Help picking lense

emdara · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 09:24 PM

Hi, could anyone help me i have bought a Pentax K100D camera .What i want to know is could anyone tell me what is a good zoom lense possibly with macro and is allso not very expensive as funds are low. I have heard that Sigma is quite good but am not sure. Thanks Barry

Pete W · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 09:27 PM

Sigma are very good, what do you mainly photograph ?

emdara · #3 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 09:36 PM

Hi Pete , i have only just started taking photographs , but i will want to be taking them of animals, Birds , and insects. with the exceptione of some landscape. As i said i am new to this and i am not sure if i have to get a certain size to fit my camera. Thanks Barry.

Ollie · #4 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 09:38 PM

Yep Sigma are good lenses. Depends on what you are going to photograph as to which lens would suit you best.

If you want a zoom with macro capabilities as well it's always going to be a compromise. Generally the macro side of the lens will not be as good as a dedicated macro lens. It all depends on what sort of image quality you wish to achieve.

My opinion and my opinion only I would decide what was my priority to photograph and buy a lens dedicated to that job and then save up for another lens at a later date.

emdara · #5 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 09:40 PM

Thank's Roger

Ollie · #6 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emdara

Thank's Roger

In my hurry to reply to you I forgot my manners and should have welcomed you to WAB so a very warm welcome. Stick around the forums. There are some excellent photographers on here and I'm sure you will get more advice in time.

emdara · #7 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 09:58 PM

Hi Roger , i have thought about it and i think i would be better getting a zoom lense for photographing animals birds etc. Wich sigma lense do you think is ok for the job. Allso do i are they different sizes to fit different Pentax k100d's. Thanks Barry

Ollie · #8 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emdara

Hi Roger , i have thought about it and i think i would be better getting a zoom lense for photographing animals birds etc. Wich sigma lense do you think is ok for the job. Allso do i are they different sizes to fit different Pentax k100d's. Thanks Barry

Haven't checked as I use a Canon camera but I'm pretty sure Sigma do Pentax fit lenses. As for which one, well that's going to depend on how much you wish to pay. I wouldn't recomend anything less than 300mm focal length and 400mm if your budget allows.

Just make sure when you do make a decision that it is a Pentak fit lens.

Lancashire Lad · #9 (**permalink**) 01-07-2009, 10:13 PM

Hi Barry, and welcome to WAB.

Sigma are at the top end of the independant lens manufacturers market, so you could do a lot worse. (I have a couple of Sigmas lenses and am well satisfied).

They do an all rounder 28-300mm zoom (f3.5-6.3), with 1:3 (1/3 life size) macro facility, and it's available in Pentax AF fitting. (You should be able to get one for £289.00 from a well known chain of high street photographic retailers or possibly less via the web).

As a starter lens, with a good overall range, that will enable you to capture most photographic opportunities straight away, this would be hard to beat.

But, as has been said above, such a lens will always be something of a compromise in comparison with several dedicated prime lenses, or with a good zoom & dedicated macro lens. - Having said that, you would be paying about three times as much to get those lenses though.

Whichever way you decide to go, I would strongly advise you to try out your prospective lens before purchasing. (All reputable high street camera shops will let you try a lens out on the premises). Doing so will give you a good idea of the zoom range and magnification factor for macro etc, etc.

Good luck with your choice.
Regards
Mike.