Camera Labs

Hello again Pentax users,

I think I've finally decided on the k200d for my first DSLR. Still hesitating to purchase, though, because I haven't yet decided on lens(es).

I'll be doing mostly landscape and wildlife photography. Here are the set-ups I've been considering:

Body + 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens - $555
Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 - $280
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Total: $835

Body only - $470
Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 - $350
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Total: $820

Body only - $470
Pentax DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 - $380
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Total: $850

Obviously not much difference in terms of price. But I'm torn between having the one lens versus having two. I love the idea of having the convenience of a single lens. I've always been unsure how I would feel about carrying around multiple lenses/switching back and forth. But I also realize that the superzoom is a little slower, and the first option gives me the extra 50mm for the smaller critters (or the bigger ones that are farther away).

So any suggestions? I'm open to other ideas as well. Has anyone used the Tamron or Pentax 18-250mm? From the reviews I've read it does a decent job for the range of the focal length, and has better quality than the kit lens. A little slow to AF, and struggles a little in low light. I hear the Pentax is just a rebrand of the Tamron, but I've read in some reviews that the Tamron is quieter and somewhat less prone to lens creep. I know Gordon used the Pentax version in his review of the k200d... wondering how he thought it performed overall.

As for the 18-55mm + 55-300mm, has anyone used the 55-300mm? If so, how is the AF?

Is it worth the little bit of extra cash and the added inconvenience of switching lenses to have the extra reach and smaller f-stop of the 55-300mm? For those of you that shoot wildlife, is the extra 50mm really helpful? Does anyone know how the quality compares between the 55-300mm and the 18-250mm?

Thanks in advance for any comments. I really appreciate any advice. I don't take the decisions lightly. (Case in point- it took me almost 5 months to decide on the k200d)

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Nikon D300 / 35mm f1.8 / 300mm f4 / TC-14E II
Pentax K200D / DA 18-55mm / DA 55-300mm
Flickr

2 lenses choice is better optimized for image quality

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RadiantLite - Cameras and Lenses Comparison Reviews, buying guide, photo taking techniques and other tips
My Portfolio - Some photos from my work

jax,
Can't wait to see some shots from the 200D.
I'm hoping to have one before the end of the year.

Have you looked at the Sigma lenses?
Price wise I think you will be close to what you have listed above.
I don't have any experience with Tamaron but I don't think you should overlook Sigma.
My 70-300mm was quite a jump from the 200mm for distance.
Now if ya were to look at the 5....nawwwww nevermind

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Pentax K-5
Pentax 18-55mm,Pentax 50-200mm,Sigma 17-70mm,Sigma 70-300mm, Sigma 50-500mm

Bonjour jaxzwolf,

If budget is not a problem, you may consider the Pentax premium lenses DA*, water- and dust-proof and featuring a quiet and fast ultrasonic motor.

Have a look at my Pentax DA* 16-50mm f2.8 ED/AL (IF) SDM User Review and at my Pentax DA* 50-135mm f2.8 ED (IF) SDM User Review.

I'm still waiting for The Never Coming PENTAX smc DA* 60-250mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM to post my usual user review

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--- rei_vilo
Pentax K-5 + BG4 + DA* 16-50 + DA* 50-135 + DA* 60-250 + AF-540FGZ
reivilophotography.weebly.com