New DSLR Buyer - Leaning toward the K200D

[dtra]

haha, no, that was just the amount i took before i had to change batteries on my holiday, i remember cos they were the first batteries i put into my k200d
they were broken in using my maha charger

i didn't shoot that many in a day, i shot about 1500 for my whole holiday, so two sets of rechargeables and one set of lithiums

but in future, i would just estimate how many shots i will take, and then bring lithiums accordingly (they can be bought anywhere anyway)

just to save bringing the charger, as it is quite large (and working power points can be hard to come by in remote/cheap hotels, probably not an issue in the bahamas)

the way i travel, weight+space is very important (though not that important as i'm carrying a huge dslr and lenses around with me )

(eneloops -
364 shots

Was that your high in many trials, or did you consistently get
exactly that many, or did you only try once? Even though they are
sold as "fully charged", they're really not. You should get more
shots after charging them yourself. But in any case, yes, if you're
regularly shooting more than that in a day, but less than the 800 you
say you get from lithium, then indeed, lithium might seem to make
more sense. But still, it's a hell of a lot more expensive to buy a
new set of lithiums every day (not to mention correspondingly worse
for the environment), and really, even if you get only 364 shots per
charge, two sets of Eneloops would still get you through just about
any day that a single set of lithium AAs would.

--
Marc Sabatella
http://www.marcsabatella.com/photo/

--
dave

Pentax K200D
Fuji F50
http://dtracorp.com

 

[Doug S79]

Enloop batteries and a Pentax sling bag, I find this bag better than
than a Lowepro and less expensive too plus it's got the Pentax logo.

Cheers,

Rene

HI Drew, I got my Pentax from Henry's Camera in Canada but you can
order it from Pentax Imaging USA. The reason I like it is it is not
too bulky and it will hold a K100d w/ DA16-45 attach, and 2 med.range
zooms, plus my 8 enloop and a charger and a cleaning kit. I don't
have an external flash yet but there is room for it. Two of my
friends actually bought the more expensive Lowepro but returned them
in exchange for the Pentax when they got a hold of it. The Pentax
logo looks cool too.

Cheers,

Rene

Thanks for the heads-up. I will look into this one. Although, I'm actually thinking low-key might be more my style than brandishing a Pentax logo on my back -- but I could be just paranoid.

 

[Doug S79]

Hello all!

...

Congrats!

Thanks to a lot of info on the forums here, as well as some hands-on
time in-store, I think I'm ready to purchase the K200D.

...

The K200D with both kits lenses are an extremely good deal when bundled.

I also plan to get UV filters as protection for both lenses ... Any
other suggestions for tropical pictures? ND perhaps? Circular
Polarizer? This is all pretty new to me.

Nothing wrong with UV filters. I recommend B+W UV filters. I recently
bought a Polarized filter but, have yet to really use it a lot due to
weather.

I plan on purchasing B+W as well. I picked up one of those for my camcorder and the quality is outstanding.

I'm also wondering what type of SD memory card will suffice. I
haven't been able to find anything in the search for write speed on
the K200. Is something like the SanDisk Extreme III overkill for this
camera? Especially with a limited buffer? Would the Ultra II be a
better choice?

I have all Ultra II's (2x 1GB and a new 4GB SDHC) for my K200D. The
speed is fine.

Good to know! Thanks. I don't "plan" on shooting any fast-action stuff, but I also don't want to be waiting around for a slow card if I do happen to get ahead of it.

As far as a camera bag goes, ... What
do most of you prefer when you're going for a walk with your gear?

I use a LowePro SlingPack 100. It holds my K200D, 18-50 EX, 360
flash, lens caps, Lenspen, 3 memory cards, 8 AA batteries. Still room
for a FA 50mm prime

A lenspen... Now that's something I'd forgotten about. I've seen it mentioned here a few times, but don't know anything about them. I'll have to look into that. Thanks for that!

I'll save my questions about prime lenses (as well as 50mm specifically) for another day/thread! Good to know you can fit so much into that SlingPack 100 though!

Thanks,

Doug

 

[pentaxfanthailand]

here's my advise, get the camera lenses and try out. Learn to know the cam function. If u gonna shoot with raw&jpeg, u need more card capacity also u need to shoot shoot &shoot. The sdhc card is very good look for good brand name with class 6 for speedy recording. My friend just back from India she used around 20 gig and she shot only raw. Good Luck and Happy Honeymoon.

 

[Doug S79]

Great choice, I came here from Nikon and love the K200D results
straight out of the camera. Jpeg's are very good and can be adjusted
in Picasa so don't write them off, as they will give you far more
leeway with cards. I bought a 4gb cheapie on Amazon and its great,
bonkers capacity on jpeg, something like over 800.
I would recommend the kit lens, "and" think long and hard before
you ever ditch it.
Kit lenses tend to have a "it'll do for now" reputation but the Mk11
18 - 55, (make sure this is what you get), is a very sharp lens and I
believe that you could spend a fortune on other glass and see very
little improvement.

Thanks -- I'd heard that some K200's had shipped with the old 18 - 55 lens, so I will make certain that my kit includes the MKII.

I also looked at the 50 - 200, but after reading on here about how
sharp the Tamron 70 - 300 was I decided to call my dealer, and they
said that while they had the 50 - 200, and that they would make more
money if I bought it, they could never recommend it over the Tamron,
on that advice I bought the Tamron and it has to be the best value
lens I have ever owned, it is incredibly sharp for a cheap lens.

Oh, nuts! I don't know why I haven't come across anything on the Tamron (or Sigma) 70 - 300mm. I was really leaning toward the 50 - 200. I will have to research this a bit more it would seem. Thanks for the tip!

You must get a polariser for the kit lens, 52mm hoya will cost about
£15 on the great auction site and will astound you with the results
when shooting water over sand, see below, also gives real punch to
blue sky, clouds, and colours in general, never leave home without
it. All the best for the wedding and for the years ahead, don't
forget us when you come back, and wow us with your great beach shots.

Thanks. I will definitely come back and post some shots. I look forward to learning more and more from everyone here!

Great pics, by the way!

Doug

 

[Doug S79]

See my comments here.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=27908311

Also,

I just got the lowepro aw200. It fits a sigma 10-20, and the K200
with the kit pair 18-55 and 50-200, and an AF360 flash and some bit
and peices.

Dave

I actually already saw that post when I was trying to make up my mind about getting the K200. See how helpful you'd already been? And without even knowing it... haha.

Ugh... A flash. Now I remember why I've been putting off making the jump to SLR. What an expensive hobby/profession!! Do you find you use the 360 very often? I'm going to try to put off that purchase, but I know I'll kick myself later if the built-in flash ends up not cutting it.

Thanks,

Doug

 

[Doug S79]

Thanks to a lot of info on the forums here, as well as some hands-on
time in-store, I think I'm ready to purchase the K200D. ...
I'm hoping that will give me enough options for shooting
a variety of portraits and landscapes on my vacation.

It will. You're mostly missing a "fast" lens for indoor / low light
use, but the flash certainly works and is probably more convenient.
You can always add a faster lens later.

That is something I'll definitely be interested in looking into. I hate using a flash if I don't have to. I often get blown-out highlights and underexposed backgrounds with it. I am, however, basing that on P&S experience exclusively. Maybe the world of SLR will prove different. Or maybe I'll just learn to be a better photographer.

I personlly use this combo all the time, but depending on how you
feel about such things, you might be happier with the 18-250.
Samples and comparisons I've seen suggest the difference in image
quality is pretty insignificant, with some saying the two-lens kit
wins, others saying the 18-250 does, bu equally small amounts.

I thought I'd read that two lenses dedicated to different focal ranges would be better than one that covers both, but perhaps I misunderstood. Or, perhaps that was referring to larger ranges. I will look into the 18 - 250 for sure though. Thanks, Marc.

Doug

 

[korvus]

I have all Ultra II's (2x 1GB and a new 4GB SDHC) for my K200D. The
speed is fine.

Good to know! Thanks. I don't "plan" on shooting any fast-action
stuff, but I also don't want to be waiting around for a slow card if
I do happen to get ahead of it.

Just for info sake you can shoot 4 RAW DNG images (each 16MB files) in a row before the buffer tops out, fast enough for my use.

--
Pentax K200D w/ Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 EX
http://www.pbase.com/metalfab/pentax

 

[Doug S79]

I am just like you, except for the newlywed part (married 22 years)
and the Bahamas part. (Went to Chicago for one night.)

I have been obsessing over DSLR comparisons, and then thinking maybe
I don't need a DSLR at all. I tend to be in a hurry with taking
pictures, and tend to point and shoot, so maybe that's what I should
stick with. But the speed and the quality keep nagging at me.

Sounds like my situation, other than the "in a hurry" part! I really like to look for interesting angles and lighting. To "compose" the shot, I guess. I'm just often disappointed in -- as you said -- the speed and quality. I'm sick of missing "the moment" because my P&S is either still focusing, or is mentally preparing itself to release the shutter.

I've been comparing the Canon XSi, Sonly A300, and the Pentax K200. I
frequent all the related forums. And the Pentax just keeps pulling
me. I just love all the photos I see here. There's just something
about them.

I haven't really looked at the Sony, but I've had a chance to fiddle around with the XSi and wasn't all that impressed with how it felt in-hand. For one thing, it wasn't as comfortable for me to grip. I know that comes down to personal preference, but I think it's important.

The other thing -- and I'm not going to say "build quaity" here, because I know the XSi is a quality camera. I like Canon stuff. I have the HV30 HDV Camcorder and I love it -- but the Rebel just doesn't feel like a $1000 camera to me. The K200 on the other hand does. It's solid. It feels like the old saying, "you get what you pay for," except that it's cheaper than the XSi. That's probably a silly reason, and hopefully it won't start any debates as I obviously know I'm talking about an entry-level DSLR here, but it's taken me a while to get to the point where I'm willing (and the future-wife is willing, more importantly!) to shell out a grand on what's technically an "upgrade" (since I already have a camera. A P&S, but still, a camera nonetheless), and I want to spend it on something that feels like it's worth its price tag. The ruggedness (not to mention weather resistance) of the K200 appeals to me. Not to mention that I can get more gear for that same $1000.

I commend all the photographers, and know that's the most
relevant factor. But there's something about the camera too....

Agreed. I've been looking at shots in many of the forums on dpreview, and have seen plenty of inspiring stuff here. And I of course know my pictures aren't going to magically transform the minute I pick up the K200.. If they do though, we'll know there definitely is something about the camera... haha.

I have all the same questions you do, so I'm glad you posted. Good
luck with the camera and the wedding and the honeymoon! : )

--
Elizabeth
efg40

Glad to hear it! Thanks!

Doug

 

[Doug S79]

... my plan is to go with the 18-55 mm kit lens, as
well as the DA 50-200MM F4-5.6 ED Lens.

Welcome to the forum, congratulations on your marriage, and good luck
on your honeymoon!

Thanks very much!

I have the 50-200 and the Tamron 70-300, and don't tend to use the
50-200 all that much. It's light, but it's slow, and somewhat soft
at the long end, especially wide open. If you have any desire to
shoot wildlife---I shoot birds and a daughter who is sometimes not
much tamer---200mm may not be enough reach.

For the same money, a 70-300 is better value. The Tamron ($130ish)
is sharper, but it has a purple fringing (PF) problem in very high
contrast areas. Doesn't show up a lot, not for me anyway, but when
it does show up it can be fairly obvious. If you post-process it
removes nicely, and the lens otherwise very good. If you're
concerned about the purple, look at the Sigma 70-300, which a bit
more expensive ($180ish) and has no PF problem at all.

Hmm... You're the second person in this thread to mention the 70 - 300 option(s). I may have to give this some serious thought. Especially if sharpness is a factor. I don't like the idea of PF, however I am pretty familiar with Photoshop so maybe that wouldn't be much of an issue.

I know this is a completely rookie question, but is there any advantage to going with Pentax brand lenses vs Tamron or Sigma?

The other issue with the kit lens and a consumer zoom, either 50-200
or 70-300, is that both of your lenses are slow. Part of the DSLR
advantage is being able to shoot well in low light, but the maximize
that you need a fast lens. A good third lens would be the Pentax
FA50 F1.4 (roughly $200), probably the most widely-owned Pentax prime
lens. It's a great low-light lens and a great portrait lens. For a
sunny beach honeymoon, a low light lens is probably optional. For
long term use, especially indoors, a fast prime is a good idea.
Another option is the FA35/2, slightly wider and costs a bit more.

Second person (at least) to mention this as well. I really don't like using the flash if I can avoid it. I mentioned why in a post above, but another reason is that it draws a lot of attention. No better way to ruin the candid atmosphere then to blast everyone with a sudden camera flash!

Is the 50mm you mentioned the most practical/useful prime for portraits in low-light? I know that 50mm is supposed to be a good focal length because it's similar to the human eye, but I'm wondering how the digital processor multiplier comes into play with that... A 50mm would become 75mm would it not? If that's the case, would it be better to get the 35mm lens then? I know that's a huge topic in itself, which I intend to fully educate myself on. I'm just wondering about the most useful lenses for my needs right now, and wondering if a fast lens wouldn't be a bad idea. It gets dark on the beach too.

Assuming some of you reading this have the K200, do you have a
preferred/recommended brand for rechargeable AA batteries? I've seen
a few mentions of Sanyo Eneloops, but haven't used them.

Eneloops. Period. You will recharge them once, at most, during your
entire honeymoon.

--
Brett Turner
Pentax K100D
bturner.zenfolio.com

Sounds good. Eneloops it is then. Thanks, Brett.

Doug

 

[Doug S79]

haha, no, that was just the amount i took before i had to change
batteries on my holiday, i remember cos they were the first batteries
i put into my k200d
they were broken in using my maha charger

i didn't shoot that many in a day, i shot about 1500 for my whole
holiday, so two sets of rechargeables and one set of lithiums
but in future, i would just estimate how many shots i will take, and
then bring lithiums accordingly (they can be bought anywhere anyway)
just to save bringing the charger, as it is quite large (and working
power points can be hard to come by in remote/cheap hotels, probably
not an issue in the bahamas)

I think I'll go with the Eneloops. I don't mind having to pack the charger in my suitcase, and lithiums are just too costly. Thanks for the comparison and numbers though! Good to know!

the way i travel, weight+space is very important (though not that
important as i'm carrying a huge dslr and lenses around with me )

dtra wrote:
They're also fine if you are taking hundreds of photos a day. Just
expect to charge them every night. I do that with my cell phone,
too...

Same here. I'm used to having to plug things in at night to make sure they work the next day. I'm actually quite surprised to hear how many shots you guys are getting out of these AAs though! I was worried that while the AAs may be more convenient to replace in a pinch, that they might not be up to the task. Glad to hear otherwise.

Doug

 

[K McCall]

Congratulations, Doug, on both your marriage and your decision to go with the K200D! You've already gotten some wonderful advice on most of your questions, so I figured I'd answer the last bit that most people haven't quite addressed: how to keep your stuff safe.

You're already on the right track with the non-logo bag. I have a Domke F-3X shoulder bag. I don't love it, but it holds my lenses and camera and extra stuff (batteries, charger, cleaning stuff, filters, the occasional water bottle) and no one ever guesses that it's a camera bag. Of course, once I pull out the camera, that all changes...

I work in a job with a high incidence of theft, and from experience I can tell you that robberies and theft are a combination of desire plus opportunity. Not to sound paranoid, but I hardly ever use my lens hoods just because I think the equipment looks less expensive without them (I know, that's probably silly, but...). So that takes care of the "desire" part. As for opportunity, lock your door, stay aware of your surroundings - all the simple stuff you already know

A lot of people will suggest insurance, but you'll need to make sure it'll be covered if you travel outside of the country. There are threads that go into MUCH more detail around here if you decide to go that route. To be fair, I've travelled pretty extensively across some "dangerous" countries with absolutely no insurance on my gear, so I'm not exactly the poster-child here.

My "cheap" insurance was to take multiple memory cards and keep them separate from the camera, so if the camera was stolen, at least I had the photos. But those RAW images add up pretty quickly - you might want to invest in a portable hard drive (yeah, I know, this hobby can get expensive fast!).

Now that I've played the part of spoilsport, I'd like to say in closing that you should try to not worry about your camera and instead enjoy your honeymoon! And take lots of awesome shots to share with us when you get back. You've already given me vacation-envy now
--
Keitha McCall
Pentaxian since April 2007
http://flickr.com/photos/aravis121/
http://www.ascenicworld.com

 

[cycoj]

I have the slingshot 100, and I'd say it's quite limited in respect to doubling as a backpack. It's a nice bag otherwise, but if you want to carry other things as well, it is quite limited, especially things like books ... I've actually been thinking of getting myself another bag, probably a hip bag or so especially for hiking etc. where you'd like to carry a backpack. That said, the slingshot is a great bag for walking around with your camera gear. It really does not look like a camera bag either, which I find nice as well.

Cheers
Jochen

 

[cycoj]

... my plan is to go with the 18-55 mm kit lens, as
well as the DA 50-200MM F4-5.6 ED Lens.

Welcome to the forum, congratulations on your marriage, and good luck
on your honeymoon!

Thanks very much!

I have the 50-200 and the Tamron 70-300, and don't tend to use the
50-200 all that much. It's light, but it's slow, and somewhat soft
at the long end, especially wide open. If you have any desire to
shoot wildlife---I shoot birds and a daughter who is sometimes not
much tamer---200mm may not be enough reach.

For the same money, a 70-300 is better value. The Tamron ($130ish)
is sharper, but it has a purple fringing (PF) problem in very high
contrast areas. Doesn't show up a lot, not for me anyway, but when
it does show up it can be fairly obvious. If you post-process it
removes nicely, and the lens otherwise very good. If you're
concerned about the purple, look at the Sigma 70-300, which a bit
more expensive ($180ish) and has no PF problem at all.

Hmm... You're the second person in this thread to mention the 70 -
300 option(s). I may have to give this some serious thought.
Especially if sharpness is a factor. I don't like the idea of PF,
however I am pretty familiar with Photoshop so maybe that wouldn't be
much of an issue.

I think you should consider what you mostly want to shoot with your telelens. If you go with the Tamron 70-300 you're essentially missing out on the 50-70mm focal range,

which IMO is very useful for portraits. The other thing to consider is that the Tamron is significantly larger than the 50-200. I also think the 50-200 is a very good lens for the cost. From what I recall from comparisons I've seen there was not a significant difference in sharpness at 200mm to the Tamron. I think you should make your decision based on if you need the 300mm reach or not.

I know this is a completely rookie question, but is there any
advantage to going with Pentax brand lenses vs Tamron or Sigma?

The other issue with the kit lens and a consumer zoom, either 50-200
or 70-300, is that both of your lenses are slow. Part of the DSLR
advantage is being able to shoot well in low light, but the maximize
that you need a fast lens. A good third lens would be the Pentax
FA50 F1.4 (roughly $200), probably the most widely-owned Pentax prime
lens. It's a great low-light lens and a great portrait lens. For a
sunny beach honeymoon, a low light lens is probably optional. For
long term use, especially indoors, a fast prime is a good idea.
Another option is the FA35/2, slightly wider and costs a bit more.

I think you can put the decision about a prime lens off until after your holiday,

then you might also have a better idea of what type of photos you take. I don't think you need to buy a flash yet either, I've been fine without one, if you don't shoot indoors often you should be ok, and in the odd occasion you can just use the buildin one, it's still miles better than a P&S flash

Second person (at least) to mention this as well. I really don't like
using the flash if I can avoid it. I mentioned why in a post above,
but another reason is that it draws a lot of attention. No better way
to ruin the candid atmosphere then to blast everyone with a sudden
camera flash!

Is the 50mm you mentioned the most practical/useful prime for
portraits in low-light? I know that 50mm is supposed to be a good
focal length because it's similar to the human eye, but I'm wondering
how the digital processor multiplier comes into play with that... A
50mm would become 75mm would it not? If that's the case, would it be
better to get the 35mm lens then? I know that's a huge topic in
itself, which I intend to fully educate myself on. I'm just wondering
about the most useful lenses for my needs right now, and wondering if
a fast lens wouldn't be a bad idea. It gets dark on the beach too.

Assuming some of you reading this have the K200, do you have a
preferred/recommended brand for rechargeable AA batteries? I've seen
a few mentions of Sanyo Eneloops, but haven't used them.

Eneloops. Period. You will recharge them once, at most, during your
entire honeymoon.

--
Brett Turner
Pentax K100D
bturner.zenfolio.com

Sounds good. Eneloops it is then. Thanks, Brett.

Doug

 

[rationalroot]

Sorry, I didn't realise that they had so many,

I meant the slingshot.

My only dislike is that it sits quite low on my back, but it's still very handy.

 

[Dal1970]

With regard to the bag, I would definitely recomend a split rucksack.

I had one for about 18 months, then sold it to a mate who wanted one for holidays.

Bottom half takes the camera and 2-3 lens and the top half takes sandwiches, jumpers etc.

The slingshot, while nice, is a camera bag only.

I would forget about the flash for now, and use the on board one - plenty powerful enough for most situations.

As for the 55-200 or 70-300 bear in mind that the 70-300 is at least half as big again as the 55-200.

I used the 55-200 for around 6 months before deciding on the Sigma 70-300. I got the standard one of eBay and use it a lot, however the APO version is quite cheap now, and is supposed to be sharper.

To be honest, a split rucksack, camera and 2 kit lens will be ample for your holiday. The less time you spend fiddling with the lens and camera, the more time you can relax and enjoy the surroundings, cnfident that your shots will be much improved from the P&S camera (donate that to the new wife)

--
Dal

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dal1970/

 

[macondo]

With regard to the bag, I would definitely recomend a split rucksack.

I had one for about 18 months, then sold it to a mate who wanted one
for holidays.

Bottom half takes the camera and 2-3 lens and the top half takes
sandwiches, jumpers etc.

The slingshot, while nice, is a camera bag only.

I just got myself a Lowepro Compudaypack (what a name!). It is exactly as described above, but with the addition of a padded sleeve for a laptop up to 17". I intend to use it as cabin luggage on flights and as a daypack when walking about. Only problem is, if you want to take shots while wearing it you really have to remove it to get at the camera and lenses, so it might be better to wear the camera around the neck or over the shoulder.

--
Macondo

 

[Doug S79]

Congratulations, Doug, on both your marriage and your decision to go
with the K200D! You've already gotten some wonderful advice on most
of your questions, so I figured I'd answer the last bit that most
people haven't quite addressed: how to keep your stuff safe.

Thanks very much for addressing this. It's definitely something I'm concerned about -- as is my fiancee!

You're already on the right track with the non-logo bag. I have a
Domke F-3X shoulder bag. I don't love it, but it holds my lenses and
camera and extra stuff (batteries, charger, cleaning stuff, filters,
the occasional water bottle) and no one ever guesses that it's a
camera bag. Of course, once I pull out the camera, that all changes...

I work in a job with a high incidence of theft, and from experience I
can tell you that robberies and theft are a combination of desire
plus opportunity. Not to sound paranoid, but I hardly ever use my
lens hoods just because I think the equipment looks less expensive
without them (I know, that's probably silly, but...). So that takes
care of the "desire" part. As for opportunity, lock your door, stay
aware of your surroundings - all the simple stuff you already know

I've never been to a resort before, so I unfortunately don't know what to expect for security. I definitely plan to play it safe. I have heard of things being stolen from room safes though -- kinda frightening!

A lot of people will suggest insurance, but you'll need to make sure
it'll be covered if you travel outside of the country. There are
threads that go into MUCH more detail around here if you decide to go
that route. To be fair, I've travelled pretty extensively across some
"dangerous" countries with absolutely no insurance on my gear, so I'm
not exactly the poster-child here.

I will look into this. Thanks!

My "cheap" insurance was to take multiple memory cards and keep them
separate from the camera, so if the camera was stolen, at least I had
the photos. But those RAW images add up pretty quickly - you might
want to invest in a portable hard drive (yeah, I know, this hobby can
get expensive fast!).

Ha! The separately stored multiple memory cards was already part of the plan... And here I thought I was being clever. I'm just trying to decide between 2 GB or 4 GB cards. 2 GB seems to be a good value right now, and should hold anywhere between 100 - 150 shots (depending on if I use DNG or PEF. Or so I've heard). But I could end up needing several of them to make sure I don't run out!

Now that I've played the part of spoilsport, I'd like to say in
closing that you should try to not worry about your camera and
instead enjoy your honeymoon! And take lots of awesome shots to share
with us when you get back. You've already given me vacation-envy now

--
Keitha McCall
Pentaxian since April 2007
http://flickr.com/photos/aravis121/
http://www.ascenicworld.com

Thanks for the advice. That's why I'm trying to figure out as much of this stuff now -- in May -- as I can. The last thing I want to do is be stressed on the Honeymoon! It'll be my/our first time going to an all-inclusive resort so I am really, really looking forward to not having to think or worry about one single thing. Wedding planning is stressful!! haha. Thanks again.

Doug

 

[Doug S79]

I have the slingshot 100, and I'd say it's quite limited in respect
to doubling as a backpack. It's a nice bag otherwise, but if you want
to carry other things as well, it is quite limited, especially things
like books ... I've actually been thinking of getting myself another
bag, probably a hip bag or so especially for hiking etc. where you'd
like to carry a backpack. That said, the slingshot is a great bag for
walking around with your camera gear. It really does not look like a
camera bag either, which I find nice as well.

Cheers
Jochen

Thanks, Jochen. I think I'm going to have to check out a few of these bags in the store. I'm having a hard time deciding now if I want a bag that's small, "light" and limited to just camera gear, or a larger one that can offer more space for other things, as well as room for more gear down the road!

Doug

 

[Doug S79]

...
I think you should consider what you mostly want to shoot with your
telelens. If you go with the Tamron 70-300 you're essentially missing
out on the 50-70mm focal range,
which IMO is very useful for portraits.

Hmm.. I hadn't considered that about the 70 - 300. However I did initially like the sound of the 18 - 55 & 50 - 200 combo because, well, 1) I've heard they are both good lenses for what they cost (especially the 18 - 55), and 2) that combo sounds like it will cover that entire focal range quite nicely.

The other thing to consider
is that the Tamron is significantly larger than the 50-200. I also
think the 50-200 is a very good lens for the cost. From what I recall
from comparisons I've seen there was not a significant difference in
sharpness at 200mm to the Tamron. I think you should make your
decision based on if you need the 300mm reach or not.

Good point. The 300 length sounds appealing, but at this point I have no idea if I'm going to need something like that. I wonder if I would need a tripod with that lens fully extended...

Hopefully the camera store will have both (or all 3 - Pen, Tam & Sig) in stock and I can play around with them a bit on the floor model K200.

... I don't think you need to buy a flash yet either, I've been
fine without one, if you don't shoot indoors often you should be ok,
and in the odd occasion you can just use the buildin one, it's still
miles better than a P&S flash

Good to know! Thanks.

Doug