see a difference of two from K10D to K3.

[chipa]

Welcome to the forum, think you might see a difference of two from K10D to K3.

For sure, all of sudden ISO800 and above is usable

[beachgardener]

G'day mate and welcome to the forum