New camera, or a new lens? Help...

Stephen_H wrote:

Hi all.

I love my K-50 and it's served me really well, but I'm feeling a little left behind and I feel I'm about due for an upgrade. There are 2 areas that need help:

The auto focus is leaving me missing a few candid family photos. Understandable since the K-50 is now 7 years old. A K-70 or the KP will be be a welcome upgrade to this, I'm sure.

Then there is the lens I use the most: the 18-55 kit lens. The difference between the kit lens and the 35mm limited edition is vast, yet 90% of my photos are taken with the kit lens because of its convenient focal range. A better lens to replace the kit lens will also be a welcome upgrade.

However... I can only afford to do one, not both, so my question is this:

"Which will give me the greatest benefit... a new body, or a new lens?"

Note: My photography needs are broad from family shots at birthdays, to pack photography at the office. I'm not a professional so I don't earn anything from my camera. It's a hobby & a tool that my wife largely sees as a luxury with all the cellphones floating around.

I can relate a bit though I never used the kit lens. I had the 35mm Macro and still have the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5. The image quality of 35mm Macro was stunning--top notch!! But yes, as you found yourself, as a Macro lens the focus throw is large. The issue with "locking" focus is a Pentax speciality (tiny back and forth movements and time to lock focus)--less to do with lens and more to do with the AF system (see discussion on an earlier thread here). I used several Pentax cameras's searching for significant improvements in AF system and after wasting time and money I eventually concluded it is a waste of time and money hoping for significant improvements in AF system in Pentax world, However, the upcoming K-3-3 does look promising based on spec sheet.

I don't want to give an advice for purchase that will not satisfy you entirely and could lead you to wasting more money in the long run. So, if I understand correctly, there are three concerns: 1) image quality with convenience of zoom lens; 2) AF system and; 3) cost. As for image quality, I recomend you buy any version of Sigma 17-70mm lens. As for AF system, well, upgrading to any existing Pentax camera would not fix the issue though there maybe incremental improvements. So, if that is your biggest worry then wait for reviews of K33 or buy into a different system altogether. As for cost: well, Pentax camera's are not "cheaper" as compared to other camera's anymore and K33 is a flagship camera expected to arrive with a premium price anyway. New Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 Macro HSM Contemporary is not a cheap lens either. Most entry level Nikon/Canon/Sony/Fujifilm MILCs with kit lens would give you far superior AF system than any existing Pentax DSLR.