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03-06-2010, 07:21 AM   #1
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Buy K7 or 77mm Lens - What would you do?

For this year, I have funds to buy a new camera body OR another nice lens, but not both.

I presently have a K10D and a K100D. I also have a few lenses (but need many more!), including the 31mm, a Sigma 28-70/2.8, and a Tamron 70-200/2.8.

It seems I shoot a fair amount in low light, sometimes where 2.8 is not enough. The 31mm is probably my favorite lens.

I certainly appreciate my K10D, but technology has moved on, and with it some of the improvements in the K7, including fps, megapixels, etc...

It seems that FA lens prices have only gone up, k7 prices are going down (to a point, then they will go back up more than likely).

Yes - I know - it depends on the individual, but which would you buy, and why? I have found myself going back and forth!

03-06-2010, 07:36 AM   #2
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Unpredictable changes in sale price not withstanding, I would tell you to invest in the glass. The magic is in the lens, and unless there is something on the K7 body you can't live without, I'd definitely get the glass.

Put it this way.... I'd take your K100D with a 77 just as quickly as I would take a K7 with a kit lens.

regards,

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03-06-2010, 07:38 AM   #3
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My opinion-bodies come and go, but great glass lasts forever, so if you can only afford one or the other, I'd go with the 77mm.

I bought a K100D in 2006, and I've bought a lot of lenses since then, but I still have the K100D because there is absolutely nothing wrong with it, it's in perfect working order, and since I only shoot in manual mode it has all the features I need. I'm sure one day I'll feel the need to retire it but right now I'd rather spend my money on limited lenses than on a new body.

But ymmv.
03-06-2010, 08:56 AM   #4
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I agree with above. If you really want to invest in a good glass, do that and as long as you are happy with your present body or bodies, you can get the latest and greatest later. Building your kit around your glass is a good philosophy, especially when talking about FA's.

Jason

03-06-2010, 08:58 AM   #5
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Another vote for the glass. But as you said yourself, you must decide on what is more important at this moment for your shooting.

PS:
I have the feeling that you basically want the glass as you did only give a 'weak' argument (MP, fps) in favor of the K7. But I might be wrong
03-06-2010, 09:02 AM   #6
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I too would suggest going for the glass. Glass holds value as opposed to bodies that loose value. When the new body is announced the selling price on the K7 will drop. If you need a new body for what ever new function or capability, that is the time to acquire it. I too like my 31 very much...
03-06-2010, 09:34 AM   #7
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I would go for the K7. You already have a 28-70 f2.8 and the 70-200 f2.8..
It wont change much of the IQ but the performance is a lot better. Faster AF and an assist lamp for low light, In camera effects, Video, Etc
Just hold on a couple of months and hopefully it will drop around $750

03-06-2010, 01:03 PM   #8
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I'd say it depends on what you're after in the lens - having a 70-200 opens up amazing possibilities at f/2.8, and the 77ltd has few applications where shooting wide open is a necessity.

But if you can justify it, go for the 77ltd. Otherwise, save your money for the next model coming up - hopefully it'll incorporate the K-7's advanced features with the K-x's high ISO performance.
03-06-2010, 01:08 PM   #9
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Do you find K10D AF or K100D max usable ISO 1600 a limitation at all? If you do then you should get the K-7 or the K-X, it will turn your 70-200/2.8 to a lowlight machine, moreso than getting the 77.

But as others said, bodies come and go, but the glass stays. Great glass doesnt make faster AF or increase ISO performance though!
03-06-2010, 01:21 PM   #10
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The 77 is calling your name.

Buy a K-7 (which is a great camera) in a few years when it's $300.

c[_]
03-06-2010, 02:34 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Andi Lo Quote
Do you find K10D AF or K100D max usable ISO 1600 a limitation at all? If you do then you should get the K-7 or the K-X, it will turn your 70-200/2.8 to a lowlight machine, moreso than getting the 77.

But as others said, bodies come and go, but the glass stays. Great glass doesnt make faster AF or increase ISO performance though!
I usually try to not go above iso 800 if I can help it, especially with the K10D.
03-06-2010, 02:35 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by ll_coffee_lP Quote
The 77 is calling your name.

Buy a K-7 (which is a great camera) in a few years when it's $300.

c[_]
I do think the 77m is calling my name. So is the K7, and the Sigma 10-20/Pentax 12-24, and the .....
03-06-2010, 02:45 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by krs Quote
I usually try to not go above iso 800 if I can help it, especially with the K10D.
Thats my point though... with the K-x you dont have to limit yourself to 800
03-06-2010, 02:56 PM   #14
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Since you asked "what would you do?"

I'll tell you what I did. I bought both.

but if I could only have one and I already had a body that I could work with, I'd get the lens.
03-06-2010, 04:33 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by Mr Hyde Quote
Since you asked "what would you do?"

I'll tell you what I did. I bought both.

but if I could only have one and I already had a body that I could work with, I'd get the lens.
BOTH sounds good (but not in the camera/lens budget for 2010), and I have thought about how I might pull it off!
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