Is a Pentax DSLR a viable alternative to the Nikon/Canon dominance?

Question

I have been looking for a lens system to go with for the long haul and I know Canon and Nikon pretty much lead in market share and equipment. I am currently leaning toward some Nikon products. But recently I have read some very interesting things about Pentax .

Apparently they design in some interesting features into their cameras that I like. And they seem to do so at a very competitive price. Dust and weather seals, Image Stabalization in the camera body, interesting programable features, and apparently a good selection of lenses. One magazine said that over 26 millon pentax lenses have been made. Of course, all of these wont fit the new DSLR's but that should still leave a lot to choose from.

Quick note..I know that IS in the body is not as good as IS in the lens but its almost as good and your not paying for it over and over with every lens purchase.

So please, anyone  with knowledge of how Pentax stacks up to the rest please help. Do pro's ever use Pentax? If so, in what field?

EDWIN · Accepted Answer

If you like the features and benefits of the Pentax then buy it.

I often suggest the Pentax and Sony DSLR cameras as viable alternatives to the Canon and Nikon. IMO the Sony and Pentax simply offer more for the money.

Don't worry about what professional photographers use. Its the photographer, not the camera. Famous photographs have been taken with rather humble equipment.

Enjoy your Pentax and smile every time you see someone with a competitor's camera who you know has to pay for AF & IS with every lens they buy.

clavestone · Answer

OK all 26 million pentax lenses will work (including m42 screw mount and medium format) on a pentax DSLR body. You will need a $25 adapter for the screw mount and a $250 adapter for the medium format lenses.

Anti-shake in the body is as good as in the lens systems (unless your shooting the mega telephoto lenses (400mm+) then I might prefer the IS in lens.

I'll pit any Pentax DA* lens against and equivielant Canon L or Nikon profesional lens and I'll include the Pentax limited series in those too.

Even Pentax's Kit lens is better then everyone elses

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/pentax_18-55_3p5-5p6_p15/page4.asp

compare against the Canon/Sony/Olympus/Nikon same range.

Now to the down side of Pentax (I'll be fair). Pentax Doesn't have a $3,000+ body (Note: Nikon D3, Canon 1d/ds Mk III) but neither does Olympus or Sony.

They also are in the middle of introducing new DA long telephoto lenses so some of the long stuff isn't out yet (200mm f2.8 - just came out, 300mm f4 on the way later this year).

While Canon and Nikon dominate the profesional feilds, in the photo enthusiast (Nikon D80/D300, Olympus E3, Sony A700, Canon 40D) Pentax holds it's ground against any one of these and in most cases offers much more bang for the buck.

Anonymous · Answer

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proshooter · Answer

I have been using Pentax since 1975 and my collection now includes two of their DSLRs.

The in camera shake reduction is as effective as in lens systems.
http://photography.suite101.com/article.cfm/pentax_dslr_shake_reduction 

Of course all Pentax K mount lenses made since 1975 lenses DO fit the new DSLRs plus screw mounts with an adaptor. 

http://digital-photography.suite101.com/article.cfm/old_lenses_on_digital_cameras

Here is one, who shoots fashion, in France of course.
http://www.pressbook.com/homebook.asp?owner_id=5144&langue_id=2

CSC78 · Answer

Yes my father shoots all Pentax and loves them.

Redmon · Answer

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Is a Pentax DSLR a viable alternative to the Nikon/Canon dominance?

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