New to Pentax

Rastadori · 06-10-2016, 03:31 PM

Hey everyone. So I had made a thread on Dpreview but I haven't seemed to get any response in regards to my question. Maybe the pentax community can give me a better answer as to what I should do.

So I'm coming from Canon 70d. My goal is to switch to Pentax because I do believe they offer best bang for your buck. I was looking at the K3-ii, but after reading a few things on paper about the K-70, that looks like an interesting camera as well. My budget is 1100 USD(could probably push it a bit higher down the road). I shoot a lot of portraits (proms, grads, models) and as well as landscape. I heard nothing but great reviews on the Pentax 55mm f1.4 so I was thinking of getting that but then that would go over my budget if I go with the K3-II. In this case, what do you guys recommend I do? Wait for the K70 and get that and get a better lens. Or Just get the k3-ii and buy the cheaper 50mm f1.8? Thanks.

p.s what lenses you recommend for landscape as well?

Thank you for the help.

Adam · 06-10-2016, 03:47 PM

I would still look at the K-3 II as a higher model compared to the K-70. The former is analogous to the Canon 7D/7D II, whereas the K-70 is similar in spirit to your 70d. With the K-3 II you get things such as better build quality, better ergonomics (i.e. more dedicated buttons), faster burst shooting, quieter shutter (this is a big one), more shutter durability, silent dust removal, more AF points, and a larger buffer. The K-70, on the other hand, is a newer model and thus has the latest software features, but most of these are only pertinent to JPEG shooters. The key new addition to the K-70 is continuous/PDAF video focusing.

If you're serious about portraits I wouldn't stop short of the DA* 55mm, though from an image quality perspective the DA 50mm comes close and as such is a fantastic value. The main issue with the 50mm is the focusing noise, which could be a turn-off in your case.

Rastadori · 06-10-2016, 04:24 PM

Thanks for the reply. Alright so it seems the K-3 II is the way to go. I will try to push my budget a bit higher to make it possible to get the 55mm Just because portraits have been something I've been doing a lot lately.

twuynh · 06-10-2016, 04:51 PM

K3 + 55mm 1.4 seems about right for your budget.
K3ii is newer for sure, but I don't think it that much better than K3
check out the forum market for some barely used K3.

**pepperberry farm** · 06-10-2016, 04:57 PM

or a new K-3 (I like the warranty with a new one), still available from B&H....

Na Horuk · 06-10-2016, 05:03 PM

You can compare cameras here: Pentax K-3 II vs. Pentax K-3 vs. Pentax K-5 IIs - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com
There are few differences between K-3 and K-3II, so decide how much they are worth to you.
DA* 55mm is definitely a great lens, but it is not exactly affordable. You might want to look at some other 50mm, like FA 50mm f1.4 or Sigma 50mm f1.4. Yes, these might not be quite on the same level as the DA* 55mm, but maybe they are good enough. Maybe even DA 50mm f1.8 - super affordable, and decent optics. Its not a * lens, but its a good 50mm to start

For landscapes, you can get affordable glass with Samyang 16mm f2. Fast lens, really wide, but not awkwardly wide. And DA 35mm f2.4. This gives you a nice kit of wide angle to normal primes. Sharp, fast aperture.

Rastadori · 06-10-2016, 05:28 PM

Thank you all for your kind help. In regards to the K3 vs the K3ii the only thing that I see that I like is the pixel shifting. It seems it would play a great role in landscape shooting but at the same time I don't think its something to consider with the big 200-300 price difference.

**brightseal** · 06-10-2016, 05:35 PM

Originally posted by Rastadori

I shoot a lot of portraits

I'm just a novice but for what it's worth I take these everywhere I go and cheaper than the Pentax 55 when I say amazing I mean A MAZE ING portraits!

Pentax Normal smc P-D FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro Autofocus Lens 21530
Pentax HD Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Lens (Silver) 21460
Pentax smc Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 WR Macro Lens 21910 B&H Photo

reh321 · 06-10-2016, 05:37 PM

Originally posted by Rastadori

Thank you all for your kind help. In regards to the K3 vs the K3ii the only thing that I see that I like is the pixel shifting. It seems it would play a great role in landscape shooting but at the same time I don't think its something to consider with the big 200-300 price difference.

I don't know how much you have been reading here other than this thread, but one thing people have been stressing out over is the announcement of a new lens that looks a lot like what Canon has been doing for some time now. Right now the news is that this "KAF4" mount lens will work on the K-70 and the K-3ii, but not on the K-3.We don't know how this truth might change or how it might affect relative pricing over the summer.

**brightseal** · 06-10-2016, 05:45 PM

Originally posted by Rastadori

K3 vs the K3ii

Buy this : Used Pentax Normal smc P-D FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro Autofocus 21530

$250 MINT! And get the K3II

Rastadori · 06-10-2016, 06:53 PM

Thanks for the replies. I actually did not know. I'm still new to the system so i've been doing research before I buy into a specific pentax. with that said, I may have to do research on the K3 and K3ii in terms of mounts

Oh i didnt know about that lense. Will do research on it. Thank you!

C_Jones · 06-10-2016, 08:58 PM

I have the K-3II. If you want the most advanced features and performance of all of the Pentax aps-c cameras, it is the one that will give it to you. The K-3II has a K mount and is an aps-c camera, those are the specs you will want to look for when considering lenses (Pentax or other).

Paul the Sunman · 06-10-2016, 10:40 PM

No built in flash on the K3II, if that's an issue. The K3 has one. Good for triggering off-camera P-TTL flash for portraits, if that's something you do.

Gray · 06-10-2016, 11:47 PM

Originally posted by Rastadori

Hey everyone.

Hi Rastadori

Welcome to the Pentax community! I hope you'll find yourself at home here.

The DA* 55/1.4 is a very good portrait lens, as is the FA 77/1.8. Have a look at the sample images here on Pentaxforums

DA* 55/1.4
FA 77/1.8
DA 50/1.8
DA 70/2.4

Personally, I use the FA 77 for head shots and the FA 43 for half body shots.

For landscapes I use the Sigma 8-16, FA 20-35, Tamron 28-75 and DA* 60-250.
But I would recommend you look at the new DA 16-85. It's weather sealed and so will complement either the K-70 or K-3II nicely.
Greg Nyquist is a landscape photographer who has reviewed the DA 16-85.

Also, why not poke around the Lens Sample Archive and use the images there to help you choose?

sarge · 06-11-2016, 03:11 AM

I have the K-3II and love it. It does have a max shutter speed of 1/8000 vs. the K-70's 1/6000 which is a benefit shooting the 1.4 or 1.8 lenses wide open during the day. If you were to get the 55 or the 77 this would be important unless you want to shoot with ND filters.
The K-3 and K-3II have ability to add a battery grip that gives you controls for vertical orientation. The K-70 does not.

06-10-2016, 03:31 PM	#1
Rastadori New Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 14	New to Pentax Hey everyone. So I had made a thread on Dpreview but I haven't seemed to get any response in regards to my question. Maybe the pentax community can give me a better answer as to what I should do. So I'm coming from Canon 70d. My goal is to switch to Pentax because I do believe they offer best bang for your buck. I was looking at the K3-ii, but after reading a few things on paper about the K-70, that looks like an interesting camera as well. My budget is 1100 USD(could probably push it a bit higher down the road). I shoot a lot of portraits (proms, grads, models) and as well as landscape. I heard nothing but great reviews on the Pentax 55mm f1.4 so I was thinking of getting that but then that would go over my budget if I go with the K3-II. In this case, what do you guys recommend I do? Wait for the K70 and get that and get a better lens. Or Just get the k3-ii and buy the cheaper 50mm f1.8? Thanks. p.s what lenses you recommend for landscape as well? Thank you for the help.

06-10-2016, 03:47 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	I would still look at the K-3 II as a higher model compared to the K-70. The former is analogous to the Canon 7D/7D II, whereas the K-70 is similar in spirit to your 70d. With the K-3 II you get things such as better build quality, better ergonomics (i.e. more dedicated buttons), faster burst shooting, quieter shutter (this is a big one), more shutter durability, silent dust removal, more AF points, and a larger buffer. The K-70, on the other hand, is a newer model and thus has the latest software features, but most of these are only pertinent to JPEG shooters. The key new addition to the K-70 is continuous/PDAF video focusing. If you're serious about portraits I wouldn't stop short of the DA* 55mm, though from an image quality perspective the DA 50mm comes close and as such is a fantastic value. The main issue with the 50mm is the focusing noise, which could be a turn-off in your case. 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:

06-10-2016, 11:47 PM	#14
Gray Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Cape Town Photos: Gallery Posts: 536	Originally posted by Rastadori Hey everyone. Hi Rastadori Welcome to the Pentax community! I hope you'll find yourself at home here. The DA* 55/1.4 is a very good portrait lens, as is the FA 77/1.8. Have a look at the sample images here on Pentaxforums DA* 55/1.4 FA 77/1.8 DA 50/1.8 DA 70/2.4 Personally, I use the FA 77 for head shots and the FA 43 for half body shots. For landscapes I use the Sigma 8-16, FA 20-35, Tamron 28-75 and DA* 60-250. But I would recommend you look at the new DA 16-85. It's weather sealed and so will complement either the K-70 or K-3II nicely. Greg Nyquist is a landscape photographer who has reviewed the DA 16-85. Also, why not poke around the Lens Sample Archive and use the images there to help you choose? Last edited by Gray; 06-11-2016 at 12:05 AM.

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06-10-2016, 04:24 PM	#3
Rastadori New Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 14 Original Poster	Thanks for the reply. Alright so it seems the K-3 II is the way to go. I will try to push my budget a bit higher to make it possible to get the 55mm Just because portraits have been something I've been doing a lot lately.

06-10-2016, 04:51 PM	#4
twuynh Forum Member Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 59	K3 + 55mm 1.4 seems about right for your budget. K3ii is newer for sure, but I don't think it that much better than K3 check out the forum market for some barely used K3.

06-10-2016, 04:57 PM	#5
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,678	or a new K-3 (I like the warranty with a new one), still available from B&H....

06-10-2016, 05:03 PM	#6
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	You can compare cameras here: Pentax K-3 II vs. Pentax K-3 vs. Pentax K-5 IIs - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com There are few differences between K-3 and K-3II, so decide how much they are worth to you. DA* 55mm is definitely a great lens, but it is not exactly affordable. You might want to look at some other 50mm, like FA 50mm f1.4 or Sigma 50mm f1.4. Yes, these might not be quite on the same level as the DA* 55mm, but maybe they are good enough. Maybe even DA 50mm f1.8 - super affordable, and decent optics. Its not a * lens, but its a good 50mm to start For landscapes, you can get affordable glass with Samyang 16mm f2. Fast lens, really wide, but not awkwardly wide. And DA 35mm f2.4. This gives you a nice kit of wide angle to normal primes. Sharp, fast aperture.

06-10-2016, 05:28 PM	#7
Rastadori New Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 14 Original Poster	Thank you all for your kind help. In regards to the K3 vs the K3ii the only thing that I see that I like is the pixel shifting. It seems it would play a great role in landscape shooting but at the same time I don't think its something to consider with the big 200-300 price difference.

06-10-2016, 05:35 PM	#8
brightseal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 629	Originally posted by Rastadori I shoot a lot of portraits I'm just a novice but for what it's worth I take these everywhere I go and cheaper than the Pentax 55 when I say amazing I mean A MAZE ING portraits! Pentax Normal smc P-D FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro Autofocus Lens 21530 Pentax HD Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited Lens (Silver) 21460 Pentax smc Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 WR Macro Lens 21910 B&H Photo

06-10-2016, 05:37 PM	#9
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,180	Originally posted by Rastadori Thank you all for your kind help. In regards to the K3 vs the K3ii the only thing that I see that I like is the pixel shifting. It seems it would play a great role in landscape shooting but at the same time I don't think its something to consider with the big 200-300 price difference. I don't know how much you have been reading here other than this thread, but one thing people have been stressing out over is the announcement of a new lens that looks a lot like what Canon has been doing for some time now. Right now the news is that this "KAF4" mount lens will work on the K-70 and the K-3ii, but not on the K-3.We don't know how this truth might change or how it might affect relative pricing over the summer.

06-10-2016, 05:45 PM	#10
brightseal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 629	Originally posted by Rastadori K3 vs the K3ii Buy this : Used Pentax Normal smc P-D FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro Autofocus 21530 $250 MINT! And get the K3II

06-10-2016, 06:53 PM	#11
Rastadori New Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 14 Original Poster	Thanks for the replies. I actually did not know. I'm still new to the system so i've been doing research before I buy into a specific pentax. with that said, I may have to do research on the K3 and K3ii in terms of mounts Oh i didnt know about that lense. Will do research on it. Thank you!

06-10-2016, 08:58 PM	#12
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	I have the K-3II. If you want the most advanced features and performance of all of the Pentax aps-c cameras, it is the one that will give it to you. The K-3II has a K mount and is an aps-c camera, those are the specs you will want to look for when considering lenses (Pentax or other).

06-10-2016, 10:40 PM	#13
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	No built in flash on the K3II, if that's an issue. The K3 has one. Good for triggering off-camera P-TTL flash for portraits, if that's something you do.

06-11-2016, 03:11 AM	#15
sarge Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Illinois Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 460	I have the K-3II and love it. It does have a max shutter speed of 1/8000 vs. the K-70's 1/6000 which is a benefit shooting the 1.4 or 1.8 lenses wide open during the day. If you were to get the 55 or the 77 this would be important unless you want to shoot with ND filters. The K-3 and K-3II have ability to add a battery grip that gives you controls for vertical orientation. The K-70 does not.