[rob4001]

Hi

My story is I currently own a K-5 with a Lens DA 35mm F2.4. The problem is it is not wide enough for landscape milky way shots that I want to take. I also like to do videos driving in scenic areas and upload to youtube. The K-5 has limited capability for videos.

So my options I was thinking about was to keep current camera and get a wide angle lens plus a separate camera for videos.

Upgrade the K-5 either for a later model a k3 or K3ii. For not much more than a k3ii there is the Sony a7 ff.

Jumping ship getting a mirrorless camera (Sony a6000)

Any advice appreciated

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Last edited by rob4001; 04-17-2017 at 12:28 PM.

[mattb123]

If you really care about video Pentax generally isn't the answer. I just shoot video with my phone or an Olympus Tough P&S but I don't do much.

If you are otherwise happy with your K-5 there are some great wide options.

A few off the top of my head:

From Pentax: DA 12-24, DA 15, DA 21, DA* 16-50
From others: Rokinon 8 14 or 16, Irix 15, Tamron 17-50

I guess you need to figure out your priorities. Switching systems is usually expensive since you need a new camera and lenses but that may be your best bet if you want good video capability.

[pepperberry farm]

or the DA14mm f2.8 for an UWA....

[Dericali]

I think that if you want to regularly produce video, then I would recommend migrating to Sony, it seems like it's much better suited to video.

[leekil]

The K-5 has limited capability for videos.

What are your video requirements?

[rob4001]

To be honest video is less important to me than landscape/astro

[ddharriman]

My advice is go with your option of "I was thinking about was to keep current camera and get a wide angle lens plus a separate camera (testing first if videos with your smartphone is not enough) for videos".

Best regards,

[jcsnyc]

Great article that I used when planning for Astro last year. I particularly liked the Astro Rating chart (about 1/2 way down the article) .

How-To: Picking a Great Lens for Milky Way Photography

I ended up getting a Samyang 24mm 1.4. I am by no means a regular astrophotographer, so wanted a lens that was reasonable cost, could be used for other things, and could do a decent job. This lens tops the scale in the Astrophoto rating - though I think it is not very consistent across the frame.

I can post some photos later.

[DeadJohn]

For Milky Way shots with K-5, I like the Samyang 14/2.8. 14mm is wide enough for foreground objects and the stars to look in focus at the same time, even at f2.8. The 24/1.4 is reportedly a good lens, too, and 2 stops faster, but I've never tried it. IMO 14mm is better for Milky Way + foreground, 24mm is better when there's not any foreground.

The DA15 is not an ideal choice for the Milky Way. It's an amazing lens for daytime colors, shots with the sun in frame, and night cityscapes due to flare resistance. However, it's f/4 so you need more exposure time for the Milky Way, and sharpness isn't it's strength. The Samyangs are better for the night sky.

If you want to do video while driving, get some small camera like a Go Pro or whatever. There are many mounting options although I would worry about a suction cup on the outside of the car shaking loose. A K-5 or Sony A6000 isn't really made to be attached to a car; it could be done but an action camera is more durable for rough handling and weighs much less.

[mattb123]

Even if it's not the best, I found the DA15 does ok as does the Rokinon 8/3.5 (which is pretty inexpensive). I have the Rokinon 14/2.8 but have not had it out for the night sky yet. I'm looking forward to it!

[Pentax Syntax]

I second the DA14 2.8. Very underrated lens and great for astrophotographers and landscapes. Beats out the 12-24 f4 on both Astrophotgraphy and close ups for foreground objects in landscapes.

[jcsnyc]

I am sure these are technically not overly impressive photos, but both with the Samyang 24mm 1.4 at 1.4mm. I would be interested in trying out the 2.8 lenses, but any concerns that you are losing 2 stops? This translates into pretty significant shutter speed differences (or I guess you can just bump the ISO.) . The attached were at 15 seconds and 20 seconds. Would have to bumped up to 60 seconds and 80 seconds - and then in come the star trails. Of course, this issue is reduced (or eliminated) with star tracking!

And just added better milky way from a different location... this one was 180 seconds f1.8 same 24mm lens but WITH Star Tracking. Definitely some blur at the top of the frame. Not sure if this the tracking or the lens...

[GodsPetMonkey]

I am sure these are technically not overly impressive photos, but both with the Samyang 24mm 1.4 at 1.4mm. I would be interested in trying out the 2.8 lenses, but any concerns that you are losing 2 stops? This translates into pretty significant shutter speed differences (or I guess you can just bump the ISO.)

The shorter the focal length the longer you can leave the shutter open before you get noticeable trails - remember the rule of 500! That helps make up for some of th light lose due to aperture. If you can use the astrotracer you can push the exposure length even further, plenty for the 14mm f2.8.

That said, the sort of pictures you would take with a 14mm lens means you will use the lens differently - the 14mm lends itself to vistas due to its width - balancing exposure between the foreground and the Milky Way will likely mean compromise on light gathering anyway. Both the 14mm and 24mm Samyangs are very well regarded for astrophotography, so I don't think you can go wrong with either or both.