YA lens choice for K10 D; past PowerShot G3 user

Thanks to a great thread in this forum I decided to pass on the PowerShot G9 and move into dSLR world with the K10 D. I was delighted to find that my old K1000 lenses (A 50mm, Tokina SD 70-210)) work with my dSLR but I thought I should take advantage of a digital-ready lens. I bought the camera body-only and was wondering if any of the lenses up for rebate this month would serve well. Obviously, a newbie lens, if you will. The choices are somewhat bewildering.

I like to shoot portraits, landscape, macro, and cities (architecture).

I could budget up to $400. If I'm going to spend $80 on a kit lens I'd rather put the $ towards some good glass.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Hi,

Budget $400 to shoot portraits, landscape, macro, and cities (architecture) ... I think the Sigma 17-70 is your most realistic choice.

If you prefer the prime route try either DA21 or FA35.

DA40/FA43 are both good lenses but they get too close to the A50mm you already have.

Consider buying the DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens to start with - it will give you the wide angles you can't cover with your current lenses, and it's a decent walkaround lens as well. It can be had for $70 or so - google it for retailers, or take a shot on eBay.

After you have some experience and know what your needs are you can spend more $$ on something better. Coming from a digicam background you might want to consider the very good Tamron or Pentax 18-250mm superzooms. They are identical except for cosmetic differences and are amazingly good considering the range they cover. They are expensive, though - the Tamron can be had for a bit more than $400 and the Pentax for about $50 more.

One of Pentax's great strengths are the wonderful compact primes they offer. Look at the DA limiteds - 21,40, and 70mm - if primes are what you prefer.
--
Jim King - Retired Colormonger - Suburban Detroit, Michigan, USA; GMT -5h (EST)
Pentax user for over 45 years. Photo gear and collection listed in my profile.



* * * * *
A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.

• Sir Winston Churchill

* * * * *
The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.

• Albert Einstein

Thanks for the comments. I see in other threads that the kit lens is not at all bad. Plus, this will give me some $ for a bounce flash, monopod, extra digital accessories, &c

LBA can wait a few months:---) Maybe...

burleyman7 said:

Thanks to a great thread in this forum I decided to pass on the
PowerShot G9 and move into dSLR world with the K10 D. I was delighted
to find that my old K1000 lenses (A 50mm, Tokina SD 70-210)) work
with my dSLR but I thought I should take advantage of a digital-ready
lens. I bought the camera body-only and was wondering if any of the
lenses up for rebate this month would serve well. Obviously, a newbie
lens, if you will. The choices are somewhat bewildering.

I like to shoot portraits, landscape, macro, and cities (architecture).

I could budget up to $400. If I'm going to spend $80 on a kit lens
I'd rather put the $ towards some good glass.

Click to expand...

Tamron 28-75 2.8 Highly regarded quality glass that will do all you want per above. Not a true macro, not really wide enough for some, great for portraits. Great walk-around lens (although not a light-weight)

It was my all around lens on my DS for a long time and I have shot everything from weddings to flower shots.

You also can't go wrong with the Pentax 100 2.8 macro which besides being an excellent Macro, can also do nice portrait work. It is a favorite of many and with the rebate brings it into your price range.

I also started with a G-3 which I still have (collecting dust).

Hope this helps.

Be well,

AZ

burleyman7 said:

Thanks for your thoughts!

Click to expand...

--

'There is an art, or, rather, a knack to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw
yourself at the ground and miss.'Douglas Adams'.



Images at: http://www.pbase.com/frumsimchasphoto
Events at: http://frumsimchasphoto.com