Going Pentax

I'm looking to buy a Pentax DSLR, mostly for two reasons- 1) weatherproof and 2)usage of AA batteries (I have lots of Eneloops, 16 of them, and two LaCrosse computerized battery chargers). I have it narrowed down to two models.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1045822-REG/pentax_k_3_dslr_camera_with.html

The K-3 with 50mm f/1.8 lens

or

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1063522-REG/pentax_10874_k_50_black_300w_zoom.html

The K-50 with 18-55lens and 50-300mm lens.

I want to use the camera for astrophotography and this comment I saw posted in the K-3 review section makes me lean towards it.  I also saw the K-3 II but dont know what the difference is between that and the original K-3.

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

I love this thing!

By starrhunter

from Illinois

About MePhoto Enthusiast

Full disclosure: this is my first DSLR; however, I've used large CCD cameras with big telescopes so I know a bit about photography and optics. Having said that, I really love this camera. It's solid, well built, and the grip feels good in my medium sized hand. Right out of the box, it's incredibly user friendly. The automatic setting and autofocus is excellent in typical conditions (indoor and outdoor). I've been systematically going through the instruction booklet that came with it and have had no trouble figuring out the buttons and how to change settings. I got this camera primarily for astrophotography and nightscapes as well as everyday family photos. The 50mm lens has been great for family photos so far. It's incredibly sharp, compact, and feels like it's good quality. I've already taken some nice portraits of my kid. It is a bit more telephoto than I had hopped for, so I may end up getting the 35mm or perhaps an 18-55 to round out my kit. I'd definitely go for the 35 over the 50 if you plan to do more group shots. I haven't gotten my wide angle lens yet nor have I hooked it up to the scope, so I can't say how it performs as an astrocam yet. But an astronomy friend has this model, and I've been impressed by the very low noise. I really don't have any complaints about either at this point.