Questions & Graditude

Hello,

I first came on this forum to learn more about the K100 a few months ago - then all the K10 madness started! I happened to in the forum on the day Steves digi cam K10 release date was leaked. I was hooked on the camera ever since.

After paitently reading and waiting I recieved my K10 a couple of weeks ago from B&H. Hoooray!

While I am not a complete novice in the world of photography, this camera will prove a bit of a learning curve for me. My previous camera was a Pentax MZ-5, which was pretty straight forward as I normally kept it in manual mode. I also have some time in on a classic spotmatic.

Anyway, I am very pleased with the K10 so far.

I am amazed at how tight I can crop in an image before it starts to become "pixelated".

There have been some issues in low light conditions as others have posted, but for now I am hoping it just my dslr inexperience.

I have shot 100's if not 1,000's of pix so far - I find this instant gratification very addictive as I was use to having to limit my shots to what film I had available. It is apparent that I do need to slow down a bit on just shooting trial and error and actually sit down and learn this camera up and down. While I have had some very good results, I know the camera is capeable of more.

One of my questions is: Can anyone suggest/recomend a good quality, reasonable priced lens?

I have the kit lens, but was thinking about a better quality piece. I will admit I am quite ignorant of lenses in general. I am learning as I go along, but this is new territory for me. I use to just think of lenses in terms of focal length, but I've been reading about glass quality and type........and price!

I don't really have a lot of cash flow (because of my recent purchase) - and I was thinking of using the holiday season as a way to get money momentum towards a quality lens. BUT, I need good advice.

I do general all-around shooting for the part, I do like to macro, low light at times (even though I'm currently having trouble). Any suggestions?

Another question I had was about the mounting adapters.
I have a spotmaitc with a couple of lenses. Can I use these on the K10?
What kind of adapter would I need?

I did want to say that I really apprecieate all the good information I've found here so far (even thought I've been hiding in the shadows - so to speak)

The insight that I am getting here is very vauleable to me - challenging me to expand my once tiny perception of "picture taking" to a whole world of "photographing".
Not to mention seeing all the great pictures and reading the good humor here.

BONUS!

Hi and welcome.

Hmmm "quality lenses". Well, the Pentax DA 50-200 is a pretty good lens that will give you a bit more "reach" than the kit lens. Universally well regarded. I'd also recommend the Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro. It's not too expensive and you can usually find it cheaper second hand either at KEH or eekbay. I like it because it gives me a short tele, a very good macro and a decent portrait lens all rolled into one package. The other recommendation is the FA 50mm 1.4 if you can find one. Basically the same lens is the A 50 f1.4 which you can find second hand if you hunt around. The A 50 is not autofocus, but is auto aperture. I'd say that my FA 50 is probably my favorite lens.

east(I have all three and I can recommend each highly)saltwater

An overlooked lens that can be found cheapish second hand is the FA 28-70/4.0. There are a few copies that suffer of separation of the lens elements, but the ones with good glass in them are of very good quality.

The Tamron 70-300/4~5.6 LD macro can be found cheap new, has a reasonable macro setting as well and is good from 70 to 200mm and usable from 200 to 300mm

When you get a 50mm prime from Pentax and any K mount bellows you are ready to set your steps into macro photography.

Cheers,
Mike

--
--
'Best wide angle lens? Take a few steps back and look for the WoW effect.'



http://www.culinair.com

First off congrats on the K10. It's a heck of a camera.
A couple questions on your lens quest.

1. What do you consider a reasonable price. One persons reason is another's insanity.
2. Are you looking for a zoom or prime(single focal length)

3. Are you looking to replace the DA 18-55 or supplement it?
--
Rosco
Terminal Stage LBA
http://www.pbase.com/roscot

Yes, I agree. My reason seems quite insane to others concerning certain things!!!

But, in this instance i was looking in the reasonable $200 - $300 range. Is this possible? Most Ive seen new are much more.

More than likely a zoom to supplement the 18-55 would be best. I am open to suggestions and advice.

I can see how easy reaching critical LBA can be - so many choices!

Sorry this took so long to answer. I lost the thread. In your price range, for a 2nd general purpose lens, I would take a look at the DA50-200. For low light work, either a FA35 f2.0 or a FA 50f1.4 depending on your FOV preference. The DA 50-200 is running under USD200, the 50 is around USD230, and the 35 is about USD300.

Hope this helps.
--
Rosco
Terminal Stage LBA
http://www.pbase.com/roscot

jcoleman said:

Another question I had was about the mounting adapters.
I have a spotmaitc with a couple of lenses. Can I use these on the
K10?
What kind of adapter would I need?

Click to expand...

they will work using an M42-K mount adaptor. B&H have the Kalt version for $15, most recommend the genuine Pentax version.

--
Steve

http://www.pbase.com/steephill