Pentax K-X, lens help please?

Question

So I am wanting to get the Pentax K-X. Probably sometime next week. I have used my moms camera in the past, but its time for mine. I have discovered I like taking a wide variety of pics, but my two most favorite are probably portraits and macro - type pictures (flowers, I would like to do more "in motion" outdoors pics - birds mid air, drops of water falling, etc...). I find myself wanting to zoom in quite a bit rather than walk up to a spider web 2 inches away. Heres the question,
 
Should I get something like this: 
http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-K-x-2-7-inch-18-55mm-White/dp/B002OEBTD2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1294475602&sr=8-6
------ along with this additional lens ------- (and will this fit my k-x?) 
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-70-300mm-Telephoto-Samsung-Cameras/dp/B000B8T6E2/ref=cm_cmu_pg_t

or something more like this kit:
http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-16202-Digital-Camera-50-200mm/dp/B003IHVKNI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1294475602&sr=8-2

I would like to keep it under $800 for 2 lenses and camera body. Also, how can you tell the difference between macro and non macro lenses?

Finally, I think we might be taking a trip this summer to either the great sand dunes, if I am living in Colorado, or a beach somewhere in Texas, if I am living there - I have never been to a beach, nor seen the ocean. Anyway, I am just really concerned that my camera will get sand and/or water in it. Any advice on keeping it protected? I will probably be carrying a bag, but I am just sooo nervous - esp. with spending so much money on a camera.

Thank you in advance for any information you can offer.

EDWIN · Accepted Answer

First, I congratulate you on your choice of the Pentax K-x. Plan on spending a lot of time reading & studying the Owner's Manual so you can learn all its features and how, when and why to use them. Your K-x has excellent backwards lens compatibility - you can use Pentax manual focus lenses made in 1975 if you wish.

Ignore anyone who criticizes your choice of cameras. The Pavlovian response in here is Canon! or Nikon! but your Pentax K-x was chosen by the Technical Image Press Association as its 2010 "Best DSLR Entry Level" and in reality its much more than an entry level DSLR. Read this review: http://www.shutterbug.net/equipmentreviews/amateur_digital_slrs/0510pentax/index.html

Now lets look at lenses. The K-x comes with the usual 18-55mm zoom and its a capable lens. Although not a true macro lens it does allow you to focus on a subject at approximately 10'' so you can do some nice close-up work with it. Remember this: A zoom lens with the word "macro" in its description really isn't a macro lens. Its just a close-focusing lens. What's the difference? A true macro lens will give you a 1:1 (life sized) reproduction ratio while a close-focusing zoom will seldom exceed a 1:4 (1/4 life sized) reproduction ratio. Photograph a 10mm long ant with a true macro lens and its 10mm long on your sensor. Use a close-focusing zoom and your 10mm ant is only 2.5mm long on your sensor.

Having said all that I suggest neither of the additional lenses you referenced. If you are interested in true macro photography then buy a macro lens.

Whether you visit the sand dunes or the beach in my opinion you should invest in a tripod. Both areas will lend them selves to landscape photography using the 18mm end of your 18-55mm lens and as far as I'm concerned a tripod is mandatory for good landscapes.

Buy a UV filter to protect the front element of your lens from sand or water and salt. Buy a Circular Polarizer for your landscapes - it darkens a blue sky and removes/reduces glare/reflections from water, glass, sand, snow and painted metal - but not polished metal. It also enhances colors. Remove the UV filter when using the polarizer. Do NOT waste money on cheap filters. Choose from Hoya, B+W, Tiffen or Heliopan. "A cheap filter isn't good and a good filter isn't cheap." I still use a Tiffen Circular Polarizer I bought in 1972. 

To protect your camera use one of these: http://fotosharp.com/camera_rain_covers.html  Don't change lenses if its the least bit windy - go inside or at least get out of the wind and keep the camera body pointing down.

These sites will help you learn more about photography:

http://www.digital-photography-school.com
http://www.illustratedphotography.com/photography-tips/basic
http://www.kamerasimulator.se/eng/?page_id=2
http://www.photonhead.com

Enjoy learning about and using your new camera.

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Pentax K-X, lens help please?

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