[jebarj90]

I am thinking about getting this camera. Has anyone had any experience with this camera or similar models???

 

[attack11]

i have an ist dl and k10d. the k100d is perfect for someone that wants a consumer oriented dslr.

the kit lens is crap, but performs alright stopped down. i'd buy the body and the FA 50mm f1.4 prime to start. if you like manual focus, you can get the M f1.7 for around $30-40 on ebay usually. the A series usually goes for the same price, but the M is much better in my experience (too many 50mm primes hehe).

the shake reduction on the k100d is only good for about 1.5-2 stops; which is still very useful and it applies to any lens. the k10d is good for about 3-3.5 stops.

 

[jebarj90]

Hey there! Thanks for a reply. I am going be be taking a lot of close up pictures..(Marcro) What kind of lens would you suggest I get below $250?

 

[attack11]

any manual focus true macro (1:1). the pentax M and A series are both great; but there's a lot of third party lenses that are worth checking out. really, too many to list.

auto focus is useless when doing actual macros.

 

[attack11]

if you just want macro mode focusing (not 1:1), almost any lens with a tight mtf will do what you want. try to stay with lenses that have 8 blades, or the bokeh won't be smooth; even then some just have harsh bokeh.

the D FA 100mm macro is af, but it's got that super smooth (pentax) bokeh, and the ideal performance peaks for a macro. wide open it's pretty meh, but who shoots macros wide open?

http://www.photodo.com/topic_43.html

 

[toshi]

I have an *ist DS. The K100D is a good entry-level DSLR, especially with the built-in image stabilization. The kit lens is actually pretty decent compared to other kit lenses offered by Canon or Nikon. For quality macro lenses, you'll have to spend a decent amount ($500+) but as attack11 mentioned, some of the older Pentax glass are excellent and the third-party lenses are decent. For more specific info or to ask questions, check out Pentaxforums.com (I'm a moderator over there.)