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06-04-2009, 03:25 PM   #1
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What 2 lenses to replace kit lenses ?

I am sure this has been asked many times over but I cannot find an answer in the 'Search' of the forum. I want to replace the 2 lenses that came w/my K10D. I think the Sigma 10-20mm will be my 1st choice but I would also like a zoom that would be in the range of 18-250mm. I have read many reviews and comments on the lenses in this range but it seems none have been 100% positive.

Being retired, I have to consider cost also when making the selections.

If this has been covered before, please direct me to the forum location. Otherwise, I would really appreciate your input on the choice to make.

Thanks

06-04-2009, 04:02 PM   #2
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If you can swing the extra $200, everything I've seen from the Pentax 12-24 is better than the Sigma 10-20 (though I own neither, keep that in mind). Also, Tamron is about to release its 10-24 in Pentax mount in a week (at least according to DPReview), so you might want to keep that in mind since it is placed very close to the Sigma in price.

As for a super-zoom, I don't think any 18-2xx lens exists that will give you stellar image quality. If you're ok with that, I'm sure someone will suggest to you the best of the bunch. I've heard decent things about the pentax super-zoom.

I don't know your budget, but if I were trying to cover as much focal "ground" as possible while including a wide angle zoom, I'd get the Pentax DA 12-24 and the Pentax DA* 50-135. If you can live in those ranges and that budget, you'll get superb images.
06-04-2009, 05:11 PM   #3
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I'm thinking he just wants a zoom inside that range, but not the full range.

With that I would recommend the two DA* zooms, or just the 50-135 + Tamron 17-50.

Which to buy first would depend on what you'd like to have first (or use more often).

I do recommend trying out the 35mm macro (since 35/2 is not available anymore) and Pentax 10-17
06-04-2009, 06:03 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by Andi Lo Quote
(since 35/2 is not available anymore)
It's still listed ("in stock, ships within 1 business day") in the online store at pentaximaging.com: PentaxWebstore smcP FA 35mm f/2.0 AL

06-04-2009, 06:07 PM   #5
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Checked B&H and Adorama and couldn't find it... thanks for pointing that out Although at that price I think the DA 35 would be a better buy. I love my 35mm but just IMHO.
06-04-2009, 06:19 PM   #6
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It really depends what your personal style is. However, I think one of these two has to be the DA35. It's an amazing walkabout lens and you get a macro lens in addition. I used mine for just about everything and it always performs exceptionally well. For number two, I would go with either the DA 12-24 if you are into landscape and the DA 50-135 if you are into portraits. I don't own the DA 12-24 but the reviews are excellent. However, I do own the DA 50-135 I can tell it's my most used lens. It's tack sharp, colors are beautiful and the range is perfect for new dad like me.
06-04-2009, 06:24 PM   #7
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The Sigma 17-70 and Pentax 55-300 produce decent images, and do not break the bank.

06-04-2009, 06:29 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by dales Quote
I want to replace the 2 lenses that came w/my K10D. I think the Sigma 10-20mm will be my 1st choice but I would also like a zoom that would be in the range of 18-250mm. I have read many reviews and comments on the lenses in this range but it seems none have been 100% positive.
I am a little confused here. I assume the lenses that came with your camera are the 18-55mm zoom and the 50-200mm zoom? In that case the Sigma 10-20mm does not replace either of them, but instead adds more wide angle.

What is it about the lenses you have that you need to improve? Knowing that we could help you more.

Otherwise I suggest you get a fast 50 and forget all this zoom nonsense.
06-04-2009, 06:33 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by rparmar Quote
Otherwise I suggest you get a fast 50 and forget all this zoom nonsense.
QFT, as they say.
06-04-2009, 06:34 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpecialK Quote
The Sigma 17-70 and Pentax 55-300 produce decent images, and do not break the bank.
I think the above is a wonderful recommendation. While I love both the kit lens, the above two does better in terms of focal range. The Sigma will do better in IQ and offers better close up in 1:2.3. And the 55-300 will serve you well for the tele need reaching over 200mm and still lightweight. The small overlap between the two lens in 55-70mm will allow you less lens change.
06-04-2009, 07:28 PM   #11
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Clarification of what I am looking for.

Thanks everyone for the input. I apologize for not covering what I am looking for in more detail. I have found the following shortcomings on the kit lens for my type of photo taking. I want something that gives a much wider coverage than the 18-55mm and something that 'reaches out' further than the 50-200mm. My subjects of interest range from landscape/ocean/mountains/urban to high school sports including soccer, baseball and basketball.

Based upon the above I may be asking for to much in that I am looking for 2 additional lenses over the kit lens. Once again I appreciate your input. I hope this clarifies what I would like.
06-04-2009, 08:34 PM   #12
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Short end options:
Sigma 17-70mm
Pentax 17-70mm
Pentax 16-45mm
Pentax DA*16-50mm
Tamron 17-50mm

Much wider:
Pentax DA10-17mm FE
Pentax DA12-24mm
Pentax 10-20mm (not in production anymore)

Long end:
Pentax DA55-300mm is a good bet.

Good luck!

c[_]
06-04-2009, 09:05 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by ll_coffee_lP Quote
Pentax 10-20mm (not in production anymore)
?? Does this lens exist? I demand enlightenment!
06-04-2009, 09:17 PM   #14
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An 18-250 won't give you much more reach than the 50-200; not worth the cost if that's your prime motivation. The 55-300 would be better, but even then we're not talking *huge* increases. You could try the Tamron or Sigma 70-300 to get that length without spending quite as much. Or the Sigma 50-500 or 150-500 if you want a *lot* more reach, but they are correspondingly more expensive and almost shockingly larger.

In any case, it definitely seems you will be *replacing* the 50-200, but perhaps not the 18-55, as there is no lens that goes much wider that also would include much of the 18-55 range. So the Sigma 10-20 or Pentax 12-24, or the new DA15, or the DA14, could be possibilities there to add wider angle capability, but you'd probably want to keep the 18-55.

Last edited by Marc Sabatella; 06-05-2009 at 10:02 AM.
06-04-2009, 09:40 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by Andi Lo Quote
?? Does this lens exist? I demand enlightenment!
Pentax DA 10-17f/3.5-4.5 is the one.
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