What do you think is the best Pentax ???

Gold Coast · 06-10-2016, 06:07 PM

I was thinking of getting a K-1 BUT I do not know if this is going to work for wildlife and birding and some sports and air shows. I think I need at least 7 to 10 frames per second to accomplish this The K-1 does not have fast enough frame rate. What is the next best APSC Pentax for the kind of photography I want to do? I want a good camera and getting lenses to do the job. I have had Canon and Nikon and want to try Pentax as some of my friends have them and swear by them. All help is appreciated greatly. I started a thread in the K-1 section and looking over the specs I do not think this is the camera I need. Thanks again Bill

Adam · 06-10-2016, 06:12 PM

Originally posted by Gold Coast

I was thinking of getting a K-1 BUT I do not know if this is going to work for wildlife and birding and some sports and air shows. I think I need at least 7 to 10 frames per second to accomplish this The K-1 does not have fast enough frame rate. What is the next best APSC Pentax for the kind of photography I want to do? I want a good camera and getting lenses to do the job. I have had Canon and Nikon and want to try Pentax as some of my friends have them and swear by them. All help is appreciated greatly. I started a thread in the K-1 section and looking over the specs I do not think this is the camera I need. Thanks again Bill

The K-3 has a faster burst framerate (8.3 FPS), but in crop mode the K-1 can do 6.5 FPS and has a larger buffer in both JPEG and RAW, so it might still be right tool for the job given its improved AF (i.e. a similar effective framerate with AF-C on).

Ultimately, though, your best bet will probably be whatever crop body replaces the K-3.

Unregistered User 8 · 06-10-2016, 06:17 PM

The K-3 II has 8 fps and 24.35 " megapixies," and an expected firmware update will allow it to use the new type of lens the Ricoh/Pentax boffins have developed.

EDIT - Adam types faster than me !!!

bertwert · 06-10-2016, 06:17 PM

I think probably the K-3ii.
Pair that with a DA* 300/4 and the HD 1.4x RC and you have a killer WR set-up.

Pentax K-3 II - Pentax K-mount DSLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications
SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter Reviews - DA Teleconverters - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

That would set you back around $2300 new and is a very good kit.

Gold Coast · 06-10-2016, 06:19 PM

Adam; Thanks for the reply. You mentioned what ever crop camera replaces the K-3. Is this camera being replaced and if so when or is it already out? That's one camera I was looking at. Thanks bill

bertwert · 06-10-2016, 06:21 PM

Originally posted by Gold Coast

Adam; Thanks for the reply. You mentioned what ever crop camera replaces the K-3. Is this camera being replaced and if so when or is it already out? That's one camera I was looking at. Thanks bill

The K-3II is the successor to the K-3. But I think Adam means about the next one (successor to the K-3II)
Here are the main differences:
K-3ii has GPS instead of flash - may be useful to you?
Also K-3ii has pixel shift.
Full details here: Pentax K-3 II vs. Pentax K-3 - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com

**boriscleto** · 06-10-2016, 06:56 PM - **2 Likes**

Any Pentax I own and use...

Gold Coast · 06-10-2016, 07:03 PM

Thanks to all who responded. bertwert I looked at the K-3II specs and that really looks good that could be the one. I will do more research on it. Thanks again to all great forum. Bill

**tduell** · 06-10-2016, 07:07 PM

I have used a K-3 II for bird shooting for a while now, using the 150-450 and sometimes with the 1.4x TC.
This combination works well, most of the time, but has a couple of deficiencies, namely AF when trying to get BIF, and sensor noise which is always a problem when shooting in woodland with birds in less than good light.
I now have a K-1 and find this body much improved. For BIF it locks focus really well, and the frame rate is OK for this. The low noise of the K-1 provides high IQ for those shaded subjects, and hence many more 'keepers'.
I still use the K-3 II, but the K-1 is my first choice.
I guess we all have own preferences, dislikes etc, so this is just my view.

Cheers,
Terry

Gold Coast · 06-10-2016, 07:08 PM

Next I need to know what will be the best all around walk around lens for the K-3II. I would like to be in the range of 25mm to 150mm to start. I do not mind spending a little more for a quality lens I know that is where the picture quality comes from as well as the camera. I figure around $700.00 to $1000.00 that's where I am at for this lens. Does not have to be Pentax but like I said good quality. I would prefer
Pentax tho. Thanks again Bill

**monochrome** · 06-10-2016, 07:22 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by boriscleto

Any Pentax I own and use...

Whichever one is in my hand.

Billk · 06-10-2016, 07:26 PM

Originally posted by tduell

I have used a K-3 II for bird shooting for a while now, using the 150-450 and sometimes with the 1.4x TC.
This combination works well, most of the time, but has a couple of deficiencies, namely AF when trying to get BIF, and sensor noise which is always a problem when shooting in woodland with birds in less than good light.
I now have a K-1 and find this body much improved. For BIF it locks focus really well, and the frame rate is OK for this. The low noise of the K-1 provides high IQ for those shaded subjects, and hence many more 'keepers'.
I still use the K-3 II, but the K-1 is my first choice.
I guess we all have own preferences, dislikes etc, so this is just my view.

Cheers,
Terry

I have been working sooooooo hard to convince myself I don't want the K1 for a while and look what you have just gone and done............

I'm really happy with the K3ii for everything but low light and high ISO shooting and a lot of bird shooting is either low light or high ISO. (BIF can be high ISO even in good light because of the shutter speeds and apertures you need.)

Adam · 06-10-2016, 07:35 PM

Originally posted by Gold Coast

Adam; Thanks for the reply. You mentioned what ever crop camera replaces the K-3. Is this camera being replaced and if so when or is it already out? That's one camera I was looking at. Thanks bill

It hasn't been announced or hinted at, but the K-3 family is due for an update, with the original model being launched almost 3 year ago, and the K-3 II being only a minor update. I'd expect said camera to be announced toward the end of the year.

fredwilliams · 06-10-2016, 08:13 PM

The K-1 would be a great camera, but the thought of replacing all the APS-C lenses put me off. And there are such great prices on the K-3 right now, I ended up with one.

**tduell** · 06-10-2016, 08:40 PM

Originally posted by Billk

I have been working sooooooo hard to convince myself I don't want the K1 for a while and look what you have just gone and done............

I'm really happy with the K3ii for everything but low light and high ISO shooting and a lot of bird shooting is either low light or high ISO. (BIF can be high ISO even in good light because of the shutter speeds and apertures you need.)

Ooops...sorry, I was only trying to help.

Cheers,
Terry

06-10-2016, 06:07 PM	#1
Gold Coast Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Burson California Posts: 61	What do you think is the best Pentax ??? I was thinking of getting a K-1 BUT I do not know if this is going to work for wildlife and birding and some sports and air shows. I think I need at least 7 to 10 frames per second to accomplish this The K-1 does not have fast enough frame rate. What is the next best APSC Pentax for the kind of photography I want to do? I want a good camera and getting lenses to do the job. I have had Canon and Nikon and want to try Pentax as some of my friends have them and swear by them. All help is appreciated greatly. I started a thread in the K-1 section and looking over the specs I do not think this is the camera I need. Thanks again Bill

06-10-2016, 06:12 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by Gold Coast I was thinking of getting a K-1 BUT I do not know if this is going to work for wildlife and birding and some sports and air shows. I think I need at least 7 to 10 frames per second to accomplish this The K-1 does not have fast enough frame rate. What is the next best APSC Pentax for the kind of photography I want to do? I want a good camera and getting lenses to do the job. I have had Canon and Nikon and want to try Pentax as some of my friends have them and swear by them. All help is appreciated greatly. I started a thread in the K-1 section and looking over the specs I do not think this is the camera I need. Thanks again Bill The K-3 has a faster burst framerate (8.3 FPS), but in crop mode the K-1 can do 6.5 FPS and has a larger buffer in both JPEG and RAW, so it might still be right tool for the job given its improved AF (i.e. a similar effective framerate with AF-C on). Ultimately, though, your best bet will probably be whatever crop body replaces the K-3. 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, 06:17 PM	#3
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	The K-3 II has 8 fps and 24.35 " megapixies," and an expected firmware update will allow it to use the new type of lens the Ricoh/Pentax boffins have developed. EDIT - Adam types faster than me !!! Last edited by Unregistered User 8; 06-10-2016 at 06:19 PM. Reason: To slow !!!

06-10-2016, 07:35 PM	#13
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by Gold Coast Adam; Thanks for the reply. You mentioned what ever crop camera replaces the K-3. Is this camera being replaced and if so when or is it already out? That's one camera I was looking at. Thanks bill It hasn't been announced or hinted at, but the K-3 family is due for an update, with the original model being launched almost 3 year ago, and the K-3 II being only a minor update. I'd expect said camera to be announced toward the end of the year. 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:

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06-10-2016, 06:17 PM	#4
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172	I think probably the K-3ii. Pair that with a DA* 300/4 and the HD 1.4x RC and you have a killer WR set-up. Pentax K-3 II - Pentax K-mount DSLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications SMC Pentax-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter Reviews - DA Teleconverters - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database That would set you back around $2300 new and is a very good kit.

06-10-2016, 06:19 PM	#5
Gold Coast Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Burson California Posts: 61 Original Poster	Adam; Thanks for the reply. You mentioned what ever crop camera replaces the K-3. Is this camera being replaced and if so when or is it already out? That's one camera I was looking at. Thanks bill

06-10-2016, 06:21 PM	#6
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172	Originally posted by Gold Coast Adam; Thanks for the reply. You mentioned what ever crop camera replaces the K-3. Is this camera being replaced and if so when or is it already out? That's one camera I was looking at. Thanks bill The K-3II is the successor to the K-3. But I think Adam means about the next one (successor to the K-3II) Here are the main differences: K-3ii has GPS instead of flash - may be useful to you? Also K-3ii has pixel shift. Full details here: Pentax K-3 II vs. Pentax K-3 - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com

06-10-2016, 06:56 PM - 2 Likes	#7
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,476	Any Pentax I own and use...

06-10-2016, 07:03 PM	#8
Gold Coast Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Burson California Posts: 61 Original Poster	Thanks to all who responded. bertwert I looked at the K-3II specs and that really looks good that could be the one. I will do more research on it. Thanks again to all great forum. Bill

06-10-2016, 07:07 PM	#9
tduell Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Melbourne Posts: 1,515	I have used a K-3 II for bird shooting for a while now, using the 150-450 and sometimes with the 1.4x TC. This combination works well, most of the time, but has a couple of deficiencies, namely AF when trying to get BIF, and sensor noise which is always a problem when shooting in woodland with birds in less than good light. I now have a K-1 and find this body much improved. For BIF it locks focus really well, and the frame rate is OK for this. The low noise of the K-1 provides high IQ for those shaded subjects, and hence many more 'keepers'. I still use the K-3 II, but the K-1 is my first choice. I guess we all have own preferences, dislikes etc, so this is just my view. Cheers, Terry

06-10-2016, 07:08 PM	#10
Gold Coast Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Burson California Posts: 61 Original Poster	Next I need to know what will be the best all around walk around lens for the K-3II. I would like to be in the range of 25mm to 150mm to start. I do not mind spending a little more for a quality lens I know that is where the picture quality comes from as well as the camera. I figure around $700.00 to $1000.00 that's where I am at for this lens. Does not have to be Pentax but like I said good quality. I would prefer Pentax tho. Thanks again Bill

06-10-2016, 07:22 PM - 2 Likes	#11
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by boriscleto Any Pentax I own and use... Whichever one is in my hand.

06-10-2016, 07:26 PM	#12
Billk Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Posts: 349	Originally posted by tduell I have used a K-3 II for bird shooting for a while now, using the 150-450 and sometimes with the 1.4x TC. This combination works well, most of the time, but has a couple of deficiencies, namely AF when trying to get BIF, and sensor noise which is always a problem when shooting in woodland with birds in less than good light. I now have a K-1 and find this body much improved. For BIF it locks focus really well, and the frame rate is OK for this. The low noise of the K-1 provides high IQ for those shaded subjects, and hence many more 'keepers'. I still use the K-3 II, but the K-1 is my first choice. I guess we all have own preferences, dislikes etc, so this is just my view. Cheers, Terry I have been working sooooooo hard to convince myself I don't want the K1 for a while and look what you have just gone and done............ I'm really happy with the K3ii for everything but low light and high ISO shooting and a lot of bird shooting is either low light or high ISO. (BIF can be high ISO even in good light because of the shutter speeds and apertures you need.)

06-10-2016, 08:13 PM	#14
fredwilliams New Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 8	The K-1 would be a great camera, but the thought of replacing all the APS-C lenses put me off. And there are such great prices on the K-3 right now, I ended up with one.

06-10-2016, 08:40 PM	#15
tduell Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Melbourne Posts: 1,515	Originally posted by Billk I have been working sooooooo hard to convince myself I don't want the K1 for a while and look what you have just gone and done............ I'm really happy with the K3ii for everything but low light and high ISO shooting and a lot of bird shooting is either low light or high ISO. (BIF can be high ISO even in good light because of the shutter speeds and apertures you need.) Ooops...sorry, I was only trying to help. Cheers, Terry