Help with deciding on a second lens!

GoremanX · 03-13-2010, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

But ask yourself: Where am I going? What lens(es) will get me there? What can I afford that will make me happy? Answer those, and you'll have a better idea of what to acquire.

While I frequently agree with this statement whenever you make it (and you make it frequently

), I think it's very different for someone who's buying a DSLR for the first time and doesn't understand what "18-55mm" represents. Those are just obscure numbers that don't do a very good job of representing how the picture will look to a user. Sure, you can look at field of view and feet of coverage at a specific distance, but even that is abstract unless you've been using an 18-55mm lens for a while.

One way that I've found helps people is to mention that at 30mm, there's no magnification involved (on a Pentax digital). What you see with the naked eye is pretty much what you get in the resulting picture. By that logic, 18mm means your lens will see almost twice as wide as at 30mm, and 300mm means you'll get 10x magnification over 30mm. That would make a 18-55mm and 55-300mm combination equivalent to an 11x zoom point and shoot camera.

edit: but with much better image quality, obviously

twitch · 03-13-2010, 05:29 PM

Originally posted by NathanSanch

Just ordered it on Amazon. We'll see how it goes. Ordering the camera later tonight.
Thanks everyone, i'll be a regular user at this forum from now on

Is there a reason you're not just ordering the twin lens kit with the K-x with the 55-300? The 55-500 is a better lens than the tamron 70-300

NathanSanch · 03-13-2010, 06:31 PM

Idk, It depends, I put my order on hold for the time being..

It depends on the price, really. The price was 169 for a decent lens... now how much is that lens your talking about?

JeffJS · 03-13-2010, 08:08 PM

Without worrying about colors, This is what he's talking about.. The 2 lens kit..

Amazon.com: Used and New: Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL and 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED Lenses (Black)

The Tamron is a nice lens for what it is. People are re-selling the 55-300 DA-L (the lens with the kit) for around $250-$275..

Peter Zack · 03-13-2010, 08:22 PM

I think we should step back on the recommendations and also consider budget. The 70-300mm is a fine lens.

Consider where you started out with gear when recommending, we all started somewhere and most started with less expensive gear. The 18-55 and 70-300 match up quite nicely, plus the 70-300 gives the addition of 1:2 close up "macro" ability that the other lenses don't do. And it fits the budget. It's quite sharp and a great walk about lens. If at some point Nathan decides he wants sharper or something different like a prime, The lens will resell around $110-120.00 and that can go toward an upgrade. Just save the box etc and take good care of it.

Buy that kit and have some fun with this great hobby!

Peter Zack · 03-13-2010, 08:24 PM

Consider these reviews from some well respected members on this site. Tamron 70-300mm

Pablom · 03-13-2010, 08:30 PM

Originally posted by NathanSanch

Idk, It depends, I put my order on hold for the time being..

It depends on the price, really. The price was 169 for a decent lens... now how much is that lens your talking about?

let me do the math for you,

you can buy the double lens kit (see post above) that includes the "regular" wide to portrait-kind-of-short-telephoto kit lens and the aforementioned 55-300 for about 710$ (as listed in amazon), or you can get just the k-x with the regular kit lens for 530$ and add 170 bucks for the 70-300 you have in sight.
if these are your two options, GET THE 55-300!!

you can also get the other twin kit lenses with the 50-200 (superb lens for a beginner imo) instead of the 55-300 and save yourself a hundred bucks

Peter Zack · 03-13-2010, 08:49 PM

Pablo, I just checked the prices. You are absolutely right. For $12.00 you get the 55-300mm and that's the best purchase to make.

epqwerty · 03-13-2010, 10:17 PM

The Tamron 70-300mm is a fine lens for your budget range. However if you want some better image quality than I'd still suggest the Pentax 55-300mm over the Tamron. If your not in a hurry for a lens that can go to the 300mm range I'd suggest that you save up some cash and go with the Pentax. You should also keep in mind that the Tamron has many different variations to it. Different revisions to it.

The macro feature on the Tamron is pretty neat and you could have some good old fashion fun with it but nothing beats a true 1:1 macro lens.

But with either decision you make I think you'd be pretty happy with it.

shawnxji · 04-09-2010, 12:10 PM

I had the 18-200mm from Pentax and it was a fine lens for general purpose, but you need to understand its characteristics, like its tendency of vignetting. Unlike most posts here I'm going to recommend the 50-200mm WR for its combination of quality, size and price, and it perfectly complement your kit lens.

Itai · 04-09-2010, 07:50 PM

The K-x has awesome image quality, it is truly a shame they are crippling people's first impression of it by forcing you to buy a kit lens. If you can't get it otherwise, use it as a coffee mug or something but don't take pictures with it

My personal favorite lens is the DA* 16-50mm F2.8. I highly recomment it. If that is too short for your vision, you can have the DA 17-70mm F4 instead which is excellent too. Then you can complement with the DA* 50-135mm F2.8 or DA* 60-250mm F4, both are excellent long lenses. For something more discrete on the long side, the DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.6 is a good overal performer but you do lose some sharpness and mostly brightness compared to the DA*.

- Itai
Neoluminance | Fine Art Photography by Itai Danan

krishna · 04-10-2010, 12:19 PM

You will get Pentax K-x + 18-55mm + 55-300 mm for $714.

If this fits your budget then go for this.

The Pentax 55-300mm is availble in the price range of $279 to $350.

alexulo · 04-11-2010, 02:22 AM

Originally posted by krishna

You will get Pentax K-x + 18-55mm + 55-300 mm for $714.

If this fits your budget then go for this.

The Pentax 55-300mm is availble in the price range of $279 to $350.

I think the first gear is the best for her, but if she don't want to spend too much she can buy a K-x with a Tamron 18-200 mm. If she want spend less can see for a used gear, I think this is no a bad idea.

**rparmar** · 04-11-2010, 05:28 AM

Originally posted by Peter Zack

Pablo, I just checked the prices. You are absolutely right. For $12.00 you get the 55-300mm and that's the best purchase to make.

I totally agree. The DA55-300mm smokes all other zooms in this range. I will never need another telephoto lens.

To the OP: If you do not have the money now to get the quality you want, wait until you do! Save up another week or four, drink fewer coffees and get a lens you never need doubt.

Originally posted by Itai

The K-x has awesome image quality, it is truly a shame they are crippling people's first impression of it by forcing you to buy a kit lens.

Well now, I wouldn't go that far. The kit zoom is a fine lens for the range it covers and the light capture it allows. For the price it is an absolute bargain.

Ken T · 04-11-2010, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by Itai

use it as a coffee mug or something but don't take pictures with it

[/url]

You think every Pentax user has the money to buy all Limiteds, don't you ?

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03-13-2010, 04:02 PM	#16
GoremanX Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Georgia, VT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,657	Originally posted by RioRico But ask yourself: Where am I going? What lens(es) will get me there? What can I afford that will make me happy? Answer those, and you'll have a better idea of what to acquire. While I frequently agree with this statement whenever you make it (and you make it frequently ), I think it's very different for someone who's buying a DSLR for the first time and doesn't understand what "18-55mm" represents. Those are just obscure numbers that don't do a very good job of representing how the picture will look to a user. Sure, you can look at field of view and feet of coverage at a specific distance, but even that is abstract unless you've been using an 18-55mm lens for a while. One way that I've found helps people is to mention that at 30mm, there's no magnification involved (on a Pentax digital). What you see with the naked eye is pretty much what you get in the resulting picture. By that logic, 18mm means your lens will see almost twice as wide as at 30mm, and 300mm means you'll get 10x magnification over 30mm. That would make a 18-55mm and 55-300mm combination equivalent to an 11x zoom point and shoot camera. edit: but with much better image quality, obviously

03-13-2010, 05:29 PM	#17
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Originally posted by NathanSanch Just ordered it on Amazon. We'll see how it goes. Ordering the camera later tonight. Thanks everyone, i'll be a regular user at this forum from now on Is there a reason you're not just ordering the twin lens kit with the K-x with the 55-300? The 55-500 is a better lens than the tamron 70-300

03-13-2010, 06:31 PM	#18
NathanSanch New Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: United States Posts: 15 Original Poster	Idk, It depends, I put my order on hold for the time being.. It depends on the price, really. The price was 169 for a decent lens... now how much is that lens your talking about?

03-13-2010, 08:08 PM	#19
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Without worrying about colors, This is what he's talking about.. The 2 lens kit.. Amazon.com: Used and New: Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL and 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED Lenses (Black) The Tamron is a nice lens for what it is. People are re-selling the 55-300 DA-L (the lens with the kit) for around $250-$275..

03-13-2010, 08:22 PM	#20
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	I think we should step back on the recommendations and also consider budget. The 70-300mm is a fine lens. Consider where you started out with gear when recommending, we all started somewhere and most started with less expensive gear. The 18-55 and 70-300 match up quite nicely, plus the 70-300 gives the addition of 1:2 close up "macro" ability that the other lenses don't do. And it fits the budget. It's quite sharp and a great walk about lens. If at some point Nathan decides he wants sharper or something different like a prime, The lens will resell around $110-120.00 and that can go toward an upgrade. Just save the box etc and take good care of it. Buy that kit and have some fun with this great hobby!

03-13-2010, 08:24 PM	#21
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Consider these reviews from some well respected members on this site. Tamron 70-300mm

03-13-2010, 08:30 PM	#22
Pablom Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Usa Posts: 1,940	Originally posted by NathanSanch Idk, It depends, I put my order on hold for the time being.. It depends on the price, really. The price was 169 for a decent lens... now how much is that lens your talking about? let me do the math for you, you can buy the double lens kit (see post above) that includes the "regular" wide to portrait-kind-of-short-telephoto kit lens and the aforementioned 55-300 for about 710$ (as listed in amazon), or you can get just the k-x with the regular kit lens for 530$ and add 170 bucks for the 70-300 you have in sight. if these are your two options, GET THE 55-300!! you can also get the other twin kit lenses with the 50-200 (superb lens for a beginner imo) instead of the 55-300 and save yourself a hundred bucks

03-13-2010, 08:49 PM	#23
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Pablo, I just checked the prices. You are absolutely right. For $12.00 you get the 55-300mm and that's the best purchase to make.

03-13-2010, 10:17 PM	#24
epqwerty Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 550	The Tamron 70-300mm is a fine lens for your budget range. However if you want some better image quality than I'd still suggest the Pentax 55-300mm over the Tamron. If your not in a hurry for a lens that can go to the 300mm range I'd suggest that you save up some cash and go with the Pentax. You should also keep in mind that the Tamron has many different variations to it. Different revisions to it. The macro feature on the Tamron is pretty neat and you could have some good old fashion fun with it but nothing beats a true 1:1 macro lens. But with either decision you make I think you'd be pretty happy with it.

04-09-2010, 12:10 PM	#25
shawnxji Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: DC Metro, USA Posts: 212	I had the 18-200mm from Pentax and it was a fine lens for general purpose, but you need to understand its characteristics, like its tendency of vignetting. Unlike most posts here I'm going to recommend the 50-200mm WR for its combination of quality, size and price, and it perfectly complement your kit lens.

04-09-2010, 07:50 PM	#26
Itai Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Montreal Photos: Gallery Posts: 209	The K-x has awesome image quality, it is truly a shame they are crippling people's first impression of it by forcing you to buy a kit lens. If you can't get it otherwise, use it as a coffee mug or something but don't take pictures with it My personal favorite lens is the DA* 16-50mm F2.8. I highly recomment it. If that is too short for your vision, you can have the DA 17-70mm F4 instead which is excellent too. Then you can complement with the DA* 50-135mm F2.8 or DA* 60-250mm F4, both are excellent long lenses. For something more discrete on the long side, the DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.6 is a good overal performer but you do lose some sharpness and mostly brightness compared to the DA*. - Itai Neoluminance \| Fine Art Photography by Itai Danan

04-10-2010, 12:19 PM	#27
krishna Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: CT Photos: Albums Posts: 41	You will get Pentax K-x + 18-55mm + 55-300 mm for $714. If this fits your budget then go for this. The Pentax 55-300mm is availble in the price range of $279 to $350.

04-11-2010, 02:22 AM	#28
alexulo Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 45	Originally posted by krishna You will get Pentax K-x + 18-55mm + 55-300 mm for $714. If this fits your budget then go for this. The Pentax 55-300mm is availble in the price range of $279 to $350. I think the first gear is the best for her, but if she don't want to spend too much she can buy a K-x with a Tamron 18-200 mm. If she want spend less can see for a used gear, I think this is no a bad idea.

04-11-2010, 05:28 AM	#29
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,823	Originally posted by Peter Zack Pablo, I just checked the prices. You are absolutely right. For $12.00 you get the 55-300mm and that's the best purchase to make. I totally agree. The DA55-300mm smokes all other zooms in this range. I will never need another telephoto lens. To the OP: If you do not have the money now to get the quality you want, wait until you do! Save up another week or four, drink fewer coffees and get a lens you never need doubt. Originally posted by Itai The K-x has awesome image quality, it is truly a shame they are crippling people's first impression of it by forcing you to buy a kit lens. Well now, I wouldn't go that far. The kit zoom is a fine lens for the range it covers and the light capture it allows. For the price it is an absolute bargain.

04-11-2010, 05:53 PM	#30
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536	Originally posted by Itai use it as a coffee mug or something but don't take pictures with it [/url] You think every Pentax user has the money to buy all Limiteds, don't you ?