K20D@dpreview

[randomlinh]

read away

 

[ElFenix]

i kinda like the ISO 6400. pointillist.

 

[randomlinh]

I like that Pentax took a more "hands off" with the NR. I'm really starting to like it. Especially since I'm liking this tokina 50-135. Pentax's has SDM. But with the 40D viewfinder improving.. it's a much easier upgrade, heh. I just think it's priced a bit too high retail wise. But the low light performance is partially why I want to stick w/ canon.

 

[cputeq]

So far I'm absolutely digging my K20D.

Awesome controls, great IQ with lenses (I have 55-300, DA* 50-135, 16-45 f/4).

Autofocus seems faster than my K200D, but I haven't done any actual testing.

Autofocus starting delaying around EV5 and below. EV6 and up it's great.

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: randomlinh
I like that Pentax took a more "hands off" with the NR. I'm really starting to like it. Especially since I'm liking this tokina 50-135. Pentax's has SDM. But with the 40D viewfinder improving.. it's a much easier upgrade, heh. I just think it's priced a bit too high retail wise. But the low light performance is partially why I want to stick w/ canon.

Bolded. I hope Pentax starts a trend here.

 

[Funyuns101]

Originally posted by: cputeq
So far I'm absolutely digging my K20D.

Awesome controls, great IQ with lenses (I have 55-300, DA* 50-135, 16-45 f/4).

Autofocus seems faster than my K200D, but I haven't done any actual testing.

Autofocus starting delaying around EV5 and below. EV6 and up it's great.

Do you have the kit lens? I'm just wondering how it compares to the 16-45 f/4

 

[martensite]

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Do you have the kit lens? I'm just wondering how it compares to the 16-45 f/4

FWIW, I have the older kit lens i.e. the DA18-55 I, and it's not a good match for the K20D. I think the sensor outresolves the lens quite a bit. It's kinda okay around f/8-11 on a tripod, but if you open it up, it's quite soft.
I suspect that's why Pentax improved it and released ver II for the K20D. I don't have the 16-45. I really wanted to buy the DA*16-50, but the frequent horror stories of decentering, focus problems etc have scared me away. I don't want to pay SG$1000+ for a lemon.

I agree with cputeq, with good glass (and you *need* it with the K20D), the camera really shines.

My K20D usually has the DA*50-135 or DA40 Limited mounted on it more than 75% of the time. Well, really I don't have much of a choice..the lenses which used to work well on my K100DS (DA 18-55, Sigma 17-70 and Sigma 70-300 macro) are no match for the K20D. Infact, I am selling off the Sigmas except for the 105/2.8 Macro which I recently bought.

I wish I could afford the DA*300/4 since I the longest I have now (usable) is 135mm from the DA*.

I hope the DA*60-250/4 is more affordable!


EDIT: YAY! I have hit 200 posts in 7 years!

 

[randomlinh]

martensite, do you have any pics w/ the DA40 mounted on the K20D?

 

[cputeq]

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Originally posted by: cputeq
So far I'm absolutely digging my K20D.

Awesome controls, great IQ with lenses (I have 55-300, DA* 50-135, 16-45 f/4).

Autofocus seems faster than my K200D, but I haven't done any actual testing.

Autofocus starting delaying around EV5 and below. EV6 and up it's great.

Do you have the kit lens? I'm just wondering how it compares to the 16-45 f/4

Just like martensite said -- Kit lens is pretty soft unless you stop down to around F8.

That being said -- THe kit lens is still MORE than capable of taking great photos. Want proof, from someone with a hell of a lot more skill than myself?

http://www.pentaxforums.com/fo...os/30714-my-peeps.html

I highly encourage anyone, not just a Pentax shooter, to check out that thread. Once I read what the photog was using for gear I was completely floored.

As for the 16-45 : It's a nice lens. Sharper wide open than the kit ever had a chance at being. Not a bad upgrade for $200 (after rebate since I bought the body at the same time). I really want the DA* 16-50, though.

----------

I think the thinking now is that most of the problems with the DA* 16-50 are gone, at least from the lack of real "problem" posts that people are putting up. Several recent buyers have reported no problems (DPReview and PentaxForums), so I'm thinking it's probably a safe lens to buy.

Plus, if you buy from Amazon, just return it if you don't like it for refund or exchange. Their process is about as easy as it gets.

-----------


Martensite

Don't automatically discount the 55-300 if you want range on the cheap.

Sure, it's a consumer lens, but it's producing surprisingly awesome photos for being a $350 lens. I went through many shooter samples before I ended up springing for the lens (range on the cheap) and I must say I'm not disappointed at all. I have no reservations shooting with this thing wide open at 300mm. It's a remarkable IQ for such a low price and it's noticeably higher IQ than the cheaper Sigma and Tamron variants.

Highly recommended.

 

[kalster]

Originally posted by: cputeq

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Originally posted by: cputeq
So far I'm absolutely digging my K20D.

Awesome controls, great IQ with lenses (I have 55-300, DA* 50-135, 16-45 f/4).

Autofocus seems faster than my K200D, but I haven't done any actual testing.

Autofocus starting delaying around EV5 and below. EV6 and up it's great.

Do you have the kit lens? I'm just wondering how it compares to the 16-45 f/4

Just like martensite said -- Kit lens is pretty soft unless you stop down to around F8.

That being said -- THe kit lens is still MORE than capable of taking great photos. Want proof, from someone with a hell of a lot more skill than myself?

http://www.pentaxforums.com/fo...os/30714-my-peeps.html

I highly encourage anyone, not just a Pentax shooter, to check out that thread. Once I read what the photog was using for gear I was completely floored.

As for the 16-45 : It's a nice lens. Sharper wide open than the kit ever had a chance at being. Not a bad upgrade for $200 (after rebate since I bought the body at the same time). I really want the DA* 16-50, though.

----------

I think the thinking now is that most of the problems with the DA* 16-50 are gone, at least from the lack of real "problem" posts that people are putting up. Several recent buyers have reported no problems (DPReview and PentaxForums), so I'm thinking it's probably a safe lens to buy.

Plus, if you buy from Amazon, just return it if you don't like it for refund or exchange. Their process is about as easy as it gets.

-----------


Martensite

Don't automatically discount the 55-300 if you want range on the cheap.

Sure, it's a consumer lens, but it's producing surprisingly awesome photos for being a $350 lens. I went through many shooter samples before I ended up springing for the lens (range on the cheap) and I must say I'm not disappointed at all. I have no reservations shooting with this thing wide open at 300mm. It's a remarkable IQ for such a low price and it's noticeably higher IQ than the cheaper Sigma and Tamron variants.

Highly recommended.

wow, for all the lenses i have , i wish my pics were this good

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: kalster
wow, for all the lenses i have , i wish my pics were this good

They can be if you learn the secrets of Photoshop.

 

[martensite]

Originally posted by: randomlinh
martensite, do you have any pics w/ the DA40 mounted on the K20D?

Sure, I have quite a few photos with the DA40+K20D combo; let me know what res you'd like and I'll resize appropriately and upload a few tomorrow.
My heavy-duty lens is the DA*50-135 though, it's a really versatile range for me.

 

[cputeq]

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: kalster
wow, for all the lenses i have , i wish my pics were this good

They can be if you learn the secrets of Photoshop.

Unfortunately (for me), successful portraits require the eye of a good photographer. Poses, getting the kids to actually freakin' smile!, framing. It's a lot more difficult than it looks, at least to me.

I tried a casual portrait shoot for a coworker and I had no clue as to what I was doing. I thought it would be easy, but it's a lot, lot harder than it looks.

Photoshop is going to save you from exposure errors and help somewhat with lighting and composition, but a huge part of a portrait is the right pose.

 

[martensite]

Originally posted by: cputeq

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Originally posted by: cputeq
So far I'm absolutely digging my K20D.

Awesome controls, great IQ with lenses (I have 55-300, DA* 50-135, 16-45 f/4).

Autofocus seems faster than my K200D, but I haven't done any actual testing.

Autofocus starting delaying around EV5 and below. EV6 and up it's great.

Do you have the kit lens? I'm just wondering how it compares to the 16-45 f/4

Just like martensite said -- Kit lens is pretty soft unless you stop down to around F8.

That being said -- THe kit lens is still MORE than capable of taking great photos. Want proof, from someone with a hell of a lot more skill than myself?

http://www.pentaxforums.com/fo...os/30714-my-peeps.html

I highly encourage anyone, not just a Pentax shooter, to check out that thread. Once I read what the photog was using for gear I was completely floored.

As for the 16-45 : It's a nice lens. Sharper wide open than the kit ever had a chance at being. Not a bad upgrade for $200 (after rebate since I bought the body at the same time). I really want the DA* 16-50, though.

----------

I think the thinking now is that most of the problems with the DA* 16-50 are gone, at least from the lack of real "problem" posts that people are putting up. Several recent buyers have reported no problems (DPReview and PentaxForums), so I'm thinking it's probably a safe lens to buy.

Plus, if you buy from Amazon, just return it if you don't like it for refund or exchange. Their process is about as easy as it gets.

-----------


Martensite

Don't automatically discount the 55-300 if you want range on the cheap.

Sure, it's a consumer lens, but it's producing surprisingly awesome photos for being a $350 lens. I went through many shooter samples before I ended up springing for the lens (range on the cheap) and I must say I'm not disappointed at all. I have no reservations shooting with this thing wide open at 300mm. It's a remarkable IQ for such a low price and it's noticeably higher IQ than the cheaper Sigma and Tamron variants.

Highly recommended.

I live in Singapore, and we don't get any discounts/rebates for Pentax gear here, and lenses are relatively rare compared to Canikon. To add insult to injury, prices are 5-10% higher!
EDIT: Amazon is not an option. Shipping + customs etc means that returns are not possible.

I too really want something with constant f/2.8 in the 16-50 range; I am still waiting. Hope the DA17-70 delivers, and although it lacks weathersealing and is 'only' f/4, atleast it has SDM.

The DA55-300 is a very interesting lens indeed, and I would have bought one, but I can't find a copy here yet. Maybe it'll be more easily available after a couple of months. I intend to buy one to replace the Sigma 70-300.
But what I need....er want is the DA*300/4. And a FA31/1.8.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: martensite

Originally posted by: randomlinh
martensite, do you have any pics w/ the DA40 mounted on the K20D?

Sure, I have quite a few photos with the DA40+K20D combo; let me know what res you'd like and I'll resize appropriately and upload a few tomorrow.
My heavy-duty lens is the DA*50-135 though, it's a really versatile range for me.

heh, nothing fancy. just curious as to how it looks. web quality And I agree, I'm really liking my 50-135, sans the fact tokina doesn't have a fast/quiet motor for the canon mount.. heh. I just sold my 85/1.8 to help fund it.... as much as I loved the amazing speed and accuracy, it doesn't help me if I don't USE it... haha.

 

[Funyuns101]

Originally posted by: martensite

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Do you have the kit lens? I'm just wondering how it compares to the 16-45 f/4

FWIW, I have the older kit lens i.e. the DA18-55 I, and it's not a good match for the K20D. I think the sensor outresolves the lens quite a bit. It's kinda okay around f/8-11 on a tripod, but if you open it up, it's quite soft.
I suspect that's why Pentax improved it and released ver II for the K20D. I don't have the 16-45. I really wanted to buy the DA*16-50, but the frequent horror stories of decentering, focus problems etc have scared me away. I don't want to pay SG$1000+ for a lemon.

I agree with cputeq, with good glass (and you *need* it with the K20D), the camera really shines.

My K20D usually has the DA*50-135 or DA40 Limited mounted on it more than 75% of the time. Well, really I don't have much of a choice..the lenses which used to work well on my K100DS (DA 18-55, Sigma 17-70 and Sigma 70-300 macro) are no match for the K20D. Infact, I am selling off the Sigmas except for the 105/2.8 Macro which I recently bought.

I wish I could afford the DA*300/4 since I the longest I have now (usable) is 135mm from the DA*.

I hope the DA*60-250/4 is more affordable!


EDIT: YAY! I have hit 200 posts in 7 years!

Thanks for the response. I have the K10D, kit lens, and the 50mm f/1.4.
Let me know when you're getting ready to sell that Sigma 17-70mm lens.
I'm looking to replace the kit lens with that or the newly announced Pentax 17-70mm f/4
I can't quite afford the DA* 16-50

 

[martensite]

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Let me know when you're getting ready to sell that Sigma 17-70mm lens.
I'm looking to replace the kit lens with that or the newly announced Pentax 17-70mm f/4
I can't quite afford the DA* 16-50

Actually, I sold it off a couple of months ago. I need to unload the Sigma 70-300 now and get a Pentax DA55-300 or the DA*60-250 whenever it's out.

We get Pentax stuff late, here in Singapore, usually about a month or so after it hits the US; and the local Pentax distributor seems to be least interested in promoting Pentax gear because they are also distributors for many other things.

 

[martensite]

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: martensite

Originally posted by: randomlinh
martensite, do you have any pics w/ the DA40 mounted on the K20D?

Sure, I have quite a few photos with the DA40+K20D combo; let me know what res you'd like and I'll resize appropriately and upload a few tomorrow.
My heavy-duty lens is the DA*50-135 though, it's a really versatile range for me.

heh, nothing fancy. just curious as to how it looks. web quality And I agree, I'm really liking my 50-135, sans the fact tokina doesn't have a fast/quiet motor for the canon mount.. heh. I just sold my 85/1.8 to help fund it.... as much as I loved the amazing speed and accuracy, it doesn't help me if I don't USE it... haha.

These are some quick n' dirty RAW conversions of the DA40+K20D combo. Minor PP on some of the images.
Any suckage in the photos is 100% due to the incompetence of the photographer, namely, me

http://img92.imageshack.us/my....mage=imgp5220crtf4.jpg
http://img71.imageshack.us/my....mage=imgp4268crsp0.jpg
http://img78.imageshack.us/my....mage=imgp4239crpm3.jpg
http://img75.imageshack.us/my....mage=imgp4253crgg8.jpg
http://img55.imageshack.us/my....mage=imgp8224crxy6.jpg
http://img92.imageshack.us/my....mage=imgp8234crkf1.jpg
http://img92.imageshack.us/my....mage=imgp6175crun5.jpg
http://img55.imageshack.us/my....mage=imgp6170cria2.jpg
http://img92.imageshack.us/my....mage=imgp5221crgu5.jpg
http://img375.imageshack.us/my...mage=imgp5222crvo1.jpg
http://img392.imageshack.us/my...mage=imgp5223crnr9.jpg

 

[ElFenix]

peeps should post pics of their cameras in the camera porn thread!



:heart: singapore (well, except that whole repressive dictatorship part)

 

[randomlinh]

martensite, nice. I don't know why I feel so compelled to try this camera out. It would cost me too much, but I still want to, hahaha.