Recommended lenses for my Pentax K-50

[ahender4]

Hi there

I am off to Galapagos this year and have the following lenses: -

Pentax 50mm
Sigma 10-20cm F4-5.6 EX DC
Sigma DG 70-300mm 1:4 -5.6

I am firmly in the amateur bracket of photography and although the 3 lenses above have served me well and cover quite a lot of bases, I am keen to know what your thoughts are on what else could go in my bag for the trip?

i.e. do I purchase something to compliment what I already have OR get something that does 2 or 3 jobs in 1 like for example: -

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC HSM Macro - Pentax Fit

I plan on taking shots of landscapes, wildlife (both close up and distant), people, with some still, some action shots, sunsets etc.

Bit concerned when I visited local shop the other day and hearing that Pentax kit is looking like end of life but to replace what I have now would be pricey so trade off just investing in a new lens and making do for few more years.

Rgds

Al

[Suffolk biker]

If you go into any shop they will always try to sell you the latest thing, saying that yours is old and worn out.

[1stEverPentax]

I notice you don't have any weather resistant lenses...would be a shame to go all that way to such a unique destination and maybe miss some great shooting opportunities because it was wet.

Being a K-50 owner myself if I was on that trip i'd definitely take the 100 macro f2.8 WR and the Pentax HD 55-300 WR...can highly recommend both.

[HarisF1]

That kit seems fine in general for most uses but I think you'll miss the 20-50mm range that currently isn't being covered. I would really recommend the 18-135mm lens as it is weather resistant and also fairly light and compact. The 70-300 might be a bit big to carry around so the 135mm end of the lens I mentioned will cover most uses.

It's available for around £140 - £160 if you look around.

The 100mm WR Macro lens would be superb if you find small flowers or bugs to capture. I've got one that you might be interested in, just have a look at the usual prices though as they can be steep.

[punkrockemo]

The most obvious gap in your lens range would be normally covered by a standard zoom (18-55) , these tend to be the most versatile lens. Not sure what your budget is. There are more options to consider in this focal length range than others,

18-55 - Fills gap, most likley cheapest option, Weather Resistant options available
18-135- Versatile range, weather resistant (Popular among users)
16-85 - A bit mor expensive but optically good and has usfull wider angle (Although you have this covered by the 10-20) and weather resistant.
17-70 (Sigma) - Versatile Range, Wider apperture than above and opticaly good - Not weather reisitant
16-50 (2.8) - More expensive but F2.8 allows use in lower light and has wider angle as above-also Weather resistant (Sigma 17-50 f2.8 also worth considering)
18-270 - Most versiatle zoom range but not heard much about it so dont know if its any good - Typically these lens are a comprimise of optical quality for convenice)
20-40 Ltd - Neatly fills gap in your range, optically good, small and WR, not cheap
35 - Small and cheap prime lens, Sharp and fits neatly in the middle of your gap (My fave/most used focal length) - The more expensive Ltd ,Macro is also worth considering (Its my personal fave lens)

[Smeggypants]

I'd get something to fill in the gap in your range. Sigma 17-70 F/2.8 is a good bet.

[ronniemac]

You have some nice lenses there including the bright Pentax 50mm F1.8, but I think you're missing a more general purpose zoom lens to fill the 20-70 zoom gap which is what I concentrate on. It would also be worth considering a weather and dust resistant lens. Others have advised on Sigma lenses but because I only use Pentax lenses, I will limit my comments to three that I have which cover the gap.

The older 17-70 F4 SDM is a lovely lens. SDM is good when it works, but it is unreliable. Not WR and not as bright as the F2.8 Sigma which Smeggy recommends.
The 18-135 F3.5-5.6 WR is a very versatile lens, DC motor focus is far superior to screw drive, but at the long end it's not the sharpest kid on the block.
The 16-85 F3.5-5.6 offers a good range, the DC motor is silent and provides for fast focusing, and it's a very sharp lens.

On balance, I would recommend the 16-85 because of it's excellent optical qualities, weather resistance, silent and quick focusing, and versatile range. It's not the cheapest, but if you're going to the Galapagos surely it's worth investing in a good all round lens. I mostly buy used lenses, and have never had any fail, including my SDM lenses. More information and user experience on the 16-85 here

Whatever you choose, good luck!