My Pentax upgrade path...


rzakbzak

New Member
Dec 31, 2011
15
0
0
Hey all,

It's been quite a while since I posted. Been enjoying my Pentax K-X over the past couple years :). My current kits consists of the following:

Pentax K-X DSLR
Pentax DAL 18-55mn kit lens
Pentax-A 50mm 1.7 lens
Pentax DA 35mm 2.4 lens

Now, what I'm hoping my fellow pentaxians can help with is advice re:

- what lens i should next buy?
- would you replace any of the lens I currently have with something similar spec'ed but takes better photos?
- would a K5 be a worthy upgrade, or should I aim for a K3?

Appreciate any input you can offer!
 

Last edited:
If you intend to upgrade the body, go straight to the K3 as it has more features for you to go into. The next step into get a DA* lens like the 16-50 F2.8 or the DA 16-85 F3.5-5.6.

K5 is old tech maybe for newbies coming into DSLR, but you are not. If the K3 is too much of tech for you, get the K5IIs instead.

The A50 F1.7 and the DA 35 F2.4 are great lenses that you should keep
 

K30/K50/K5IIS or K5 if you are on a budget. K30/K50>K5IIS>K5 in terms of performance due to the updated processor, has faster AF speed and focus peaking but can't support a battery grip.
K5IIS>K5 due to better AF, better screen, slightly sharper photos due to lack of AA filter. Lots and lots of buttons for faster access + secondary LCD! woohoo
All the aforementioned bodies share the same sensor, so basically you

I have owned both K5II and K3 and prefer the K5II due to its build quality,battery grip the generous buttons and superior LCD screen, but I can get the same image quality with K30/K50 too.
It all boils down to price and the type of user you are, recreational or serious.

For lenses I would pick Sigma 10-20,Tamron 17-50 F2.8, DA21,FA50 F1.4(Favourite), DA*50-135.
 

- what lens i should next buy?
>> Tamron 17-50 F2.8 , Sigma 10-20

- would you replace any of the lens I currently have with something similar spec'ed but takes better photos?
>>Tamron 17-50 f2.8 , FA50 F1.4

- would a K5 be a worthy upgrade, or should I aim for a K3?
>> Yes, its a huge jump. K5 used prices are low now, K3 would be better of course. I personally upgraded from KX to K5II.
 

Last edited:
Great, thanks for all the suggestions guys. So to summarize :p :

- just about anything is a step up from a K-X :p The K5II and K3 appear to be the most recommended.

- in terms of upgrading lens, possible options are replacing the kit lens with the tamrom 17-50 f2.8 and the A50 1.7 with FA50 1.4. Would the much cheaper DA50 F1.8 be any better than my A50 1.7?

- Next lens should be Sigma 10-20 or some DA* lens (16-85 seems the most versatile but is expensive)

If you had to choose, would you upgrade the body or buy some new lens?
 

Great, thanks for all the suggestions guys. So to summarize :p :

- just about anything is a step up from a K-X :p The K5II and K3 appear to be the most recommended.

- in terms of upgrading lens, possible options are replacing the kit lens with the tamrom 17-50 f2.8 and the A50 1.7 with FA50 1.4. Would the much cheaper DA50 F1.8 be any better than my A50 1.7? FA50 is F1.4 while DA50 is F1.8. A 1 stop difference is useful in low light situations. A50 is 1.7 DA50 is F1.8 so not much of a difference except the AF and non AF.

- Next lens should be Sigma 10-20 or some DA* lens (16-85 seems the most versatile but is expensive) Depends on what you want to shoot. 10-20 is UWA while 16-85 is a normal zoom.

If you had to choose, would you upgrade the body or buy some new lens? I will do both. Save up to get the K3 or K5II/K5IIs, and get the 16-85 or Tamron 17-50/2.8 or the older DA*16-50/2.8 (2nd hand).

In fact, if you can get them 2nd hand, you can save some $$ and even get other lenses too.
 

Last edited:
Looks like our PENTAX gurus have given their well thought out Alice to you; so the only thing left out is this:- JOIN THE MONTHLY PENTAX OUTINGS & HAVE FUN!
Hey all,

It's been quite a while since I posted. Been enjoying my Pentax K-X over the past couple years :). My current kits consists of the following:

Pentax K-X DSLR
Pentax DAL 18-55mn kit lens
Pentax-A 50mm 1.7 lens
Pentax DA 35mm 2.4 lens

Now, what I'm hoping my fellow pentaxians can help with is advice re:

- what lens i should next buy?
- would you replace any of the lens I currently have with something similar spec'ed but takes better photos?
- would a K5 be a worthy upgrade, or should I aim for a K3?

Appreciate any input you can offer![/QUOTE]
 

Looks like our PENTAX gurus have given their well thought out Alice to you; so the only thing left out is this:- JOIN THE MONTHLY PENTAX OUTINGS & HAVE FUN!
Hey all,

It's been quite a while since I posted. Been enjoying my Pentax K-X over the past couple years :). My current kits consists of the following:

Pentax K-X DSLR
Pentax DAL 18-55mn kit lens
Pentax-A 50mm 1.7 lens
Pentax DA 35mm 2.4 lens

Now, what I'm hoping my fellow pentaxians can help with is advice re:

- what lens i should next buy?
- would you replace any of the lens I currently have with something similar spec'ed but takes better photos?
- would a K5 be a worthy upgrade, or should I aim for a K3?

Appreciate any input you can offer!
[/QUOTE]

Henry,

You were taking birding shots in our previous outing at telok blangah sides. tot next in line would be a sigma 500 for IQ.;)

Fullframe shout be announced in a months time and by then k3 will likely go even lower. For me I am still using my trustee K5.


otc
 

Hey all,

It's been quite a while since I posted. Been enjoying my Pentax K-X over the past couple years :). My current kits consists of the following:

Pentax K-X DSLR
Pentax DAL 18-55mn kit lens
Pentax-A 50mm 1.7 lens
Pentax DA 35mm 2.4 lens

Now, what I'm hoping my fellow pentaxians can help with is advice re:

- what lens i should next buy?
- would you replace any of the lens I currently have with something similar spec'ed but takes better photos?
- would a K5 be a worthy upgrade, or should I aim for a K3?

Appreciate any input you can offer!

You actually have all the lenses that cover all the wider angle to standard. If you don't need any farther reach, you may just upgrade your camera bodies.. however if you have extra bucks why don't invest into a limited lens..
 


Henry,

You were taking birding shots in our previous outing at telok blangah sides. tot next in line would be a sigma 500 for IQ.;)

Fullframe shout be announced in a months time and by then k3 will likely go even lower. For me I am still using my trustee K5.


otc[/QUOTE]



Misread the post of Henry...sorry..;):bsmilie::bsmilie:
 

Great, thanks for all the suggestions guys. So to summarize :p :

- just about anything is a step up from a K-X :p The K5II and K3 appear to be the most recommended.

- in terms of upgrading lens, possible options are replacing the kit lens with the tamrom 17-50 f2.8 and the A50 1.7 with FA50 1.4. Would the much cheaper DA50 F1.8 be any better than my A50 1.7? FA50 is F1.4 while DA50 is F1.8. A 1 stop difference is useful in low light situations. A50 is 1.7 DA50 is F1.8 so not much of a difference except the AF and non AF.

- Next lens should be Sigma 10-20 or some DA* lens (16-85 seems the most versatile but is expensive) Depends on what you want to shoot. 10-20 is UWA while 16-85 is a normal zoom.

If you had to choose, would you upgrade the body or buy some new lens? I will do both. Save up to get the K3 or K5II/K5IIs, and get the 16-85 or Tamron 17-50/2.8 or the older DA*16-50/2.8 (2nd hand).

In fact, if you can get them 2nd hand, you can save some $$ and even get other lenses too.

1. DA50F1.8 vs A50 f1.7: Ease of use,AF is the major factor here. I have not used A50f1.7 so I cant comment.FA50 f1.4(I own) at 1.4 there's a softness/haze to this lens that the bokeh compliments, great for dreamy portrait shots that the DA50f1.8 lacks. Stopped down its razor sharp with excellent color. Its screw driven, but works with film.

2. If I had to choose between getting a K5ii now or saving up for K3, definitely go for the K3 and Tamron 17-50 f2.8. Versatile and reliable lens, IQ comparable to more expensive lenses only downside is lack of weather sealing and screw driven(noisy).
 


Henry,

You were taking birding shots in our previous outing at telok blangah sides. tot next in line would be a sigma 500 for IQ.;)

Fullframe shout be announced in a months time and by then k3 will likely go even lower. For me I am still using my trustee K5.

No problem, Marcus-you are right about the Sigma 500mm f4.5; it is about the best birding lens for any PENTAX DSLR, including the soon coming Pentax FF. If only Santa Claus brings it along for me this Xmas
otc[/QUOTE]
 

1. DA50F1.8 vs A50 f1.7: Ease of use,AF is the major factor here. I have not used A50f1.7 so I cant comment.FA50 f1.4(I own) at 1.4 there's a softness/haze to this lens that the bokeh compliments, great for dreamy portrait shots that the DA50f1.8 lacks. Stopped down its razor sharp with excellent color. Its screw driven, but works with film.

2. If I had to choose between getting a K5ii now or saving up for K3, definitely go for the K3 and Tamron 17-50 f2.8. Versatile and reliable lens, IQ comparable to more expensive lenses only downside is lack of weather sealing and screw driven(noisy).

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Some thoughts:

- Not sure I want to venture into the more expensive realm of lenses just yet as I dont' consider myself a pro. The current max I think I'm willing to spend on a lens is about 350 SGD.
- I don't want too many lenses either so prefer to streamline my kit by replacing some of the 'lower end' lenses. I'd prefer to keep a light camera bag of about 3-4 lenses with maximum versatility. I was considering a used pentax 18-135mm but the reviews aren't all that good.

Given your suggestions, here's what I'm thinking to do (in this order):

- replace my kit lens with the tamrom 17-50mm lens (I can get it for 320ish SGD new). This would be my go to lense for instances where I am traveling very light.
- buy a used K3

I'm still a bit torn on whether I should pick up the 50mm 1.8 to replace my A50mm 1.7. It's cheap, versatile, and my main reason to switch would be because of the auto focus capability (which adds flexibility). I understand it's not much of an upgrade (the 50mm 1.4 would be the most ideal) but still...
 

Last edited:
Tamron 17-50 is definitely a must have normal lens, make sure you get it for pentax k mount!
DA50 f1.8 is a worthwhile upgrade, the AF alone is worth upgrading for. It doesn't render the same as a FA50 f1.4, but my bet is that its 80% there at a third of the cost. But since tamron 17-50 also has a 50mm end, I would suggest skipping the 50mm prime and getting the Tamron 17-50 and K3/KSII for now. PS Any body K5 and above is a huge jump from the Kx, but aim for the K3 or KSII!
 

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Some thoughts:

- Not sure I want to venture into the more expensive realm of lenses just yet as I dont' consider myself a pro. The current max I think I'm willing to spend on a lens is about 350 SGD.
- I don't want too many lenses either so prefer to streamline my kit by replacing some of the 'lower end' lenses. I'd prefer to keep a light camera bag of about 3-4 lenses with maximum versatility. I was considering a used pentax 18-135mm but the reviews aren't all that good.

Given your suggestions, here's what I'm thinking to do (in this order):

- replace my kit lens with the tamrom 17-50mm lens (I can get it for 320ish SGD new). This would be my go to lense for instances where I am traveling very light.
- buy a used K3

I'm still a bit torn on whether I should pick up the 50mm 1.8 to replace my A50mm 1.7. It's cheap, versatile, and my main reason to switch would be because of the auto focus capability (which adds flexibility). I understand it's not much of an upgrade (the 50mm 1.4 would be the most ideal) but still...

I own the 18-135 and I find it is enough as a walkabout lens. Especially on holiday when I don't want to lug around my other lenses and make my bag heavy. My son uses it now with the K3 to shoot cosplayers who are his friends. Will post pics of his work after the Christmas Cosfest from 25-27 Dec 2015.


As Jasper mentioned, If you are not into the too long a kit lens, then the Tamron 17-50/2.8 or even the Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 will be good enough.
If you are getting the 17-50 range, you can skip the 50mm prime lens.

I am not a pro but my current lenses are:
DA*16-50/2.8
DA 18-135/3.5-5.6 WR
DA50-200/4-5.6 WR
FA 43/1.9 Limited
FA77/1.8 Limited
K85/1.8
Chiron 50/1.4
Sears 135/2.8
FA24-90/3.5-4.5
Sigma 10-20/3.5

I don't carry all out at the same time though ;)
 

Ok, I pulled the trigger on the Tamron 17-50 F2.8 lens :cool: which will replace my kit lens. As per your advice, I'm not going to buy the 50mm F1.8 (for the time being :p). I'm also going to keep an eye out for a used K3, or perhaps there will be some decent deals over boxing day for a new one (I'm currently in Canada).

Do share if you have any other advice!

Thanks everyone!
 

Ok, I pulled the trigger on the Tamron 17-50 F2.8 lens :cool: which will replace my kit lens. As per your advice, I'm not going to buy the 50mm F1.8 (for the time being :p). I'm also going to keep an eye out for a used K3, or perhaps there will be some decent deals over boxing day for a new one (I'm currently in Canada).

Do share if you have any other advice!

Thanks everyone!

No worries! Glad to help in any way we can!
 

Just an update :)

I ended up picking up a new K50 a couple days ago as it was on sale for a great price ($400 CDN w/18-55 wr lens and eye-fi card). Will likely sell the lens since I have the Tamron now. Figure this should be a good upgrade to my K-X. Look forward to receiving and taking snaps with it :)