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07-10-2014, 03:15 AM   #16
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QuoteOriginally posted by Venom3300 Quote
a revised proposed pentax kit: K-5, 16-45 DA* (appealing for landscape interests), 35 f 2.4, 55-300DA*

---------- Post added 07-09-14 at 11:42 PM ----------

or possibly the tamron 17-50 2.8 instead of the 16-45 f4
I think the Tamron 17-50, DA 35 and 55-300 would cover you for quite awhile. Eventually you could get the DA *300 (and maybe the 1.4x TC) and you would be in good shape.



by Vincent1825, on Flickr

(a couple more 55-300 shots)

07-10-2014, 09:03 AM   #17
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does anybody know where i can rent a 55-300 lens?
07-10-2014, 10:44 AM   #18
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Minor note, the 16-45 and 55-300 are not * lenses.

55-300 rental: CameraLensRentals.com - Pentax 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED smcP-DA rental

Grip-wise, the K-5 series has a fantastic feel. My old Rebel was cramped, narrow, and plasticky.
07-10-2014, 07:24 PM   #19
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Can't comment on K-5 as I have the humble K-x. The 55-300 is very good lens optically and has amazing IQ as long as you understand the limitations and play within that. I have the DA-L version. It does focus very slow and focus tracking on K-x is not that great, so it's difficult to shoot birds in flight. However you can get better with practice. Here's one shot that I'm proud of, so this lens is definitely capable.


Flying seagull with it's lunch - BIF
by RonakG, on Flickr

07-11-2014, 08:58 PM   #20
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anybody know of a camera store near SC, USA that carried Pentax? I can't find anything. I would feel a lot better about dumping all my gear if i could just hold a k5 or k3 series camera first.
07-11-2014, 09:19 PM   #21
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QuoteOriginally posted by Venom3300 Quote
anybody know of a camera store near SC, USA that carried Pentax? I can't find anything. I would feel a lot better about dumping all my gear if i could just hold a k5 or k3 series camera first.
Welcome to Pentaxland...This has been a major issue for... ever :-)

For a long time there were few stores outside of B&H and Adorama that stocked Pentax.

Then a year ago more or less, Pentax changed the MAP sales policy for online sellers in the hopes they could get brick and mortar stores to compete - with the result of higher lens prices.
07-11-2014, 10:50 PM   #22
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The Tamron 17-50 has sometimes has focusing issues on the K5. I think it is solved With the K5 II / K30.


I use the K5 and DA*300 for birds and it is one heck of a lens. Way better than my abilities..........

Attached Images
 
07-12-2014, 12:21 AM   #23
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QuoteQuote:
There is also the matter of lenses. Besides a Sigma zoom, you won't be able to reach 400-500mm, and in my experience the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 is superior, plus you can get them in good used condition for around $950 US. Also, third-party lens maker support for Pentax is shriveling up by the month. You cannot get the bargain new Tamron 150-600mm f4.5-6.3 in K-mount. The lens originally had AF issues with some Canon bodies (and I returned mine) but they have issued a firmware and (maybe hardware) fix. Judging from new example images, the lens performs excellently for the $1069 cost. My new copy arrives in less than 24 hours, so I look forward to testing it out all over again.
Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/29-welcomes-introductions/267638-50d-k-5-...#ixzz37EflO8o4[/qupte]
I switched from pentax to nikon and since then ive really been impressed with how many lenses are available for nikon. Not only that but many high end video cameras also use nikon f mounts so you can use. For example, black magic has adapters that you can get that allow you to use either the canon EF mount or the nikon F mount.

Plus there is also the fact that canon has magic lantern which ads a ton of new features and now nikon has it's own equivalent (which at the moment 54 mb/sec video bit rate with more features to come)
https://nikonhacker.com/
07-12-2014, 02:18 PM   #24
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Honestly, I couldn't care less about video on my DSLR. My 50D didn't come with video, and I'm too lazy to get the magic latern to install it because I just wouldn't use it.

There is a lack of long glass for pentax, but I think upgrading to the 300 f/4 with 1.4 TC later on would suit all my needs.
07-12-2014, 02:51 PM   #25
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I just so happen to run a K-5 II with the grip (stuffed full of eneloop AA batteries), an 18-135mm WR, the 55-300 WR, and the DA 35mm f/2.4 as you are pondering.

I've also handled the Canon 60D a couple of times recently.

If the 50D is like the 60D then you will probably like the grip on the 50D better.. it is a bit wider. Outside of that the Canon is much more bulky. With the grip, the K-5II (which is the same body form as the K-5 classic) fits my whole hand nicely.. and I have man hands. haha

Without the grip, the K-5II easily leaves my pinky reaching out into air.

The K-5's have a mag alloy body.. it feels much sturdier than the 60D's I've handled. Much better for wildlife and being out. Plus I trust the seals more in the Pentax gear.

IQ in the Pentax is better as is higher ISO. I still wouldn't go above ISO 1600 on my K-5 II but I am really, really, picky about image noise. It does a couple stops better than the 60D to my eyes.

the 55-300WR has been a nice lens for me. I wanted a sealed system for landscape, wildlife, and street photography too.. I'm not into portraiture. I will say the image quality through the 55-300WR is good..outside of CA which is correctable in LR. There is some noticeable barrel distortion but that is also correctable in LR (but you have to use the non-WR 55-300 profile). Images are really sharp stopped down to around f/8 .

The only minus to this lens is it tends to hunt for AF. I've missed shots while it clumsily hunts from time to time. If you learn the lens and body well, it isn't a big issue though. And it is still the lens I plan to use on an upcoming airshow trip.

DA 35mm f/2.4 is a nice, sharp lens.. no complaints.. on APS-C it is around the 50mm field of view which is nice. Though I prefer it more for indoor shots.

For landscapes I prefer wider lenses.. my widest is the 18-135WR but I am hunting for a cheap Sigma 10-20mm

only other thing I'd suggest is a nice tripod with a decent head and LR or PS with the Google/ Nik Effects.

So I would say, if I were in your situation. Perhaps the Pentax setup really IS a good idea at the moment. I say at the moment because technology changes so fast. haha
07-12-2014, 07:58 PM   #26
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The 50D, in my opinion has better ergonomics and build quality than the 60D (mag alloy vs plastic). but yes that free floating pinky worries me. I wish pentax had made the body taller.

I dont do portraits either so no worries there.

I have read some about the 35 2.4 and by all accounts it punches above its price point. I plan to use it as an everyday lens. I like primes.
My 100-300L hunts for focus some also, and is super slow. So my guess is the 55-300 is still a little fast than it. Though that 100-300L is very nice optics.
I have LR now, so I should be fine there.

so my main concerns based on your comments are the floating pinky (canon rebel flashbacks), and the IQ from the 55-300.
07-13-2014, 07:05 AM   #27
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free floating pinky won't be an issue if you get the optional grip ( dbg4 on K-5 and dbg5 on K-3).

IQ is fine with the 55-300 just make sure to stop it down if you need super sharp and make sure you adjust for CA (esp red) on high contrast edges in your shots (shows up especially on the edges of images) in PP (as well as fix the light barrel distortion).

But that probably sounds scary.. it is not.. in LR mark a check box, drag a slider over a little.. problem solved!

LensRentals doesn't seem to have that lens in stock.. boo. I would find a store with a nice return policy. then if you still like the lens you can keep it.. if not you can return it.

Not that I would suggest using returns as a means of frequent rental.. but you do seem serious about the lens so I have a feeling you will be keeping it (just with the safety net of knowing you can return it if it doesn't work out).
07-13-2014, 07:29 AM   #28
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QuoteOriginally posted by Venom3300 Quote
that free floating pinky worries me..
You'll get over it. Or get a cheaper third party grip even if you don't need the controls.

Magic Lantern provides a couple nice features, particularly focus peaking - though not for either Canon body I have or the next one I am contemplating :-(
07-13-2014, 09:33 AM   #29
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QuoteOriginally posted by filoxophy Quote
Minor note, the 16-45 and 55-300 are not * lenses.

55-300 rental: CameraLensRentals.com - Pentax 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED smcP-DA rental

Grip-wise, the K-5 series has a fantastic feel. My old Rebel was cramped, narrow, and plasticky.
I've used LensRentals.com. BorrowLenses didn't carry what I was looking for (18-135mm WR).

Unfortunately - those 2 don't carry the 55-300mm.

LensRentals.com - Rent Pentax > Lenses
Pentax Mounts | Rent Pentax Mounts | Borrow Lenses

You can get the 55-300mm (non WR) through Wal-Mart though.
Pentax DA 55-300mm f4-5.8 ED Telephoto Zoom Lens - Walmart.com
07-13-2014, 10:44 AM   #30
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I rent both through cameralensrentals.com.

I should have them from wednesday though monday. I'll keep you guys updated on my comparison.
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