Pentax "stuff"

[RBennett]

Ok, so I have a question to all the Pentax users out there (ukcatfan, Groucho, etc..) I am wondering what else I might want to go along with my Pentax K100D. Here's what I have so far: K100D, 18-55 kit lens, 50mm prime lens, Tamron 70-300 zoom lens, tripod, Lowepro sling case, circular polarizer filter, remote, and PS Elements 5.0. What else would people recommend as "must-haves"?? I say all this because people around me keep asking if there's anything I need that they can buy me as gifts, etc? I know, I know.... TOUGH PREDICAMENT!!!!

 

[mike_r]

I dont own a Pentax, Im a Canon person, but as with any nice DSLR a hotshoe flash is always good to have.

 

[ukcatfan]

The fisheye DA 10-17mm is on my short list, but too much $$$ to justify it to the DW. A faster kit lens replacement is also on my list. Something with f/2.8 throughout the range. I believe that Groucho has both. Do you have a good sensor cleaning kit? There are also a few other filters that cannot be reproduced in software like graduated ND, ND, and Star filters.

Kevin

 

[ukcatfan]

I almost forgot. Another great add-on to your current system would be the K20D!

Kevin

 

[gokenin]

well the first question to be asked is what do you like to shot? if you like landscapes there is the 12-24 lens, there is always the fisheye 10-17 for fun shots if you dont mind the look of a fisheye. The upgrade from the kit lens could be either the 16-45 or the 16-50. Should you want to get into the prime lens addiction there are the Limiteds 31mm,43,77mm as well as others so you really should find out what you like to shot. Also welcome to the pentax world just be prepared for LBA

 

[Groucho]

The Pentax 31mm is a stellar lens (best autofocus lens ever for any camera according to some, or at the very least, in the top three), but man, it wasn't cheap. But I decided that I had to have it and that I'd better get it before the rebate ended, so I did. The 77mm is supposed to be similarly great and a good bit cheaper, I may have to grab one of those myself some day!

I do like the Pentax 10-17mm fisheye a lot, though not everyone likes the fisheye look.

mike_r is right, a good flash is really nice, too. I have the Pentax AF 360 FGZ, there is also a larger and more powerful 540. It really makes a huge difference, enough where it's not so awful using the flash for indoor photos at home; when bounced off the ceiling, you get a pretty natural-looking light.

ukcatfan is also right - the K20D is a pretty amazing upgrade.

For a faster kit lens replacement, the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 is a pretty common recommendation and I like mine pretty well and it's not too terribly expensive (usually slightly over $300). The Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 gives you a wider shot but at a big jump in price ($700 or so) - it also has ultrasonic focusing and weathersealing but neither are particularly useful on the K100D, which isn't weathersealed and will use the old screw-drive to focus that lens. Tamron is about to release a 17-50mm F2.8 that will be closer to the price of their 28-75mm and probably will perform very well. And there's still the Pentax 16-45mm F4.0, which is always well-reviewed but not particularly cheap and a little on the slow side, but it does go pretty wide.

Tamron and Sigma are also both about to release new 70-200mm F2.8 lenses if you want something longer. Assuming that Tamron is able to match their IQ of their shorter zooms, I suspect than a Tamron 70-200 F2.8 is in my future (and I will be able to get rid of two lenses to help afford it!)