Used body or new lens

Pentax_SLO · 12-04-2014, 06:22 AM

Hello all, I'm new here.

I have the K100D just with the kit 18-55 and flash

Someone I know has the K20D as a spare body and he can give it to me for free without any lenses. And I have some spare money and was going to buy an used K5 with the kit lens.

Now my question is should I take the K20D and spent the money on a good standard zoom lens or get the K5 used?

I only shoot family photos and some landscape/nature.

redcat · 12-04-2014, 06:45 AM

you already have the kit 18-55, use it on the k20d, it's already a not bad combo for family photos

for the spare money, maybe you can get the DA 15mm, it's superb for landscape/nature AND family shot

Flugelbinder · 12-04-2014, 07:00 AM

Originally posted by Pentax_SLO

...spent the money on a good standard zoom...

...I only shoot family photos and some landscape/nature...

You can find great deals on a good 18-50/2.8. I hear they're pretty good, and not very expensive, in the used market, and you have a healthy enough budget for it.
Would be more versatile for your kind of shooting. I'm sure the lens will perform fantastically when stopped down and on a tripod (landscape work), and you have the versatility of a fast - f/2.8 - zoom wide enough to allow your indoor shooting to be a better experience.

Kind regards.

Paul

**TER-OR** · 12-04-2014, 07:02 AM

The K5 will give you much better lower light performance and autofocus for sure. The K20 is a classic camera, I'd take it whether you pursue a K5 or not. If you do get the K5 you can always install a split-focus screen in the K20 for better manual lens use.

Keep an eye on the used market here for lenses. A 16-45 is a great choice instead of the 18-55, and is not expensive. Then you can look for other lenses as you have time and interest.

That's what I'd do.

Flugelbinder · 12-04-2014, 07:05 AM

Originally posted by TER-OR

...A 16-45 is a great choice instead of the 18-55, and is not expensive...

Good to know that...

tvdtvdtvd · 12-04-2014, 07:08 AM

The K20D is a good body, but the K-5 will be a noticeable leap beyond that. I say:

Get the K20D and the K-5. Sell the K100 + kit lens. Use money to buy a couple cheap old primes.
You could easily pick up a fast 50 and a 135 for less than $100. Then start saving for a modern
AF lens.

Na Horuk · 12-04-2014, 08:10 AM

If those cameras work for you, then no need to upgrade. Upgrade if you feel like they are limiting you. The K-50 and K-5 can be found for really low prices now, and it offers a great sensor with many modern features. Don't bother buying another 18-55mm lens. I would instead recommend the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 (for Pentax, K-mount), it will give you much better optical quality than the kit lens, and at a fair price.

Pentax_SLO · 12-04-2014, 08:17 AM

I don't need two bodys and the K100D is hard to sell here there is no market for it.

I had time to play with the K20D an really like the ergonomics and button layout.

ChristianRock · 12-04-2014, 08:34 AM

Get the K20D. See how you like it. I love mine. I also got a K-r for 2 reasons: 1. The wife didn't want to give me back my K20D, and 2. I wanted to check out the Sony sensor.
Result: I like the K20D better, great colors and I don't need high ISO. High ISO is the only real advantage of the Sony sensor, to me, the newer sensors in the K-3 and K-S1 excepted because they do look a lot better than the ones in the K-x/K-r/K-5/K-30/K-50. Not that these older Sony sensors aren't good - they've very good. I just like the K20D color output a bit better (and I still see that color output in the Samsung NX line).

People suggested the DA 15 (they always do, it's like they're mind controlled or something) but I don't think it's a great people lens - though a fantastic landscape lens. The DA 21 would be a better fit for both landscapes and people shots. The older SMC version can be had used for 300-400. If that is too much, there is always the 16-45, as also mentioned already

GibbyTheMole · 12-04-2014, 08:41 AM

I'd go for the K-5. The K100D is a great camera, but the K-5 is a HUGE step up. I'd slap a cheap zoom on the K100D & put it either here on the forum or on Craigslist. Personally, I've gotten better prices from the cameras that I've sold on Craigslist, just because it's local and a lot of people prefer to buy in person. Plus, there's not a glut of good camera gear on CL in my area. You could probably get $150 for the K100D & 18-55 on CL.

**TER-OR** · 12-04-2014, 08:48 AM

Originally posted by GibbyTheMole

I'd go for the K-5. The K100D is a great camera, but the K-5 is a HUGE step up. I'd slap a cheap zoom on the K100D & put it either here on the forum or on Craigslist. Personally, I've gotten better prices from the cameras that I've sold on Craigslist, just because it's local and a lot of people prefer to buy in person. Plus, there's not a glut of good camera gear on CL in my area. You could probably get $150 for the K100D & 18-55 on CL.

$150 seems fair for that. A student would snap that up.

I went from K10 to K5 and the difference really is remarkable. In full light conditions the K10 was really nice, with rich images but the K5 has a much wider performance envelope.

ChristianRock · 12-04-2014, 09:00 AM

Well, it's your choice... but a K-5 with kit lens won't, in my opinion, beat a K20D with a DA 21 Limited... or even a Tamron 17-50 2.8.

So if it's either camera or lens, I'd go with lens and the free K20D, for sure... but as I said - your choice

ZoeB · 12-04-2014, 09:17 AM - **1 Like**

as long as you're comfortable with the body, stick with it. You only really need to change when it's gotten to a point where things stop working/is actually preventing you from getting the photos that you want. Having a few solid, fast lenses will take you farther than a larger body with just a kit lens.

narual · 12-04-2014, 09:30 AM

Or you could send out the K100 to be IR converted Pentax Infrared Conversion Service | Kolari Vision Infrared.

Of course, if it doesn't have live view, it would be very frustrating to use, I suppose.

Flugelbinder · 12-04-2014, 09:31 AM

Originally posted by ZoeB

as long as you're comfortable with the body, stick with it. You only really need to change when it's gotten to a point where things stop working/is actually preventing you from getting the photos that you want. Having a few solid, fast lenses will take you farther than a larger body with just a kit lens.

Yes. This is excellent advice.

12-04-2014, 06:22 AM	#1
Pentax_SLO New Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 21	Used body or new lens Hello all, I'm new here. I have the K100D just with the kit 18-55 and flash Someone I know has the K20D as a spare body and he can give it to me for free without any lenses. And I have some spare money and was going to buy an used K5 with the kit lens. Now my question is should I take the K20D and spent the money on a good standard zoom lens or get the K5 used? I only shoot family photos and some landscape/nature.

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12-04-2014, 06:45 AM	#2
redcat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,939	you already have the kit 18-55, use it on the k20d, it's already a not bad combo for family photos for the spare money, maybe you can get the DA 15mm, it's superb for landscape/nature AND family shot

12-04-2014, 07:00 AM	#3
Flugelbinder Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Toronto - missing the ocean Posts: 466	Originally posted by Pentax_SLO ...spent the money on a good standard zoom... ...I only shoot family photos and some landscape/nature... You can find great deals on a good 18-50/2.8. I hear they're pretty good, and not very expensive, in the used market, and you have a healthy enough budget for it. Would be more versatile for your kind of shooting. I'm sure the lens will perform fantastically when stopped down and on a tripod (landscape work), and you have the versatility of a fast - f/2.8 - zoom wide enough to allow your indoor shooting to be a better experience. Kind regards. Paul

12-04-2014, 07:02 AM	#4
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	The K5 will give you much better lower light performance and autofocus for sure. The K20 is a classic camera, I'd take it whether you pursue a K5 or not. If you do get the K5 you can always install a split-focus screen in the K20 for better manual lens use. Keep an eye on the used market here for lenses. A 16-45 is a great choice instead of the 18-55, and is not expensive. Then you can look for other lenses as you have time and interest. That's what I'd do.

12-04-2014, 07:05 AM	#5
Flugelbinder Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Toronto - missing the ocean Posts: 466	Originally posted by TER-OR ...A 16-45 is a great choice instead of the 18-55, and is not expensive... Good to know that...

12-04-2014, 07:08 AM	#6
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	The K20D is a good body, but the K-5 will be a noticeable leap beyond that. I say: Get the K20D and the K-5. Sell the K100 + kit lens. Use money to buy a couple cheap old primes. You could easily pick up a fast 50 and a 135 for less than $100. Then start saving for a modern AF lens.

12-04-2014, 08:10 AM	#7
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	If those cameras work for you, then no need to upgrade. Upgrade if you feel like they are limiting you. The K-50 and K-5 can be found for really low prices now, and it offers a great sensor with many modern features. Don't bother buying another 18-55mm lens. I would instead recommend the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 (for Pentax, K-mount), it will give you much better optical quality than the kit lens, and at a fair price.

12-04-2014, 08:17 AM	#8
Pentax_SLO New Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 21 Original Poster	I don't need two bodys and the K100D is hard to sell here there is no market for it. I had time to play with the K20D an really like the ergonomics and button layout.

12-04-2014, 08:34 AM	#9
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Get the K20D. See how you like it. I love mine. I also got a K-r for 2 reasons: 1. The wife didn't want to give me back my K20D, and 2. I wanted to check out the Sony sensor. Result: I like the K20D better, great colors and I don't need high ISO. High ISO is the only real advantage of the Sony sensor, to me, the newer sensors in the K-3 and K-S1 excepted because they do look a lot better than the ones in the K-x/K-r/K-5/K-30/K-50. Not that these older Sony sensors aren't good - they've very good. I just like the K20D color output a bit better (and I still see that color output in the Samsung NX line). People suggested the DA 15 (they always do, it's like they're mind controlled or something) but I don't think it's a great people lens - though a fantastic landscape lens. The DA 21 would be a better fit for both landscapes and people shots. The older SMC version can be had used for 300-400. If that is too much, there is always the 16-45, as also mentioned already

12-04-2014, 08:41 AM	#10
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275	I'd go for the K-5. The K100D is a great camera, but the K-5 is a HUGE step up. I'd slap a cheap zoom on the K100D & put it either here on the forum or on Craigslist. Personally, I've gotten better prices from the cameras that I've sold on Craigslist, just because it's local and a lot of people prefer to buy in person. Plus, there's not a glut of good camera gear on CL in my area. You could probably get $150 for the K100D & 18-55 on CL.

12-04-2014, 08:48 AM	#11
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Originally posted by GibbyTheMole I'd go for the K-5. The K100D is a great camera, but the K-5 is a HUGE step up. I'd slap a cheap zoom on the K100D & put it either here on the forum or on Craigslist. Personally, I've gotten better prices from the cameras that I've sold on Craigslist, just because it's local and a lot of people prefer to buy in person. Plus, there's not a glut of good camera gear on CL in my area. You could probably get $150 for the K100D & 18-55 on CL. $150 seems fair for that. A student would snap that up. I went from K10 to K5 and the difference really is remarkable. In full light conditions the K10 was really nice, with rich images but the K5 has a much wider performance envelope.

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12-04-2014, 09:00 AM	#12
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Well, it's your choice... but a K-5 with kit lens won't, in my opinion, beat a K20D with a DA 21 Limited... or even a Tamron 17-50 2.8. So if it's either camera or lens, I'd go with lens and the free K20D, for sure... but as I said - your choice

12-04-2014, 09:17 AM - 1 Like	#13
ZoeB Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Tromsø, Norway Posts: 886	as long as you're comfortable with the body, stick with it. You only really need to change when it's gotten to a point where things stop working/is actually preventing you from getting the photos that you want. Having a few solid, fast lenses will take you farther than a larger body with just a kit lens.

12-04-2014, 09:30 AM	#14
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Or you could send out the K100 to be IR converted Pentax Infrared Conversion Service \| Kolari Vision Infrared. Of course, if it doesn't have live view, it would be very frustrating to use, I suppose.

12-04-2014, 09:31 AM	#15
Flugelbinder Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Toronto - missing the ocean Posts: 466	Originally posted by ZoeB as long as you're comfortable with the body, stick with it. You only really need to change when it's gotten to a point where things stop working/is actually preventing you from getting the photos that you want. Having a few solid, fast lenses will take you farther than a larger body with just a kit lens. Yes. This is excellent advice.