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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-18-2022, 08:13 AM
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Thanks to everyone who spent their time and thoughts on this matter. I have learned a lot especially about the Pentax lineup from between my K-x and now. I had never really considered cameras like the K-3 or the KP before. Hopefully also this thread is a resource to others with the same questions.
Since I put out some feelers around I was granted an opportunity to loan a Nikon D7200 with a fast lens for free for a while. So it is a no-brainer to try this out, even though abit nervous to admit this betrayal on a Pentax forum... :o :o
I am curious to see what the result will be but already I realize what a big upgrade it is from my K-x, already seen the benefits of twice the resolution and far better iso performance (something a Pentax upgrade also will do of course!). I wonder why I didn't upgrade sooner.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-16-2022, 05:25 AM
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Hmmm. Thanks to both of you. Indeed that is a different grip. I have seen possible changeable grips online, but I do like to walk with the camera in one hand. Looks like it would be more difficult to get a safe grip. Weird design choice.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-16-2022, 05:07 AM
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Very good resource, thanks for the link.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-16-2022, 04:58 AM
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Ergonomics are important. I have small-medium hands however. I think the K-x fits great in my hand and as I can tell its a compact size. How does it compare to the K-x? If the KP is similar then I will have no problem. I liked the grip of K-x more than Nikon D7200 which is a tad larger.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-16-2022, 02:01 AM
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I am reading all your replies, resources and links with the utmost interest even if I don't quote each of you directly. This kind of feedback within 24 hours is one of the reasons I always enjoyed my K-x. Simply enjoyable!!
Let me say that I have gotten quite some new ideas to think about. I think the main point would be that any given body we've discussed would be a leap in performance from my K-x. Your sample pictures with much higher iso than my grainy K-x picture made me optimistic.
Regarding the K-3 bundle I mentioned - the asking price is $900 which I didnt mention - just compared it to the price of a new K-70. I don't know how good a deal it is, or its condition or real use, although I understand that the -135mm f2.8 lens bundled is great.
I forgot to mention/realize that WiFi would probably be a huge asset to me as I wouldnt have to run to a computer and fiddle with memory cards to upload pictures. It would really benefit my workflow when I think about it.
What lingers is of course how the AF is better in competitive systems.
There is something I need to ask however. It is what exactly lies within the term AF tracking and AF performance. So I understand what I am discussing.
Now I shoot with single point focus point and anticipate/track the action manually.
When I think about AF performance I think about the cameras intelligence when it comes to focus correctly on what I point at, fast mechanical action in the lens, and the speed of the continous AF to keep up with my aim.
Of course, if there is some magic out there that 'understands' what I want to focus on even if I sway the single dot focus point away from the intended target, that would be great.
But I do not for example need a system that enables me to keep stationary with the camera and track a focus point across the field of view. If that made sense.
---------- Post added 02-16-22 at 10:06 AM ----------
In other news, one of the members have contacted me offering a KP body with grip in excellent condition and practically unused, shutter count just below 2000.
I was told to ask what a reasonable price would be at the forum. Since the KP is not to be found around here neither new or used I do not really know.
I must say the KP makes an intriguing candidate. Looks so cool too and as I understand is a great camera.
What would be a good price mark for this?
For my part is the sad import tax that adds a +25% premium. This is of course not something that affects the right price for the seller, its just part of my total calculation.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-15-2022, 02:39 PM
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Wow! 16000 you say? That's just miles ahead of what I could do with my current equipment in that light. It started to look bad already passing iso 1600.
If this is the performance I can get from getting a better body I am starting to dream already.
Sadly I cannot find a K-P anywhere here, neither new or used. :confused:
---------- Post added 02-15-22 at 10:42 PM ----------
Unsure! I would thnk I really really need the most light I can get in many of these games. But of course I am not up to speed with how much these new cameras can do with less light and high ISOs nowadays.
I originally thought I must have a f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, which I absolutely must find second hand no chance of affording a new, but perhaps the criterias could be lowered to f/4 throughout the zoom range.
---------- Post added 02-15-22 at 10:44 PM ----------
Thanks for these helpful points.
That lens was indeed interesting. Wonder if I can make due with a fixed zoom, haven't really thought about it.
---------- Post added 02-15-22 at 10:48 PM ----------
I have also read a lot about this but I also get a little sense that the problem has become like a monster under the bed, it seems everyone is talking about it but is it really that much more frequent than failures in general with any cameraS?
Anyway, the K-3 - its from 2013, is it still up to the standards? Pardon my ignorance.
I actually see here in Norway a used K-3, with Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG and SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM and grip+equipment for just a tad more than the K-70 body new. Don't know if that's a good deal?
---------- Post added 02-15-22 at 10:50 PM ----------
Oh and unless it starts a trench war, what about the Nikon/Canon counterparts? The biggest "feature" for these cameras here is the vast second-hand market compared to Pentax.
Is that rumored superior AF-performance something I must think about?
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-15-2022, 01:40 PM
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For reference, here is one of the (last?) pictures taken with the K-x this weekend.
Focal length 200mm, f/5.6, 1/500 and ISO 3200. It's also turned down a 1/3 stop if I remember right.
I like the composition, mostly due to the middle player's expression :lol:
But its very grainy at this sensitivity, and a lack of detail.
Also its shot in jpg to be able to publish immediately, which is something I need to do. Makes me have to rely on color handling and whitebalance in camera.
I hope to be able to achieve sharper images with better exposure and less noise in this lighting and these situations, with my to-be-decided new camera+lens.
---------- Post added 02-15-22 at 09:43 PM ----------
80% of the time I go behind the goal lines, where I have found there to be more interesting action going on. With my current 70-300mm I find that I work mostly between 100-250mm, and mostly around 200mm. Some times I need to get a picture of a certain player - and if he's not an offensive player, then I have to move around the pitch OR have a good zoom.
I have to do some after-game shots in interviews occasionally, but I do not mind having to switch to a portrait lens if that is what you think about.
K3 III is sadly too expensive for me, but thank you for the tip and also about the K-70 might being a disappointment for me - that's the feedback I need.
With regard to expenses - I know this type of photography really raises the costs for the best results but I am looking hard for some kind of sweet, sweet compromise..
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-15-2022, 01:26 PM
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Hello again and thanks to those who recently tuned into my thread about my failing K-x. I got some helpful advice about the internal battery problem however the biggest issue is the failing LCD and unresponsive camera. Simply put, I just cannot trust it anymore and I need it to do my job, so it must be relegated to a hobby/reserve kit.
This will be a little lengthy but if anyone wanna chime in, I think the following information will "help you to help me".
My needs:- As a freelance journalist I photograph soccer games, in Norway. Except for summer, a lot of matches are played in dim evenings here, especially winter/autumn.
And the lighting system of amateur and semipro clubs are not TV standards. So I have moving objects that I need to zoom in on, in difficult lighting.
- In general, apart from work, I shoot a little of everything, and I like to take it along for strolls, and my hands are on the smaller side - so ergonomics does matter a bit.
- Although I don't know if I absolutely need it, I think weather sealing would be great.
Experiences:- I have used my K-x with a cheap Tamron 70-300mm for some jobs, and for some jobs I have borrowed a Nikon 7200 with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens that costs more than what I make in half a year doing freelance.
- I am not a professional photographer, but I have an understanding of lighting and equipment. Techniques, well I'm learning..
The Nikon 7200 was bulkier compared to the K-x and with that f/2.8 lens it was heavy and huge as well. And as a result of this - I think - I have not gotten more keepers with that combo than with my K-x which I was able to handle much more fluidly and fast. Besides, carrying that combo around was a real drag. I missed the K-x.
"Keepers" refers to in-focus pictures. With that cheap Tamron and perhaps also limitations of the K-x in evening matches I was not very satisfied with the overall quality. Had to reach for very high ISOs to freeze the action and the color balance wasn't always great (no time for post processing either, have to publish right away). Hopefully this will also improve with a new body.
I have spent the last days researching and these are my main finds (at least they are common beliefs):- The AF processors and speed of especially Nikon is best fitted for sports photography. Canon and Nikon seem to totally dominate the sports field.
- Pentax offers great value for basically anything else but lacks in the "tracking moving object" AF department compared to others.
Additional factors:- I do not own any particularly expensive lenses for Pentax so I am not system-bound. Probably need a new lens anyway.
- I simply cannot spend the $ needed to get, say, a Nikon D500 and a f/2.8 telezoom which The Internetz tells me is an ideal solution. I have to compromise. I would like to aim for 10'000 norwegian crowns which is around 1100 USD.
- A compromise I have thought about is to get a body that produces good results with higher sensitivity and look for a f/4 zoom lens instead of 2.8. Thoughts?
- For some reason I feel like I want a Pentax. I like the community, the "niché" side of it, lens support, and to be honest - yes I think it's cool to stand out a little gearwise also. BUT, with the amount I am looking to spend, I cannot justify picking a tool unfit for the job simply for these feelings, it must make technical sense.
- Sadly, the second-hand market for Pentax in Norway is practically non-existant. So my options are either a new pentax set (from the only shop in the whole country selling Pentax, sadly without any special offers ever), or I could go second hand Nikon/Canon which there are much more of, even for a lower price. Or of course buy from abroad, but naturally a bit hesitant due to the amount of cash spent, plus theres a +25% import tax on all international deliveries which jacks up the total.
I have been eyeballing a K-70 for some time. It seems to me to hit a sweet spot where it offers a lot of good stuff for an acceptable price. But I am hesitant due to a creeping feeling from online research that it's not the right tool. Therefore I turn to you (even if there might be some bias at a Pentax forum) for some pros and cons.
Here it's $790 from a domestics shop for the body alone. A Nikon 7500, for example, is $1150. (Before you suggest international orders, add 25% import tax to the price for comparison - both for used and new goods).
Would it make sense for me, given all the above, to still pursue the K-70, or should I perhaps set my aims at second-hand Nikon/Canon?
Would I be better off going for some Nikon/Canon brand in general or is this autofocus-debate mostly syntehtic/theoretical differences or anecdotic?
Would it be better to find a cheaper body and buy an expensive f/2.8 lens? Could I even think of just finding some good deal on whatever body fairly up to modern standard as long as I get a great lens? Or would, say, great high Iso and low light handling make up for a slightly slower lens?
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-13-2022, 02:28 AM
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So this is how it looked after it happened again: 
Will not react to on/off, and must take batteries out and insert again. Will still not turn on. After random amount of time it turns on again and works fine.
Weird.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-12-2022, 02:01 PM
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Yeah, the date/time reset came after battery change. So that's probably not a big deal, it just added to the concern about the crashing and flickering LCD screen, not turning on again with several tries. Wonder what that was all about. Worked flawlessly for a couple of hours after I got it back on.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-12-2022, 11:58 AM
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Hey all. And thanks for previous help with questions about Pentax cameras.
Today my trusty little K-x gave me a big scare.
I work as a freelance sport journalist where I occasionally also have to do photo at the same time. I bring along my K-x and I produce perhaps even more keepers than with high-end stuff I borrow, probably due to equipment familiarity.
Today however, I got three symptoms.
One - the camera suddenly asked me to set the date and time again. Weird I thought. It had been reset for some reason. So I set the date and saved, and all looked well.
Two - the LCD screen suddenly looked like an old TV that had lost signal - grey and black lines all over. This was one minute before game start, and panic is a fitting word.
I frantically turn on and off to no response - it just turned black.
Three - After re-inserting batteries it came to life again - this time the screen was better, but still had some faint flickering.
Turned it off and on a few more times and it was all OK, and it lasted me throughout the match and post-match interviews.
First of all it was a great event because I produced some good images that made it to the front page. My budget Kx + Tamron 70-300m probably costs less than the lens cap of some of the other photographers at the sideline. But now I feel I cannot trust to bring the Kx anymore.
Has anyone had similar symptoms? Do you know if its merely a LCD problem, a system error, or something else? Is this the end of my Kx?
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-08-2019, 07:59 AM
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You're right, good spot :-) I cleaned it with my cleaning kit when I got home from vacation. I removed it from some pictures in post processing but didn't do it on all.
Also, good advice on the investments other than the body. I will probably do the same for now. I still have things to learn about the operation of this camera, and it still has a fairly low shutter count so it's a bit of a waste to leave it on the shelf for now I think.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-06-2019, 03:12 PM
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Often, I like to put it on and go out and take random "everyday" pictures. But I screw up the focusing fairly often, it's often a little off. I've actually started playing around a little with the diopter (the slider that can adjust for eyesight) and not always blindly trusting the focus-indicator in the viewfinder, and things are starting to get better. I like the lens though, it both looks and feels more premium than my other two. I have however thought about getting a 35mm prime too, the 50mm often gets a little too close and I can't always work the object or adjust my own position enough.
Except for shooting some insects in the sports mode, I never use them. I have never really tried them though.
You make an intriguing case for the KP. I think I will spend a little time now trying to shoot a lot of different stuff with the K-x and then making up my mind. As I said I recently picked it up again after a hiatus so to justify spending $$$ I need to make sure the interest is there for the longer term :)
I'm in Norway. There are virtually no Pentax dealers here..... Canon and Nikon are the only options in popular stores. The only store I could find with a KP, a "niche" pentax store in the capital, prices the KP body only at 9000 NOK (thats 1010 USD). That might be an OK price for a camera of that quality, but it's sure a lot of money. I'm no stranger to buying second-hand though, I bought my K-x through ebay in 2011. My only regret is not getting the red one.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-06-2019, 12:06 PM
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Wow, this forum alone is a selling point for Pentax :) So many helpful replies in a short time!
I have carefully read through all, and looked up lenses and bodies that you have suggested. I thank you for your time and for the introduction to bodies and lenses I was not familiar with.
I don't think I should quote and reply everyone, but the majority have correctly questioned whether I have a real need for new gear - since I haven't really identified where my current comes short.
To be honest, I can't really pinpoint specific single factors I want to improve. Sometimes you just want to buy something new, right? It sounds shallow, but it applies to me, especially technology :)
If I were to buy a new body now, I think I would look for a higher resolution and better low light handling, because I have in a few cases been wanting for a better possibility to crop my photos, and as I said I have never gotten a good astrophoto off - although I believe that also has to do with my lack of a fast and wide lens.
Reading through your thoughts I conclude that there are good options for upgrades that would make a great difference from my current K-x in several areas, but at the same time, the K-x is capable of delivering great photos still.
I think, that for now - the rational thing to do would be to read more about the handling of the camera, photo theory and practice more with my K-x. And for the next step, buy better glass. My current lineup covers a wide range from 18-300mm altogether, however they are on the budget side of things and I am sure that perhaps getting a faster wide lens for example for astrophotography, and then maybe look into 1:1 macro options, are logical paths to go. Thanks for the input here.
Also, thanks to those who commented on my photos. Those 30-ish in the album link were so far the survivors of 300 photos from that trip. What I am trying to practice is to compose good images and I felt I was getting better even during the trip, because I just got out and shot many pictures. Most of the pictures that got discarded were photos where I got the exposure wrong, wrong focus (I also shoot some with a 50mm prime manual), or was just too boring. So - user errors mostly.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-06-2019, 04:56 AM
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Thanks for the kind reply. I also think the biggest gain would be from practice and learning.
I want to refine my question a little: I know the K-x is dated, after all its from the former decade. But, is it "expired"? That would probably be a better word. For example: I work with computers a lot and I build them for myself and others. And people often get caught in a dilemma - should I keep upgrading single parts, or finally upgrade the whole platform? At a certain point, you will lag noticeably behind the current technology which has been vastly improved at what would be an acceptable investment price.
I guess I am applying the same kind of thoughts to the camera business, but I am not an expert in this field.
PS. I am not interested in fancy non-image tech like gps and wifi and what not, just image quality and tech that helps to achieve this.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-06-2019, 04:19 AM
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Hello everyone.
8 years ago I bought a K-x second hand and it is still with me, although I haven't taken it out much the last couple of years. This year however I have been shooting more and more and I've rediscovered the fun of "working" the photos with a proper camera.
I have the 18-55mm kit lens, a Tamron 70-300 Li LD, and an SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7.
I like the K-x. I know that 99% of bad shots come down to my lack of skill, rather than the equipment. It has good functionality for me, and ergonomically it fits good in my hands. However I also like new toys. So I have been itching a little to buy something. Should I perhaps get a new lens? Or maybe even a new body?
I remember what attracted me to Pentax and the K-x was the shake reduction in the body and not lens and that I could fit a wide range of lenses from many decades ago on the camera, which opened for cheap but good second-hand buys. I also liked the AA-battery solution - this isn't terribly important however.
I like photographing living things, as in insects, animals and people - although I am a little shy to do the latter. I have also a dream of shooting such great astrophotos as I can find online, but up to now I have been unsuccessful.
Some of my photos are here - Rhodos 2019 | Flickr - just brought it with me on vacation to Greece and had to re-learn a lot as I had forgotten even basic camera handling. I'm not very satisfied with any of the shots but it gives an idea of my interests.
My question is:
Is the K-x now "dated" in terms of quality? As with all electronics I am sure also digital photography has been improving fast over a decade.
Or is it still a good option for an amateur who should instead keep learning theory and practice, and perhaps instead get a wider range of lenses if anything?
Where to go next?
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-30-2011, 07:15 AM
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This is why I love reading this forum, so many helpful comments and answers!
I got a lot of good advice here, I'll try to get out photographing soon :-) Good comment about the legal part. I'll check it up in the Norwegian laws and see if there's anything I should know. Uploading pictures of people (with them in clear view, like the two girls) can surely upset someone if they discover it. What's the rule here, hope they don't - and delete immediately if asked?
We don't have an awful lot of public gatherings around here, but I'll definitely take my k-x with my new 50mm f1,7 out on new years eve and benefit from the good high-iso handling :-)
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-29-2011, 09:52 AM
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And just run away if someone comes at you? :D
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
12-29-2011, 09:06 AM
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Hi!
Got myself a K-x (love it) last month and have been taking some pictures here and there. Nothing especially good yet. I was wondering about something. I love to take pictures of people. Everyday stuff. However, a lot of people are really uptight about being taken pictures of, I guess I am too. Some people gets furious lol.
I see a lot of nice photos of people in everyday situations around but I'm wondering how to go about to get these, heheh.. I'm not a stalker or creeper and I don't stick my cam up people's noses, but I haven't tried going downtown photographing in case people go nuts. I am wondering what your experiences are?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-09-2011, 08:01 AM
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Very relieved about the feedback :D
Not so relieved about the lens comment, lol. I'm a newbie though and I got this for cheap practically unused, I've also seen some good feedback on it several places. I think I'll just go with it and see if photography is something that "gets" me before I really start digging into the world of lenses. :-)
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-09-2011, 07:29 AM
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Heya,
received my Tamron 70-300mm ld di zoom today. Lens in perfect condition EXCEPT for this black spot on one of the inner lens glasses :( I don't receive my new k-x body until next week but I'm wondering what to do with this lens. I bought it "as new" second hand. Not sure if its dust or some defect of kind.
Had a hard time spotting it with my cellphone cam, lol. Can't manually focus....
Ideas?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-07-2011, 10:43 AM
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I just missed the auction because I got busy reading reviews (LOL) :o But the 50 1.4 sold for $53 in good condition with caps n stuff. So just keep hunting!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-07-2011, 09:35 AM
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No I had not considered the 50mm 1.7 until now! it's on my list now :D Basically I'm not necessarily out after a specific lens, I just want a reasonably fast prime 50-55mm range for portraits. I'd like to get something faster than f2. I found some good deals on that 1.7, will be on the lookout :-) Thanks for a very nice post, I hope the dentist wasn't too scary ;-)
Edit: Bah, you got me in a dilemma lol. Thought I had settled for the 1.4 but reading a lot of reviews on the 1.7 they all seem to love it and people claim its a bit sharper wide open.... Hmmmm!! Could get'em for around $60 on a buy-now on ebay... I hate waiting days for an auction to end :P
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-06-2011, 05:48 PM
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Around $50-60 in good condition. :)
T_T lost the auction on the 55mm. Going for the 50mm then.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-06-2011, 05:24 PM
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Heya,
looking for advice on something I just cannot decide :o) Give or take some $ I can get the mentioned lenses for about the same price level. I'm looking for a nice beginner prime for my DSLR body for some everyday portrait shots. Both seems to have good ratings. Reading the specs the slightly faster 50mm attracts me somewhat however Ive heard about the 55mm being a little sharper wide open. Buying both is sadly not an option (ive tied up the $ for now in another 28mm and a tele).
I've looked at the gallery with both lenses and they both seem to produce good pictures.
I guess my question is just what would YOU buy :)
regards, daniekr the indecisive.
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