Ordering my K-x tomorrow, need input

kmets · 06-03-2010, 05:48 AM

Hi everyone, hope this is the right place to post this! After months of research, I am ordering my K-x tomorrow. It is my first dslr and I have limited knowledge on the subject! My main focus will be taking photo's of my boys playing football, basketball and track, and then general photography, family stuff, their train set, etc.

I was planning on buying the kit with the 18-55 and 50-200. The kit with 50-300 is out of my budget right now. My question is should I go with just the 18-55 kit lens for right now and get a different lens than the 50-200? For the record, I will not be able to buy an expensive lens anytime soon. A lot of the suggested lenses for sports are way out of my price range.

I know my price range will not get me pro shots, just looking for the best I can get right now. Thanks so much and glad I found you here!

Ira · 06-03-2010, 06:16 AM - **1 Like**

First, your price range sure as HECK can get you pro shots.

Second, the 50-300 is said to be markedly better.

Why not just go for the 18-55 now, and either save up for the 300, or pick up the 200 used? A lot of people turn that lens over to buy the 300.

In the meantime, the 18-55 will keep you plenty busy while you learn the camera.

SEND SCHWABLS! OR CHARLIE THE BUTCHER!

kmets · 06-03-2010, 06:44 AM

Thanks Ira! I think I just might do that, since the kit with 50-200 is out of stock everywhere anyways. I am very eager to get it in my hands! I also see that the Sigma 70-300mm Macro lens runs about $159 new. Maybe an option?

**blackcloudbrew** · 06-03-2010, 06:45 AM - **1 Like**

Personally, I'd go with the 18-55 + 50-200 kit. I'm all for having only one lens and learning the camera thought. However, having two lenses will give you options and frankly lead you to buying more later on. I own both the 50-200 and 55-300 lenses. I think you'd find the 55-300 to be too much to handel early on in your learning process. Clearly the 55-300 is a more versitle lens but with the extra lenght come more things to learn.

Best of luck with your new system.

bobmaxja · 06-03-2010, 06:46 AM - **1 Like**

Where do you intend to buy

The kit with the 300 is only 50 $ more than the 200 kit , This is well worth it

pxpaulx · 06-03-2010, 06:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bobmaxja

Where do you intend to buy

The kit with the 300 is only 50 $ more than the 200 kit , This is well worth it

Yeah, save your pennies for the 55-300 kit, it is well worth it, and will cost you more to get the 55-300 on its own if you just get the single lens kit right now.

Get it here for $730 shipped (newegg is awesome):

http://www.newegg.com/pentax55-300mmbundle

BUT, buy it through the bing cashback program to get 2% cashback, $15 is worth a couple extra clicks!:

bing cashback - newegg is a featured merchant, 2% off (link to newegg is at the top in the middle!

Edit: the bing cashback program can get you 8% off ebay, just search for pentax, click the 8% cashback link at the top of the search results - it only applies to buy it now listings though, and can take 60 days to receive; beachcamera, which sells on ebay, allows cashback immediately though (looks like they only have a red Kx available at the moment though). But, you can get the single lens kit from multiple reputable sellers on ebay for around $500 before 8% back, which is another $40 off.

kmets · 06-03-2010, 07:01 AM

Thanks all, I am looking at buying either from B&H or Amazon. It looks like it will be $629 with the 200 or $729 with 300.

Looking at the price and samples of the Sigma lenses, for my level, I may be better off getting just the 18-55 now and then getting a zoom after I know what i'm doing.

I understand the Sigma and Tamron aren't as good as the Pentax, but looking at some of the photos in the lens reviews, they look pretty good compared to what I'm getting right now!

**Michaelina2** · 06-03-2010, 07:09 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by kmets

I was planning on buying the kit with the 18-55...

Don't forget to order a lens hood for the 18-55 and don't go out without it. It need not be the one made specifically for the 18-55. A 3rd party generic rubber hood will be OK.

Pass on the 55-200 and save for a 55-300. I'll be very surprised to hear a discouraging word from you once you get it.

Cheers...

causey · 06-03-2010, 08:37 AM - **1 Like**

I would get the K-x + 18-55mm, and then buy a Tamron 70-300mm for about $150 from cametacamera (on ebay). I've owned a 50-200mm, and didn't like it at all. The 55-300mm is an entirely different story, but the Tamron 70-300mm isn't bad either (except for the CA), and I think it's a better value than the Pentax 50-200mm. (On the other hand, Adorama still has the k-x + 18-55 + 55-300mm for $690...)

causey · 06-03-2010, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by kmets

Thanks all, I am looking at buying either from B&H or Amazon. It looks like it will be $629 with the 200 or $729 with 300.

Looking at the price and samples of the Sigma lenses, for my level, I may be better off getting just the 18-55 now and then getting a zoom after I know what i'm doing.

I understand the Sigma and Tamron aren't as good as the Pentax, but looking at some of the photos in the lens reviews, they look pretty good compared to what I'm getting right now!

Why don't you buy from ADORAMA??? It's a reputed store, and for $50 more you can get the 55-300 with your K-x! Just ask a friend to lend you $50. The DAL 55-300mm is terrific.

SpecialK · 06-03-2010, 09:08 AM - **1 Like**

The 55-300 is much better, though a bit larger, than the 50-200. It is worth the difference in cost. The extra reach for sports will help, too.

Sigma makes 2 versions of the 70-300, with the APO version an improvement over the non-APO version, and it goes for about $239. Mine died an aperture blade death, unfortunately. The Pentax 55-300 is still superior.

Alfisti · 06-03-2010, 01:09 PM

Honestly if you cannot afford the 55-300 in the kit then really, wrong hobby as it's just flat out gonna cost money to puruse this hobby with bags, lenses (even basic ones) cards, cleaning items, software ... it never bloody ends.

If the extra $100 or so is a concern, I question the wisdom of splashing out on luxury goods.

Parallax · 06-03-2010, 02:31 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Alfisti

Honestly if you cannot afford the 55-300 in the kit then really, wrong hobby as it's just flat out gonna cost money to puruse this hobby with bags, lenses (even basic ones) cards, cleaning items, software ... it never bloody ends.

If the extra $100 or so is a concern, I question the wisdom of splashing out on luxury goods.

Are you serious? That's like telling somebody that if they can't afford a Porche, then they shouldn't drive because there are other expenses involved; insurance, gas, maintenance.
I question the wisdom of telling a new member that if they can't afford everything they want right now that they should take up a different hobby.

Alfisti · 06-03-2010, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by Parallax

Are you serious? That's like telling somebody that if they can't afford a Porche, then they shouldn't drive because there are other expenses involved; insurance, gas, maintenance.
I question the wisdom of telling a new member that if they can't afford everything they want right now that they should take up a different hobby.

No, no it's not. The OPer i snot looking at a D3, they are looking at one of the cheapest DSLR's on the market. If entering the market is such a stretch that $100 cannot be found then yeah, wrong hobby.

If this is the case look for a K100D with the 18-55 and 55-300 used, mind you it's going to come dang close to the price of a Kx twin kit new they are that cheap.

**jatrax** · 06-03-2010, 05:21 PM - **1 Like**

I would get the 18 -55, 55 - 300 twin kit even if you have to save up another month. There are lots of 50 - 200's on ebay but I don't remember seeing even one 55 - 300 which should tell you something. This is the kit I bought and I am very happy with it so far. An earlier post mentioned just getting the 18 - 55 until you had learned that lens then adding the longer one and while there is good wisdom in that, (there is a learning curve), I think the money savings of getting the twin kit up front out weigh that even if you don't use the long lens right away.

Of course I have barely learned to handle the 300mm and I just bought an M42 400mm on ebay, now that is a real learning curve!

06-03-2010, 05:48 AM	#1
kmets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Buffalo, New York Posts: 104	Ordering my K-x tomorrow, need input Hi everyone, hope this is the right place to post this! After months of research, I am ordering my K-x tomorrow. It is my first dslr and I have limited knowledge on the subject! My main focus will be taking photo's of my boys playing football, basketball and track, and then general photography, family stuff, their train set, etc. I was planning on buying the kit with the 18-55 and 50-200. The kit with 50-300 is out of my budget right now. My question is should I go with just the 18-55 kit lens for right now and get a different lens than the 50-200? For the record, I will not be able to buy an expensive lens anytime soon. A lot of the suggested lenses for sports are way out of my price range. I know my price range will not get me pro shots, just looking for the best I can get right now. Thanks so much and glad I found you here!

06-03-2010, 06:56 AM - 1 Like	#6
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Originally posted by bobmaxja Where do you intend to buy The kit with the 300 is only 50 $ more than the 200 kit , This is well worth it Yeah, save your pennies for the 55-300 kit, it is well worth it, and will cost you more to get the 55-300 on its own if you just get the single lens kit right now. Get it here for $730 shipped (newegg is awesome): http://www.newegg.com/pentax55-300mmbundle BUT, buy it through the bing cashback program to get 2% cashback, $15 is worth a couple extra clicks!: bing cashback - newegg is a featured merchant, 2% off (link to newegg is at the top in the middle! Edit: the bing cashback program can get you 8% off ebay, just search for pentax, click the 8% cashback link at the top of the search results - it only applies to buy it now listings though, and can take 60 days to receive; beachcamera, which sells on ebay, allows cashback immediately though (looks like they only have a red Kx available at the moment though). But, you can get the single lens kit from multiple reputable sellers on ebay for around $500 before 8% back, which is another $40 off. Last edited by pxpaulx; 06-03-2010 at 07:07 AM.

06-03-2010, 07:09 AM - 1 Like	#8
Michaelina2 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SE Michigan USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,302	18-55 Lens Hood Originally posted by kmets I was planning on buying the kit with the 18-55... Don't forget to order a lens hood for the 18-55 and don't go out without it. It need not be the one made specifically for the 18-55. A 3rd party generic rubber hood will be OK. Pass on the 55-200 and save for a 55-300. I'll be very surprised to hear a discouraging word from you once you get it. Cheers...

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Ordering Pentax K-X Today	JJsnyder	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	17	05-29-2010 09:18 AM
Ordering from BHphotovideo.com to australia. What type of shipping do you use?	TheTenaciousOne	General Talk	8	04-06-2010 06:18 PM
Ordering K10 / K20 Shims	Naturephoto1P	General Talk	1	08-11-2009 06:32 PM
RANT: ordering from The Filter Connection	heatherslightbox	General Talk	1	08-01-2008 07:46 PM
Advice Needed Ordering a K10D I'm going Digital!	71Matador250	Pentax DSLR Discussion	6	01-29-2008 06:25 AM

06-03-2010, 06:16 AM - 1 Like	#2
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	First, your price range sure as HECK can get you pro shots. Second, the 50-300 is said to be markedly better. Why not just go for the 18-55 now, and either save up for the 300, or pick up the 200 used? A lot of people turn that lens over to buy the 300. In the meantime, the 18-55 will keep you plenty busy while you learn the camera. SEND SCHWABLS! OR CHARLIE THE BUTCHER!

06-03-2010, 06:44 AM	#3
kmets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Buffalo, New York Posts: 104 Original Poster	Thanks Ira! I think I just might do that, since the kit with 50-200 is out of stock everywhere anyways. I am very eager to get it in my hands! I also see that the Sigma 70-300mm Macro lens runs about $159 new. Maybe an option?

06-03-2010, 06:45 AM - 1 Like	#4
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461	Personally, I'd go with the 18-55 + 50-200 kit. I'm all for having only one lens and learning the camera thought. However, having two lenses will give you options and frankly lead you to buying more later on. I own both the 50-200 and 55-300 lenses. I think you'd find the 55-300 to be too much to handel early on in your learning process. Clearly the 55-300 is a more versitle lens but with the extra lenght come more things to learn. Best of luck with your new system.

06-03-2010, 06:46 AM - 1 Like	#5
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	Where do you intend to buy The kit with the 300 is only 50 $ more than the 200 kit , This is well worth it

06-03-2010, 07:01 AM	#7
kmets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Buffalo, New York Posts: 104 Original Poster	Thanks all, I am looking at buying either from B&H or Amazon. It looks like it will be $629 with the 200 or $729 with 300. Looking at the price and samples of the Sigma lenses, for my level, I may be better off getting just the 18-55 now and then getting a zoom after I know what i'm doing. I understand the Sigma and Tamron aren't as good as the Pentax, but looking at some of the photos in the lens reviews, they look pretty good compared to what I'm getting right now!

06-03-2010, 08:37 AM - 1 Like	#9
causey Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arlington, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,757	I would get the K-x + 18-55mm, and then buy a Tamron 70-300mm for about $150 from cametacamera (on ebay). I've owned a 50-200mm, and didn't like it at all. The 55-300mm is an entirely different story, but the Tamron 70-300mm isn't bad either (except for the CA), and I think it's a better value than the Pentax 50-200mm. (On the other hand, Adorama still has the k-x + 18-55 + 55-300mm for $690...)

06-03-2010, 08:40 AM	#10
causey Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arlington, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,757	Originally posted by kmets Thanks all, I am looking at buying either from B&H or Amazon. It looks like it will be $629 with the 200 or $729 with 300. Looking at the price and samples of the Sigma lenses, for my level, I may be better off getting just the 18-55 now and then getting a zoom after I know what i'm doing. I understand the Sigma and Tamron aren't as good as the Pentax, but looking at some of the photos in the lens reviews, they look pretty good compared to what I'm getting right now! Why don't you buy from ADORAMA??? It's a reputed store, and for $50 more you can get the 55-300 with your K-x! Just ask a friend to lend you $50. The DAL 55-300mm is terrific.

06-03-2010, 09:08 AM - 1 Like	#11
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	The 55-300 is much better, though a bit larger, than the 50-200. It is worth the difference in cost. The extra reach for sports will help, too. Sigma makes 2 versions of the 70-300, with the APO version an improvement over the non-APO version, and it goes for about $239. Mine died an aperture blade death, unfortunately. The Pentax 55-300 is still superior.

06-03-2010, 01:09 PM	#12
Alfisti Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto (for now) Posts: 1,748	Honestly if you cannot afford the 55-300 in the kit then really, wrong hobby as it's just flat out gonna cost money to puruse this hobby with bags, lenses (even basic ones) cards, cleaning items, software ... it never bloody ends. If the extra $100 or so is a concern, I question the wisdom of splashing out on luxury goods.

06-03-2010, 02:31 PM - 1 Like	#13
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,333	Originally posted by Alfisti Honestly if you cannot afford the 55-300 in the kit then really, wrong hobby as it's just flat out gonna cost money to puruse this hobby with bags, lenses (even basic ones) cards, cleaning items, software ... it never bloody ends. If the extra $100 or so is a concern, I question the wisdom of splashing out on luxury goods. Are you serious? That's like telling somebody that if they can't afford a Porche, then they shouldn't drive because there are other expenses involved; insurance, gas, maintenance. I question the wisdom of telling a new member that if they can't afford everything they want right now that they should take up a different hobby.

06-03-2010, 04:36 PM	#14
Alfisti Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto (for now) Posts: 1,748	Originally posted by Parallax Are you serious? That's like telling somebody that if they can't afford a Porche, then they shouldn't drive because there are other expenses involved; insurance, gas, maintenance. I question the wisdom of telling a new member that if they can't afford everything they want right now that they should take up a different hobby. No, no it's not. The OPer i snot looking at a D3, they are looking at one of the cheapest DSLR's on the market. If entering the market is such a stretch that $100 cannot be found then yeah, wrong hobby. If this is the case look for a K100D with the 18-55 and 55-300 used, mind you it's going to come dang close to the price of a Kx twin kit new they are that cheap.

06-03-2010, 05:21 PM - 1 Like	#15
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	I would get the 18 -55, 55 - 300 twin kit even if you have to save up another month. There are lots of 50 - 200's on ebay but I don't remember seeing even one 55 - 300 which should tell you something. This is the kit I bought and I am very happy with it so far. An earlier post mentioned just getting the 18 - 55 until you had learned that lens then adding the longer one and while there is good wisdom in that, (there is a learning curve), I think the money savings of getting the twin kit up front out weigh that even if you don't use the long lens right away. Of course I have barely learned to handle the 300mm and I just bought an M42 400mm on ebay, now that is a real learning curve!