Check the concurrent thread with a link to DxO tests of various lenses on the K-50.
I very much doubt that your choice of lens will matter much. Some are "better" than others, but in practice you aren't likely to see a difference. If you are obsessive, maybe there is a difference. But not likely an issue unless you also take care of everything else that might limit image quality, e.g.: a) calibrate the focus point for each lens; b) always shoot from a tripod; c) use manual exposure and check the histograms to verify proper exposure; d) use a remote trigger rather than the shutter button; e) always shoot RAW and carefully post-process each image for optimum color balance, sharpness, etc. In my experience, most lenses age well, and so using older lenses just isn't an issue. Mechanical damage might throw lens elements out of line, the internals on zoom lenses in particular can get worn out, but these concerns have nothing to do with which camera body the lens is attached to. If/when you do use an SDM autofocus lens rather than Pentax's earlier "screwdriver" autofocus, you will be startled and confused because the newer system is so much quieter and faster, you may wonder if it is even working. Particularly with a wide angle lens where the difference between in-focus and out-of-focus can be so subtle. The K-5 will be a big leap forward in capability and as Ann said you'll want to spend a lot of time with the manual getting acquainted with the possibilities. But the K-5 is a Pentax just like your DS. It has evolved a lot, there are differences in the way it operates, but it should be an easy transition. Go get one and enjoy! stan On Aug 27, 2013, at 8:05 AM, John wrote: > I am considering a replacement of my ist DS and see that prices on used K-5's > are starting to go down. Are there any lens issues I need to consider when > going to a K-5. My lenses have been working well with my camera but will I > start to see defects as the lenses have been used for a while. The two I use > the most are a Pentax FA 28-35 mm and a Sigma 70-300 mm. I also have some > older manual lenses with out auto focusing but they don't see a lot of use. > Are there any operational issues I am libel to run into? Or is there > another choice that is not as big a jump as the K-5 as far as performance > that would be a better choice? > > Thanks for any information or suggestions. I don't contribute very often but > follow the group somewhat silently. > > John G. > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
