Expert: John Oliverio - 6/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: I'm looking at a lens on ebay, this is it's description: "The next lens is Sears brand multicoated 200 mm zoom with macro # 840545080. It also has a screw on sky light and the protective covers on both ends."  Is there any way to know if it's compatible with Pentax K10D?


ANSWER: Melissa,

Of course there is a way to know.  You ask me.  :)

Yes, the Sears lens will fit your Pentax.  But I would strongly suggest you DON'T DO IT!  The lens is the most important part of your camera.  And you have a very nice camera.  You should use only Pentax brand lenses.  You will be very unhappy with the image quality of the Sears lenses.  

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I need a lens to take indoor sports shots so that's why I'm looking at a 200 mm zoom, what would you advise and where would be the best place to get it.  Am I going to have to pay over $1000?  My ISO on my K10D will only go to 1600 so I need a fast lens to make up for that.

Answer
Melissa,

Yes, a fast zoom is very expensive.  (the sears zoom you asked about is not "fast")  A fast zoom will have a constant max aperture of f/2.8.  An after market like Sigma will cost around $800 new.  A Pentax brand lens would go for around $1600 or more.

I don't know what kind of sports you are shooting, but I shoot in most gyms with a simple 50mm f/1.4.  It's not very powerful and won't zoom, so I have to move up and down the court a lot.  But it is very bright and relatively cheap.  

I try not to suggest places to shop because I obviously can't have first hand experience with all the places there are to choose from. I try to buy locally as much as possible....  we have a great family camera store where I live.  When I shop online, I tend to stay with Amazon because I feel safe there.  I've also heard (but no personal experience) a lot of good things about B and H photo in New York.  

I also am reluctant to suggest buying used.  I buy used myself but I have years of experience in assessing a piece of gear as to wear and quality and value.  (I even smell to be sure it hasn't been stored in a house with smokers...  which can damage glass and electronics)  And I never buy used gear online....  I can't see it first!

John