Upgrade question (Pentax MV -> KX)

alexakasloth

alexakasloth

alexakasloth

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Hi guys, i'm looking to upgrade my camera from a pentax MV and like the look of the KX however I was thinking about lenses.
The KX comes with an 18-55 kit lens, but the website also says that it can take K mount lenses, I have a Sigma Mini-wide 28mm f2.8, Sigma 70-210 f4.5 and pentax 50mm f2 and ext. tubes. I like the look of this camera because it can shoot HD footage which will come in useful for camera op-ing projects this year (I have to work on 10 as cam op or lighting and direct 2 of my own).
So I guess what I'm asking is there much point of using my current lenses with the upgrade, or should I get newer equivilants? I guess I just want to see what lenses you guys recommend for different scenarios aswell.
 
As you asked :p

K-x is a cracking camera, the only thing it's missing AFAIC is an AF point indicator in the viewfinder.

As far as the lenses are concerned, I've no direct experience of any of them. The 50mm F2 is fairly old; there are better options out there for reasonable money. The two Sigmas get decent reviews (although you may want to check this at http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/ - There are a couple of versions for each of the Sigmas you mention.)

For current lenses, I'd look at the DA* 16-50 instead of the 18-55 as a walkabout; the DA* 60-250 F4 as a zoom and the DA 40 F2.8 prime as a decent loadout. Of course, you didn't mention a price range in your original post.......


P.S. - mentioning you are after Pentax kit on this forum is akin to declaring you have leprosy :)
 
Goliath said:
As you asked :p

K-x is a cracking camera, the only thing it's missing AFAIC is an AF point indicator in the viewfinder.

As far as the lenses are concerned, I've no direct experience of any of them. The 50mm F2 is fairly old; there are better options out there for reasonable money. The two Sigmas get decent reviews (although you may want to check this at http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/ - There are a couple of versions for each of the Sigmas you mention.)

For current lenses, I'd look at the DA* 16-50 instead of the 18-55 as a walkabout; the DA* 60-250 F4 as a zoom and the DA 40 F2.8 prime as a decent loadout. Of course, you didn't mention a price range in your original post.......


P.S. - mentioning you are after Pentax kit on this forum is akin to declaring you have leprosy :)
Click to expand...

I was wondering why there was little reponse :p

Thank you for the reply, my budget for lenses will develop as I get money but it wouldn't be a lot, although I would rather save for a decent lens than 'buy cheap buy twice'. Judging by the 16-50 you mentioned i'll be saving for a while :o That's why I asked about using the current lenses, as they could serve a purpose until I can afford the upgrade.
Looking through the pentax forums it seems they are these two:
http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/showproduct.php?product=554&cat=74
http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/showproduct.php?product=466&cat=73

They were both quite cheap, the zoom came with the camera and the 50 at £60 and the wide was around £25.
Auto focus i'm not too worried about, whilst i'm sure there are times I'll want to use it i'm used to shooting in manual and would like to keep disciplining myself as such.
I can't seem to find a body only selling on the net, so when I do purchase it I think a prime like the DA 40 would be in order afterwards depending on what I require at the time so i'll keep what you suggested in mind :)
 
Try using Pentaxuser forum. Sign up there and get free delivery from SRS.

Kit lens imo is one of the better kit ones you are likely to get.

Best thing to do is try the old lenses first and see what results you get.

I have the following lenses

Tamron 70-300 DI
Pentax 50-200 WR
Pentax 18-55
Ricoh 50 mm

all of which give more than acceptable results.
 
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Goliath said:
P.S. - mentioning you are after Pentax kit on this forum is akin to declaring you have leprosy :)
Click to expand...

A bit harsh :D I just don't know anything about the Pentax system to be of any use, not that I'm much use with anything Canon either! :D
 
The 50mm F2 is a fine lens, only sharp from about 2.8 upwards though. But if its like goliath said and the KX has no AF indicator in the viewfinder then your older manual lenses could be a bit of a pain to use.

Like everyone said, the kit lens is pretty solid performer and will keep you happy until you need something for lowlight, or wider/longer reach. No reason not to get it for that price ;)
 
Update.
I got the KX this morning from a local shop (had to hold it just to make sure it felt right) for £390 with the kit lens which whilst i've only had it half an hour I think is a nice and light lens.
I've got several film shoots coming up this term so i'll post some results when they appear. Thanks again for all the useful advice RaV, Goliath, vanandjuanunited and Rojin :)
 
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