What Pentax Lenses would you recommend for use with this camera? With the 24MP sensor, some of the k lenses just won't return the resolution.
904845
I'm not certain about the resolution, but all seven of my "K" mount lenses work well with the K3. If anything, better than with my ME Super and K20 bodies.
904846
This is a silly thing to worry about. Older Pentax lenses were designed for film, which is an innately higher resolution medium at lower ASA/ISO speeds. A good K or M lens will still be good on this sensor, arguably better in some cases since the softest part of the image circle is cropped away.
904847
After testing various old lenses lenses even back to M42 screwmount with K adapter, and also using K adapters to the new Sony full frame cameras (because Pentax does not have FF and we wanted to see edge sharpness) we have determined that for the most part any lens that was a good lens before is still a good lens even on the new sensors. Something else to consider is that with all the old 35mm lenses you are only using an APSC sized crop from the middle of the full frame light projection from the lens, which is the sharpest, highest quality part of any lens. From a compatibility standpoint any lens ever made that was intended for a Pentax 35mm camera (including the M42 lenses with a K adapter) will work on this camera though you have to meter light differently (research green button metering) with any lens that does not have the "A" aperture setting (Pentax A, FA, and DA lenses meter normally). The in body shake reduction means any old lens will also benefit from modern shake reduction, but if its a manual focus lens you will have to tell the camera when you turn it on what the focal length is so it knows how much shaking to compensate for, or turn shake reduction off. This is fine for primes however for a zoom lens you either have to change it when you change zoom, pick a middle number as a compromise if its a short zoom range, or just turn it off. With an auto focus lens like the FA or DA series it determines that by itself.
747373
Pat, The kit is sold new and used, that is your decision. I bought the camera body only and then bought the 18-55 II version of the Pentax AF lens. Supposedly the first 18-55 version of the lens, which I had seen accompanying the K-5 in a kit before, was improved upon and they called the new model the 18-55 II. My K-5 is water resistant. The K-5 takes excellent pictures and the noise is very limited as opposed to the earlier Pentax models, which I have noticed myself. I recommend that you buy the K-5 body only, then if you want the 18-55 lens, buy the Pentax 18-55 II if you need that type of wide angle lens. As I mentioned, I use both and I get excellent results. Pat, The kit is sold new and used, that is your decision. I bought the camera body only and then bought the 18-55 II version of the Pentax AF lens. Supposedly the first 18-55 version of the lens, which I had seen accompanying the K-5 in a kit before, was improved upon and they called the new model the 18-55 II. My K-5 is water resistant. The K-5 takes excellent pictures and the noise is very limited as opposed to the earlier Pentax models, which I have noticed myself. I recommend that you buy the K-5 body only, then if you want the 18-55 lens, buy the Pentax 18-55 II if you need that... » Read More Pat, The kit is sold new and used, that is your decision. I bought the camera body only and then bought the 18-55 II version of the Pentax AF lens. Supposedly the first 18-55 version of the lens, which I had seen accompanying the K-5 in a kit before, was improved upon and they called the new model the 18-55 II. My K-5 is water resistant. The K-5 takes excellent pictures and the noise is very limited as opposed to the earlier Pentax models, which I have noticed myself. I recommend that you buy the K-5 body only, then if you want the 18-55 lens, buy the Pentax 18-55 II if you need that type of wide angle lens. As I mentioned, I use both and I get excellent results. « Show Less
2001062
Some of the old lenses will not focus to infinity on the Pentax DSLR's. I was disappointed in that. My 135 mm, the 105mm and my 200 mm Super Takumar lenses would not focus at infinity. You will definitely need the modern D, DA or DAL lens to fully use of all the camera functions.
1260789
By far the best overall performing lens is the Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-5.6. This lens is a miracle performer from wide to zoom. Hunting around you can get this lens for under $400. I would highly recommend having more then one lens so you can shoot in a greater variety of settings. I currently have 3 lenses but my 18-250mm spends the bulk of its time on my K20D.
26492
I was also looking at Pentax 10D pre-production reviews. Looks like pentax has similar features including dust cleaning like canon and Image Stabilization like sony. I was planing to buy Canon since it is $200 cheaper but now probably will wait till i get to read Pentax reviews .. any idea about the avaliability of lenses for Pentax??
1057128
I use it with my Pentax k-200 and I love it. The picture quality is up to Pentax high standards. I have used Pentax cameras since 1975 and I think they are the best SLR's on the market. The DSLR's are even better.
1397992
Generally speaking, only Pentax lenses are compatible with Pentax cameras. However, if you want to use, say, Canon or Nikon or other lenses with a K50, you might be able to get an adapter that will allow them to be used with a K50. The K-mount is specific to Pentax, and other manufacturers use different mounts. Try a local camera shop or look online to Amazon or some of the national camera stores like Adorama or B&H; Photo.
722164
Hi SammyC - Pentax uses a Bayonet Type System, Called a " K-Mount "...that is unique to Pentax and also Sigma Cameras. You can find the filter thread size by looking up the lens on Amazon...they usually have the filters available just below the write-up on the lens.
1142012
Not Recommended. The image formed by the lens does not cover the full 24x36 frame resulting in vigneting (dark corners). Exceptions: Some users report that the DA 40mm does cover the full frame and that some DA zooms at least at some focal lengths also cover the full frame. i find this site extremely helpful explaining which lens can be used for which systems...good luck The Pentax Camera Lens Compatibility Chart Read more at: http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/186379-compatability-modern-pentax-lenses-old-35mm-film-pentax-bodies.html#ixzz2sARZbYXF
1422783
I have used the old K1000 lenses (pentax 50mm lens it came with and an off brand telephoto) on my pentax k-3 with no issue. It is all manual, so I have to take a guess at metering, and of course no auto focus, but it works, it mounts and produces nice results. You will have to have knowledge of manual metering to produce the results you want.
504182
Yes that happened to me too. I thought it was a user error, but after reading reviews, it seems to happen to half the users. This camera is the worst purchase someone could make. Send it back asap with your receipt and make a copy!!! I took too long so Pentax wouldn't fix it for me. PS. I only took the camera to 10 feet.
1397994
All Pentax K mount and third party Pentax K mounts. There are many third party lens manufactures. I recommend visiting www.pentaxforums.com Go to the Lenses tab and read the reviews. You can also post a specific question on the forum. There are many helpful members there to answer your questions.
1536569
Thank you so much for explaining the difference. I have used a 35 mm Pentax for years. And I have a small digital that I use now for quick shots. But I wanted to move up to something that would give me a good combination of options. So the dSLR cameras are all new to me.
2058086
I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports photography (outdoor mainly) and it does everything I need. I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports... » Read More I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports photography (outdoor mainly) and it does everything I need. « Show Less
1011465
Old Pentax lenses are interchangeable with digital SLR's. God bless Pentax for that.
653745
Well.... Guesing that you are looking for and M42 to K adapter for pentax, you can search here at amazon or outside, there are many. And the K5 is capable to use an M42 lens with the right adapter.
1842833
I'm sorry but I've never experienced this problem with my camera. Try contacting the manufacturer pentax.