Which DSLR for very new newbie!

northmole · 08-30-2012, 11:31 PM

Originally posted by DSims

If you can afford it just get the DA*50-135 - really. You won't need to upgrade, and you won't need other lenses in this range unless you really want to (and have a special need such as macro, and a good macro can be added later for as little as $100 or so). The DA*50-135 works well for portraits, sports, and almost any other purpose within this focal range.

Get the DA*50-135 even if it means you have to use the DA18-55 kit lens for a while. If you can, upgrade that to the Tamron 17-50/2.8. It won't be as good as the DA*50-135 (not even the DA*16-50 is as good as the DA*50-135), but it's good enough and will take care of landscapes and other needs. And since others really like these two lenses, you can easily sell them if for some reason you don't.

The DA18-135 will take nice photos and is convenient, but you'll never get the image quality you can get from the above two lenses, which are the best value you can get (from any brand), and also the best image quality without going to a whole bunch of individual, more expensive, non-zoom lenses.

Otherwise, don't take my advice and spend a lot of time trying various other lenses until you come to the same conclusion, as most of us have who have ever tried.

The DA*50-135 does sound great, sadly,absolutely not in the budget right now...How is the quality of the kit lens on the k-30? Will it be sufficient for a while? Or is it worthless? Any ideas for a good potrait lens under $600? You guys are great! I want the Pentax just to be part of this forum !

**baro-nite** · 08-31-2012, 04:21 AM

The 18-55 kit lens is a good performer. Check out https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/lens-clubs/45425-kit-lens-club.html to draw your own conclusions (note that that club includes lenses other than the 18-55).

You'll get lots of different opinions as to portrait lenses, especially regarding focal length. But you can certainly get an excellent portrait lens within your budget. (Indeed, if you're willing to delve into the world of old manual focus and even manual exposure lenses, you have loads of choice at a small fraction of your budget.) If you want a zoom lens your choices will be more limited, because for portraiture you want something fast (i.e., a lens with a large maximum aperture, indicated by a small aperture value, f/2.8 or lower) and fast zooms are expensive.

VoiceOfReason · 08-31-2012, 07:28 AM

The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 isn't that expensive and is a fantastic lens.

**baro-nite** · 08-31-2012, 07:56 AM

Originally posted by VoiceOfReason

The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 isn't that expensive and is a fantastic lens.

No doubt, although most would prefer a different zoom range for a portrait lens -- e.g. Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 AF XR Di LD Macro SP Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database.

08-30-2012, 11:31 PM	#31
northmole Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 37 Original Poster	kit lens? Originally posted by DSims If you can afford it just get the DA50-135 - really. You won't need to upgrade, and you won't need other lenses in this range unless you really want to (and have a special need such as macro, and a good macro can be added later for as little as $100 or so). The DA50-135 works well for portraits, sports, and almost any other purpose within this focal range. Get the DA50-135 even if it means you have to use the DA18-55 kit lens for a while. If you can, upgrade that to the Tamron 17-50/2.8. It won't be as good as the DA50-135 (not even the DA16-50 is as good as the DA50-135), but it's good enough and will take care of landscapes and other needs. And since others really like these two lenses, you can easily sell them if for some reason you don't. The DA18-135 will take nice photos and is convenient, but you'll never get the image quality you can get from the above two lenses, which are the best value you can get (from any brand), and also the best image quality without going to a whole bunch of individual, more expensive, non-zoom lenses. Otherwise, don't take my advice and spend a lot of time trying various other lenses until you come to the same conclusion, as most of us have who have ever tried. The DA*50-135 does sound great, sadly,absolutely not in the budget right now...How is the quality of the kit lens on the k-30? Will it be sufficient for a while? Or is it worthless? Any ideas for a good potrait lens under $600? You guys are great! I want the Pentax just to be part of this forum !

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08-31-2012, 04:21 AM	#32
baro-nite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,295	The 18-55 kit lens is a good performer. Check out https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/lens-clubs/45425-kit-lens-club.html to draw your own conclusions (note that that club includes lenses other than the 18-55). You'll get lots of different opinions as to portrait lenses, especially regarding focal length. But you can certainly get an excellent portrait lens within your budget. (Indeed, if you're willing to delve into the world of old manual focus and even manual exposure lenses, you have loads of choice at a small fraction of your budget.) If you want a zoom lens your choices will be more limited, because for portraiture you want something fast (i.e., a lens with a large maximum aperture, indicated by a small aperture value, f/2.8 or lower) and fast zooms are expensive.

08-31-2012, 07:28 AM	#33
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 isn't that expensive and is a fantastic lens.

08-31-2012, 07:56 AM	#34
baro-nite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,295	Originally posted by VoiceOfReason The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 isn't that expensive and is a fantastic lens. No doubt, although most would prefer a different zoom range for a portrait lens -- e.g. Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 AF XR Di LD Macro SP Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database.