[bushwhacker09]

Greetings from the Appalachian Mountains. I am soon embarking on a trip to the Florida Keys, and would appreciate any responses to my topic. I currently own a K-7 w/ 43, 77, and 60-250. Do you guys think going with the 43, or 43 and 77 would make more sense? The 77 is my favorite lens of all time, by the way; I wonder, however, if it is adequate for walk-around photography? In the past, I've always toted either a compact (Canon G9) or a Nikon w/ 24-120. However, I love these Pentax limited Primes. Any comments?

[shang]

I think besides 43 and 77, you need a wider lens... such as the 21mm or 15mm.

[Sparkle]

You will find that you wish you had all of them. The birds and scenery are terrific. Get a backpack bag or two shoulder bags to balance the load. A lot can be taken from near your vehicle so one bag may suffice. Travel safe. Don't let the gators bite and enjoy your trip. BTW, we love the views from that 100 mile stretch along the top of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

[SpecialK]

I also suggest something wide. Of course, it depends what you shoot.

[bushwhacker09]

I was giving some serious thought to selling my 43mm and purchasing the 31mm. My favorite lens is the 77mm, and I also have the 60-250mm. The 60-250 is a backbreaker, however. As for what I normally find myself drawn to, the closer the better. Head-shot portraits, or some interesting element of a structure, rather than the whole thing. However, I do need something for sunsets and beaches. I wanted the opinion of folks who have likely been using Pentax gear longer than I have (about two years). Thanks.

[Sparkle]

How does 60 years of making photographs, studding the subject, attending multiple in depth courses, teaching a bit and about 40 years of using Pentax, (which was originally Zeiss) grab you. Together with travel throughout most of England, all of Germany, Austria, France, the USA and Canada, some of Mexico, Finland, Sweden and Iceland to name a few and always with a bunch of camera equipment. Nevertheless there are many pros on here of which I am not one.

[bushwhacker09]

Sparkle,
My reply was in no way meant to question ANYONE's credentials; rather, I was attempting to say that I assumed most of the folks who enjoy this site probably had much more experience than I do when it comes to Pentax equipment. I'm finding the 43mm lens a bit of a unpredictable little beast, and hoped someone might have some insight. I'm afraid you took offense where none was intended--I apologize if this is the case.

[johnmflores]

I was giving some serious thought to selling my 43mm and purchasing the 31mm. My favorite lens is the 77mm, and I also have the 60-250mm. The 60-250 is a backbreaker, however. As for what I normally find myself drawn to, the closer the better. Head-shot portraits, or some interesting element of a structure, rather than the whole thing. However, I do need something for sunsets and beaches. I wanted the opinion of folks who have likely been using Pentax gear longer than I have (about two years). Thanks.

If the 60-250 is a backbreaker, then send it to me

Seriously, leave it at home and throw the G9 in the bag for those occasions where you want more reach. As long as the light is good the G9 will do pretty well.

Regarding the 43 and 77...I suspect the 43 won't be wide enough for some of the panoramas you might encounter. The DA 21 or 15 might be more suitable.

Hope you weren't planning on flying/driving out Monday. That's obviously not happening!

[bushwhacker09]

Thanks for the advice. The 60-250 is a nice lens, but it's not made for walking around all day. I've considered selling it--a lens that heavy should be a 2.8, not a 4.

[slip]

I have a 17-70mm and it fits 90% of my travel needs
I just came back from Central America and it was very simular to where you are going


good luck

randy

[bushwhacker09]

I had the 17-70 (momentarily), but the SDM was DOA. I've decided to order the new 18-135 and sell a couple of lenses and a Sigma compact to fund this endeavor. I think I'll still take the 43 & 77mm lenses, but the new zoom might just take care of everything. Thanks for the post.

[Mark Castleman]

I would recommend the Sigma 10-20. I have used mine a lot and sometimes a wide lens is better than stitching several images together. I would also suggest, if you do not have one already, that you take a polarizer with you. There is nothing like it to bring out the sky and the clouds.