How do I choose a lens for my Pentax P30n body?

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mazzy

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Hi guys,

I've just been given a Pentax P30n with a couple of old macro lenses. They don't really meet my needs: cycling photography. I can only get decent shots when I'm a foot or so away from the target.

Anyway, how do I go about choosing a lens for a 35mm Pentax P30n? I really am lost when it comes to finding a lens, on ebay for example, that will fit. I don't know where to start, I'm a complete noob. Is there a set size of thread on camera lenses that fit all 35mm camera bodies?

Sorry for asking such a silly question that, I'm sure, has been asked a million times before in some shape or form.

Thanks alot and take care
 
The Pentax P30 accepts Pentax-K bayonet fitting lenses, so they're readily available second hand. However, they would need to be the 'A' series in order to work on the 'program' mode on your camera. If you use the old 'M' series, it'll revert to a manual camera.

Macro lenses are only really used for close-up work, although if it's say, a 100mm lens, it can be used as a short telephoto as well. You have a number of options to try, you could go for a mid-range zoom for example 35-70mm or 28-80mm, or a 50mm lens which will offer you a fast maximum aperture.

For more distant shots, then a 70-200mm zoom lens may suit your needs better. Either way, you shouldn't have too much difficulty obtaining them.
 
mazzy said:
Thanks alot buddy:) Will have a scout around on ebay for something decent.
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I should add when you're looking around for lenses, they don't have to be Pentax's own. There are a number of good quality independent's to choose from, for example Vivitar, Tokina, Sigma. As long as they are the 'A' series, normally described as PENTAX-KA, then you'll be fine. Good luck with your search.
 
You don't need an autofocus lens, but buying AF (like KA mount) can save you buying twice, if you get a more recent body.

You can pick up manual focus lenses in the Tokina SD range cheaply.
 
Mike.P said:
I have a couple of lenses that will fit .. will see if I can dig them out.
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Thanks man. Drop me a line if you come across something!

Carl V said:
I should add when you're looking around for lenses, they don't have to be Pentax's own. There are a number of good quality independent's to choose from, for example Vivitar, Tokina, Sigma. As long as they are the 'A' series, normally described as PENTAX-KA, then you'll be fine. Good luck with your search.
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Yeah I've noticed quite a few different brands but I'm not really finding that much of a selection right now. Well, alot of brand new stuff around £150(could be looking at the wrong gear.?) I figure when I work the specifics of what I can and can't use and what I'm after exactly, i'll have more luck.

photon said:
You don't need an autofocus lens, but buying AF (like KA mount) can save you buying twice, if you get a more recent body.

You can pick up manual focus lenses in the Tokina SD range cheaply.
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I'll keep that in mind. I plan on learning the in's and out's of this before I go grabbing another body, but it's definitely something I want to sort out in the near future.

Thanks all!
 
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