Telephoto zoom for Pentax K-M

[clairep1]

Hello,

I was just after some advice on camera lenses

I have an entry level Pentax (K-M), which is fine, not that I have got to grips with all the complex bits on it but never mind !

I have a lens that goes up to 200mm, but would like one that I can take close up bird pictures with, and better animal pictures as well for when we go to Namibia in a couple of months.

I have read on these forums about the good lenses ie the Sigma 50-500 or 150/170(?)-500mm.

But are they wasted on a basic digital SLR like mine - would I really need to upgrade my camera as well to make it worth while. I couldnt afford to do both at the moment. I have been happy with the pictures my Pentax takes, as far as it goes, but I am no expert - I'm more interested in the animals than the photography, if you see what I mean !!?

Thanks for any advice
Claire

[nightshade]

I don't know the Pentax KM but as long as it will work with the Sigma of your choice, the problem becomes one of will you stick with Pentax? in which case fine, or will you want a Canon or Nikon at a later date?
A Sigma 50-500 is around £1100 shorter telephotos like the 70-300 under £200 or the 70-200 2.8 HSM around £550

[clairep1]

Nightshade

Thank you for your advice. I will stick with Pentax as I am kind of figuring out how it works. I bit the bullet and got the 150-500 sigma as the 50-500 was a bit costly for me.

Anyway I had a go with it yesterday it was so much fun and got some pictures I was really pleased with of a green woodpecker and a deer ( separately!).

But I realise I will need a tripod to get the exposure time down, and am daunted by the choice. Just wondered if there were any for not much more than £100 (or less) which are quite sturdy, easy to put up and down and where you can swivel the head wherever you want.

Thanks for any info
Claire

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi Claire and welcome to WAB.

Your Pentax K-M will serve you very well until you are much more experienced at photography, and decide that the time has come to upgrade.

Nightshade's advice regarding whether you would be sticking with Pentax was very good. It becomes very expensive to change brands when a few lenses have already been bought.

However, don't be fooled by the "entry level" tag that lots of less expensive DSLR's get. - There aren't really any current DSLR's on the market that won't produce good results. You start needing to pay more money when you only want the very best. - i.e. when you want a camera that will perform at very high ISO speeds, or at very fast frame rate etc.

The Sigma 150-500 is rated amongst those that will give outstanding results in the right hands - so it should be just a case of getting to know it well, by shooting with it as often as you can.

As for tripods - well you will probably be inundated with advice for different makes & models. But one that is within your £100.00 price range, and which will serve you well as a good all rounder, is the Velbon Sherpa 600R. (Check out Warehouse express & other good retailers ).

It is as rigid as a tripod of this size needs to be, goes to a good height, can be used at a reasonably low level as well, (useful for macro shots), comes complete with pan/tilt head, quick release plate for mounting the camera on, and (unless they've changed things) is supplied complete with shoulder bag. - Before I recently upgraded to a Manfrotto 055XB-tripod/405-head, I had a Sherpa 600R for three years with no problems.

Regards,
Mike.

[nigel_b]

I find a monopod better, more convenient and frankly just as stable. Better on safari as well I'd expect. When I use a tripod its a relative cheapy but in your price range, a Slik Master Classic.

[clairep1]

thanks for your advice, very helpful.

I've had a look and ordered the velbon sherpa one it looks great and has lots of good reviews.

Thanks, Claire

[Tringa]

For a tripod have a look at Red Snapper - Home I use the RS324 which is very sturdy.

A couple of things to consider about Pentax DSLRs -

the image stabalisation is in the body, so no need to buy IS lenses, and

they are compatiable with all Pentax K mount lens. There will be a loss of some or even all of the auto functions but there is the chance of picking up some cheap lenses.

Dave

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by clairep1

Anyway I had a go with it yesterday it was so much fun and got some pictures I was really pleased with of a green woodpecker and a deer ( separately!).

Care to share them with us?

Jim

[gtis]

i claire
i have two pentax cameras a k200 and a k20
and i use a sigma 150-500
you might want to take a look here
Pentax Forums - Pentax User Photography Forums
neil