Out of the loop for a while, need new camera. Catch me up.

bigdavephoto · 03-27-2016, 04:08 PM

K3 and Sigma 10-20 or any of the ultra wide lenses I think would be your best bet for wide open spaces.

There are a couple of Sigma's for sale on the forum right now too.

Driline · 03-27-2016, 04:49 PM

I just picked up a Sigma 10-20 off the marketplace forum here for just $210! And that was list price! There are great bargains out there to be had.

Morbo · 03-27-2016, 05:11 PM

So is there any way to find a silver K3II besides from the ricoh site?

normhead · 03-27-2016, 05:21 PM

Did we ever get a budget?

Kozlok · 03-27-2016, 06:19 PM

Morbo, why do you want a grip? The consumer cameras (KS2) are quite wonderful. Two batteries lasts a hard day of shooting. If you're not moving at the pace of a professional (wedding) photographer, you have plenty of time to change batteries. I got cheap ones from Amazon, and I've never had to dip in to my third battery.

The KS2 has wifi support, so you can upload images to your phone, and it has a flippy screen, which I frequently use for low-perspective shots. I bought it over the K3 as a mater of preference. If you think you might need a magnesium body, though, the K3 is the way to go. I haven't bumped or scraped my KS2 yet, and I try to carry it everywhere with me.

As to your lens dilemma, the Sigma 10-20 is a fine choice, but I'd really rather have the DA15mm Limited. Smaller, lighter, amazing. Look here for samples:
Mind Control

**Des** · 03-27-2016, 06:36 PM

Originally posted by Morbo

I'm looking to get a good quality wide angle to replace the stock 18-55

Quality: DA 12-24 or DA 15 Limited.
The bargain buys are the Sigma 10-20 or the DA 10-17 Fisheye (which can be de-fished, and is not very fishy at the longer end).

Originally posted by Morbo

along with a cheapo 70-300 macro

Whichever body you go for, it deserves a decent tele. 55-300 now comes with new coatings and WR, and it's still a great value lightweight option. Next step up is the DA*60-250 - double the weight, more than double the price, but those who have it, love it.

**jrpower10** · 03-27-2016, 06:37 PM

Depending on how wide you want to go:

DA 16-85
DA12-24
You can also pick up a 2nd-hand DA* 16-50 for less than the 16-85 new. The 12-24 isn't weather-sealed but the other two are.

Morbo · 03-27-2016, 07:14 PM

Originally posted by normhead

Did we ever get a budget?

I don't really have a budget, I was expecting to pay over $1000 for the body but the K3 2 is surprisingly affordable. Will put that extra cash toward a lens a light travel tripod and a carrying case.
Side note: now taking suggestions for light travel tripods.

Originally posted by Kozlok

Morbo, why do you want a grip? The consumer cameras (KS2) are quite wonderful. Two batteries lasts a hard day of shooting. If you're not moving at the pace of a professional (wedding) photographer, you have plenty of time to change batteries. I got cheap ones from Amazon, and I've never had to dip in to my third battery.

The KS2 has wifi support, so you can upload images to your phone, and it has a flippy screen, which I frequently use for low-perspective shots. I bought it over the K3 as a mater of preference. If you think you might need a magnesium body, though, the K3 is the way to go. I haven't bumped or scraped my KS2 yet, and I try to carry it everywhere with me.

As to your lens dilemma, the Sigma 10-20 is a fine choice, but I'd really rather have the DA15mm Limited. Smaller, lighter, amazing. Look here for samples:
Mind Control

I want the grip because I take pics in portrait orientation often. Also because reasons.

I actually didn't know the silver was a different material? What's the difference?

---------- Post added 03-27-2016 at 09:16 PM ----------

Also thanks everyone for jumping in and getting me back up to speed. I missed it.

swanlefitte · 03-27-2016, 11:17 PM

Haha yes even the k-s1 was $800 a few years ago. Camera as tech have become cheaper in 10 years. Yet subjects of pictures have stayed the same where as the subject of other tech, games, virtual reality, etc has expanded.
I expect camera tech will soon be 3d, hologram or much more.

normhead · 03-28-2016, 06:06 AM

I use a SIrui T-005, but they are really fiddly. For me, the light weight and small size means I just fiddle sometimes. And it's discontinued. Sir does make similar models though.

**Des** · 03-28-2016, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by jrpower10

You can also pick up a 2nd-hand DA* 16-50 for less than the 16-85 new.

One reason the 16-50 is cheap second-hand is that there are numerous reports of failure of the SDM autofocus mechanism on this lens (and several others, such as the 17-70 and 50-135) - and it's an expensive repair if the lens is out of warranty. OTOH, if the SDM does fail, the lens can beconverted to screw-drive AF; there is a member here who provides this service for a very cheap price.

Auzzie-Phoenix · 03-28-2016, 06:59 PM

If you don't mind manual focus in wide angle lenses, you can get a 10mm or 14mm samyang/bower/rokinon/etc...

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03-27-2016, 04:08 PM	#16
bigdavephoto Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: East central Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 893	K3 and Sigma 10-20 or any of the ultra wide lenses I think would be your best bet for wide open spaces. There are a couple of Sigma's for sale on the forum right now too.

03-27-2016, 04:49 PM	#17
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	I just picked up a Sigma 10-20 off the marketplace forum here for just $210! And that was list price! There are great bargains out there to be had.

03-27-2016, 05:11 PM	#18
Morbo Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: HOUSTON Posts: 797 Original Poster	So is there any way to find a silver K3II besides from the ricoh site?

03-27-2016, 05:21 PM	#19
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Did we ever get a budget?

03-27-2016, 06:19 PM	#20
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	Morbo, why do you want a grip? The consumer cameras (KS2) are quite wonderful. Two batteries lasts a hard day of shooting. If you're not moving at the pace of a professional (wedding) photographer, you have plenty of time to change batteries. I got cheap ones from Amazon, and I've never had to dip in to my third battery. The KS2 has wifi support, so you can upload images to your phone, and it has a flippy screen, which I frequently use for low-perspective shots. I bought it over the K3 as a mater of preference. If you think you might need a magnesium body, though, the K3 is the way to go. I haven't bumped or scraped my KS2 yet, and I try to carry it everywhere with me. As to your lens dilemma, the Sigma 10-20 is a fine choice, but I'd really rather have the DA15mm Limited. Smaller, lighter, amazing. Look here for samples: Mind Control

03-27-2016, 06:36 PM	#21
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by Morbo I'm looking to get a good quality wide angle to replace the stock 18-55 Quality: DA 12-24 or DA 15 Limited. The bargain buys are the Sigma 10-20 or the DA 10-17 Fisheye (which can be de-fished, and is not very fishy at the longer end). Originally posted by Morbo along with a cheapo 70-300 macro Whichever body you go for, it deserves a decent tele. 55-300 now comes with new coatings and WR, and it's still a great value lightweight option. Next step up is the DA*60-250 - double the weight, more than double the price, but those who have it, love it.

03-27-2016, 06:37 PM	#22
jrpower10 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935	Depending on how wide you want to go: DA 16-85 DA12-24 You can also pick up a 2nd-hand DA* 16-50 for less than the 16-85 new. The 12-24 isn't weather-sealed but the other two are.

03-27-2016, 07:14 PM	#23
Morbo Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: HOUSTON Posts: 797 Original Poster	Originally posted by normhead Did we ever get a budget? I don't really have a budget, I was expecting to pay over $1000 for the body but the K3 2 is surprisingly affordable. Will put that extra cash toward a lens a light travel tripod and a carrying case. Side note: now taking suggestions for light travel tripods. Originally posted by Kozlok Morbo, why do you want a grip? The consumer cameras (KS2) are quite wonderful. Two batteries lasts a hard day of shooting. If you're not moving at the pace of a professional (wedding) photographer, you have plenty of time to change batteries. I got cheap ones from Amazon, and I've never had to dip in to my third battery. The KS2 has wifi support, so you can upload images to your phone, and it has a flippy screen, which I frequently use for low-perspective shots. I bought it over the K3 as a mater of preference. If you think you might need a magnesium body, though, the K3 is the way to go. I haven't bumped or scraped my KS2 yet, and I try to carry it everywhere with me. As to your lens dilemma, the Sigma 10-20 is a fine choice, but I'd really rather have the DA15mm Limited. Smaller, lighter, amazing. Look here for samples: Mind Control I want the grip because I take pics in portrait orientation often. Also because reasons. I actually didn't know the silver was a different material? What's the difference? ---------- Post added 03-27-2016 at 09:16 PM ---------- Also thanks everyone for jumping in and getting me back up to speed. I missed it.

03-27-2016, 11:17 PM	#24
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	Haha yes even the k-s1 was $800 a few years ago. Camera as tech have become cheaper in 10 years. Yet subjects of pictures have stayed the same where as the subject of other tech, games, virtual reality, etc has expanded. I expect camera tech will soon be 3d, hologram or much more.

03-28-2016, 06:06 AM	#25
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I use a SIrui T-005, but they are really fiddly. For me, the light weight and small size means I just fiddle sometimes. And it's discontinued. Sir does make similar models though.

03-28-2016, 02:46 PM	#26
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by jrpower10 You can also pick up a 2nd-hand DA* 16-50 for less than the 16-85 new. One reason the 16-50 is cheap second-hand is that there are numerous reports of failure of the SDM autofocus mechanism on this lens (and several others, such as the 17-70 and 50-135) - and it's an expensive repair if the lens is out of warranty. OTOH, if the SDM does fail, the lens can beconverted to screw-drive AF; there is a member here who provides this service for a very cheap price.

03-28-2016, 06:59 PM	#27
Auzzie-Phoenix Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,020	If you don't mind manual focus in wide angle lenses, you can get a 10mm or 14mm samyang/bower/rokinon/etc...