[madisontom]

I was offered the opportunity to pick out a camera for Christmas, and I chose the Pentax K-5 II2 (and the DFA 77mm lens). My oldest daughter is a Nikon shooter and my youngest daughter uses Canon equipment. I thought, after doing the appropriate amount of research, I'd be choosing one or the other. But, the more I read, the more it seemed like I'd be getting more for my money with Pentax.

I love the camera, and it's been amazing. The 77mm lens is a great indoor portrait lens and I've got some head-turning pictures during the holidays.

I couldn't be happier!

I'm now looking to add the DA 200 mm (although I'm tempted by what I see written about the 300mm). My son is a cheerleader for the University of Wisconsin, and I'd like to be able to capture him as he's cheering at indoor basketball games. Thus, the faster lens is more appealing.

Glad that this forum is available!

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Last edited by photolady95; 01-08-2015 at 12:05 AM.

[UncleVanya]

How wonderful! How did your daughters react to your decision? Have you shown them the fine results?

[mee]

You have some serious firepower there with a K-5 II and a 77 limited! There are likely 'Lens Clubs' in this site for each of those telephoto lenses you are considering... they would be filled with many photos and thus also people using them if you have any questions. Not to mention the general Pentax Lens portion of the forums can be an aid.

Welcome and go Badgers! (and Green Bay!)

[calsan]

Interesting first lens choice - what made you go for the 77, which is very narrow field of view and pretty much intended as a portrait lens, rather than a more general purpose lens, like a 18-??? zoom? Not saying you're wrong, just wondering... It's not the sort of lens that someone usually starts out with, that's all.

[UncleVanya]

Interesting first lens choice - what made you go for the 77, which is very narrow field of view and pretty much intended as a portrait lens, rather than a more general purpose lens, like a 18-??? zoom? Not saying you're wrong, just wondering... It's not the sort of lens that someone usually starts out with, that's all.

Not far from my Dad's choice either. I have loaned him my 18-55, 50-200, 35-135 for as long as he wants them and his first lens purchase and the one that is always on the camera is a DA 70. He bought it with an eye towards portraits.

[mikeSF]

congrats and welcome!

[Kerrowdown]

I was offered the opportunity to pick out a camera for Christmas

Welcome aboard, please tell whoever made you that fine offer... that I am available for adoption and would also love a new camera too.

[gumbee]

glad to see another cheeshead aboard...a few miles south of you - i guess you could call me oregonjohn!

[madisontom]

How wonderful! How did your daughters react to your decision? Have you shown them the fine results?

Both girls were very impressed with the pictures, but refused to admit that my setup was better than what they had. But then, they're both early 20s girls who are used to being right.

---------- Post added 01-07-15 at 09:22 PM ----------

Interesting first lens choice - what made you go for the 77, which is very narrow field of view and pretty much intended as a portrait lens, rather than a more general purpose lens, like a 18-??? zoom? Not saying you're wrong, just wondering... It's not the sort of lens that someone usually starts out with, that's all.

My first love is portraits and I wanted a fast portrait lens for indoor shooting without a flash. This combination is absolutely perfect.

[UncleVanya]

Great gift, great lens, great family, great camera, great forum... man you struck gold!

[TER-OR]

Welcome from south of the border!