Help me choose

vanandjuanunited · 23 Mar 2012 at 13:09

Right first things first. I have been using Pentax for the last 5 years but now feel the need tp upgrade

Options I am considering are
1. Sell my Pentax gear and help fund an upgrade to either Canon or Nikon.

2. Upgrade my K10d to a K5 and buy a new 55-300 lens Cost £1000ish

Looking at Canon I have put a 60D as my choice of body along with EF 70-300 f4-5.6 IS USM lens Cost £1200 ish - but then need some lenses to fill the gaps. Are there other bodies I should be considering? Is this lens a good choice?

Nikon throws up a few options
Push the boat out and buy a D300s and this is where it get difficult as there are 3 choices for xx-300. 55-300 ED VR @£290, 70-300 IF ED @ £430 and 28-300 G ED VR @ £700. Have no clue which lens is best for IQ or focusing etc so this is where I need help. Cost up to £1700 depending on lens.

Cheaper option then a D90 with 18-105 VR for £700 plus then what ever lens from the selection above Cost up to £1400.

SO there you go any advice greatly received.

Should add the 300m lens will be for aircraft (static and Flying)as well as zoo use etc.

theheyes · 23 Mar 2012 at 19:50

Are you bothered about video? The 40D is a cracking camera I would consider also.

Rojin · 23 Mar 2012 at 20:05

I don't know anything about the 55-300 lens but the K5 is supposed to be a very nice body...

vanandjuanunited · 23 Mar 2012 at 20:27

The k5 is the easier less costly path obviously but wouldn't mind some feedback on the canon and Nikon lenses mentioned.
Also considering the sigma 150-500 if I go for the k5.
Appreciate second hand opens up more but limited in suppliers in ni to try the s/h options.

Video would be a bonus but not essential.

Rojin · 23 Mar 2012 at 20:51

Well the Sigma 150-500 I do know a bit about. It's an ok lens, it's not going to set the world on fire but it's a solid performer for the money. I find mine great for air shows. The OS works well making it a decent package.

RIAT 2011 by jj_glos, on Flickr

vanandjuanunited · 23 Mar 2012 at 21:14

Its those kind of shots I am after.
Will be at RIAT this year (first time) and also planning some visits to RAF sites as well as museums and zoos

Rojin · 23 Mar 2012 at 21:26

I can't say I've used it at a zoo, I've used it for some birds though.

Duck by jj_glos, on Flickr

Slimbridge WWT by jj_glos, on Flickr

Gull by jj_glos, on Flickr

D.P. · 24 Mar 2012 at 02:24

vanandjuanunited said:
Right first things first. I have been using Pentax for the last 5 years but now feel the need tp upgrade

Options I am considering are
1. Sell my Pentax gear and help fund an upgrade to either Canon or Nikon.

2. Upgrade my K10d to a K5 and buy a new 55-300 lens Cost £1000ish

Looking at Canon I have put a 60D as my choice of body along with EF 70-300 f4-5.6 IS USM lens Cost £1200 ish - but then need some lenses to fill the gaps. Are there other bodies I should be considering? Is this lens a good choice?

Nikon throws up a few options
Push the boat out and buy a D300s and this is where it get difficult as there are 3 choices for xx-300. 55-300 ED VR @£290, 70-300 IF ED @ £430 and 28-300 G ED VR @ £700. Have no clue which lens is best for IQ or focusing etc so this is where I need help. Cost up to £1700 depending on lens.

Cheaper option then a D90 with 18-105 VR for £700 plus then what ever lens from the selection above Cost up to £1400.

SO there you go any advice greatly received.

Should add the 300m lens will be for aircraft (static and Flying)as well as zoo use etc.

on the Nikon side I would go for the D7000, this has a similar sensor to the Pentax K5 you my have read good reviews about.
the Nikon 70-300Vr is the the way to 300mm on a budget. This is a FF lens. The 55-300 is not miles behind but everything is just a notch backwards, especially AF. It is a DX lens. the 28-300 is quite good but is a FF walkabout lens. I would save the money.

The 18-105mmvr is surprisingly good. Plastic fantastic, but very sharp. The 16-85 is better but a little over priced. An f/4 variant seems o be in the pipeline.

vanandjuanunited · 24 Mar 2012 at 08:05

Thanks for that. Very useful.
Will go and have another play with them