[Biff]

Hi folks-

I know this question has been asked in many ways, but here goes:

I'm re-evaluating my kit, want something pretty simple, high quality lenses, and compact, and know I may not get all 3 completely. I have a K5IIs which I love but know is dated and am willing to upgrade, even use the K5IIs as back up. Lenses I have are 12-24, 20-40, 18-135, 31, 77, 100 macro. Travel would include Africa.

I really like the rendering from the 20-40, the 18-135 has gotten a lot of use as a travel lens, but I know there are higher quality optics.

I'd even consider an SLR and maybe the GRIII, or two SLRS, one with the 20-40, other with(?).

I've been reading about the KP, looks great. Open to considering the Ki Mark II, but it is larger. 70-200 is a stunning lens, as is the 60-250.

Bottom line: 1, maybe two bodies, 2 or 3 lenses.

I know this is an open question, and greatly appreciate your thoughts.

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Last edited by Biff; 10-20-2019 at 04:08 PM.

[aslyfox]

lots of information on what to take to Africa here in the various threads try a search

top of my list is two camera bodies, just in case

my first trip I had the K 5 II and a bridge camera as back up

second, K 3 and K 3 II

zooms are nice where there are concerns over dust/dirt when changing lenses. the concern varies on terrain, season and wind

in my limited experience ( 2 trips to Tanzania ) you need at a minimum to be able to cover right next to you and far way

12-24, 20-40, 18-135, 31, 70, 100 macro.

it appears you may want to add something on the longer end

first trip I used an old Tamron 70-300 macro for my telephoto

last time I had the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE and the HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5 - 5.6 ED DC AW for my telephotos

you will get varied opinions on what to take and how much to take

________________________

consider renting equipment you don't own but want to take

on my last trip I rented the 20-40 limited from LensRental.com

there are other companies as well

Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com

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most important things

have fun

put the camera down once in a while

keep looking all around you

[photoptimist]

Lens choice is really really personal and depends on what you like to photograph (favorite focal lengths, subject matter, and working distances), how much you pixel peep, and how often you are willing (and have time) to swap lenses.

Personally, I'd keep the 18-135 or maybe look for a something like a DA 18-270 as "ready in an instant to shoot anything lens." Superzooms aren't for pixel peepers (especially on the telephoto end) but they are great travel companions.

If you get a dedicated high-quality telephoto lens, put it on an APS-C body for the reach. (Although you could use a K-1 in crop mode for reach, too).

If you get the K-1, dedicate it to wide angle and landscape use (although your DA 20-40 won't work well on it).

If you want a 2-body, high-quality option, you might consider: K-1 + 24-70/2.8; K5IIs+70-200; with the 100 macro in the bag. That would cover a huge of range of subjects.

[sergysergy]

A simple travel kit cannot have two bodies in my opinion. You may consider a good TC to make some of your lenses longer.

[aslyfox]

A simple travel kit cannot have two bodies in my opinion. You may consider a good TC to make some of your lenses longer.

two cameras bodies doesn't necessary mean two DSLRs

an emergency back up camera can be as small as you want

I have this that I could use

Canon Powershot A1100 IS

[Biff]

Thank you all very much.

So, if weight and price were no objects (which they are. . . ), quality and simplicity-wise the K1 II with 24-70 and 70-200, maybe with a TC, seems elegant.

Size and price wise, K5IIs or KP with 20-40, HD 55-300 seem good, maybe throwing in my trusty 18-135 too. Or maybe 200* + TC instead of 55-300(?)

I checked out some weights (lbs):

DA 200: 1.8
DA 60-250: 2.3
DFA 70-200: 3.9
DFA 150-450: 4.4
HDA 55-300: 1

1.4 TC: Nominal.

[aslyfox]

Thank you all very much.

So, if weight and price were no objects (which they are. . . ), quality and simplicity-wise the K1 II with 24-70 and 70-200, maybe with a TC, seems elegant.

Size and price wise, K5IIs or KP with 20-40, HD 55-300 seem good, maybe throwing in my trusty 18-135 too. Or maybe 200* + TC instead of 55-300(?)

I checked out some weights (lbs):

DA 200: 1.8
DA 60-250: 2.3
DFA 70-200: 3.9
DFA 150-450: 4.4
HDA 55-300: 1

1.4 TC: Nominal.

be sure to leave room for extra batteries, charges and SD cards

good luck

have fun

would love to know where you plan on going

[aaacb]

If I'm expecting potential for good landscapes, my priority is to have a tripod. That means for light kits (hiking, cycling) I usually take the 16-85 or 2-3 of the da limited.

So form your kit, I'd pick the 12-24 and the 18-135, and perhaps the 100 macro.

[UncleVanya]

Several great options:

Super light:
K5iis, plus 20-40, plus da 70

Versatile but small:
12-24, 18-135

IQ first:
20-40, 31, 100 macro

[Biff]

would love to know where you plan on going

Some combination of Bulgaria, Japan, India, China, Africa, and ?

[gatorguy]

I'd prefer the Sigma 17-50 2.8 but your 20-40 is a great lens.
D FA100WR
DA*200 w/TC

FWIW I would not go anywhere important without two bodies.

[UncleVanya]

While taking multiple bodies is the antithesis of portalble and small - I see the point if the trip is long enough. In that case either grab an identical model or a KP if you want to try out the new body.

[gatorguy]

While taking multiple bodies is the antithesis of portalble and small - I see the point if the trip is long enough. In that case either grab an identical model or a KP if you want to try out the new body.

I'd opt for two of the same body for a multi-venue trip. Minimally a pair of K-70's, and two KP's are a great upgrade choice. Both are pretty compact.

I'd pass on the K1's for that trip. Not really small. Or light. And for the price of one you could buy two KP's, or two K-70's plus that Sigma 17-50 or a TC.

[microlight]

I've never felt the need for two bodies during travel. The three lenses in my signature are a great travel trio. Yes, something on the longer end would work well for you - the 55-300PLM is smaller and lighter than the others mentioned but maybe isn't out of the same drawer IQ wise.

I often see folks citing APS-c and 35mm frame as alternate options for camera replacement; don't forget they are different formats, and the more compact APS-c lenses may not give you what you'd be looking for on a 35mm frame, except in crop mode. Unless you want to build two diffferent format kits, personally I'd stick with one or the other. Like I have!

[aslyfox]

Some combination of Bulgaria, Japan, India, China, Africa, and ?

have fun

and carry a power converter:

Step 1: Why do I need to convert?
In order to understand why you have to convert when you travel, you must first understand voltage.

The amount of volts emerging from wall outlets differs from country to country. There are two main voltages used worldwide, and they are 110V AC and 220V AC. (AC=alternating current)

US voltage: In America, the voltage (V) ranges from 110 to 120V, and therefore American-made products are built for this low range of volts.

International voltage: In most other countries, wall outlets use a range of 220 to 240 volts, and their products are designed to be compatible with this higher range.

When traveling between regions with differing voltage, you will need a plug adapter, a voltage converter, or a voltage transformer (or all three) in order to safely use your valued devices when you go abroad.

There are also 13 different plug outlets used around the world, so matching up your power plugs with foreign outlets is also a necessity. So, how do you determine what to use with your device to get it working overseas? You must first find out if your device is single or dual voltage by reading the power label. Let’s do a little deciphering.

Voltage Converter and International Voltage advice and FAQs

this is the one I have taken

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E140XWA/ref=psdc_10967761_t1_B07PML11R5?tag=pentaxforums-20&