PentaxForums.com - View Single Post - I took the plunge...Pentax DA 18-250mm

*Mallee Boy* · 07-22-2008, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by TYOsborn

Hello,

I'm a newbie to DSLR. I purchased a Pentax K200D as well as a Pentax DA 18-250mm. My hope was to get a great zoom lens. I'm not all that impressed with the zoom on this lens (Pentax DA 18-250mm). It also appears to make things look farther away than with the naked eye. Is there a better lens that I should have purchased for it's zoom capabilities? I'm mainly interested in wildlife and shots of the grandkids playing soccer. As a side note, what is the advantage to shooting RAW over JPEG? Thanks so much for your help in advance...

Hi Ty,
Like anything, the answer to your question will come down to $$$$. If you want to get closer than the 18-250 allows you to, then you have options.

The Tamron 70-300 and Pentax 55-300 are a couple of low & moderate priced lenses that have already been suggested.

You can also look at lenses like the Sigma 135-400, 50-500 or 170-500 but the $$$ required go up significantly.

Then there are also some primes that may come into play, but if available, the $$$ leap again.

Have a look at B&H Photo or Adorama websites to get an understanding of what is available and current pricing.

However, please be aware that 'it' is not as simple as bolting on one of these lenses and snapping off a few shots of the soccer that are going to be great shots hanging on the wall. A lot of attention has to be paid to the available light, the postioning, etc etc etc etc to get a great shot.

A tripod or monopod should also then become a permanent fixture on your camera when shooting this type of thing.

Please note that we have not even started talikng about f stops and shutter speeds yet to get that 'perfect' shot.

Thats why we are all here asking these questions.....

Cheers, and good luck.

07-22-2008, 06:24 PM	#28
Mallee Boy Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Gold Coast. Australia. Gallery Photos: 13 Posts: 1,547	Originally Posted by TYOsborn Hello, I'm a newbie to DSLR. I purchased a Pentax K200D as well as a Pentax DA 18-250mm. My hope was to get a great zoom lens. I'm not all that impressed with the zoom on this lens (Pentax DA 18-250mm). It also appears to make things look farther away than with the naked eye. Is there a better lens that I should have purchased for it's zoom capabilities? I'm mainly interested in wildlife and shots of the grandkids playing soccer. As a side note, what is the advantage to shooting RAW over JPEG? Thanks so much for your help in advance... Hi Ty, Like anything, the answer to your question will come down to $$$$. If you want to get closer than the 18-250 allows you to, then you have options. The Tamron 70-300 and Pentax 55-300 are a couple of low & moderate priced lenses that have already been suggested. You can also look at lenses like the Sigma 135-400, 50-500 or 170-500 but the $$$ required go up significantly. Then there are also some primes that may come into play, but if available, the $$$ leap again. Have a look at B&H Photo or Adorama websites to get an understanding of what is available and current pricing. However, please be aware that 'it' is not as simple as bolting on one of these lenses and snapping off a few shots of the soccer that are going to be great shots hanging on the wall. A lot of attention has to be paid to the available light, the postioning, etc etc etc etc to get a great shot. A tripod or monopod should also then become a permanent fixture on your camera when shooting this type of thing. Please note that we have not even started talikng about f stops and shutter speeds yet to get that 'perfect' shot. Thats why we are all here asking these questions..... Cheers, and good luck.