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01-23-2020, 04:39 AM   #1
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Pentax K-R

Hi everyone as a newbie to dslr photography I would like to ask a question if that's ok. I am looking for a dslr camera to learn on I have seen a K. R. with low shutter count of less the 3000 it comes with standard lens 18:55 with an additional 50:200 lens would this be suitable for a begginer, the cost is £160. I would like to photograph wildlife and landscape's. Any help would appreciated. Thanks Dave.

01-23-2020, 05:02 AM   #2
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Hello, I'm Aggy. New on forum but have couple Pentax cameras as recently changed my Pentax K20 for Pentax KP.

This sounds good for the price and especially if you're just starting.

Have a look and think on a Pentax K-50

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/pentax-k-50-digital-slr-camera-body-black-used-1706638/

You can buy used body for £183, but yeah no lenses. It's slightly newer, bit more MP,

Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-50 Detailed Comparison <- comparison.

Although I think if you don't have more money in your budget to get better lenses separately it's always good way to start I guess.

Kind regards

Last edited by Prohibitiory; 01-23-2020 at 05:04 AM. Reason: wrong link attached
01-23-2020, 06:52 AM   #3
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The K-r was my first pentax, it's fine but the K5 and the other 16MPx models are much better. And if you are using vintage (M42) lenses as part of your photography I found the K-r problematic (exposure compensation issues).
Certainly for wildlife you may be looking for long focal lengths and the vintage 400-500mm lenses are a good affordable intro to long lenses. The better live view and focus confirm of the successor models to the K-r are significantly beneficial.
For landscape the 18-55m kit lens is IMO underrated, it beats most vintage 28's for colour and contrast and only the better/best ones outdo it for resolution for example.

Last edited by marcusBMG; 01-23-2020 at 07:07 AM.
01-23-2020, 06:52 AM - 1 Like   #4
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I had a K-r and yes I think it's a good camera to learn on - if you will stick with autofocus lenses like the ones that are included in this package. It's well made, very capable, and the sensor can record some very good images. You can also get really good results if you shoot in RAW and post-process later, as there is a lot of good dynamic range and color information on the files - it really isn't that far off more modern sensors in that respect, despite people saying they see "much better" image quality from the newer sensors. From the K-r/K-5 generation until now, the gains in image quality form the sensor have been incremental.

I had a lot of fun with it when I had mine - sold it for the K-S1 because I do use manual focus lenses a lot and the K-S1 has a much bigger and better viewfinder. I also used it under artificial lights where the K-r and the original K-5 struggle to focus correctly. If it wasn't for those two things I would have kept it without any questions, it's a very good camera and incredible value at the price you found.

But the truth is, any Pentax DSLR will be a good tool for learning and has its advantages and trade offs, even some older ones. I learned most of what I know on a K20D which is a more advanced body (a lot more controls) but an older clearly less capable sensor. Well, at least I learned the technical side of photography, now I'm still trying to learn the photography part, if that makes sense

Good luck and whatever you end up with, try to focus on having fun!

01-23-2020, 07:34 AM   #5
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Which 18-55 is it? Because there are five versions of them, but two optical variants. The DA 18-55 AL is the first version, optically inferior to all the others (DA-L 18-55 AL, DA-L 18-55 AL WR, DA 18-55 AL II, DA 18-55 AL WR). Any 18-55 other than the DA 18-55 AL is more interesting.

K-50 is maybe better, but prone to aperture block failure. Maybe you should stick to the K-r you spotted. 50-200 is a regular telephoto, not the best, not the worst, good to have to start with. :-)
01-23-2020, 08:26 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Bertrand3000 Quote
Which 18-55 is it? Because there are five versions of them, but two optical variants. The DA 18-55 AL is the first version, optically inferior to all the others (DA-L 18-55 AL, DA-L 18-55 AL WR, DA 18-55 AL II, DA 18-55 AL WR). Any 18-55 other than the DA 18-55 AL is more interesting.

K-50 is maybe better, but prone to aperture block failure. Maybe you should stick to the K-r you spotted. 50-200 is a regular telephoto, not the best, not the worst, good to have to start with. :-)
It is an DA 18:55 AL that's the bad new but seller has reduced price to £150 GBP. Which prime lens would you recommend? Thanks for your reply
01-23-2020, 09:31 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by davethepaint Quote
It is an DA 18:55 AL that's the bad new
Well, it's not a bad lens, but it's rather average. See review : SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

QuoteOriginally posted by davethepaint Quote
Which prime lens would you recommend?
A prime? Well, depends on what you want. There are two cheap prime lenses available new.


If you would like to try portrait photo, then take the DA 50 F1.8. It has a wide aperture, seven rounded blades diaphragm, and will give you really creamy bokeh. However, its field of view is rather narrow.

If you would like a more generalist prime, the DA 35 F2.4 AL is excellent. It has a normal field of view, approximately the human field of view, and excellent sharpness. It's a bit wide for portraits but good for body-sized shots. Bokeh is not as good as what you can get with the DA 50 F1.8.

The best way to determine the focal length you should buy is to wait for your camera to arrive, then try taking shots with your 18-55 locked at 35mm for one day, and locked at 50mm for another day. You'll easily see that way which focal length will be the best for your usage.

01-23-2020, 09:38 AM   #8
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Dave: check out ebay auction for pentax k5 #
333482645420
01-23-2020, 10:46 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by marcusBMG Quote
Dave: check out ebay auction for pentax k5 #
333482645420
Thanks.
01-23-2020, 11:47 AM   #10
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Welcome to the forum, Dave. If possible get a K-5 or K-3. They are solid DSLRs which are usually selling for very reasonable prices these days.
01-23-2020, 12:29 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by davethepaint Quote
It is an DA 18:55 AL that's the bad new but seller has reduced price to £150 GBP. Which prime lens would you recommend? Thanks for your reply
Honestly, that lens will be fine on the 12MP sensor of the K-r. On the 16MP and 24MP it would show its age, but with the K-r I don't think you will feel that much of a limitation.
01-23-2020, 12:40 PM   #12
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Thanks Christian Rock just bid on the k5 as advised but looking on completed listings don't I will win it at that price.
01-23-2020, 12:41 PM   #13
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Welcome to the forum. The K-r is a good camera. I have the K-x which preceded it. AFAIK they are very similar. I am quite happy with the K-x. I got it for a good price and it has served me well.


The game has moved on since it was new. Newer models will be better but a K-r will get you started. The price seems about right, with a little room for haggling.
01-23-2020, 12:59 PM   #14
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That auction I referred you to is getting close to max price. personally i would be looking for a sub 200 price on a s/h K5.
Check out srsmicrosystems listings they are probably the UK's no 1 stockists of pentax and have a K5 listed.
01-23-2020, 01:09 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by marcusBMG Quote
That auction I referred you to is getting close to max price. personally i would be looking for a sub 200 price on a s/h K5.
Check out srsmicrosystems listings they are probably the UK's no 1 stockists of pentax and have a K5 listed.
Thanks Marcus I have bid a couple of times so will see how it goes.
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