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12-19-2014, 10:04 AM   #1
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K3 or better lens

Hey all, I just recently returned from the Mayan Riviera where we vacationed for a week. It was a fantastic trip and I can hardly wait to go back. I used my k5ii and chose my 18-135wr lens to take as I felt it would be the best walk around multi purpose lens in my kit.

I also own a da 40 ltd and a smc d FA 50 macro which I have gotten a tad bit spoiled by their sharpness. Although most of my holiday pics look pretty decent I am just a tad underwhelmed by them in comparison to the results I have been getting from my limited primes.

I have been considering a k3 upgrade for awhile but not after seeing these pics I can't help but wonder if I should maybe think about a better lense to replace my 18-135 with. Any thoughts?

12-19-2014, 10:14 AM   #2
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I had the same dilemma, and I chose to spend on lenses. I have a k5iis and to be honest the k5ii and k5iis are amazing and will probably last many years to come. If you ever decide to upgrade the body, you can use the same good quality lenses. I really don't see the reason to get a K-3 yet since something better seems to be on the horizon.
12-19-2014, 10:31 AM   #3
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You're covered in the long normal to short telephoto range, but you lack wide angle. For about the same price of a K-3 I would recommend a DA 21/3.2 and DA 35/2.4 instead.
12-19-2014, 11:26 AM   #4
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Look at purchasing a prime lens...31, 43, or 77mm...Use our great PF lens review data base to help you.
My love is the 31mm...true magic. Also consider your camera future with APC or FF.
Glass is your most important investment.
Much success.

12-19-2014, 11:44 AM   #5
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The one thing I don't get about the Limited primes is, why are they slower than some cheaper plastic primes and many, many older primes of yesteryear?
12-19-2014, 11:46 AM   #6
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I'm not sure what focal length(s) you need, but in terms of getting top IQ for your money you can't beat a used DA*50-135, or a *300 (F, FA, or DA) if you need to go that long.


FA*24 and DA15 are top choices at the wide end, as well as the Sigma 8-16 if you particularly value sharpness (Sigma is or is about to produce more in K-mount, I understand).

And don't forget the DA*55, DA70, FA77 (and FA*85) at the traditional "portrait" lengths.



Any of these will do more for you than a K-3.

Strangely enough, my advice to you is to first pick up a more reasonably priced A (or M) 100/2.8 (non-macro). Not only does it capture great images, but it will help you decide what characteristics you really value in a photo. In my case it completely changed my perspective about photography. After this experience my direction became clear, and future equipment decisions naturally followed. I knew what I was looking for, and by viewing other's photos I could determine what I did (and didn't) need.

Last edited by DSims; 12-19-2014 at 12:04 PM.
12-19-2014, 11:51 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by DavidSKAF3 Quote
The one thing I don't get about the Limited primes is, why are they slower than some cheaper plastic primes and many, many older primes of yesteryear?
Compactness and image quality. I believe they were designed to be a spiritual continuing of the M series miniature concept. By slowing down the aperture, which is not as big of a deal with modern DSLRs as it used to be, and shrinking to cover APS-C, the Limiteds enhance the compactness of Pentax DSLRs. It's a different way of thinking: build quality and compactness while maintaining seller image quality.

12-19-2014, 12:04 PM   #8
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If you didn't already have an advanced modern model with a great CMOS sensor and great AF system, then a body upgrade would be a serious consideration. But while upgrade from K-5ii to K-3 will offer some functional benefits, but I would say the lens upgrade will do more for IQ by a mile.
12-19-2014, 12:07 PM   #9
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Thanks!

I haven't gottten a Limited yet. But I'd like to join the club! I was kind of hoping I would find an abandoned one on a park bench or at some rural train station or something, but no luck so far with that! Might have to dig into my savings a little to get one! LOL
12-19-2014, 12:09 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by DavidSKAF3 Quote
I haven't gottten a Limited yet. But I'd like to join the club!
The least expensive way to join is the DA 40. I have seen it go as slow as 165USD on ebay. I used to have one, but I got rid of it to justify my FA 43.
12-19-2014, 12:24 PM   #11
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Would you sell a 50 1.8 and a 35 2.4 for the 40 Limited?
12-19-2014, 12:28 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by DavidSKAF3 Quote
Would you sell a 50 1.8 and a 35 2.4 for the 40 Limited?
No. Those two lenses are very good and make a combo greater than the sum of their parts. If you really want to get started with Limiteds, you're better off saving up for the DA 21 as it will complement your lineup better.
12-19-2014, 12:57 PM   #13
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Thanks. Sounds good. I shoot a lot of trains and planes (who knows why) so I don't know if the 21 would fit that task, but I also like landscapes as I live in an area of farms and rolling hills Maybe a 21mm for that task! The 300mm is the longest limited, right?
12-19-2014, 01:06 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by DavidSKAF3 Quote
The 300mm is the longest limited, right?
The longest Limited is the SMC Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited. You may be thinking of the longest DA* lens, the SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM.
12-19-2014, 01:11 PM   #15
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Yes I really want the IQ of my airplane pictures to be able to compete with this Canon FF guy I know. If it's possible!
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