[deco009]

Hey guys

I have always thought photography was great, but with my friend group and confidence, I always decided not to buy anything. My friends aren't bad but they would make fun of.

I finally told my girlfriend of two years that I want to do photography and instead of being made fun of (I know she would never do that) I was fully supported.

There was something about Pentax that just drew me in so I bought the k-5 used for like 130 euro with the Pentax SMC Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL for another 20 euro

so for 150 euro, I wasn't expecting much but when I uploaded the photos to my computer I was hooked.

I will attach a few photos I took that I like the look of but with my terrible beginner editing.

Instead of my life story, my question is what lenses would be good to purchase next. I am looking for something weather-sealed preferably because Ill be spending time down beside the cliffs of Moher for the summer ( i live in Ireland)

any recommendations would be appreciated.. Oh I also won the SMC PENTAX-M 50mm f/2 and the SMC PENTAX-M 75-150mm f/4 for 40 euro.

Anway thanks for reading and having tools for us new peoples.

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[aslyfox]

Welcome to the forums

you will find friendly members and a lot of knowledge here

might I suggest you consider getting the ebook

Pentax K-5 / K-5 II eBook
Lifetime download access to Yvon Bourque's comprehensive Pentax K-5 / K-5 II guidebook! (PDF) Download here after purchasing
Amount: US$13.99

PentaxForums.com PayPal Donations

as far as lenses to look at

check out this section

https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/

[sergysergy]

Welcome to the forums deco009. The K-5 may not be the latest model but it is a beast. Have fun with it!
The cliffs of Moher are breathtaking. I would mainly check the time of the day to make sure you have good light.

[Kendra59]

Welcome to the forum. It looks like you have been enjoying your K-5, and have put it to good use.

I don't think there are any WR prime lenses, so if weather resistance is important, you will need to look at zoom lenses.

The HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR lens is well rated, and not TOO expensive.

The SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM seems like an even better lens, but doesn't have as much reach (max 50mm vs 85mm), and is a bit more expensive.

Note I do not own either lens, and am recommending them solely on lens reviews from this site. Before buying either lens, I would see how it works on your camera body.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

[sergysergy]

I don't think there are any WR prime lenses

The DFA 100 2.8 macro WR but the zooms you suggest are probably better as walk-around lenses.

[house]

Very nice light and colours on that last shot, you're off to a great start!

Unfortunately camera gear comes at a huge range of prices. So it's difficult to suggest lenses without a budget. I'd use those you have until you feel you've found their limits. You then know what direction you might want to expand in.

Oh and make sure to ignore those scally friends of yours.

[Kerrowdown]

Welcome aboard, enjoy your photography the Pentax way

[pepperberry farm]

I don't think there are any WR prime lenses, so if weather resistance is important, you will need to look at zoom lenses.

the D FA 100/2.8 Macro WR mentioned above, and the DA* 55/1.4 SDM is also a WR prime...

[ramseybuckeye]

Welcome!

The cliffs of Moher are breathtaking. I would mainly check the time of the day to make sure you have good light.

Because of this, a tripod is something you want to get. But beware of cheap and crappy tripods. Your camera and lens may weigh five pounds, but a tripod with a five pound capacity would be way too weak. You need sturdy tripod and head.

An excellent wide angle weather resistant lens is the HD DA 20-40 Ltd. But you may get more use out of the 16-85 or 18-135.

[Kozlok]

For a WR lens, on a budget; I would strongly suggest the DA18-135. The HD DA16-85 will give slightly better image quality (mostly on the edges), but at double the price. The 18-135 is available used typically for around $200 or so and is more versatile. The 18-135 will be a noticeable step up from the 18-55.

If you want less versatile lens with a faster aperture, the 16-50/2.8 is available used quite cheaply once in a while. They go for around 350 or so. They do have some reliability issues, so it's a bit of a gamble. Probably a better bet is to get the 18-135 for outside, and get a Sigma 17-70 f2.8 sometime later for indoor use.

[ramseybuckeye]

the D FA 100/2.8 Macro WR mentioned above, and the DA* 55/1.4 SDM is also a WR prime...

And the DA*200 2.8, DA*300 F4, DA 560, and the new 50 and 85, but all pretty pricey too.

[C_Jones]

Welcome to Pentax Forums.

I too had a K-5 and was really surprised at the image quality it provided. It is an excellent camera, was once the Pentax aps-c flagship, and has a great amount of capability while providing high quality images.

I have a Pentax 16-85 lens that I use with my Pentax K-3 II for mostly landscape and people shooting. It is capable of amazing shots and the range (16-85) that it has provides a nice amount of flexibility. It is also WR (weather resistant). I would recommend it.

[UncleVanya]

There are a lot of options - too many honestly. The 18-55 is a good starting place. There are weather resistant (WR) versions of it and other WR lenses at many price ranges.

As mentioned WR primes are not as common, but all DA* lenses are “All Weather” (AW) which is better than WR. The DA* primes are:

DA* 55 f1.4
DA* 200 f2.8
DA* 300 f4

This lens is AW but not “*”:
DA 560 f5.6

This lens is WR:
DA 100 f2.8 WR

There are loads of zooms that are WR or AW.

[aslyfox]

. . . I am looking for something weather-sealed preferably . . ..

if by " weather-sealed " you mean water proof, you are out of luck

no one sells a water proof lens

but Pentax does have water/dust resistant lenses

AW and WR :

DA* Lenses: The DA series includes a number of "star" lenses (DA*) with top notch optical and mechanical engineering. All DA* lenses have the Quick Shift focusing system and - despite not having the WR designation - are also weather sealed. . . .

AW, WR: Lenses with the AW (All Weather) or WR (Weather Resistant) designations are sealed so that they better withstand use in light rain and blowing dust. AW is the more resistant of the two.

Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series

[deco009]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and replies.