[sissy64sonny]

I have a new K-x. I have old manual lenses that I can use but don't like changing the lens. I am just someone who likes to take photos. I work at a school and like taking photos of school events. What is a good lens I can buy in the $300-$450 range (if possible) that will go from still photos to sports without changing lens? I would like to have something that works well in a gym with not really good light. I love my K-x. It takes wonderful photos.

[LeDave]

DA* 50-135 f2.8 is awesome for that, if you pair it up with the DA* 16-50 f2.8, you'll switch very little and only switching between those two as they both cover literally everything, maybe except for super telephoto length.

[Adam]

I have a new K-x. I have old manual lenses that I can use but don't like changing the lens. I am just someone who likes to take photos. I work at a school and like taking photos of school events. What is a good lens I can buy in the $300-$450 range (if possible) that will go from still photos to sports without changing lens? I would like to have something that works well in a gym with not really good light. I love my K-x. It takes wonderful photos.

There isn't really an all-in-one lens in that price range, but the 18-135mm has pretty fast AF and is a good all-around lens!

Also, the 55-300mm is a nice addition to the kit lens.
Pentax SMCP-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED Autofocus Lens 21720 B&H

[Boker]

You might be able to find a used Tamron 70-200 f2.8 that would do the job for most sports in the gym or on the field in the price range or a little more

[Ash]

Most of the suggestions so far are outside your budget. But if you're looking for an all-in-one lens, you may have to compromise a little image quality to get a superzoom like a second hand Tamron or Pentax DA 18-250. These won't have you needing to change lenses, but they aren't the best in image quality. I'd second the DA 55-300 suggestion though - best value for money.

[dms]

Most people likely interpret sports to mean w/ auto focus--but if you don't need it (I don't and I shoot dance) then some suggestions are:

Tamron Adaptall-2 SP w/ this you need the adaptall-2 PKA mount--will be about $65. (currently price at KEH).
(1) 80-200mm f2.8
(2) 70-210 mm f3.5
I have not used either (1) or (2) but they get great reviews
(3) 35-80 f2.8-3.8 (I own and like it a lot)

Vivitar series 1
(4) 70-210 mm f2.8-4 PKA (version 3) (I own and like a lot)
(5) 28-90mm f2.8-3.5 (I own but not much use yet--but gets great reviews.)

Any of these, except the 80-200mm Tamron will likely run you about $85-150 total. The 80-200 likely about $300 total. The (5) may not come in PKA mount?

Based on my use so far I suggest (3) or (4) depending on the focal length range that suits you. Purchase both would still be in your budget.

P.S., I think I got all the FL and f stop ranges correct--but may be very minor discrepancy(s).

[dms]

Few additional observations:

The Tamron 80-200mm is heavy, and is push pull.
The Vivitars are also push pull.
The Tamron 35-80 mm is 2 ring (not push pull)
Don't know about the other Tamron.

I prefer push pull (where speed in adjusting FL is desired) but having said this--the camera will not set the FL automatically (for shake reduction)--so the fast FL adjust means you don't have optimum shake reduction. I use the fast zoom to get a shot, but I also try to decide what FL I want and set SR at that value.

I always shoot at aperture least 1/2 to 1 stop closed--so cannot comment on full open performance.

[sissy64sonny]

Thank you all. This forum is always so helpful. I really do appreciate it. Now on to make my decision. I am certainly going to get a new lense.

[sterretje]

DA* 50-135 f2.8 is awesome for that, if you pair it up with the DA* 16-50 f2.8, you'll switch very little and only switching between those two as they both cover literally everything, maybe except for super telephoto length.

I've been away for a while, but I did not know that those lenses dropped that much in price that they fit in a $300-450 budget