Buying first DSLR (k-x or k-r)

flyingP · 10-20-2011, 10:45 AM

First Post

!

I have pretty much decided on Pentax because I like the system (SR and good selection of "affordable" lenses)

I have put about a $700 limit on myself.

I am trying to decide between a used pentax k-x and then buying the 40mm 2.8 pancake lens or a refurbished k-r with the 35mm 2.4 lens ($600 at BestBuy.com of all places).

The front focusing stories of the pentax k-r concern me a bit but I don't mind learning how to do a custom white balance when shooting indoors.

I am leaning towards a k-r as I like the better screen and timelapse feature built in.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Adam · 10-20-2011, 11:03 AM

I'd also go for the K-r as it's a current body with which you can't go wrong.

claimed4all · 10-20-2011, 11:56 AM

I would go with the K-R and the 35mm DA-L. You will not be upset.
Pentax K-R vs Pentax K-X
K-R is a better all around camera, you can see which focus point you are using, faster shooting, lithium ion battery or AAs (with adapter).

I picked up the K-R and bought that lens extra about a month ago and I love it.

Philoslothical · 10-20-2011, 12:23 PM

Where are you located? I'd shop around a bit. You can probably find the same K-r kit for about $600 new, not refurb. Then again, there's usually nothing wrong with certified refurbs anyway.

Definitely the K-r though. There's a whole list of reasons and improvements over the K-x.

flyingP · 10-20-2011, 01:56 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I think I am going to pull the trigger on the K-R with the 35mm f2.4 lens included. It looks like the kit lens is pretty cheap 2nd hand so I will probably pick that up as well from someone on this forum.

spike62002 · 10-20-2011, 03:29 PM

I currently have the following gear after purchasing my K-r and all of this cost me under $800

Pentax K-r

SMC Pentax DAL 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 AF zoom lens
SMC Pentax DA 50-200mm 1:4-5.6 AF zoom lens
Sigma 100-300mm 1:4.5-6.7 AF zoom lens
SMC Pentax-M 50mm 1:1.7 prime lens
Makinon 28mm 1:2.8 prime lens
aftermarket Li Battery
aftermarket AA adaptor
YN460 Flash speedlite

10-20-2011, 10:45 AM	#1
flyingP New Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 11	Buying first DSLR (k-x or k-r) First Post! I have pretty much decided on Pentax because I like the system (SR and good selection of "affordable" lenses) I have put about a $700 limit on myself. I am trying to decide between a used pentax k-x and then buying the 40mm 2.8 pancake lens or a refurbished k-r with the 35mm 2.4 lens ($600 at BestBuy.com of all places). The front focusing stories of the pentax k-r concern me a bit but I don't mind learning how to do a custom white balance when shooting indoors. I am leaning towards a k-r as I like the better screen and timelapse feature built in. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

10-20-2011, 11:03 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	I'd also go for the K-r as it's a current body with which you can't go wrong. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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10-20-2011, 11:56 AM	#3
claimed4all Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Grand Rapids Michigan Posts: 96	I would go with the K-R and the 35mm DA-L. You will not be upset. Pentax K-R vs Pentax K-X K-R is a better all around camera, you can see which focus point you are using, faster shooting, lithium ion battery or AAs (with adapter). I picked up the K-R and bought that lens extra about a month ago and I love it.

10-20-2011, 12:23 PM	#4
Philoslothical Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 1,889	Where are you located? I'd shop around a bit. You can probably find the same K-r kit for about $600 new, not refurb. Then again, there's usually nothing wrong with certified refurbs anyway. Definitely the K-r though. There's a whole list of reasons and improvements over the K-x.

10-20-2011, 01:56 PM	#5
flyingP New Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 11 Original Poster	Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I am going to pull the trigger on the K-R with the 35mm f2.4 lens included. It looks like the kit lens is pretty cheap 2nd hand so I will probably pick that up as well from someone on this forum.

10-20-2011, 03:29 PM	#6
spike62002 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Melbourne Posts: 29	I currently have the following gear after purchasing my K-r and all of this cost me under $800 Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DAL 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 AF zoom lens SMC Pentax DA 50-200mm 1:4-5.6 AF zoom lens Sigma 100-300mm 1:4.5-6.7 AF zoom lens SMC Pentax-M 50mm 1:1.7 prime lens Makinon 28mm 1:2.8 prime lens aftermarket Li Battery aftermarket AA adaptor YN460 Flash speedlite

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