[FanFanD]

I was about to purchase a second-hand smc DA15 or Samyang 14 f/2.8 for both are in my budget.

Then an idea comes to my mind that I can exchange for a second-hand K3 II with the money and the camera for mid-range body experience.

I think about my demand again. The K-S2 satisfies me now without conspicuous weakness. I have no discontent with its photo quality, battery endurance, and its key design, except a shallow grip, loss of LCD indicator, and 12-bit RAW file. But that loss doesn't seem to affect my work (landscape, city, walk-around, and low light scenes).

However, it's said that with a better body you can do your work better. For example, there's 14-bit RAW file and pixel shift function in K3 II. They are really useful for my landscape photography. I have an outer flashlight and rather low demand for an inner flashlight, so the loss of inner flashlight shouldn't be a problem for me.

Now I have DAL 18-50, DA 35, and DAL 55-300 in my hand, and in the dilemma of whether a new wide-angle lens or an advanced body.

What about your thoughts?

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Last edited by FanFanD; 08-17-2017 at 08:12 AM.

[pepperberry farm]

couple of options:

1) hold on to the K-S2 and wait for the K-3II replacement, which will drive K-3II prices down (and don't sell the K-S2)

2) try a DA14/2.8

[FanFanD]

couple of options:

1) hold on to the K-S2 and wait for the K-3II replacement, which will drive K-3II prices down (and don't sell the K-S2)

2) try a DA14/2.8

Some lens tests show da14 has a softer edge when it's all way open while da15 keeps sharp. And da15 outweighs da14 in size. These could be what I'm considering. Filters may be less important, in my mind, instead.

Actually, I'm also looking for a Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 if there's a cheap one.

Thanks for the advice. Any idea?

[TER-OR]

Get a nice lens. If you want wide-angle, there are options. The 10-20 zooms and the 12-24 are nice. Sigma's 8-16 is special, but it's a good UWA, more WA at 16mm.

Primes - this is where I think your first instinct hits the mark. The 15mm is very good. DA21mm pancake is loads of fun. It can be paired with the inexpensive 40mm, both of which fit in your pocket. The 21 has become my favorite lens if I want wide angle. It just renders well, with plenty of contrast.

You don't need a new body. I really like my K3II but it's not a massive jump from the KS2.

[Adam]

I was about to purchase a second-hand smc DA15 or Samyang 14 f/2.8 for both are in my budget.

Then an idea comes to my mind that I can exchange for a second-hand K3 II with the money and the camera for mid-range body experience.

I think about my demand again. The K-S2 satisfies me now without conspicuous weakness. I have no discontent with its photo quality, battery endurance, and its key design, except a shallow grip, loss of LCD indicator, and 12-bit RAW file. But that loss doesn't seem to affect my work (landscape, city, walk-around, and low light scenes).

However, it's said that with a better body you can do your work better. For example, there's 14-bit RAW file and pixel shift function in K3 II. They are really useful for my landscape photography. I have an outer flashlight and rather low demand for an inner flashlight, so the loss of inner flashlight shouldn't be a problem for me.

Now I have DAL 18-50, DA 35, and DAL 55-300 in my hand, and in the dilemma of whether a new wide-angle lens or an advanced body.

What about your thoughts?

The K-3 II isn't a massive jump in image quality- the KP or K-70 would be a bigger step up.

However, in this case I'd recommend hanging on to the K-S2 and expanding your lens collection. Hard to go wrong with the DA 15mm in my opinion!

[skierd]

Better glass will be like buying a new body in terms of image quality boost. I found that out when I went from my 18-135 to the DA*50-135 and tested several limitleds (21, 40, 70) before settling on the HD DA 20-40 limited.

I'd sell the 55-300 and put the money towards a DA*60-250 if you lean towards telephotos in your regular shooting, or the 18-50 for the 16-50 or the 20-40.

As far as the wides go, I'm no help because I'm stuck on that myself between the 10-17 fisheye, the 15ltd, and the sigma 10-20 f3.5.

[disconnekt]

I'd say invest in better glass that fits your needs (the Sigma 10-20mm f3.5 seems to fit your landscape needs) first then uprade the body later. Body wise, when you feel the need to upgrade/ourgrown the Ks2 down the road the prices for a used K3/II will be available at lower prices or you can get a K-70 (if your on a budget), or go with the KP if you're willing to save up & spend a bit of extra money for it.

[Canada_Rockies]

When I bought my K10D in 2007 I bought a kit that included battery grip and DA 12-24/4. We have just returned from a family reunion trip to Gabriola Island, British Columbia. I used the K-3 and three lenses, although I took everything with me.

DA 12-24 - 27 images
M 400. - 89 images
DA* 16-50 - 118 images.

The 16-50 was the walk about take pix of the family and friends and a fair amount of scenics.

The 12-24 was the serious lens used for difficult scenics such as Malaspina Galleries - an area on the island where sandstone was eroded creating overhanging cliffs. Inside the hanging galleries 23 of the 27 images were at 12mm. The overhang shown is 8 ft/6.5 m high. This first image is at 24mm. The second image is at 12mm.

The 400 was used for the local birds. There are a couple of shots in the 300mm club.

The 12-24 images have a fair bit of post processing because of the extreme contrast range of the lighting. SOOC these images are a black surround with a very bright seascape.

[FanFanD]

Thank you for your patient answer! You've provided me with some clear instructions.

Now I've got myself a firm idea that I'll go for a new lens before a new camera body.

[Canada_Rockies]

Now I've got myself a firm idea that I'll go for a new lens before a new camera body.

Good move. A lens will do more for you than even a K-1. (Waiting for backlash ... )

[FanFanD]

Good move. A lens will do more for you than even a K-1. (Waiting for backlash ... )

lol now I'm in lack of money and this does make sense xD

[AtitG]

i think an upgrade to your current lens line up would result to a more significant improvement in overall photographic experience. a da 18-135mm over the 18-55mm kit lens for example would give you weathersealing, more versatile range, faster and quieter autofocus. only pentax offers weathersealed bodies and lenses at an affordable price. I would recommend a ultra wide zoom like the sigma 10-20 f/3.5 over the DA14mm or 15mm limited.