For people who know Pentax Digital SLRs?
I'm virtually brand new to Digital and Film SLRs, but I was hoping to dig a bit deeper into my photography. I put up a question involving what type of Canon or Nikon I might be able to use to take pictures of a few things, but I was pointed in the direction of Pentax instead.
In order to take pictures of the following, what types of lenses should I get?
-Aquarium pictures
-Small and large wildlife from far away and close up
-Pictures during the day and at night, in bright reflective light and in shadow
-Photos of people modelling
If I can find lenses that are compatible with the K-30, I'd be more likely to get more than one. Someone suggested I stay away from zooming lenses, so these were what I had my eye on so far:
-smc PENTAX DA 35mm F2.4AL
-smc PENTAX DA 50mm f/1.8
-smcP D-FA 50mm f2.8 Macro
-PENTAX 06 TELEPHOTO ZOOM
These are rather expensive, so if all I need are the 35, 50, and telephoto lens--then I can probably afford them all now, but I want to do this right. So if people think I should do the 35, 50, and macro lenses, then I will.
Added (1). That would be why I re-iterated the question in a fresh post. :3
I'm BRAND new to even semi-professional photography, so please bring this kind of thing to my attention.
I can nix the 35, 50 and telephoto, which leaves me with the macro. That's fine. I'll look into a 300mm lens that's good for wildlife, preferably with a zoom.
As for prices, yes I have compared things. I'm in so far over my head with all of these different specifications and what they do and what I need and what I don't, that I just want to find something a little better than a beginner's DSLR for me to take these kinds of photos with.
Looks like I shouldn't even bother with trying to set a price range until I take a class or something. These are so far beyond anything I understand.
Added (2). If the smcP D-FA 50mm f2.8 Macro is a better choice than the rest and I need a 300mm, it's already going to be huge. Will the smc Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED work? As far as anything else I need (like for super close-up work right up against aquariums and such to get good photos of smaller fishes), do you have any suggestions?
I don't know who "pointed" you toward Pentax, but really ANY current dSLR camera can do what you want, but you lens choice will not do what you want. All you need are the skills to use a fully adjustable camera.
The reason so many people use Nikon and Canon dSLR cameras is because of the huge number of lenses available for those two brands. They are also the only two that make professional level cameras and both make three different levels of full frame dSLR cameras.
Have you spent any time looking on the Pentax, Nikon or Canon websites, comparing them?
The lenses you have picked seem to be based upon the anecdotal information you seem to have picked up reading opinions here and other places.
In reality, while prime lenses are lighter and faster than zoom lenses, the truth is that photographers actually pick lenses that reflect the subjects they shoot which includes at least two or three zoom lenses.
The 06 Telephoto Zoom 15-45mm f/2.8 Lens will not fit your Pentax camera choice, the K30.It is a lens used on a different Pentax camera that uses Q-mount lenses
Here is how different focal length lenses see the world.
http://imaging.nikon.com/.../index.htm
There's no real benefit to buying two 50 mm lenses, since they have duplicate angles of view. If you want a macro lens, the skip the standard 50 mm f/1.8 lens
The 35 mm lens is perhaps the least used lens by most the photographers I know.
For shooting wildlife, you need a lens like the Pentax 300 mm f/4 ED lens.
You may want to spend some more time doing some independent research before you spend nearly $2, 000 on any camera system
Here's how to look at lenses.
http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2011/05/lenses-so-many-of-them-there-is-no-best.html
Basically, you can do anything with the 18-55mm kit lens except macro. If you need to get near, try walking. IF you can't afford to walk, get the most number of mm in a lens you can afford. Wildlife needs at least 300mm. Models can be shot with any lens but for portraits, the 50mm f/1.4 would be great for blurring backgrounds.
You've got a nice list of lenses there except that you lack wide. Get the camera with the 18-55mm kit lens to make up for it. 18mm is wide enough for large group pictures and landscapes. I survive professionally with just that kit lens alone and I shoot mostly portraits and weddings.
For classes, that 18-55mm will do perfect for the time being. Just go with it for some time then get the macro and telephoto later.