Hello, Just moved to Pentax

Grippy · 10-04-2015, 06:35 PM

G'Day all,
I have just pulled the trigger and bought a brand new K50 body after much deliberation and research and trying to stay away from the Nikon/Canon crowd, but now need to find an affordable starter lens for this camera to get me going (tons around, I just can't make a decision), I can't wait for the thing to arrive. My go to lens for most things on the Oly has been my Zuiko 9-18mm so I will sell that in the near future and try and find a suitable UWA replacement for the new rig.

I have made the move from Olympus 4/3, and while I really love my Oly E-3 and how it seems indestructible, the lens choice is just too shallow so I have decided to make the switch and sell the E-3 and hold on to the E-1 with 1 4/3 lens and OM 50mm.

jimr-pdx · 10-04-2015, 07:12 PM

Welcome! I still recall how hard it was not to choose the E500 at a local shop, a great camera and fine lenses. I knew my twilight shots would need stabilization though so I reluctantly put it back. I'm sure the K50 and maybe the DA12-24 will serve you well.

VoiceOfReason · 10-04-2015, 07:21 PM

Sigma 8-16, 10-20, or 12-24 or the Tamron 10-24 are all good UWA choices.

Grippy · 10-04-2015, 07:22 PM

Originally posted by jimr-pdx

Welcome! I still recall how hard it was not to choose the E500 at a local shop, a great camera and fine lenses. I knew my twilight shots would need stabilization though so I reluctantly put it back. I'm sure the K50 and maybe the DA12-24 will serve you well.

Thanks mate, I am itching to get the new camera now.
Ah yes the e500 they are good little cameras, although it has a smaller viewfinder than the E-3 and isn't weathersealed. The large clear viewfinder is one thing I couldn't go without from the E-3 however everything I have read says the K50's is even better, this will be my first Pentax since high school, although I sometimes do break out the SP500 for some shots still.
I just ordered a Sigma 70-300mm to give me something to play with until I sell the Zuiko.
What did you go for instead of the E-500?

Grippy · 10-04-2015, 07:23 PM

Originally posted by VoiceOfReason

Sigma 8-16, 10-20, or 12-24 or the Tamron 10-24 are all good UWA choices.

Thanks, I have been eyeballing them on some websites, I really like the UWA so will maybe go for the 8 or the 10mm.

VoiceOfReason · 10-04-2015, 07:23 PM

Another good starter lens is the DA 18-135 or Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. The former is weather sealed, sharp, and both silent and fast focusing, the latter constant f/2.8 and sharp, both can be had used under 300.

---------- Post added 10-04-15 at 08:24 PM ----------

Originally posted by Grippy

Thanks, I have been eyeballing them on some websites, I really like the UWA so will maybe go for the 8 or the 10mm.

I have the Sigma 8-16, and it is quite sharp, silent and fast to focus because it has HSM and amazingly wide, I used to have the Tamron 10-24, and while not quite as wide it is more versatile and still decently sharp, though it uses screw drive so is a little noisier.

mee · 10-04-2015, 07:48 PM

Between all of those, I'd avoid the Tamron unless you absolutely need 24mm on the long end -- The Sigmas (all of them) and the Pentax have better IQ.

The Sigma 8-16 and the 10-20 f/3.5 (but not the f/4-5.6 version) have HSM which is nice but definitely not a necessity in the world of ultra wide lenses (imo).

Your lens has an 18-36mm FF equiv focal range.. which means the Sigma 10-20mm (FF equiv of 15-30mm) is still wider. You might be more comfortable with a Pentax 12-24mm as it has the same view as your lens. Or you might like the ability to go wider. But something to consider on your search.

Aaron28 · 10-04-2015, 08:09 PM

I got the K-50 after I got into astrophotography as noise is the biggest draw back to my E-510.....a great camera and works great with the older OM 28mm & 50mm glass I got for it.....and the kit lens are just fine.....I still shoot with it even at night....works great for star trails but not the static shots of the milky way (which became my ambition)
I'm sure you find the suitable lenses you are wanting
good luck & happy shooting!

Iksobarg · 10-05-2015, 02:54 AM

Welcome to Pentax, Grippy o/
I would recommend a good Tamron 17-50mm for starters. I still miss the one I accidentally dropped into the Mediterranean... :+ I eventually got one for my Canon 1000d which turned out to be not as good... I sold it after a few months but again I recommend it for the Pentax... good bang for the buck.

**Kerrowdown** · 10-05-2015, 03:53 AM

Welcome to the forum, I find that 15mm is wide enough for me, even more so with FF with a 100 degrees field of view horizontal.

Enjoy your new camera once you get your hands on her.

pathdoc · 10-05-2015, 05:11 AM

I've very recently bought (but have not yet received) the 18-135mm WR as my one-lens-does-all kit for inclement weather (I don't anticipate long shots under those circumstances, so something longer had no appeal). I have plenty of other lenses, but only one of them (the 100mm WR macro) plays well in the wet. The 18-135 is probably the lens I would buy for a Pentax camera if I were brand new to Pentax right now and had nothing else.

For someone in your position, I would previously have advocated buying the longest focal range lens available (i.e. the 18-270) plus a small, light, fast prime; but after a recent experience where I had to take photos in the rain and found the 100mm WR too long for some of the best shots, practicality has reared its ugly head.

Of course if you live in a fairly dry place, that consideration may not apply to you. And seeing as you seem to be fond of the wide end, a super tele zoom probably doesn't meet your needs as well as some other lenses of similar size and heft.

Originally posted by Grippy

although I sometimes do break out the SP500 for some shots still

Go, Spotmatic, go!

barnzy · 10-05-2015, 05:47 AM

G'Day Grippy,

Might not be what you're looking for, but if you're interested CR Kennedy (sigmaphoto.com.au) are selling sigma 24-60mm f2.8 AF EX DG for $249 AUD. Not sure why they have new stock of an old lens, but its bloody good value!

Grippy · 10-05-2015, 08:24 PM

Thanks for the advice everyone, I can't wait to get the new camera now, I will def look at the Sigma 10mm or wider once I bite the bullet and list the Zuiko.
Pathdoc we are pretty lucky here, it's very dry here in Adelaide, it rarely rains, however it can be quite dusty at times.
I will have to look for one with weather sealing as I like to get close to the action with the wide lens at the beach and on the rocks doing long exposures and the poor E-3 has been hit by many rogue waves.

Bringass · 10-05-2015, 09:02 PM

Welcome Grippy, great camera that K-50, I had a K-30 (wich is basically the same) and just replaced last week with a K-S2.

I will tell you, it is great, but it really started to surprise me when I paired it with the Sigma 17-50mm f2.4 is a really nice lens.

You can check some of them here, almost all were shot with the sigma

http://americobringas.wix.com/americobringas#!fotografias/c14ae

Grippy · 10-05-2015, 09:32 PM

Originally posted by Bringass

Welcome Grippy, great camera that K-50, I had a K-30 (wich is basically the same) and just replaced last week with a K-S2.

I will tell you, it is great, but it really started to surprise me when I paired it with the Sigma 17-50mm f2.4 is a really nice lens.

You can check some of them here, almost all were shot with the sigma

americobringas

Wow, some nice shots there Bringass.

10-04-2015, 06:35 PM	#1
Grippy Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Adelaide Posts: 816	Hello, Just moved to Pentax G'Day all, I have just pulled the trigger and bought a brand new K50 body after much deliberation and research and trying to stay away from the Nikon/Canon crowd, but now need to find an affordable starter lens for this camera to get me going (tons around, I just can't make a decision), I can't wait for the thing to arrive. My go to lens for most things on the Oly has been my Zuiko 9-18mm so I will sell that in the near future and try and find a suitable UWA replacement for the new rig. I have made the move from Olympus 4/3, and while I really love my Oly E-3 and how it seems indestructible, the lens choice is just too shallow so I have decided to make the switch and sell the E-3 and hold on to the E-1 with 1 4/3 lens and OM 50mm.

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10-04-2015, 07:12 PM	#2
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	Welcome! I still recall how hard it was not to choose the E500 at a local shop, a great camera and fine lenses. I knew my twilight shots would need stabilization though so I reluctantly put it back. I'm sure the K50 and maybe the DA12-24 will serve you well.

10-04-2015, 07:21 PM	#3
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Sigma 8-16, 10-20, or 12-24 or the Tamron 10-24 are all good UWA choices.

10-04-2015, 07:22 PM	#4
Grippy Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Adelaide Posts: 816 Original Poster	Originally posted by jimr-pdx Welcome! I still recall how hard it was not to choose the E500 at a local shop, a great camera and fine lenses. I knew my twilight shots would need stabilization though so I reluctantly put it back. I'm sure the K50 and maybe the DA12-24 will serve you well. Thanks mate, I am itching to get the new camera now. Ah yes the e500 they are good little cameras, although it has a smaller viewfinder than the E-3 and isn't weathersealed. The large clear viewfinder is one thing I couldn't go without from the E-3 however everything I have read says the K50's is even better, this will be my first Pentax since high school, although I sometimes do break out the SP500 for some shots still. I just ordered a Sigma 70-300mm to give me something to play with until I sell the Zuiko. What did you go for instead of the E-500?

10-04-2015, 07:23 PM	#5
Grippy Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Adelaide Posts: 816 Original Poster	Originally posted by VoiceOfReason Sigma 8-16, 10-20, or 12-24 or the Tamron 10-24 are all good UWA choices. Thanks, I have been eyeballing them on some websites, I really like the UWA so will maybe go for the 8 or the 10mm.

10-04-2015, 07:48 PM	#7
mee Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7,403	Between all of those, I'd avoid the Tamron unless you absolutely need 24mm on the long end -- The Sigmas (all of them) and the Pentax have better IQ. The Sigma 8-16 and the 10-20 f/3.5 (but not the f/4-5.6 version) have HSM which is nice but definitely not a necessity in the world of ultra wide lenses (imo). Your lens has an 18-36mm FF equiv focal range.. which means the Sigma 10-20mm (FF equiv of 15-30mm) is still wider. You might be more comfortable with a Pentax 12-24mm as it has the same view as your lens. Or you might like the ability to go wider. But something to consider on your search.

10-04-2015, 08:09 PM	#8
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	I got the K-50 after I got into astrophotography as noise is the biggest draw back to my E-510.....a great camera and works great with the older OM 28mm & 50mm glass I got for it.....and the kit lens are just fine.....I still shoot with it even at night....works great for star trails but not the static shots of the milky way (which became my ambition) I'm sure you find the suitable lenses you are wanting good luck & happy shooting!

10-05-2015, 02:54 AM	#9
Iksobarg Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 208	Welcome to Pentax, Grippy o/ I would recommend a good Tamron 17-50mm for starters. I still miss the one I accidentally dropped into the Mediterranean... :+ I eventually got one for my Canon 1000d which turned out to be not as good... I sold it after a few months but again I recommend it for the Pentax... good bang for the buck.

10-05-2015, 03:53 AM	#10
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,819	Welcome to the forum, I find that 15mm is wide enough for me, even more so with FF with a 100 degrees field of view horizontal. Enjoy your new camera once you get your hands on her.

10-05-2015, 05:11 AM	#11
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	I've very recently bought (but have not yet received) the 18-135mm WR as my one-lens-does-all kit for inclement weather (I don't anticipate long shots under those circumstances, so something longer had no appeal). I have plenty of other lenses, but only one of them (the 100mm WR macro) plays well in the wet. The 18-135 is probably the lens I would buy for a Pentax camera if I were brand new to Pentax right now and had nothing else. For someone in your position, I would previously have advocated buying the longest focal range lens available (i.e. the 18-270) plus a small, light, fast prime; but after a recent experience where I had to take photos in the rain and found the 100mm WR too long for some of the best shots, practicality has reared its ugly head. Of course if you live in a fairly dry place, that consideration may not apply to you. And seeing as you seem to be fond of the wide end, a super tele zoom probably doesn't meet your needs as well as some other lenses of similar size and heft. Originally posted by Grippy although I sometimes do break out the SP500 for some shots still Go, Spotmatic, go!

10-05-2015, 05:47 AM	#12
barnzy New Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 16	G'Day Grippy, Might not be what you're looking for, but if you're interested CR Kennedy (sigmaphoto.com.au) are selling sigma 24-60mm f2.8 AF EX DG for $249 AUD. Not sure why they have new stock of an old lens, but its bloody good value!

10-05-2015, 08:24 PM	#13
Grippy Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Adelaide Posts: 816 Original Poster	Thanks for the advice everyone, I can't wait to get the new camera now, I will def look at the Sigma 10mm or wider once I bite the bullet and list the Zuiko. Pathdoc we are pretty lucky here, it's very dry here in Adelaide, it rarely rains, however it can be quite dusty at times. I will have to look for one with weather sealing as I like to get close to the action with the wide lens at the beach and on the rocks doing long exposures and the poor E-3 has been hit by many rogue waves.

10-05-2015, 09:02 PM	#14
Bringass Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Monterrey Photos: Albums Posts: 46	Welcome Grippy, great camera that K-50, I had a K-30 (wich is basically the same) and just replaced last week with a K-S2. I will tell you, it is great, but it really started to surprise me when I paired it with the Sigma 17-50mm f2.4 is a really nice lens. You can check some of them here, almost all were shot with the sigma http://americobringas.wix.com/americobringas#!fotografias/c14ae

10-05-2015, 09:32 PM	#15
Grippy Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Adelaide Posts: 816 Original Poster	Originally posted by Bringass Welcome Grippy, great camera that K-50, I had a K-30 (wich is basically the same) and just replaced last week with a K-S2. I will tell you, it is great, but it really started to surprise me when I paired it with the Sigma 17-50mm f2.4 is a really nice lens. You can check some of them here, almost all were shot with the sigma americobringas Wow, some nice shots there Bringass.