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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-28-2010, 11:30 AM
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It certainly makes sense to search outside a single zipcode, but chat boy was trying to tell me different. That however seems to suggest that there's no Pentax dealers in the three largest population concentrations in VA. Wow. Can that be true?
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-28-2010, 08:21 AM
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The PENTAX website only allows you to enter a zip code but gives no indication of a search radius. I went on chat with PENTAX and was told the search only looks within that zip code. You gotta be kidding. They want me to search one zip code at a time? I live in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Hampton/Portsmouth/Newport News metroplex, a big place, I travel to DC often and have to pass through Richmond to get there. Surely among those three large metroploitan areas, there's someplace I can actually touch a new Pentax.
Anybody...? Anybody???
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-28-2010, 08:11 AM
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What about the "or" part of the question, it was never really answered. In the "kit" the 55-300 adds about $225 to the price but it is a DA-L. The DA version with a metal mount, a hood (I think) and a "quick shift function" can be bought for $350.
How do you all feel about the value proposition here? Are the extra features worth $125? What does the "quick shift function" do for you and how often does anyone use it?
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-28-2010, 07:23 AM
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I knew I 'd get some good feedback here, thanks folks.
The suggestions are good ones with costs a little higher than I want to go, the price of the Sigma 10-20 (f4-5.6, $479 on Amazon) is already making me wince but I really like the added capabilities it brings.
Good point on the 50mm film equivalent being in the 35mm range here, as I think about it though, I think the tight DOF capabilities of a fast lens is why I used to use my 50 that much (and of course the light gathering). Any of the older 50's would work, right? Are there any significant pros/cons I should be aware of? I’ll certainly try out whatever 18-55 I end up with first to see if it’s f3.5 will fill my tight DOF needs, I just doubt it.
As for the different Pentax 18-55’s out there, yes it’s a little confusing but I think I have it straight. I see a lot of the DA-L’s that typically come with the K-x for sale as used items, seems folks are trading up. In addition the reviews on this website give me reason to think the AL II has a few nice to have features and better construction. How much better? worth $120? I don’t know.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
01-27-2010, 04:37 PM
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Not a newbie to photography or SLR's but my last non-point and shoot camera was a Canon AE-1. My kit consisted of a 50mm/1.8, a 28mm, something like a 70-125 zoom, and a 300, it was a while back. I want to get back into the hobby and have been doing my homework. I'm thinking of a K-x, the DA 55-300, and a Sigma 10-20.
Looks like I can actually get the camera body cheaper with the 18-55mm AL than I can without, so that seem a no-brainer, but would an move-up to the DA 18-55 AL II be worth it? I never had what in my mind (I still think in 35mm film terms) is about a 28-80mm zoom in my old camera bag so I'm not real sure how often I'd be reaching for it. I'll be shooting wildlife and scenery predominately but want to be able to "play" some with my new toys... I think you all know what I mean. :)
On the other hand, my 50mm got used all the time. It was relatively fast, fun to play with DOF-wise, and was really the only thing I could use in lower light levels. With the ability now to dial ISO to levels that didn't even exist last time I was doing this, (and yes I understand the limitations, but still...) do I still need a fast lens? Would I be better off getting another 50, vice the upgrade to the 18-55? If so, which one?
Long rambling post, sorry, would be grateful for any comments on my logic, assumptions, and questions.
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