[alexgn]

Marc thanks!

I will check out the thread on manual focus lenses.

I’ve found some excellent deals on K200D on eBay. I think I am going to buy this camera.

P.S. being near sided it’s going to be difficult to focus those lenses in low light while looking through smaller DSLR viewfinders.

[awo425]

Thanks for your reply. Had I enough cash I would have looked at high end cameras. With $700 to spend on a used camera & two lenses - I'd take the best outfit available.

I was thinking of *ist DS2 or K100D Super with Tamron 17-50mm and a prime at 85mm or Tamron 28-75mm and a prime at wide angle.

Something like that. There may be other options too.

I'd get istDS (used) or K2000 (new) body, SMCP DA 16-45/F4 (used from marketplace , you can get them if you lucky at @ $200 and used MF portrait lens of your choice 85 or 105 mm.
Tamron 28-75mm is a great lens too, I am just not sure where can you find inexpensive wide angle prime lens. DA 16-45 F4 is covering wide angle very nicely it is very sharp even at F4.

[alexgn]

I have been offered a good deal on Pentax K200D and Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8.

How would you rate this lens?

Thanks!

[awo425]

I have been offered a good deal on Pentax K200D and Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8.

How would you rate this lens?

Thanks!

I had one, and I like image quality a lot.
It was soft at 24mm F2.8, but was doing more then OK towards the longer end wide open.
You'll have to check focusing of this lens on both 24mm and 60mm, some of the samples have problems focusing on Pentax bodies, some are fine. Buy it from the place where you can easily exchange or return it.