Bit of a result - 1st DSLR...

edgedemon

edgedemon

edgedemon

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I have managed to get a Pentax K20D for £185 - should be picking it up on Wed. Went over and had a look at it, seems to be working fine, so thought Id go for it, bit more than I wanted to spend, but it was such a bargain, I couldn't resist :D

It comes with the 18-55 kit lens, so bearing in mind I can use all the old Pentax glass, what would be the first lens I should get for my new toy..

At the moment, Im thinking a macro lens or a prime, but not sure so thought Id see if anyone here knew some good old lenses that I should keep an eye out for?

Choosing the camera seems the easy part now that I have seen just how many lenses are out there..
 
That's absolutely bargaintastic for such a camera, no doubt someone more clued up on Pentax will recommend you some more lenses.
 
Phew that is a bargain. I think there are a few Pentax users on the forum so I'm sure people will suggest lenses for for.

In the meantime, here are some links regarding your camera.

Wikipedia Entry

Dpreview review (they rated it Highly recommended).

Pentax Website

Pentax Supoort site (has downloadable manuals and firmware - note the Wikipedia article states a new firmware was released in April 2010 that resolved issues with certain SDHC memory cards)
 
Andy90 said:
Phew that is a bargain. I think there are a few Pentax users on the forum so I'm sure people will suggest lenses for for.

In the meantime, here are some links regarding your camera.

Wikipedia Entry

Dpreview review (they rated it Highly recommended).

Pentax Website

Pentax Supoort site (has downloadable manuals and firmware - note the Wikipedia article states a new firmware was released in April 2010 that resolved issues with certain SDHC memory cards)
Click to expand...


Cheers for the links :p
 
Im still wading my way through countless blogs looking for a decent 2nd hand prime...
Guess the first thing to do is see what my preferred focal length is first with the zoom :p

Can't wait for Wednesday..
 
Thats an amazing price! Its a very solid camera! Love mine ;)

What are the things you think youll be shooting? Its a tough decision cause the 18-55mm (is the mrk II ? should say it on the lens) Is actually a very decent performer. There are lots of old primes on ebay, but the two that I have perform about the same or worse than my 18-55mm. Pentax SMC A 50mm F2.0 and Cimko PK 28mm F2.8. both were under 40euro though. dont use the 28mm cause the kit lens is sadly better. But the 50mm is handy for lowlight.

If you dont mind manual focus and want a 50mm the SMC A 50mm F1.7 is the better choice.

While pentax limited and star ranges are very good, the prices very high. for general everyday use something like the Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8 is actually very very good.
 
Ebay is good if you want something for a low price, pentax 50mm f2 or 1.7 would be a good starting point, there's quite a few walk about and telephoto lenses aswell on there for £25-40 (the 100-200mm vivitar I got with my MV is a nice lens and feels solid.)
I've found the 28mm (sigma f/2.8) to be a decent performer for the price (sub £25) but then again I wasn't expecting the earth from it at that cost.
 
Cheers for the links guys

Im thinking a manual focus 50mm prime, 1.7 or maybe 1.4, as I want to play with DoF a bit and I can add extension tubes to it for macro work..

Never used manual focus, but the auto focus lenses are pricey, so I will wait until I know what I want..

Trying to get an idea over what would make a good starter lens kit and build from there..
 
No problem, its a really useful link. click on any of the headings for more detailed comments.
Oh and srsmicrosystems are really great for pentax gear, very helpful! they also have a second hand section there somewhere!


k20d-50mm.jpg


^ its a nice size ;) Keep an eye out for the f/1.7 as the 2.0 isnt that sharp wide open which is a bit of a shame really.

Do you know the differences between the pentax A and M lenses?

A's just let you use the wheel to set the aperture, so you can use aperture priority mode or manual

With the M's youd have to set the aperture on the lens itself and then press the green button to meter the scene and determine shutter speed.

There is a option in the menu i believe for allowing manual lenses, so if you ever have problems, have a look there first ;)
 
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OP, congrats because you have picked up a proper bargain - the K20D is a really capable body that I've seen going for circa £250 recently.

For lenses, as others have suggested the older lenses are extremely capable (and the really nice thing about Pentax is that they will all work :D ). In addition to Rav's link, the Pentax Forums have a very comprehensive peer-review listing of all lenses that fit the Pentax bodies, both Pentax originals and third-party stuff - Click here

You may also want to check out the Pentaxuser.co.uk classifieds - people have a clear out on a regular basis and occasionally there are some bargains to be had: http://www.pentaxuser.co.uk/forum/view/classified-adverts-15
 
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