Pentax wide-angle zoom lenses

[Bassraptor]

Hi, people ... If you were using a K-5, what would your choice be? Say to be used indoors with lighting and outdoors as well ....

DA*16-50mm F2.8 ED (IF) SDM
DA17-70mm F4 AL (IF) SDM
DA18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II
DA18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR
DA 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 AL ED [IF] WR

Appreciate your thoughts ...

[wtay0001]

DA1855 and DA18135 are pretty close to one another in terms out their optical quality. DA18135 comes with DC AF motor that's smooth and quiet thus good if you want silent operation.

If you ask me, DC motor although is a subset of SDM is infact a far more refined motor. During focusing, you won't feel th e optical element movement of DA18135while SDM, you can still feel some.

The SDM series is of course optically far superior than the standard/ WR series but you got to pay extra.

If you do not need the WR capability, DA1770 is many folks' choice.

If you need WR. DA18135 is a good call

If you have extra cash DA1650 is the choice

If you are poor man like me, DA1855 will not fail you.

[dwRK]

these are "standard" zooms...and mostly f3.5+ "kit"...are you sure its what you're after?

[azerak01]

wide-angle zoom?it must be Pentax DA 12-24 f4.

[Bassraptor]

Tks for the advice, guys ...

I'm looking for something that isn't too heavy and also can be used in a variety of situations.

The 16-50 f/28 actually is tempting but the most costly and heaviest of the lot - close to Rm3k in price.

12-24 too limiting, will need 2 zooms, then!

17-70 looks tempting, but no WR and at the RM2.1k I was quoted, still a bit over what I want to spend. 18-135 a bit cheaper.

I know the 18-55 is a kit lens but how does it measure up against the rest in performance?

Pentax used to have a 16-45 f/4 but no more in production.

Should I just sell off some excess kit, starve a while and go for 16-50 f/28? Or just stick with fixed lens? Got a 35 f/2.4 currently ...

[Bassraptor]

Or should I think about the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 ...the one for Pentax is non-VC version ..

[emonsas]

If u don't mind the older design, Pentax-FA 28-70mm f/4 is an option. It is at a very cheap price nowdays, provided u are able to find It.

[Bassraptor]

If u don't mind the older design, Pentax-FA 28-70mm f/4 is an option. It is at a very cheap price nowdays, provided u are able to find It.

It won't give me much of a wide angle, right?

[emonsas]

If u get the 28-70mm & the kit lens 18-55mm, u can get focus range between 18-70mm with cost i believe about RM700 only for both lens.

[firefly]

If u get the 28-70mm & the kit lens 18-55mm, u can get focus range between 18-70mm with cost i believe about RM700 only for both lens.

18-55 will do just fine. I had used it extensively to shoot stage performances in poor lighting. It's a poor man's lens but assuming you bought a post k-x body, just bump up the ISO and it'll be nice and dandy. If not, you can try shooting in RAW and edit it for cleaner ISO. Don't let LBA consume your thoughts.

[dwRK]

not to say the kit isn't very good...i have one too...but if i have a k5...i'd spend more $$$ or time looking for a good lens i know i would use a lot...particularly the range you're looking at...anyway if you find a cheap used kit lens...worth getting...if paying full price...i would consider others...

[Bassraptor]

I'm looking at just one lens - the camera is a K-5 and I do have a 35mm f/2.4. But this is an outdoor assignment, with light rain forecast ... I was thinking the 18-55 WR may be appropriate because it is protected to some extent and affordable ...

[Jeremy.S]

If you can. DA* 16-50mm won't fail you. Believe me

[nextimelah]

I have the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 and it's value for money and a great upgrade to your 18-55. If you check reviews vs other similar fast zooms, you would find that it holds up against its competitors who are 3x more expensive very well. Also, more versatile primes without losing noticeable IQ (I've compared it with a DA40, and didn't see much differences in my pictures).

I also have the Tamron 10-24mm f3.5-4.5, which is a bit more expensive than the 1750 and not as fast, but much wider. Not sure how wide you wanna go, but this is a good travel lens for me.

[vinsant]

I'm a great advocate of the 17-70, whether you get a DA or the Sigma version (I own the Sigma). It's my favourite range of focal length as a walkaround lens. My copy has been in rain and all kinds of conditions. Just exercise the same precautions you would with other lenses and you'll be fine.

Light rain? Shoot for awhile, wipe it off and bring silica gel packs. That's what I've been doing

[dwRK]

in the old days we cut a hole in plastic bag...

...curiously enough i'm in the market for a waterproof/tough p&s cam so i can take to the pool/beach/water parks, etc...for times when weatherproof also no use...

[vinsant]

in the old days we cut a hole in plastic bag...

...curiously enough i'm in the market for a waterproof/tough p&s cam so i can take to the pool/beach/water parks, etc...for times when weatherproof also no use...

Optio WG-2