Pentax K30

  • Thread starter Thread starter BJP
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Thanks Mike.
I'm looking at changing my d3100 for the K30, is it worth it or spend the money on a better lens for the Nikon :thinking:
 
K30 is the equivalent of the d5100/5200 (range wise, but better in some areas), and whilst lenses are the primary arbiter of what the sensor receives, better sensor utilisations are a welcome addition.
For me, the K30 is a no brainer in the current market - it's extremely well priced for the features it packs, and there's plenty of lenses to choose from by Pentax themselves, as well as the usual 3rd party brands.

What sort of budget are you realistically playing with?
 
PJ S said:
K30 is the equivalent of the d5100/5200 (range wise, but better in some areas), and whilst lenses are the primary arbiter of what the sensor receives, better sensor utilisations are a welcome addition.
For me, the K30 is a no brainer in the current market - it's extremely well priced for the features it packs, and there's plenty of lenses to choose from by Pentax themselves, as well as the usual 3rd party brands.

What sort of budget are you realistically playing with?
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I have just sold a DX 40mm micro and DX 55-300mm, if I sell my D3100 + kit, I will have enough to buy the K30 body.
So then a good lens to kick off with about £350- 500 max. I've been thinking Tamron 17-50 maybe.
 
The Tamron is an excellent lens - I used one for the last couple of years. If your budget can go for it, I'd also think about getting a combo of the 18-135 second hand from SRS along with a DA-L 35mm prime. I swapped the Tamron for the 18-135 and have been happy with the outcome. The lens is much sharper than the one photozone review that seems to sour people on it and, while it's not as sharp as the Tamrons, it has a wider range, quiet focussing and weather sealing. I use one of my prime lenses when I want absolute sharpness, since they are all better than the tamron was.

Here's a pic from the 18-135 and f5 (so relatively open for the lens)
20130305150255_imgp1109.jpg
 
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If you can get a decent s/h copy get the 16-50 Pentax. Don't pay attention to what people say about its IQ it is absolutely superb. If you can't stretch to that the 18-135 is a good lens with weather sealing which makes sense in a body with the weather resistance of the K-30.

I personally would go for the Pentax if only for the option of the 50-135 :) The best lens I have ever owned.
 
vrapan said:
I personally would go for the Pentax if only for the option of the 50-135 :) The best lens I have ever owned.
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Yes I would like that one day, so I will rule out the 18-135 ( Brian that is a stunning photo).
I have advertised and already sold my Nikon this evening (must have been too cheap :'().

So I'll be ordering the K30 body soon, what lens :thinking:
It has to be sharp and I do love macro shots.
 
Thanks Phil, my order has been placed :)
K30 and DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro, that should keep me entertained for a bit.
Thanks to everybody's input. :thumbs:
 
Did you order from a Pro dealer? That gets you a 2 year warranty as opposed to standard 1 year from the likes of Amazon, etc.
You'll need to change your camera details now, to reflect your new status. :D
 
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Good choice on the 35mm ltd - it's a fantastic lens. I sold my Tamron 17-50 to get one when I saw it at a good price second hand and I've not regretted it in the slightest! It's a joy to use and beautifully sharp.
 
PJ S said:
Did you order from a Pro dealer? That gets you a 2 year warranty as opposed to standard 1 year from the likes of Amazon, etc.
You'll need to change your camera details now, to reflect your new status. :D
Click to expand...

:shake:

As the Pentax is not here yet I'll change details to my p&s ;)
 
:love:
Bloody 'ell Mike its yonks to my birthday :(
 
Wow, never realised the 70 was smaller than the 35mm. That's a serious case of LBA I'm fighting right now..
 
Camera arrived yesterday, a photo to show it works :D


IMGP0038.JPG
 
Just to say hello. This is the first forum I have ever written in! It sounds quite friendly, so I look forward to any replies coming my way.

Now down to the reason.

I am searching (in vain) to purchase a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 for my Pentax K30. I am looking for an accessible retail outlet in S. Yorks as I prefer not to buy expensive precision equipment off the internet, if possible, especially as grey imported goods may not come with a 5 year guarantee

Can anyone point me towards finding a good deal for this?

I am doing a wedding shoot in 5 weeks time, so want to upgrade my kit lens in good time.


Thanks for any help offered.
 
A wedding shoot with a K30?
Brave man!
17-50 Tamron is a well respected lens, but it wouldn't be a patch on a Pentax Ltd.
You can get one from SRSMicrosystems for £279 if you must, or hopefully buy the used one on eBay for £199 (if no-one else bids on it).

You can grab a 35 f2.4 DA for £139 or bid on one due to end in a day and a bit.
In 4 days time there's a 15 f4 or you could buy a used with warranty Sigma 17-35 f2.8-4 from SRS for £169.
If you don't mind doing manual, there's a 15 f3.5 Sigma Rectilinear for £90 ending in a day and a half.
And theres a 15-30 f3.5-4.5 Sigma for £249 (or less).

All those are UK sellers, but as most are pre-owned, there's no guarantee they aren't imports originally.

If a manual lens isn't a concern, then have a look at k-mount non-Pentax lenses here - http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/
 
I can understand some folks being concerned about buying expensive gear online, but many, if not most, places are reputable.

I have no connection with SRS but I would have not any concerns about buying online from them.

BTW Phil, why is someone using a K30 for a wedding shoot a 'Brave man'?

Dave
 
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