[Smilesy]

In the end I've ended up getting a K5 IIs used (low shutter count) and a RRS L bracket for $375 aud which I thought was a pretty good deal. I'm very excited to see what I can do with it, I'm going hiking for a couple of nights in 2 weeks so I'll take it then.
The only problem is that I now what to get some wr lens, thinking the DA* 16-50 as it's cheeper than the other options apart from the 18-55, and the 2.8 aperture should be good for stat shots. I've got a serious case of GAS

[RGlasel]

thinking the DA* 16-50 as it's cheeper than the other options apart from the 18-55, and the 2.8 aperture should be good for stat shots

You must be looking at a smoking hot deal on a used DA* 16-50,it's over $1000 Canadian new. I'm guessing "stat shots" doesn't mean static or stationary, otherwise the DA 18-135 will give you WR, quick-shift manual focus and better auto-focus for just over half as much money. At f5.6 or narrower, I'd challenge you to find shots where the DA* 16-50 is sharper.

I've got a serious case of GAS

Doesn't seem to be a cure for it, either.

[Smilesy]

You must be looking at a smoking hot deal on a used DA* 16-50,it's over $1000 Canadian new.

I'm looking at used, there aren't many (if any ) 18-135mm avalible, and the ones that come up go in a second. I can get a used 16-50 for about $450. I also like the idea of having a faster lens as I don't have one at the moment. I know this may not be the sharpest wide open, but I'm not going to be doing landscapes wide open, generally things where sharpness isn't as bigger issue to me. Also I just like the idea of a DA* lens, what can I say I lust after the gold ring.

Also I meant to say Star shot, where a faster lens is an advantage.

[RGlasel]

I meant to say Star shot

Now that makes sense, very little chance that nearby stars will be in focus and distant stars won't, even at f2.8 and the field of view of your manual focus A 50 f1.7 probably isn't wide enough. I understand your dilemma, I bought a DA 70 Ltd. to take dreamy portraits, too bad I can't find any willing victims to practice portrait photography on.

[Jeff Lopez]

He chosed wisely..Enjoy and put it to work!

[mikesbike]

The K-70 is far better than the K-3 for lower noise and preservation of detail in high ISO work. It is even near as good as the K-1. It also gives so many other improvements over a K-r. 14-bit raw, in-camera development, 2-dial controls for the full Pentax Hyper System, pixel shift for enhanced resolution, articulating screen for shooting from difficult angles, a pro-level glass pentaprism VF with 100% field view, weather sealing, on and on. Worth the money, and a bargain for all that you get! Other brands cost much more for similar features.

Whichever model you get, results out of the camera will be better if you select "fine" sharpness in the custom image menu.