New gear question

igorT · 02-10-2013, 11:26 AM

Hey there,
im pretty much noob in all the photography stuff i had canon with few lenses just the basic stuff for a few years.
And i come to realization that i love photography and i decided to upgrade to a mid-range gear mostly i shoot portraits.
But some times i like to go out and do abit of landscape and random shooting... so i decided to build my self a package
that will include lenses and flashes and camera and all the basic stuff i need for about 3kUSD ive come to this.

Pentax K-5 II Camera w/SMC DA 18-55mm WR Lens $1,139.00
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC Autofocus Lens f/Pentax $489.00
BIIN 50 - Backpack Black $99.99
Alta+ 233AP - 63" Tripod w/PH-22 Head $129.99
52mm Protective UV Filter $29.99 for the kit lense
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens f/Pentax $479.00
77mm Neutral Density (ND) Glass Filter $99.99 for the 10-20mm
62mm Protective UV Filter $39.99 for the 30mm
Sigma EF610 DG Super Flash f/Pentax DSLR Cameras $225.00
SanDisk 32GB Extreme SDHC Memory Card $249.00 i mostly shoot in raw so i need alot of memory.
Vivitar Digital Slave Flash - viv-sf3000-bx x2 158$.

so all of this comes around 3000USD i would like to know if u have any ideas how to improve this kit with out adding cash i would be really happy.

Tom S. · 02-10-2013, 11:50 AM

A minor point, but I'm interested in why you want a ND for the 10-20. The camp is divided here on the use of filters for protection, but a ND filter reduces light, thus increasing the effective F value of the lens.

BTW: The Sandisk card is way overpriced, IMHO. I recently bought a Transcend card 64GB SDXC Memory Card Class 10 from B&H for $55 US.

igorT · 02-10-2013, 11:54 AM

nd filter is good for landscapes and here in Israel the sun is so hard that i have to get it but i think to go with a graduated nd from -3 in the sky to 0 on the ground

igorT · 02-10-2013, 11:59 AM

yeah some why the card is really expensive guess i will buy the card in some local shop. so can u help me with the ND solution should i get it or no because my country really sunny i mean really.

**LaurenOE** · 02-10-2013, 01:36 PM

Originally posted by igorT

SanDisk 32GB Extreme SDHC Memory Card $249.00 i mostly shoot in raw so i need alot of memory.

WOW!!!

Tom S. · 02-10-2013, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by igorT

nd filter is good for landscapes and here in Israel the sun is so hard that i have to get it but i think to go with a graduated nd from -3 in the sky to 0 on the ground

That makes sense. Perhaps you might want to look at the Cokin filter system (or similar brand). You might also look into buying used as opposed to new. The same applies for the rest of the equipment you have listed. Either consider buying used, or ask a dealer like B&H if they can cut you a price break on a package deal.

Tom S. · 02-10-2013, 02:04 PM

Speaking of cards, check this out:

Sale

mikeSF · 02-10-2013, 05:23 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Tom S.

A minor point, but I'm interested in why you want a ND for the 10-20. The camp is divided here on the use of filters for protection, but a ND filter reduces light, thus increasing the effective F value...

The ND can help to achieve a slow shutter in daylight such as in this example where the rippling water is smoothed out. This is a 15 sec exposure using a screw on type ND filter

Na Horuk · 02-10-2013, 05:45 PM

Hey, good kit there. Here are my thoughts. I always shoot raw and 8GB has been enough so far. I only take my 16GB when traveling abroad (and some other cards).
You probably won't need protective or UV filters if you have a lens hood.
You might want to buy the K-5II with the 18-135mm kit lens, because it has more reach. You can buy a 18-55 used for 50 bucks if you still feel the need for it, but I doubt you will miss it.
I'm not sure if you want to buy all those flashes at once, because if you are just getting familiar with a camera, it can become overwhelming to also play with two flashes. Instead of the flashes you can invest in a good lens, like a 55mm (great focal length for portraits), even if you buy it used (or older series)

That backpack and tripod, I know nothing about, can't help you there. Good luck

bullitt_60 · 02-10-2013, 06:25 PM

I agree that you need to find a way to get more reach. I can't really suggest anything else other than I would find somewhere else to get that memory card.

JinDesu · 02-10-2013, 06:32 PM

ND makes sense, but the UV filter is kinda pointless. Especially if you are doing landscapes, and not any sort of shooting that risks the lens.

Where are you? The Sigma 30 F1.4 was on sale recently for about $280. And please find a cheaper memory card. A 32gb Sandisk Ultra here in NYC is about $30 bucks max.

Tom S. · 02-10-2013, 08:56 PM

Originally posted by JinDesu

ND makes sense, but the UV filter is kinda pointless. Especially if you are doing landscapes, and not any sort of shooting that risks the lens.

Where are you? The Sigma 30 F1.4 was on sale recently for about $280. And please find a cheaper memory card. A 32gb Sandisk Ultra here in NYC is about $30 bucks max.

His member profile says Israel.

**lmd91343** · 02-10-2013, 10:07 PM

Don't get the 18-55. Maybe I was spoiled with the old M42 Taks or the Canon lenses, but I was unhappy with it. I was ready to toss the K10D and that lens. The Tamron 18-50/2.8 is so much better. Get that, the Sigma equivalent, or the the Pentax 16-50/4. The only lens worse is the 50-200. I am very happy with the Tamron, Pentax 50-135, Pentax 10-17, Pentax 50/1.4, Pentax 35/2.0, and a whole host of others. Check out the lens reviews here. There is one that details the Pentax 4.0, Sigma 2.8, and Tamron 2.8 ~17-~50 lenses in a shoot out. Also all the Pentax mount lenses that you might wish to buy are reviewed individually.

You'll like Pentax. I was pleasantly surprised when I came back to it.

JinDesu · 02-10-2013, 10:14 PM

Originally posted by Tom S.

His member profile says Israel.

Ah ok - he might be better buying some of the stuff here and shipping over there lol...

igorT · 02-11-2013, 06:38 AM

well it is much cheaper for me to ship from US because that kit will cost here aroud 5kUSD well... well again about hte flashes i think you are right and the memory card i will replace it with other one about the 18-135 lens i dont like telephoto lenses and i dont think you need more then 30mm on APCS for portraits maybe some times for that i can use the 18-55 any way portraits are pretty still i dont shot alot of movements ....

02-10-2013, 11:26 AM	#1
igorT New Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 8	New gear question Hey there, im pretty much noob in all the photography stuff i had canon with few lenses just the basic stuff for a few years. And i come to realization that i love photography and i decided to upgrade to a mid-range gear mostly i shoot portraits. But some times i like to go out and do abit of landscape and random shooting... so i decided to build my self a package that will include lenses and flashes and camera and all the basic stuff i need for about 3kUSD ive come to this. Pentax K-5 II Camera w/SMC DA 18-55mm WR Lens $1,139.00 Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC Autofocus Lens f/Pentax $489.00 BIIN 50 - Backpack Black $99.99 Alta+ 233AP - 63" Tripod w/PH-22 Head $129.99 52mm Protective UV Filter $29.99 for the kit lense Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens f/Pentax $479.00 77mm Neutral Density (ND) Glass Filter $99.99 for the 10-20mm 62mm Protective UV Filter $39.99 for the 30mm Sigma EF610 DG Super Flash f/Pentax DSLR Cameras $225.00 SanDisk 32GB Extreme SDHC Memory Card $249.00 i mostly shoot in raw so i need alot of memory. Vivitar Digital Slave Flash - viv-sf3000-bx x2 158$. so all of this comes around 3000USD i would like to know if u have any ideas how to improve this kit with out adding cash i would be really happy.

02-10-2013, 05:23 PM - 1 Like	#8
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	Originally posted by Tom S. A minor point, but I'm interested in why you want a ND for the 10-20. The camp is divided here on the use of filters for protection, but a ND filter reduces light, thus increasing the effective F value... The ND can help to achieve a slow shutter in daylight such as in this example where the rippling water is smoothed out. This is a 15 sec exposure using a screw on type ND filter Last edited by mikeSF; 02-10-2013 at 05:29 PM.

02-10-2013, 10:07 PM	#13
lmd91343 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,027	Don't get the 18-55! Don't get the 18-55. Maybe I was spoiled with the old M42 Taks or the Canon lenses, but I was unhappy with it. I was ready to toss the K10D and that lens. The Tamron 18-50/2.8 is so much better. Get that, the Sigma equivalent, or the the Pentax 16-50/4. The only lens worse is the 50-200. I am very happy with the Tamron, Pentax 50-135, Pentax 10-17, Pentax 50/1.4, Pentax 35/2.0, and a whole host of others. Check out the lens reviews here. There is one that details the Pentax 4.0, Sigma 2.8, and Tamron 2.8 ~17-~50 lenses in a shoot out. Also all the Pentax mount lenses that you might wish to buy are reviewed individually. You'll like Pentax. I was pleasantly surprised when I came back to it.

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02-10-2013, 11:50 AM	#2
Tom S. Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 4,317	A minor point, but I'm interested in why you want a ND for the 10-20. The camp is divided here on the use of filters for protection, but a ND filter reduces light, thus increasing the effective F value of the lens. BTW: The Sandisk card is way overpriced, IMHO. I recently bought a Transcend card 64GB SDXC Memory Card Class 10 from B&H for $55 US.

02-10-2013, 11:54 AM	#3
igorT New Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 8 Original Poster	nd filter is good for landscapes and here in Israel the sun is so hard that i have to get it but i think to go with a graduated nd from -3 in the sky to 0 on the ground

02-10-2013, 11:59 AM	#4
igorT New Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 8 Original Poster	yeah some why the card is really expensive guess i will buy the card in some local shop. so can u help me with the ND solution should i get it or no because my country really sunny i mean really.

02-10-2013, 01:36 PM	#5
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Originally posted by igorT SanDisk 32GB Extreme SDHC Memory Card $249.00 i mostly shoot in raw so i need alot of memory. WOW!!!

02-10-2013, 01:58 PM	#6
Tom S. Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 4,317	Originally posted by igorT nd filter is good for landscapes and here in Israel the sun is so hard that i have to get it but i think to go with a graduated nd from -3 in the sky to 0 on the ground That makes sense. Perhaps you might want to look at the Cokin filter system (or similar brand). You might also look into buying used as opposed to new. The same applies for the rest of the equipment you have listed. Either consider buying used, or ask a dealer like B&H if they can cut you a price break on a package deal.

02-10-2013, 02:04 PM	#7
Tom S. Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 4,317	Speaking of cards, check this out: Sale

02-10-2013, 05:45 PM	#9
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Hey, good kit there. Here are my thoughts. I always shoot raw and 8GB has been enough so far. I only take my 16GB when traveling abroad (and some other cards). You probably won't need protective or UV filters if you have a lens hood. You might want to buy the K-5II with the 18-135mm kit lens, because it has more reach. You can buy a 18-55 used for 50 bucks if you still feel the need for it, but I doubt you will miss it. I'm not sure if you want to buy all those flashes at once, because if you are just getting familiar with a camera, it can become overwhelming to also play with two flashes. Instead of the flashes you can invest in a good lens, like a 55mm (great focal length for portraits), even if you buy it used (or older series) That backpack and tripod, I know nothing about, can't help you there. Good luck

02-10-2013, 06:25 PM	#10
bullitt_60 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 320	I agree that you need to find a way to get more reach. I can't really suggest anything else other than I would find somewhere else to get that memory card.

02-10-2013, 06:32 PM	#11
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	ND makes sense, but the UV filter is kinda pointless. Especially if you are doing landscapes, and not any sort of shooting that risks the lens. Where are you? The Sigma 30 F1.4 was on sale recently for about $280. And please find a cheaper memory card. A 32gb Sandisk Ultra here in NYC is about $30 bucks max.

02-10-2013, 08:56 PM	#12
Tom S. Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 4,317	Originally posted by JinDesu ND makes sense, but the UV filter is kinda pointless. Especially if you are doing landscapes, and not any sort of shooting that risks the lens. Where are you? The Sigma 30 F1.4 was on sale recently for about $280. And please find a cheaper memory card. A 32gb Sandisk Ultra here in NYC is about $30 bucks max. His member profile says Israel.

02-10-2013, 10:14 PM	#14
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by Tom S. His member profile says Israel. Ah ok - he might be better buying some of the stuff here and shipping over there lol...

02-11-2013, 06:38 AM	#15
igorT New Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 8 Original Poster	well it is much cheaper for me to ship from US because that kit will cost here aroud 5kUSD well... well again about hte flashes i think you are right and the memory card i will replace it with other one about the 18-135 lens i dont like telephoto lenses and i dont think you need more then 30mm on APCS for portraits maybe some times for that i can use the 18-55 any way portraits are pretty still i dont shot alot of movements ....