Pentax K-X Lens advice for Meathead

LMeathead on 25/11/2012 - 10:21

Hi all,

I was hoping for some help on this one. My girlfriend has recently gotten into photography after getting the Pentax K-X camera (following the number of recommendations on this site http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/63791). I am now hoping to get her a new lens for Christmas but the problem is I don’t have much of a clue when it comes to lenses, or photography in general for that matter. She often comments that she would prefer a lens which was capable of more zoom as the only lens she has is the kit lens that came with the camera (18mm-55mm). I have done some research but am still a bit clueless when it comes to the different glass specs. Can anyone recommend a good lens that would work with the Pentax K-X camera with a budget of about $400?

I had seen this lens on sale in the UK (we are going home to the UK for Christmas so that wouldn’t be a problem) which seems like good value but I’m not sure if it will work with the Pentax K-X? http://www.jessops.com/online. store/categories/products/tamron/70-300mm-f4-5-6-di-ld-macro-pentax-af—66335/show.html

Perhaps I could get her this lens and another one if anyone had any suggestions?

Anyway, hoping some ozbargainerers out there can give me some good advice?

Thanks

Meathead

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • cezasu on 25/11/2012 - 11:13
    +1

    hey .. if it's k mount.. then it will work but why not just go for pentax:

    Pentax SMC DA L 55-300mm f4-5.8 ED Lenses
    (Plastic mount, no hood, low price ~ 300 )

    or

    Pentax SMC DA 55-300mm f4-5.8 ED Lenses
    (metal mount, comes with hood price ~ $400 )

    Just search around the usual suspects' websites for more details on pricing

    Pentax branded lens have a better resale value if you wanna sell next time (IMHO)

  • tonyjzx on 25/11/2012 - 12:54

    i honestly think those lenses are just garbage

    an f4-f5.6 70-300mm type is really just for people who dont know what they're doing and want MAX ZOOM!

    ask yourself how much you're likely to use 200mm+

    if you use it a lot you'd be wanting better than 5.6 at that end

    • WalterPPK on 25/11/2012 - 21:44

      Large range lenses like that are good as a prime go-to, keep clipped on, stand by lens. That way, anything that pops up you'll be able to catch without any mucking around, because they have a good, wide range. They suck in low light though.

      • tonyjzx on 26/11/2012 - 07:18

        i think you'd be better off with an 18-200 which is a single lens that does it all

        sure the quality is middling but its middling anyway with a 55-300

  • Meathead on 26/11/2012 - 17:06

    Thanks a lot for the advice everyone.

    I've taken your suggestions on board and have decided that she probably doesn't need 300mm zoom after all and perhaps I would be better off going with 200mm as the max. I think I’ll stick with a Pentax branded lens too. From the reviews I’ve read, they seem to operate better when you stick with a lens that is the same brand as the camera. The lens I am now looking at is this one http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod6294.htm

    Cheers
    Meathead

    • cezasu on 26/11/2012 - 17:31
      +1

      Depends on your needs really, if you are into nature, for eg taking photo of birds etc, sometimes you really need the extra 100mm reach.

      also do shop around before buying :) good luck!

  • dmorg78 on 26/11/2012 - 20:38
    +1

    Forget about the long zooms, they aren't very good.

    If you can stretch the budget, jump onto the Pentax 18-135. It gives you a reasonable zoom range and size to carry around. Try buying from US for best pricing

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/740381-USA/Pentax_2197…
    http://www.adorama.com/PX18135AFWR.html

    Both of these guys are very reliable (i've bought from both).

    If you really want to splurge, the DA* 16-50 and 50-135 combo give superb image quality. Strangely enough, they are on sale for the first time in a long time right now

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/485180-USA/Pentax_2165…
    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/485184-USA/Pentax_2166…

    These are two of the best zoom lenses you can buy in a K mount and IQ similar to some of the primes. The 50-135 is a bit slow, but some of the shots I've taken with it make it worth every cent.

    Else, maybe try a 50mm prime and make her use her feet to zoom!

    UK is expensive for Pentax btw.

    Good luck and enjoy!

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