Originally posted by ChristianRock I think people recommending the Pentax 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 PLM have not shot action in a basketball court. That lens is too slow - maybe it would do ok with the K-3III and perhaps with the KP, but I'm not even sure of those.
You've got that right! A lens capable of f/2.8 or wider will be the best ticket to the shutter speed needed. My older non-PLM DA HD 55-300mm WR f/4-5.8 can keep to f/4-4.5 out to 200mm, so I might be able to squeak by at ISO 6400 or more with my KP (as could the K-70) to shoot indoor action without flash. And yes, a DA 50mm f/1.8 would be the least expensive option by far to get a lens with a really fast aperture, unless a good used F or FA 50mm f/1.7 can be found for less. It can provide at least twice the shutter speed of f/2.8 lenses, and at least 4 times the shutter speed of the DA 50-200mm lens when set at the same ISO under the same lighting.
---------- Post added 07-02-21 at 07:18 PM ----------
Originally posted by photogem Well, the K5IIs is one of my favourite Pentax bodies.
Me too. I mostly now shoot with my KP and love it, but I still love my K-5 IIs. I hope the used one already bought is one well cared for and in great shape with moderate use. It is indeed a very fine camera. And somewhat better than the K-x for higher ISO use. But the build quality and system of controls, well this camera is in a different league, even far better than the current K-70, not to mention its still fine image quality.
I agree that for now, by using your DA 50-200mm lens during a game or so, you can keep track of what settings between 50 and 200mm you use most often from your typical distance to get the shots you need. That way, you will get a good handle on the range you will need in selecting a better lens, and the type of lenses that can fulfill those needs. A setting of ISO 3200 with the K-5 IIs is pushing things a bit in terms of getting obvious noise in the shadowy areas of your shots. However, there are some post-process de-noise software available, even effective for JPEG images out of the camera, that are exceptionally good at reducing the noise while not greatly compromising the clarity your K-5 IIs is capable of delivering. But at least you'll get a feel for what you really need.
Someone mentioned the DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 which is a great lens- for many uses. And it is compact, relatively lightweight, and easy-handling for the fast-aperture, pro-style tele zoom lens it is. I've had mine for over 10 years, and it was one of those I used for the graduation shots, where I was shooting from quite a distance. Perhaps, if it turns out its range of 50-135mm is satisfactory for your needs, you could find a used one in great shape, maybe even one already converted to the standard screw-driven operation instead of its SDM motor, which has been susceptible to failure.