New Lens for my first DSLR - Pentax KX

true_scotsman · 06-19-2010, 02:02 PM

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HI,

Im very new to DSLR photography, my father and granfather were both photographers and it was only a matter of time before i myself got into it. Well now its that time and I have bought myself a Pentax KX with 18-55mm Kit lens, the kit lens is good but im really looking for a telezoom lens. Iv looked into the DA 55-300mm and pentax DA 55-200mm. Im not looking to spend anymore than £200 but prefeerably less, is there any other options in the telezoom lens department apart from the two i have mentioned ? also looking at other kind of lens, especially wideangle lens.
Any opinions and ideas are welcome and i would be very grateful for any info posted.

Thanks

Andy

gebco · 06-19-2010, 03:22 PM

The 55-300 is considered to be an excellent lens on a price/quality ratio.

SpecialK · 06-19-2010, 06:49 PM

The Pentax 50-200, Sigma 70-300 APO version and Tamron 70-300 are in the same image quality ballpark with minor discrepancies. The 55-300 is noticeably sharper, and an excellent value.

true_scotsman · 06-20-2010, 04:16 AM

Thanks for the help guys it has been really useful. Iv seen a used sigma lens on ebay, it seems like i good deal to me but iv added the link if anyone could let me know what they think also its buy it now but also allows offers, so if you could let me know what price is right for it.

Pentax AF K-fit 75-300mm f4.5 Lens Sigma For Kx KM Etc on eBay (end time 27-Jun-10 18:24:46 BST)

Again thank you for any help given

Andy

**Ahab** · 06-20-2010, 06:52 AM

Originally posted by true_scotsman

Thanks for the help guys it has been really useful. Iv seen a used sigma lens on ebay, it seems like i good deal to me but iv added the link if anyone could let me know what they think also its buy it now but also allows offers, so if you could let me know what price is right for it.

Pentax AF K-fit 75-300mm f4.5 Lens Sigma For Kx KM Etc on eBay (end time 27-Jun-10 18:24:46 BST)

Again thank you for any help given

Andy

I'm thinking you can get the Tamron for less.

JeffJS · 06-20-2010, 07:22 AM

Originally posted by true_scotsman

Thanks for the help guys it has been really useful. Iv seen a used sigma lens on ebay, it seems like i good deal to me but iv added the link if anyone could let me know what they think also its buy it now but also allows offers, so if you could let me know what price is right for it.

Pentax AF K-fit 75-300mm f4.5 Lens Sigma For Kx KM Etc on eBay (end time 27-Jun-10 18:24:46 BST)

Again thank you for any help given

Andy

If you are going to get the Sigma, you probably want to get the later APO version. The Tamron is a nice lens too for most things..

Show Tamron - a set on Flickr

That said, the only reasons to go with the Tamron or Sigma over the Pentax 55-300 are price and close focus (on the T and S) 1:2 macro-ish.

habsfanusa · 06-20-2010, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by true_scotsman

HI,

Im very new to DSLR photography...
Im not looking to spend anymore than £200 but prefeerably less, is there any other options in the telezoom lens department apart from the two i have mentioned ? also looking at other kind of lens, especially wideangle lens.
Any opinions and ideas are welcome and i would be very grateful for any info posted.

Thanks

Andy

Hi Andy,
i'm in the same situation, I'm buying a Kx and spent a week or two doing my lensresearch.
The concensus, w/o question, from everything I've read here and elsewhere - is that the Pentax DA 55 - 300 lens is an excellent lens and represents superb value.
I will be buying that lens w/ my camera when I order it later this week.
The only reason I haven't bought yet is I've been researching options for the shorter (?) end of the focal range. It looks like I will buy a 17 - 70 mm zoom to cover that, and that would be my walkabout lens.
However, I also do a lot of outdoor sports photography, that is where the 55-300 lens will come in.
Remember, one must multiply by a factor of 1.5 for this sensor size in order to compare w/ SLR film cameras... Thus a digital 18 - 55 represents ≈27 - 82; and the 55 - 300 becomes ≈ 82 - 450. That 450 focal length for my purposes will be very useful.
Good luck, and remember, penny wise , pound foolish (or is it Euro foolish these days).

Mike.P® · 06-20-2010, 08:35 AM

We have all been there.. I have lost count of the money I wasted in the beginning trying to buy good quality lenses for nothing .. I also have a drawer full of rubbish.

You came here and asked the question and got a fairly emphatic answer .. for the money the 55-300mm outshines everything in its class.

Go buy one

true_scotsman · 07-29-2010, 10:31 AM

Iv been looking at the Pentax smc DA 55-300mm f/4.0-5.8 ED Lens.

The first link is the lens as at the normal price and the second is a cheaper unboxed one, i was wondering what you guys think of the cheaper one?

Pentax smc DA 55-300mm f/4.0-5.8 ED Lens: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Pentax SMC DAL 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED Lens (Unboxed) - Only £159.99 - Park Cameras Online

Marc Sabatella · 07-29-2010, 11:52 AM

The second isn't cheaper just because it's unboxed - it's cheaper because it's the "DA L" version (no quickshift, no hood, plastic mount). But optically identical, so it can be a good way to cut the price more or less in half without sacrificing image quality (you'll want to add a hood, though).

true_scotsman · 07-29-2010, 12:53 PM

what do you mean by no quick shift, also how much does a similar hood to that cost, would u go for that lr go for the slightly dearer one on amazon ?

**boriscleto** · 07-29-2010, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by true_scotsman

what do you mean by no quick shift, also how much does a similar hood to that cost, would u go for that lr go for the slightly dearer one on amazon ?

The DA versions of the 18-55, 50-200, and 55-300 have the ability to quick shift, that is they have a clutch that disengages the auto focus motor when you start to manual focus. With the DA L version you have to switch the camera into MF mode or risk damaging the lens.

You can buy a knock off lens hood on eBay for around $13.50. Too lazy to convert that to pounds.

true_scotsman · 07-29-2010, 01:28 PM

Sorry im new to this, so u mean that if i wanted to MF it i would have to switch to MF on the switch below the lens ? also it is AF aswell isnt it?

MPrince · 07-29-2010, 01:44 PM

quick shift means that after the autofocus has achieved what it believes you want to focus on, you can fine-tune the focus by manually turning the focus ring without first switching the mf/af switch on the body from af to mf.

true_scotsman · 07-29-2010, 02:12 PM

I get you, so u think i shuld go for it then and save some money, if it wont hinder me to much?

06-19-2010, 02:02 PM	#1
true_scotsman Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Scotland Posts: 9	New Lens for my first DSLR - Pentax KX Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. HI, Im very new to DSLR photography, my father and granfather were both photographers and it was only a matter of time before i myself got into it. Well now its that time and I have bought myself a Pentax KX with 18-55mm Kit lens, the kit lens is good but im really looking for a telezoom lens. Iv looked into the DA 55-300mm and pentax DA 55-200mm. Im not looking to spend anymore than £200 but prefeerably less, is there any other options in the telezoom lens department apart from the two i have mentioned ? also looking at other kind of lens, especially wideangle lens. Any opinions and ideas are welcome and i would be very grateful for any info posted. Thanks Andy

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06-19-2010, 03:22 PM	#2
gebco Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Winnipeg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 329	The 55-300 is considered to be an excellent lens on a price/quality ratio.

06-19-2010, 06:49 PM	#3
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	The Pentax 50-200, Sigma 70-300 APO version and Tamron 70-300 are in the same image quality ballpark with minor discrepancies. The 55-300 is noticeably sharper, and an excellent value.

06-20-2010, 04:16 AM	#4
true_scotsman Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Scotland Posts: 9 Original Poster	Thanks for the help guys it has been really useful. Iv seen a used sigma lens on ebay, it seems like i good deal to me but iv added the link if anyone could let me know what they think also its buy it now but also allows offers, so if you could let me know what price is right for it. Pentax AF K-fit 75-300mm f4.5 Lens Sigma For Kx KM Etc on eBay (end time 27-Jun-10 18:24:46 BST) Again thank you for any help given Andy

06-20-2010, 06:52 AM	#5
Ahab Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Arnold, Md. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 762	Originally posted by true_scotsman Thanks for the help guys it has been really useful. Iv seen a used sigma lens on ebay, it seems like i good deal to me but iv added the link if anyone could let me know what they think also its buy it now but also allows offers, so if you could let me know what price is right for it. Pentax AF K-fit 75-300mm f4.5 Lens Sigma For Kx KM Etc on eBay (end time 27-Jun-10 18:24:46 BST) Again thank you for any help given Andy I'm thinking you can get the Tamron for less.

06-20-2010, 07:22 AM	#6
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by true_scotsman Thanks for the help guys it has been really useful. Iv seen a used sigma lens on ebay, it seems like i good deal to me but iv added the link if anyone could let me know what they think also its buy it now but also allows offers, so if you could let me know what price is right for it. Pentax AF K-fit 75-300mm f4.5 Lens Sigma For Kx KM Etc on eBay (end time 27-Jun-10 18:24:46 BST) Again thank you for any help given Andy If you are going to get the Sigma, you probably want to get the later APO version. The Tamron is a nice lens too for most things.. Show Tamron - a set on Flickr That said, the only reasons to go with the Tamron or Sigma over the Pentax 55-300 are price and close focus (on the T and S) 1:2 macro-ish.

06-20-2010, 08:22 AM	#7
habsfanusa Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 58	Originally posted by true_scotsman HI, Im very new to DSLR photography... Im not looking to spend anymore than £200 but prefeerably less, is there any other options in the telezoom lens department apart from the two i have mentioned ? also looking at other kind of lens, especially wideangle lens. Any opinions and ideas are welcome and i would be very grateful for any info posted. Thanks Andy Hi Andy, i'm in the same situation, I'm buying a Kx and spent a week or two doing my lensresearch. The concensus, w/o question, from everything I've read here and elsewhere - is that the Pentax DA 55 - 300 lens is an excellent lens and represents superb value. I will be buying that lens w/ my camera when I order it later this week. The only reason I haven't bought yet is I've been researching options for the shorter (?) end of the focal range. It looks like I will buy a 17 - 70 mm zoom to cover that, and that would be my walkabout lens. However, I also do a lot of outdoor sports photography, that is where the 55-300 lens will come in. Remember, one must multiply by a factor of 1.5 for this sensor size in order to compare w/ SLR film cameras... Thus a digital 18 - 55 represents ≈27 - 82; and the 55 - 300 becomes ≈ 82 - 450. That 450 focal length for my purposes will be very useful. Good luck, and remember, penny wise , pound foolish (or is it Euro foolish these days).

06-20-2010, 08:35 AM	#8
Mike.P® Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Milton, Hampshire, UK Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,154	We have all been there.. I have lost count of the money I wasted in the beginning trying to buy good quality lenses for nothing .. I also have a drawer full of rubbish. You came here and asked the question and got a fairly emphatic answer .. for the money the 55-300mm outshines everything in its class. Go buy one

07-29-2010, 10:31 AM	#9
true_scotsman Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Scotland Posts: 9 Original Poster	Iv been looking at the Pentax smc DA 55-300mm f/4.0-5.8 ED Lens. The first link is the lens as at the normal price and the second is a cheaper unboxed one, i was wondering what you guys think of the cheaper one? Pentax smc DA 55-300mm f/4.0-5.8 ED Lens: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo Pentax SMC DAL 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED Lens (Unboxed) - Only £159.99 - Park Cameras Online

07-29-2010, 11:52 AM	#10
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	The second isn't cheaper just because it's unboxed - it's cheaper because it's the "DA L" version (no quickshift, no hood, plastic mount). But optically identical, so it can be a good way to cut the price more or less in half without sacrificing image quality (you'll want to add a hood, though).

07-29-2010, 12:53 PM	#11
true_scotsman Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Scotland Posts: 9 Original Poster	what do you mean by no quick shift, also how much does a similar hood to that cost, would u go for that lr go for the slightly dearer one on amazon ?

07-29-2010, 01:14 PM	#12
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by true_scotsman what do you mean by no quick shift, also how much does a similar hood to that cost, would u go for that lr go for the slightly dearer one on amazon ? The DA versions of the 18-55, 50-200, and 55-300 have the ability to quick shift, that is they have a clutch that disengages the auto focus motor when you start to manual focus. With the DA L version you have to switch the camera into MF mode or risk damaging the lens. You can buy a knock off lens hood on eBay for around $13.50. Too lazy to convert that to pounds.

07-29-2010, 01:28 PM	#13
true_scotsman Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Scotland Posts: 9 Original Poster	Sorry im new to this, so u mean that if i wanted to MF it i would have to switch to MF on the switch below the lens ? also it is AF aswell isnt it?

07-29-2010, 01:44 PM	#14
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	quick shift means that after the autofocus has achieved what it believes you want to focus on, you can fine-tune the focus by manually turning the focus ring without first switching the mf/af switch on the body from af to mf.

07-29-2010, 02:12 PM	#15
true_scotsman Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Scotland Posts: 9 Original Poster	I get you, so u think i shuld go for it then and save some money, if it wont hinder me to much?