Hi Terry,
Your articles in the Green Guide are one of the reasons I have it home delivered here in Perth. I've been looking at the Pentax K100D and comparing it with the Sony DSC H5. I'm not really a "serious" photographer but I want really good quality photos. I also like to photo birds, and so a powerful zoom is attractive. It was suggested to me that I should consider only a digital SLR for great quality photos. Do you have any thoughts on the K100D versus the DSC H5?

Richard:

Thanks for the compliment. Much appreciated.

If you are serious [even though you say you are "not a serious photographer"] about photographing birds then you must have a single lens reflex. The H5 is a nice camera but like all these all-in-one superzooms it suffers from two inherent defects -- slow response and awful viewfinder.

The only advantages of the Sony are that it is light, cheap and it comes with a very good lens.

People think that all-in-one must automatically mean simplicity. Well, it doesn't. If by simplicity you mean the amount of effort that has to go into producing one good shot after another then a DSLR wins every time. If by simplicity they mean point-shoot-disappointment-oh look-I fluked one that time, then the superzoom is the way to go.

Good bird photos demand high resolution of feather detail and the ability to hold detail in areas of solid colour. The Pentax wins and by a big margin.

I like the Sony H5 a lot but I like the Pentax K100D more.

Terry

I bought a K100D too recently. any lens you recommend as for a very beginner?

I tested the Pentax with the Sigma 18~125 lens. I didn't get a chance to try it with a Pentax lens.

The 18~125 is a very sharp lens with excellent contrast. It's noisy in focussing and a bit gritty in zooming and it has both barrel distortion and pincushion distortion. For general work I think it is excellent but if you intend to take pictures of buildings you will notice the distortion.

I own a Sigma 70~200 lens that I use with my Nikon D70. I like it very much.

My suggestion is to think about the range of zoom that you want and then go into a camera shop with your camera body and try the lenses they have on sale. There is no one particular lens that is right for everyone.

Terry L

As to what lens to recommend that very much depends on what sort of photography you want to do with it.. Also price range is very important..

I could say the F*300/4.5 for bird photography, but that could be completely unresonable for you based on budget.. you may also want a zoom so its more general purpose, or like me prefer prime (non-zoom) lenses...

where can i buy Sanyo Eneloops ?

How many shots can you fire with the Eneloops

What is the Capacity in mAh ?

thanks

I've been using Pentax SLR for years ranging from
MV1, LX and the dedicated K1000 cameras. I was impressed with the latest K100D and werent too sure if, all my lenses can be used using thsi Dgitial SLR. I read them in internet, and it shows that it has some restrictions. Maybe you would like to englighten me of the restrictions. Thanks alot.

PENTAX have a lens compatibility chart at

http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/cameras/lenses/compatability_chart.jsp

that shows which lenses work with the *istD cameras -- and I assume that whatever works with the *istD will work with the K100D. The mounts and the sensors are similar.

Hello,
I now have a Fuji S5200/5500 4mp 10xzoom digital camera and love to photo birds ( see http://www.wolf9.org , see photos page) and now have decided to upgrade to a DSLR .

I have seen on the net how beautifully the K100D photographs birds so I think the K100D after much research is the DSLR for me .

However I am confused with what kit to buy here in Australia.
I can get either the -

SIGMA AF 24-70mmHF + 70-300mmDL MACRO SUPER TWIN LENS KIT for $AU999
or
PENTAX K100D DIGITAL SLR KIT w SIGMA AF 18-50mm & 55-200mm ZOOM LENSES for $1299

see - http://www.wowwicked.com.au/catpages/page10.htm

Your advice will be much appreciated,
Rodney.

Rodney:

If birds are your interest then this is the best kit on offer:

SIGMA AF 24-70mmHF + 70-300mmDL MACRO SUPER TWIN LENS KIT for $AU999

Bear in mind that these are cheap lenses and not as good as the camera body. You should look carefully at the lens issue. There are better Sigma lenses but they cost more. There might also be some genuine Pentax Takumar lenses around that are compatible with the K100D that are worth considering.

Terry L

Hi Terry

But for general use, for a first time SLR user, would you recommend the sigma 18-125mm lens, rather than the 24-70 and 70-300 kit or the 18-50 and 55-200? It's from a better series of lenses, isn't it, and I don't need to worry about changing lenses all the time? Many thanks.

Stan

Stan:

I found the 18~125 lens to be sharp with good contrast and colour. It has marked barrel and pincushion distortion. The pincushion at the 125mm end is particularly bad, but of course it only shows up in photos containing strong vertical and horizontal lines. Barrel distortion at the 18mm end is slight. The focus mechanism is a bit noisy.

With lenses you get what you pay for. If you want a zoom lens that is quiet, smooth and free of distortion you must be prepared to pay $1000 or more. That's the bad news.

I would still rate the Sigma 18~125 above the kit lenses supplied with the Canon 400D and the Sony Alpha100.

TL

I bought my 1st dslr today, a magnificent, amazing, beautiful, incredible, wonderful
Pentax K100D
with a Sigma 18-125mm DC f:3.5-5.6
and a Sigma 70-300mm APO DG 1.4-5.6 Macro
plus Hoya UV filters for both lenses,
plus a LowePro Nova 2AW Bag,
plus a Inca Rapid charger with 4 AA Batteries
plus a SanDisk 512Mb Ultra 2 Secure Digital SD card
plus a 24 month extended warranty

I Love it, I can't believe I can take such good photos.

Gidday Terry,

As a prospective DSLR buyer I have narrowed my search down to the K100D. Your review shows you are suitably impressed and has influenced my choice somewhat! My remaining decision is lens choice. I am a little confused with the difference in focal length between 35mm and DSLR. I have a Sigma 28-200 on my MZ-50 at the moment and I am hoping to use this on the K100D. I believe this will give me something like 44-300 or thereabouts. Does this sound correct?

How does the 18-50 that usually comes with the K100D compare to a 35mm lens?

Lee: To calculate the focal length of a lens made for 35mm and used on a DSLR simply mulitply by 1.5

I suggest that you consider the Sigma 18~125 as the lens to buy with the camera. It is a little dearer but it is better. It is not perfect but it is good for the price.

TL

Terry,

I can get the Sigma 18-300mm for an extra $50 (over the 18-125). What do you think?

Lee: It sounds attractive but I wouldn't do it. Zoom lenses are incredibly complex and there is a tradeoff between price, zoom range and image quality. Usually the shorter the focal length range the better the zoom. Prime lenses are always better than zooms, but we accept some compromises in order to get the versatility of the zoom -- but 17~300 is really in gimmick territory. Nikon push the limits of acceptability with an expensive 18~200 lens -- Sigma have gone beyond the limits.

The 18~125 is the pick of their range -- and that is really 27~190 in 35mm film terms. Don't push your luck!

TL

Thanks Terry. Your help is very much appreciated. As a bit of a "point and shoot" photographer, I am looking forward to the flexibility the digital SLR will give me in terms of being able to play around with the aperture, shutter speed etc. I have found that the cost of developing film is a bit restrictive in this sense. I may even have something to contribute to your site at some time in the future! Thanks again mate.

leeroy

I was wondering if anyone knows if the k1000 lens I have had for years can be used with this camera?

Granted it was an SLR without AF, and i would expect to be limited in fuctionality, but I would love to be able to continue to use my existing lens investments.

Pentax have a lens compatibility chart at

http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/cameras/lenses/compatability_chart.jsp

Hi,
Appreciate your Green-Guide reviews,(and your new post-radio career! what a way to "retire!")

Anyway, having got my feet wet with a Cannon A70, after 32 years of using a Pentax ES (with f1.4 lens) I am missing a sensitive lens and TL viewing, and especially instant response. (eg photographing fast-moving birds and grandchildren). So am looking for a good/not too expensive DSLR, and eye is on Pentax K100D and Nikkon D40. Son Michael just bought Nikkon D200, but he is a pro!

How would you compare/contrast these two? Cheers
Ed

Ed:

If you have any Pentax lenses, including your f1.4, and they are bayonet mount [not screw] then your choice of cameras is easy -- go for the K100D. It has everything you are looking for. But if I remember correctly the ES is one of the earlier Pentaxes with screw mount lenses. In which case your lovely f1.4 won't be much good with the K100D. However that shouldn't deter you from sticking with Pentax.

The Nikon D40 is also an excellent 6mp camera, so you could buy either with confidence.

Terry L

I'd just like to point out that the K100D will work with screw mount lenses with an adapter. Even focus indication and metering will work. The Nikon D40, on the other hand, doesn't even support Nikon lenses that don't have internal focus motors.

Also there is no Sigma 18-300 lens, I believe Lee meant the 18-200. By all accounts, the 18-125 has better image quality than both the Sigma 18-50 and the 18-200.

Right now I have a *istDL with the 18-125, but I'm looking to upgrade to a K10D with the Sigma 17-70.

I'm thinking about buying the pentax k100 my question is, My wife has an old Sigma lens belonging to her old FILM camera. Would this lens fit on the Digial pentax ? I watch the little clip on the pentax website where they said that it was compatible with every PENTAX lens ever made
So that raised the question.

I always thought that every lens worked on a Dslr.

Regards Roof

Assuming that the Sigma lens is a bayonet mount and not a screw mount it should work. The best way to find out is to take the lens into a shop and try it on the Pentax. There are a couple of issues -- is it autofocus? If so is the autofocus compatible with the new Pentax? It's easy enough to try it and see.

hi terry,
thanks for the review. I have bought a k100d and love it. My question to you is this - you mention in the review that you had to adjust the default settings on the camera to get better pictures - what settings did you adjust and what new settings did you use? I am very new to slr's and am wondering if i need to change my settings as well ? Cheers and thanks

Kip: I found that the image quality was improved on the K100D by reducing the saturation and contrast.

I don't have the camera in front of me so I am going on memory -- when you bring up the menu you will see a setting near the top that has two little icons alongside it. It's called something like Vivid[?]

The default has the setting on the top icon. You should move it down to the lower icon. [I hope this is making sense.]

Then in the Saturation/Contrast/Sharpness settings you should change them to -1. You light find after taking some experimental shots that the Sharpness can be left at 0.

You have to do this by trial and error. The best subject for testing the settings should have a large area of red or yellow with some subtle detail, such as a flower or a bird's feathers. If the colours appear to bleed into each other and the fine detail is being lost then the Saturation/Contrast are set too high.

There is no real right or wrong for this, so don't worry about the fact that there are no standards to aim for. Asians like colours vivid and saturated. Europeans like colours that are subtle and detailed. Pentaxes are made by Asians. But they give us plenty of scope for adjustment.

TL

Terry,

thank you so much for your quick reply. i can only imagine how busy you must be and really appreciate the time taken out to help me.
i will have a good play with my k100d tonight using your advice. we are off to hobart in early april for my wifes masters national athletics championships then two weeks to cruise around th island afterwards, so i will get the opportunity to give it a great workout.
once again many thanks,
kip

Hi Terry, a quick question. In your opinion how does the K100D compair with the Nikon D40. Thanks,

Grant: The K100D is more robust and has more features. The D40 has the advantage of getting you in to the Nikon system at the bottom. Always keep in mind that single lens reflex cameras get replaced but their lenses are kept. So have a look at both cameras in that light. There is a much wider range of lenses for the Nikon than for the Pentax.

I believe that they both have the same sensor and they are equal in their image processing. You could be happy with either.

If you already have lenses then that makes the decision easy -- buy the camera that takes your lenses.

Hope this helps.

TL

Dear Terry. I own a K100D but need to use an external ring flash. I have bought a Bower macro flash but wondered if I need to protect the circuitry of the camera using a safesync of some sort or should it be ok? Thanks Mat

Mat: I don't know the answer to that question. I think you should contact C R Kennedy and put the question to them, I'm not even sure how you attach the flash -- the K100D doesn't have a sync socket, does it? Which usually means getting an adapter that slides into the flash hotshoe.

Ask Kennedy's -- that's my advice.

TL

Re D40 v K100D

Note that the Nikon uses A/F VR lens, while the Pentax has the OIS inside the camera.This will limit the Nikon lens range.

I like the Nikon, but the Pentak better [and its cheaper now, and in the future will lens avail.]

Cheers

GORGY

Am looking at the new K100D Super that has just been released. However am not 100% certian on which lens I should go for. I have been considering the Sigma 17-70, as I have heard it is a good lens for it's price. Is it woth paying the extra for it over the supplied kit lens?

What other suggestions? I already have 2 lens that I use with my film SLR, they are pretty basic but have served well over the years (Sigma 28-90 and Sigma 70-300 (Pentax mount)).

Jarad: There are so many Sigma lenses that I have not been able to try them all. I suggest that you look at this lens assessment database compiled by the owners and users of different lenses. I find it very helpful. And this web site also has objective tests of lenses that you can read.

http://www.photozone.de/active/survey/querylenstxt.jsp?filter=%221=1%22

TL

Terry
I have decided to buy the K100d Super with the Sigma 18-50 lens supplied. I am also looking at a larger zoom as well and have narrowed the choice down to a Sigma APO 70-300mm or a Tamron 18-250mm. What are your thoughts on these lenses.
Regards Brad

Brad: Good camera choice. You will get a lot of satisfaction from the Pentax.

As for the lens: I haven't tried either of the lenses you mention but my experience with 18-250mm (or thereabouts) lenses has not been encouraging. Too many compromises to get the phenomenally long range and at the same time keep the price down.

I own a Sigma 70-200 [not the same range as you suggest, but close]. It is an excellent lens -- a modest zoom range and pretty expensive for a third party optic.

My usual advice is that if a lens looks like an unbelievable bargain then it is ... unbelievable, that is.

Have a look at

http://www.photozone.de/active/survey/querylenstxt.jsp?filter=%221=1%22

this is a database of user assessments of just about every lens on earth. The Tamron is not in the list but its close relative, the 18-200 is and it is not well regarded. The Sigma is considered very poor in all respects.

G'day Terry,

I'm moving from a 35mm film SLR to a DSLR. I am interested in the Pentax K100D (now a Super-model) and the Sigma 18 - 135 zoom. The larger camera stores tell me that this lens is a discontinued model. Can you suggest an equivalent Pentax lens, please ? I'd like to purchase a value-for-money lens i.e. not a cheap one. I hope to use it for at least 20 years.

Cheers,

George.

Geroge: The Sigma AF 17~70mm f2.8 lens is pretty good -- certainly as good as any kit lens supplied with a Nikon or Canon.

Sigma are in the process of bringing out some lenses with the HSM [hypersonic motor, I think] designation. I have one such lens, a 70~200, and it is very good indeed.

So I would start with the 17~70 and keep an eye on the development of the HSM range.

TL

Hi there,
I have been searching reviews as I am planning on buying my first dslr and the Pentax K100D Super is on the shortlist. Is the Pentax 18-55 lens better suited than the Sigma 18-55 kit lens?

Is it true that the camera status on the body top is familiar and convenient because slr film cameras had the lcd in the same spot? In practice, is it more convenient to use the lcd review screen or glancing at the top? I am also considering the Nikon D40 as I like its smaller size.

Hi Terry,

Regarding the Nikon D40 vs. Pentax K100D debate: I'm just starting out with camera's and this will be my first purchase. I've research a bit about the Nikon and the Pentax but i'm a little confused regarding the lenses.

You said in a previous post to look at the cameras by way of their lenses. A few others here have also pointed out that the D40 is not compatible with some of the Nikorr lenses which do not have the A/F function.

I'm going to Korea soon, and intend taking pictures of everyday/night things, nature, and the night sky (including the moon/stars). Keeping this in mind, which do you recommend?

I am on bit of a budget, so i cannot spend too much on lenses. You say that the long range ~18-200mm lenses compromise quality, so i dont mind getting two seperate lenses. For the D40 i've thought of the 18-55 and 55-200mm kit. not sure about the Pentax though.

Kind regards,

Shiv

PENTAX K100D and the NIKON D40.

These are both excellent cameras. The Pentax has more features -- it has the top plate LCD info screen, the Nikon doesn't. It has in-body vibration reduction, the Nikon doesn't. The K100D Super has auto dust removal, not the Nikon. All auto-focus lenses work with the Pentax, they don't with the Nikon.

The Nikon is a more refined camera -- nicer design, nicer graphics, menus etc. Quieter shutter/mirror. Better damped controls. It feels like a better class of camera.

When you buy a DSLR you are buying a system. The camera might not be with you long before you decide to upgrade but you will keep your lenses and accessories. Nikkor lenses and Nikon accessories are a bit better.

Bottom line: The Pentax offers way more features in a rugged but uncouth body. Some of the Sigma and Pentax lenses are OK and they all autofocus. And even if upgrading you might go to the excellent Pentax K10D. The prudent and sensible thing to do is buy Pentax. The emotional thing to do is buy Nikon.

Go into a shop and spend some time handling them both and see what you think. Believe me they will both take excellent pictures and no matter which you buy you won't have made the wrond decision.

TL

Thanks for your comments Terry, I've been weighing up the two.
One things that's pushing me towards the Nikon it seems to be described as being a bit quicker in its operation, particularly start-up and write times, and therefore overall a snappier/sharper camera to use. Is this the case?

Chris: I don't think that in the real world you would see any difference in start up times. I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor. The important thing is how the two cameras feel in your hand. Look through the viewfinder. Take a few trial shots. Get a quick feel for the controls and how they work. Then buy the one that you like subjectively, because there's not much objective difference between the two. You can't go wrong, whichever you buy. TL

Hi Terry

I finally got my first DSLR - K100D Super, I bought it last night with the Pentax 18-55mm. I have taken my first 100 shots this morning, practising and learning the camera. I need a pro-advice as I am a novice. One thing I noticed, when there is a white background, such as the sky or a white wall, in the viewfinder, it looks like there is a light screen mesh (like a fly screen) but the photos turns out fine. Is this normal? Is it the camera or the lens that may have a fault? I am inclined to take it back to the shop I bought it from but I have no idea as I went through the settings and the manual but it could be a faulty viewfinder? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Richie:

All SLR viewfinders look a bit grainy. That is deliberate because it helps with manual focus. My guess is that what you are seeing is the very fine etching on the viewfinder screen, which has been put there deliberately.

Perhaps you were expecting a completely clear view of the subject, as you get through a good optical viewfinder. The SLR isn't like that. If the viewing screen were to be completely clear glass you wouldn't see anything because the screen is, in essence, a rear projection screen that must be translucent rather than transparent.

I can't think of any other explanation for what you are seeing. There is nothing in the camera works that would project a fly screen onto the ground glass.

I hope that this helps and that I am not misleading you. After more than 40 years of using SLRs I guess that I have grown used to the etchings on the viewfinder screen.

TL

Thanks for the advice. You are correct in stating that they do look like etchings. For a lack of a better word to describe it, I have used a fly screen mesh!

I have only used compact cameras but now I know. I just read your post on purchasing a Canon 40D. I just walked past them at the shop as they are way, way beyond my budget. I look forward to reading your detailed post.

Terry,
I have had a problem with the SD cards that I have used in my K100D.
After viewing an exposure or using the in-camera processing ie. changing a color photo to B&W the following images are not viewable outside the camera.
When I load them onto my Laptop they have now data attached to them and it only dispays the icon for an image not an actual image.
Have you heard of this happening before? could it be the Kingston media?
Thanks,

Matthew: I have never heard of or encountered this problem. Your diagnosis could be right -- perhaps it is the particular SD card. Kingston is a well known brand, so I would suspect that the problem is with your particular unit, not with the brand.

The only way to test it is to buy another card -- after all, you can never have too much memory -- of another brand and see if it still happens. If the problem persists then it needs fixing under warranty because it must be in the camera.

Terry

hi Terry, i´ve just bought the pentax k 100 d super
and i´ve found out that i need an external ring flash for some macro photography which has meant a headache in trying to find one. Could you help me out with any compatible models to start searching.
thanks, soha

I can't help with ring flash advice I'm afraid. Does the Pentax have a flash sync socket? You might need to buy a sync adapter that goes into the hot shoe. Your best bet is to go into a camera shop that has a pro department and ask for advice -- taking the camera with you.

I have recently bought a Pentax K100D Super. Many thanks for your reviews, Terry - they helped a lot in making the decision.

The lens was a harder choice. For years I have lived with two lenses for my old SLR - and the frustration of missing photos while having the wrong one on. (If I ever saw a thylacine I would inevitably have the wide angle on.) I have long hoped to have one lens that does it all.

I know several of the super-zoom lenses you have looked at have been mediocre, but the Tamron AF 18-250 Di-II LD mentioned above is worth a look. I bought one with the Pentax, and they seem to get on well. The lens is highly rated by Photozone.de (tested on Nikon and Canon cameras) and generally it seems a much better lens than previous Tamron or Sigma super-zooms. Certainly there are compromises (esp wide angle barrel distortion) but I am prepared to live with them. Perhaps it is worth a review?

Hi Terry,

Having previously had 2 Pentax cameras (a film SLR and a compact digital) I had faith in buying my first digital SLR - the Pentax K100D. I have have also found the default settings a problem, with photos coming out way too bright (almost fluro!) and real problems with photographing scenes and landscapes with sky. The sky tends to get bleached into over exposed white. Alot of photos seem to come out over exposed. I have tried an old lens which has produced much better results but this has to be used in manual. I would really appreciate any ideas or tips on how to alter the settings to improve results or any other suggestions, thanks.

Libby:

You have inspired me to write a whole article on this matter of exposure. Here is a synopsis!

We expect too much from the automatic exposure system in a digital camera -- particularly if we expect it always to be right. Take the case of the over exposed sky.

I assume that there is foreground underneath the sky. So what is the camera going to "see" as the photographer's priority area? The dark foreground or the bright sky? The dynamic range between the darkest and lightest areas of the picture is huge -- in fact much greater than either a digital sensor or film can cope with. So for all the promise of automation in the end you have to make a choice -- expose for the sky or for the foreground?

Well, it depends. If you want a rich blue sky with big white fluffy clouds then you will have to over ride the auto exposure and underexpose the picture.

If you want detail in the foreground -- say in a subject's face or the detail of a building, landscape etc -- then you will have to over expose the sky.

Or, using Spot Metering [which you should most of the time] take a reading from the sky and another from the foreground and then set the exposure manually to an in-between setting.

Now, here's the brilliant thing about digital cameras like your Pentax. You have a Exposure Compensation control button. Using Exp Comp you can experiment with different settings, usually between two stops under and two stops over exposed. Remember, a digital picture is free. So you just keep taking them until you get it right -- always assuming that you subject hasn't run away!

There is nothing wrong with your camera or your lenses. They just need a little intelligent input from the photographer.

On the matter of the over-saturated colour... There are two settings in the Pentax Menu that you should fix immediately. The first is a setting that I think, from memory, is called Tone. It shows up on the Menu screen as an item with two icons arranged vertically. The default setting is on the top -- it should be set to the bottom icon.

Then, having done that, get into the Saturation setting and turn it down a notch. These two adjustments together will produce much, much better images.

Let me know how you get on.

TL

Hi Terry,

thanks so much for the detailed reply. After having read a little closer in the manual I found out about the 'tone' setting. I have changed over to the natural setting and have (as you suggested) found a world of difference with the colour in my photos. I also changed the saturation and sharpeness which have also improved things fantastically. I will experiment further with the exposure compensation and try so auto bracketing too. It's all too easy in our digital age to expect to 'point and shoot' and I've had to remind myself of my film photography training! I have gone right back to manual settings and using the light meter and have produced much more satisfying results, especially knowing I set up the shot than allowing the camera to do it for me. Thanks again for the help!

Hi Terry
I have a Pentax K100D and very happy with this camera which was based on your reviews.
I take alot of Aussie rules football photos for a club with some being at night and want to trade up to a better telephoto lense that can cope with the limited light and fast action.
I currently have a Tamron 70-300 zoom lense and when zooming can only get F6.3 and shutter speed at about 125/1 which does not give me the best quality.
I have been recommended ( which I think you have recommended as well)the Sigma APO 70-200 F2.8 II Ex DG Macro HSM for the price range that I am looking at but it does not look like these come in the Pentax mount.
Are you able to help if this is the case. If they do not come in the Pentax mount have you got any suggestions as to what would be the best lense to capture night sports action in a zoom lense.

Cheers
Brenton

Brenton: The Sigma lens is indeed that one you need. I have one and it is excellent. f2.8 is as fast as you will get at this focal length without selling your house and your family into slavery. And it is a constant 2.8 -- which is pretty rare.

I would be very very surprised if this lens doesn't come with a Pentax mount. C R Kennedy are the Australian distributors of both Pentax and Sigma and sell lots of Pentax cameras with Sigma lenses. Kennedy's are in Melbourne -- give them a ring.

Good luck with the pictures -- footy under lights is a challenge. I would be interested to see results. TL

Hi Terry

I have been reading your reviews for a while and they are extremely helpful. I recently bought a K100D Super and am about to head o/s trekking in Nepal. Currently i only have the Sigma 18-50 kit lens and some old non auto-focus pentax K-mounts. I want to have the wide angle for the mountain shots in Nepal, but also would like some zoom range for portraits (when they don't know I'm taking photos!). I only want to take a single lens travelling for weight and to avoid changing lenses in the dust. What would be you recommendation. I have looked at the Pentax 18-250mm but struggle to believe the optics could be that good - although the Tamron 18-250mm seems to get good reviews. Or is the Sigma 18-125mm a better option (or any others). I would want to keep the price under ~$750 AUD.

Thanks heaps, Luke

Luke: The Sigma 18-125 is the best compromise. The 27mm [film equiv't] wide end is not bad. The 186mm long end gives you plenty of reach for unobserved shooting. The bad news is that this lens rates very poorly in the www.photozone.de user survey.

You should have a look at the comprehensive list of lenses assessed by their owners at

http://www.photozone.de/active/survey/querylenstxt.jsp?filter=%221=1%22

You might find the experience a bit depressing. Lenses with long zoom ranges generally do not rate well for optical quality.

Anyway, have a look and let me know what looks interesting to you. I can understand that you only want to carry one lens but I would suggest that you not dismiss the idea of taking two. Except that then you will probably be going over your budget.

Tough decisions!

TL

Hi Terry

I have the Pentax K100D and am an aspiring photographer. I find the built-in flash not quite what I'm after but am unsure what type of flash I would be best to purchase. Can you please shed some light on this?

Given your view on $$$ for lenses to get quality long term, I am happy to spend to get a long term flash.

I was also unsure if all flashes are compatible with all cameras.

Thanks
Keera

Keera: You could begin your search for a decent flash [you are right about the inadequacy of the inbuilt flash -- they are all like that, for emergencies only] by looking at the Sunpak range. They make universal flashes that work with the automatic circuitry of most digital SLRs.

You should look for a fully auto unit and you will find that as the price increases so does the power of the flash.

And once you have settled on the flash unit stretch yourself to a few more dollars to buy a flash diffuser. These things are just little plastic buckets that fit on the flash head and cost a fortune -- at least for a bit of tupperware -- but they are essential. Instead of illuminating the subject with a blinding mini-nuclear flash they make a nice, diffused, natural-looking light.

TL

Hi Terry

Thanks for the link... it was a bit depressing! After reading a few other reviews i decided to bite the bullet (i leave in a week) and pick up the sigma 18-200mm. I was encouraged by a review comparing the sigma with the tamron and nikkor equivalents. Clearly the Nikkor is the best, but the sigma stackedup pretty well. I had a quick play tonight, but of course it's the first glomy night in melbourne for weeks. My first impression is... the AF is not as slow as reported (but not fast). It is not a bright lens (3.5-6.3 - in my hands at 200 it is f6.7) but works well in good light. I think it will serve me well as a walkabout when travelling. But after the travels i will defintely spend some cash and get a small range lens with constant f2.8 (or steal some of my Dad's old primes!). Thanks for your help, i'll get back to you if i come up with anything else of note in nepal.

Cheers, Luke

Hi Terry

Thanks for the flash info.

I've made a couple of phone calls and been recommended 2 flashes. Do you have any knowledge or thoughts on either:

SIGMA EF-530 DG ST Flash; or
Pentax AF360FGZ

I feel a bit like I'm at the Lions den. There's $150's between the two which I'm happy to pay out if need be.

Another thing...
I have the Sigma 18-125mm lense on my Pentax. When I try to take close ups (of my boys or flowers) the camera won't focus and the focus indicator flashes. This happens regardless of whether the camera is on Macro or not.

Do I need to use a different lens for these types of shots, am I doing something wrong or is the camera wrong?

Thanks
Keera

Keera:

I don't know either of the flash units. The rule of thumb is to go for whichever has the higher Guide number -- this is a measure of the unit's light output. The higher the Guide Number the more powerful the flash. The GN is always listed in the specifications because it is the equivalent of the power of a motor car.

On the focus issue ...

Setting the camera to macro doesn't make any difference to a lens like the Sigma. Every lens has a limit on its closest focussing distance, so you need to consult the specifications for your particular lens. You should have received one in the box with the lens -- it will tell you the closest focussing distance. TL

Hi
I'm a newbie to DSLRs (in fact, photography generally). I have a Pentax K100D, and I recently picked up a 2nd hand sigma 18-125 lens. I'm struggling a bit with the autofocus, because the focus ring is fixed when I have it set to AF. The kit lens I got with the camera doesn't do this.
The camera/lens manuals arent helpful. My best totally uneducated guess is that the absence of an 'A' ring on the lens is significant (as my Pentax manual seems to suggest). Or, there's a problem with the lens. Any thoughts?

PS - manual focussing is fine; but sometimes I like the lazy option.

Georgia: I would need more information about the lens in question before I could offer a suggestion. You say that you bought the lens second hand -- could it be that it was on sale because it was defective? You would have to take it to a Sigma dealer to see if that is the case. TL

Hey Georgia, Terry,

May I offer a suggestion:

The kit lens and most current Pentax lens have what is known as a "quickshift" focus feature. This means you can manually turn the focus ring while the camera is set to AF.

I have a Sigma Autofocus 17-70mm. The focus ring locks when the camera is set to AF.

Is your lens a Sigma 18-125 mm DC lens? (it has a little gold DC badge)

Does your Sigma autofocus when the camera is set to AF? If not, then as Terry advises, it's time to see the lens doctor, or the person/shop that sold you the lens.

The absence of a "A" ring means you cannot set the aperture manually, the camera will do that for you.

Dale

Dear Terry

Please can you assist me.

I have been shooting now for almost a year.

I purchased a Pentax K100D on suggestion from a friend, especially due to the image stabiliser being in the body.

I have the following lenses and flash:

Pentax 18-55mm f4.5
Samsung Xenon Schneider 55-200mm
Pentax 360 flash

I am looking at purchasing the following:

1. Sigma 70-300/4-5.6 DG APO MACRO or Sigma 70-300/4-5.6 DG MACRO (for insect and flora photography)
2. Sigma 170-500/5-6.3 APO DG (for game photography)
3. Digi-Slave L-Ring Ultra II LED Ring Light (how good is this flash? Is there anything else you would recommend?)
4. Pentax 540 flash.

Please can you give me some advise on these.

Thank you!

Best regards

Anita

Anita: I haven't tried the lenses you are asking about, but if you have a look at www.photozone.de you might find tests of the ones you are interested in.

However, if your interest is closeups of flowers and insects I certainly wouldn't recommend a 70-300mm lens. You should be looking at a prime lens of between 60 and 90mm, either a Sigma or a Tamron. You will get much much better closeups from such a lens. The primes as sharper than any zoom and they generally have 1:1 magnification. And they are terrific to use.

Pairing such a prime lens with a ring flash will give you the ultimate close-up set-up for small objects. Putting a ring flash on a 70-300 zoom is pointless, because it is designed to evenly illuminate subjects just a few centimetres from the front of the lens.

Hope this helps. TL

Hi Terry and Dale

Further to my question of 9 May (that I forgot where I posted!) and Dale's response of 10 May...

Does that sound familiar?

Thanks, Georgia

Hi Terry
I bought a K100D Super back in April 08 and love it. I'm after a flash unit for it and have looked at some Pentax, Sigma and Metz units on the Web. I am after an effective range of up to maybe 6 metres, but can only afford $300-400. Can you recommend any?

Roger: I haven't tried any of the flashes you list as possibilities. I would be inclined to go with the Pentax. In my limited experience with flashes I have found that the manufacturer of the camera usually produces a better flash unit than the third party suppliers. TL