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Pentax lenses

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Glacian22

Gawd
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
812
I'm getting into photography, and found that I really like the image quality on the pentax K100D (and the price). But reviews tend to not like the kit lens much...what would you guys recommend in the way of fairly inexpensive, but decent quality, lenses? Thanks!
 
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Tamron 28-75 f/2.8, Sigma 30 f/1.4
 
Damn that was a quick reply, thanks Fugu! Do these lenses mount universally, or do they need a pentax-specific mount? Sorry, new at this.
 
Glacian22 said:
Damn that was a quick reply, thanks Fugu! Do these lenses mount universally, or do they need a pentax-specific mount? Sorry, new at this.
Click to expand...

3rd party lens manufacturers like Tamron and Tokina make lenses for specific mounts, so while they have something like a 28-75/2.8 for Canons, Nikons, and Pentax, none of them are mount compatible, since Canon uses the EOS mount, Nikon uses the F mount, and Pentax uses a K mount.

When you buy an SLR system you're basically buying into the lens system, so yeah. :cool:
 
What about the SMC Pentax FA 28-80mm f3.5-5.6? I realize it's definitely a cheaper class than the Tamrons posted above, but how is it compared to the kit lens?
 
Well just judging from the specs, it looks unimpressive. In fact, it looks like a kit lens or similar. It all depends on what you want to do with it. It's just a slow lens, not good for action/low light. IQ, who knows, google a review?
 
I'm finding it hard to find reviews of low to mid range lenses. Basically, I'm on a college budget, but I want something better than the kit lens. I'd consider my price range to be $200-300, and as the kit lens seems to be worth around $100, I thought that'd give me at least something more worth while, right?
 
I don't think you want a 28-80mm anyway. That's no man's land when it comes to cropped sensors. I suggest at least a 17-55mm. Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 is a good choice as is the Sigma 17-70mm F/2.8-4.5 w/ macro here for $365. A great walkaround lens with decent speed and nice IQ. Check out this review raving about the lens.

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_1770_2845/index.htm

It's a bargain at that price.
 
Thanks Thunderstruck! Anyone have any other suggestions in case I can't pony up the $365 for the lens Thunderstruck recommended?
 
You may be able to get it used at fredmiranda f/s forums. I know people who have bought used lenses in excellent shape there. Just make sure you buy from someone with decent feedback on FM or heatware. If you have lots of heatware (www.heatware.com) then you can ask to get shipped first.

It's really a good lens, I would try to get it. Used price probably $275-300. But for $365 I would get it new, but that's just the way I like to do things. :p

Just remember, at least 17mm at wide. 28-80mm is kinda useless IMO that's like 42-120mm on a cropped sensor like the Pentax DSLR. Not wide enough, and just weird.
 
Just registered for the FredMiranda forums...though I'm slightly puzzled by their lack of a search feature!

Heh, found it.
 
I use a 24-70 as my walkaround and it's usually wide enough if I'm not doing landscapes or large group photos. YMMV I guess...
 
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