[SouthernExposure]

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Both of these lenses will long outlive your K-50 and can be used with many future bodies...

Having read about the failures of the K30 & K50, your comment makes me wonder if I shouldn't be looking
at a new body....

---------- Post added 02-19-17 at 07:32 AM ----------

First of all-adjust your with holdings so you don't get a tax return. No point in giving. Someone an interest free loan.

You can get a new Tamron 90 macro fro $311 from a great seller. I suggest you wait a few days until eBay has a good eBay bucks promotion.
NEW Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP Macro Lens for Pentax DSLR Cameras 272EP 725211727149 | eBay

Also, for a monitor, consider a refurbished BenQ.

Buy it with your Amex card and get second year of warranty. Also, they have occasional 15% off sales.

A tripod also seems like a good idea.

First of all-adjust your with holdings so you don't get a tax return

It's a circumstance of going to school and having dependents, I already claim 10, literally paid nothing in federal taxes
and get nearly $5K as a return. It's pretty jacked actually, but it is what it is.

[dave2k]

I can fully endorse the Sigma 17-50 as that is one of my very best lenses. Very sharp and I think the focal length is very useful in general. I also love my Tamron 90 macro which seems like a bargain to me, and as you stated, dual purpose. I've recently added a cheap macro rail and that really helps with the focusing and potentially focus-stacking when I get around to it. I like to attempt to get macro shots of insects and I would not want to try this with a shorter focal length macro. I assume you have a decent bag / backpack for carrying your gear. I can't speak for the K50 but I do believe you might gain some significant capability with a higher model and your budget might support a body upgrade. I agree that it might not make sense selling lenses that won't bring much of a return unless you find they don't get used for a long period of time and you don't feel the need for back-up equipment. Do you need any filters? Circular polarizer, neutral density, etc? And I've moved to two tripods, one sturdy model for local shoots and a lightweight model that fits in my backpack for travel / hiking. Good luck with your decisions, it's a nice problem to have.

[Quartermaster James]

For me, when I was in a similar situation, the answer was to pick up a Sigma 10-20 f/3.5. It's still my most used landscape lens.

SIGMA 10-20mm CLUB - Page 246 - PentaxForums.com

I also second the recommendations for the Pentax 100 f2.8 macros

So, that's my 2 cents plain: those two lenses, some spare batteries, maybe some more memory cards, and (if it fits your style) pick up a used Tiltall tripod in good shape for under $100 (they're bomb proof and solid, but not fashionable anymore, so people almost give them away...)

[grispie]

don't replace your 18 55 kitlens. You already have a replacement: your da 35 2.5 & 50 1.8
Rather supplement with a dedicated wide angle such as da15, da12 24 ,sigma 10 20 ..... & a dedicated macro & the other stuff on your list.

[gm4life]

Hello, looking for some guidance on how to spend a portion of my tax return (approx. $1200). I want to spend it as wisely as possible, and get away with as many dual purpose opportunities as I can, i.e. a 90mm Macro that also serves as a decent portrait lens. I appreciate opinions on all approaches as I know this can be looked at from different perspectives. What I don't want (I think) to do is spend all $1200 on a FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF]. I'd like to try and maximize my meager budget.

I'm interested in macro and landscapes, as well as occasional portraits, all for recreation.

This is what I have so far

• Pentax K50
• The kit 18-55mm WR
• DAL 50-200mm WR
• DA 35mm 2.4 AL
• DA 50mm 1.8 AL
• Rikenon 50mm f/2
• Takumar 135mm f/3.5
• Photoshop Elements 15
• Dolica GX600B200 Tripod - for $50 it works fine for what I've used it for.
• 3x8GB Class 10 Memory Cards and 1x16GB Memory card

Here's some ideas I was looking at

• I don't have a Flash - was considering the new Yongnuo YN585EX with P-TTL support.........$75
• I need to replace the kit lens. Was thinking Tamron 17-50 F2.8 or Sigma 17-50 F2.8.............$300-$400
• I'd like a dedicated Macro like the Sigma EX DG 105mm f/2.8 or Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8.....$200-300 used
• Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD Macro (International version)..................................................$630
• A quality color calibrated monitor. Eyeing a well received BenQ 27" or Dell Ultrsharp 24".......$250-$325
• Year subscription to LR/PS........................................................................................................$120
• 2nd Battery................................................................................................................................$15
• Decent Camera Strap................................................................................................................$30
• Mini Flash mount soft box diffuser--------------------------------------------------------------------------$20
  

Appreciate thoughts/ideas or things I haven't thought of.

Again just making suggestions... For glass for an awesome all around lens I highly recommend the 35 DA HD Limited Macro. Useful for portraits, landscapes, and Macro shooting. Some people will say it is NOT a long enough focal length but as long as you aren't shooting super small things like bugs it is surprisingly useful. For a general zoom the 16-85 DA HD is a sweet piece of glass too.

Regarding camera bodies... Go with a K3 II they very reasonably priced new too. No issues like K30/K50 well built and are a steal at the current prices IMHO.

[zapp]

you should tell us, actually ask yourself, what type of lens you are missing at the moment and what lens you use most. You may add lenses or other equipment or replace existing gear with a better product. Tamron 70-200 may be a quite nice expansion of the lineup, but are you looking for this type of lens? IN case you use the 18-55 quite often, there are better solutions for this range. Where do you want to be in 2-3 years? Your lense collection is an assembalge of kit zooms, inexpensive, but nice DA fixed focal length lenses and some old lenses.
Get a new lens for the 18-55 and the Pentax 100 macro. A 2.8 zoom will be heavier than you are used to right now, the Pentax macro replaces the Takumar and gives a feeling of a small Pentax lens that is full frame compatible. You will find the Tamron 70-200 quite large and heavy unless you are really looking for more quality in this range or larger aperture this may be postponed. Tamron is just presenting new version of its zooms, you may want to hold on a little to get a deal on current lenses or wait for the new ones.
A new camera will make you feel good, but will not at all solve your lens lineup.

[Alex645]

Having read about the failures of the K30 & K50, your comment makes me wonder if I shouldn't be looking
at a new body....[COLOR="Silver"]

IF you are a professional photographer and your livelihood depends on your camera, then yes, you should consider a K-70 or K3ii (plus external flash) and use the K-50 as your backup. But if it is ʻonlyʻ a hobby, then youʻre still better off upgrading your lenses.

All cameras eventually need repair. Yes, a disproportionate number of K-30 and to a lesser degree, K-50, have had the aperture block failure. But (knock on wood) this isnʻt a 100% certainty. In a fairly recent survey last October, K-30 and K-50 owners reported failure in about one third of the cameras. So even if we assume that some that reported their cameras didnʻt fail, will fail, I think itʻs safe to project that itʻs a 50/50 chance.

Pentax Aperture Block Failure Survey Results - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

If youʻre a glass half empty person, then yes, put most of your budget into a new camera. You could also just set part of your budget aside for the potential repair cost. But if youʻre a glass half full mindset, move on and donʻt worry about it.

Look at Consumer Reports most reliable cars list. Millions of people drive those cars on the bottom of the list and many of them donʻt have the issues and problems reported by a high percentage of other owners. But yes, it is something you should at least be aware of and to consider.

[SouthernExposure]

you should tell us, actually ask yourself, what type of lens you are missing at the moment and what lens you use most. You may add lenses or other equipment or replace existing gear with a better product. Tamron 70-200 may be a quite nice expansion of the lineup, but are you looking for this type of lens? IN case you use the 18-55 quite often, there are better solutions for this range. Where do you want to be in 2-3 years? Your lense collection is an assembalge of kit zooms, inexpensive, but nice DA fixed focal length lenses and some old lenses.
Get a new lens for the 18-55 and the Pentax 100 macro. A 2.8 zoom will be heavier than you are used to right now, the Pentax macro replaces the Takumar and gives a feeling of a small Pentax lens that is full frame compatible. You will find the Tamron 70-200 quite large and heavy unless you are really looking for more quality in this range or larger aperture this may be postponed. Tamron is just presenting new version of its zooms, you may want to hold on a little to get a deal on current lenses or wait for the new ones.
A new camera will make you feel good, but will not at all solve your lens lineup.

I appreciate your analysis, and believe you're right. The old lenses are some that were left to me, while I only particularly like the 50mm, I'll still hold on to them. The only thing I've purchased are the 2 DA Primes, of which I most prefer the the 50mm.

I think for now, i'm going to to get some extension tubes and either a Pentax FA 100mm f2.8 or equivalent 3rd party macro. If I stay with it, I can still experiment with the tubes($10). If I don't get hooked on macro (unlikely), I can always resell for what I paid. As well I will Most likely the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8. I haven't said to myself yet, "Man I wish this kit lens went wider", so this will have to work for my landscape interests unless I get much more serious in the future. That's about $500 used. Another $250 on the monitor, $75 for the YN585EX flash (yes it does swivel). That's about $825. The strap, extra battery, and diffuser put me at about $900. Everything else after this is just fluff. So I'll save the $300 and by the time I have enough for the 70-200mm, I might be ready for it. This gives a decent amount of bang for my buck. Don't just want to spend it to spend it.

[Scorpio71GR]

Having read about the failures of the K30 & K50, your comment makes me wonder if I shouldn't be looking
at a new body....

My K50 is almost 2 years old with over 20,000 shutter count. Not all of them fail.

[Scorpio71GR]

I don't have a Flash - was considering the new Yongnuo YN585EX with P-TTL support.........$75
I need to replace the kit lens. Was thinking Tamron 17-50 F2.8 or Sigma 17-50 F2.8.............$300-$400
I'd like a dedicated Macro like the Sigma EX DG 105mm f/2.8 or Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8.....$200-300 used
Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD Macro (International version)..................................................$630
A quality color calibrated monitor. Eyeing a well received BenQ 27" or Dell Ultrsharp 24".......$250-$325
Year subscription to LR/PS........................................................................................................$120
2nd Battery................................................................................................................................$15
Decent Camera Strap................................................................................................................$30
Mini Flash mount soft box diffuser--------------------------------------------------------------------------$20

• I only have my Pentax flashes which I do not use too much. However the pop-up flash is quite limited. There are plenty of flashes that wind up on the Market Place.

• The Tamron 17-50 would blow your kit lens away. It is more compact and lighter than the Sigma or the DA*16-50. If you do not need weather sealing or silent autofocus then there is no reason not to buy it. I have seen them used for under $200 US. New they are selling for $299 US. If you want a new one you may not want to wait to long the lens is being discontinued.

• I have the Tamron 90mm macro. It is one fine lens, blazingly sharp. About the best priced macro out there. Having a dedicated macro does have its advantages.

• Hands down the best value for a full frame 70-200 f2.8 lens. There is also the Sigma 50-150 and DA*50-135 if you do not need a full frame lens. A 70-200 f2.8 lens is not light.

• Just buy a monitor calibration system like X Rite or Spyder. Much cheaper.

• I am still using Lightroom 5.7. I have not yet gone to the cloud. There is plenty of software out there to use. The subscription makes sense if you want to always have the latest updates and use both Lightroom and Photoshop.

• I have four batteries for the K3 and the K50, to me a second batter is a must. I would do this first.

• After 30 years of using a neck strap I went to a Black Rapid Sling Strap and never looked back. If you wonder how important a good strap is just ask someone who has dropped their camera. I would definitely get a good strap.

• I find this extremely useful for macro work. There are tons of articles here on how to make one. Even on how to make one using the pop-up flash using a Pringles can.

Personally I would get a second battery, a decent strap, and look for a replacement for your kit lens. Then add the other items as you can afford. You can always place an Ad in the Wanted section of the Market Place too and see if someone bites.

[Des]

Plenty of great advice already. I won't double up.

I think for now, i'm going to to get some extension tubes and either a Pentax FA 100mm f2.8 or equivalent 3rd party macro. If I stay with it, I can still experiment with the tubes($10). If I don't get hooked on macro (unlikely), I can always resell for what I paid.

If you get a specialist macro lens, you might find that is quite enough. Hold off on the extension tubes until you see whether 1:1 macro is enough for you.

As well I will Most likely the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8. I haven't said to myself yet, "Man I wish this kit lens went wider", so this will have to work for my landscape interests unless I get much more serious in the future. That's about $500 used.

If you also haven't said to yourself, "Man I wish this kit lens was faster", maybe you don't really need f2.8 in a zoom (with a couple of faster primes in the bag when required). Because if you don't need f2.8, you can get a DA 16-85 that will do just as well as the Sigma at typical landscape apertures like f6.3 and above, with a much more versatile range of focal lengths, and WR. Many landscape shooters really like the 16-85 - e.g. see the reviews by @NorthCoastGreg notably this one: http://www.northcoastphotographer.net/blog/files/f8fa7d13240b2093c34c1a1813b5f3f0-41.html

[jeffw]

Hello, looking for some guidance on how to spend a portion of my tax return (approx. $1200). I want to spend it as wisely as possible, and get away with as many dual purpose opportunities as I can, i.e. a 90mm Macro that also serves as a decent portrait lens. I appreciate opinions on all approaches as I know this can be looked at from different perspectives. What I don't want (I think) to do is spend all $1200 on a FA* 80-200mm F2.8 ED [IF]. I'd like to try and maximize my meager budget.

I'm interested in macro and landscapes, as well as occasional portraits, all for recreation.

This is what I have so far

• Pentax K50
• The kit 18-55mm WR
• DAL 50-200mm WR
• DA 35mm 2.4 AL
• DA 50mm 1.8 AL
• Rikenon 50mm f/2
• Takumar 135mm f/3.5
• Photoshop Elements 15
• Dolica GX600B200 Tripod - for $50 it works fine for what I've used it for.
• 3x8GB Class 10 Memory Cards and 1x16GB Memory card

Here's some ideas I was looking at

• I don't have a Flash - was considering the new Yongnuo YN585EX with P-TTL support.........$75
• I need to replace the kit lens. Was thinking Tamron 17-50 F2.8 or Sigma 17-50 F2.8.............$300-$400
• I'd like a dedicated Macro like the Sigma EX DG 105mm f/2.8 or Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8.....$200-300 used
• Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD Macro (International version)..................................................$630
• A quality color calibrated monitor. Eyeing a well received BenQ 27" or Dell Ultrsharp 24".......$250-$325
• Year subscription to LR/PS........................................................................................................$120
• 2nd Battery................................................................................................................................$15
• Decent Camera Strap................................................................................................................$30
• Mini Flash mount soft box diffuser--------------------------------------------------------------------------$20
  

Appreciate thoughts/ideas or things I haven't thought of.

Spend your rebate on a vacation and use the gear you have. The images will look way better if you had a great vacation! You can upgrade any time.

[caliscouser]

Spend your rebate on a vacation and use the gear you have. The images will look way better if you had a great vacation! You can upgrade any time.

Pretty hard to argue with that

[SouthernExposure]

Spend your rebate on a vacation and use the gear you have. The images will look way better if you had a great vacation! You can upgrade any time.

$1200 is only a portion of the refund. The other 4 grand is vacation. A trip Late spring starting in Maine and heading down to Rhode Island. This summer either Yosemite or Florida Keys and Washington D.C.

[jeffw]

$1200 is only a portion of the refund. The other 4 grand is vacation. A trip Late spring starting in Maine and heading down to Rhode Island. This summer either Yosemite or Florida Keys and Washington D.C.

Rhode Island! Who would want to go there? Lol . Welcome to the Ocean State. Check out the southern part of our State you'll love it.