What would be a good 24mm wide angle lens that isn't ultra-expensive? I'm on a budget and would like to keep the lens at $200 or less, if possible, used, in excellent condition.
Paul Stenquist is our motorsport expert, but I'm afraid the price he quoted for an SMC 24/3.5K is very optimistic. Adorama has had one for sale for something like $300, and I typically see it sell for more than the SMC 24/2.8K. The Sigma 24/2.8 PKA is the default choice among budget 24s that can be taken seriously. But I'll bet you can find an SMC 24/2.8K for $150. I recently sold mine for $125 (after devaluing it by mentioning that it had some internal dust.) The default choice in your zoom range is the Pentax 70-210/4 PKA. The only 100-300 constant-aperture f/4 zooms are by Tokina and Sigma, and you can't afford them. For motorsports you can justify an 80-200/2.8; most every major brand makes (or made) a nice one. Maybe you can get a sweet deal on a 24 and apply the difference to your 80-200. A very satisfying compromise would be the Tamron SP 70-210/3.5 (constant aperture), a heavy beast built to pro standards and said to be visibly brighter than an f/4. These pop up in the UK all the time at $150 or less. I love the ME-II winder, and I think you'll fall in love with its grip. But if you need a highter frame rate, go for the Motor Drive A. For TTL flash, I'm a fan of the Ritz Quantary lineup, made by ProMaster. Great power and flexibility for your dollar. The modular base lets you convert it to Pentax AF for $15. Paul Franklin Stregevsky - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
