LBA - first images - SMC Pentax-DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3

[volosong]

Went into Samy's on Fairfax the other week to hopefully pick up one of the DA* primes or the DA55-300. They had none of those, but did have a copy of the 18-250. After verifying that the box was unopened and that nobody manhandled the lens, and getting a decent price, I walked out with the thing.

Didn't have a real chance to exercise it until Saturday evening at a family birthday party. Must say that I'm impressed. The images posted here are not all that spectacular, but plenty good enough for a family photo album. At least the other family members liked them. That's all that really counts.

Love the zoom range, and with the great high ISO capability of the K20D, the lens is plenty fast enough. Not sure I'll be using the kit lens anymore. Could have saved a few bucks by not getting the Mark II version. Also, the 50-200 looks like it is headed for retirement. This 18-250 is almost a perfect all-in-one travel lens. Just take this one for daytime use and a fast 50 for use at night. What else is needed?

All shots here using HyperProgram mode, Center weighted Average metering, 0.00 eV, no flash. ISO varies.

Image #1) A snapshot of my wife.
1/125s, f/5.6, lens at 120mm


Image #2) One of my grandsons.
1/125s, f/6.3, lens at 250mm


Image #3) One of my daughters.
1/30s, f/5.6, lens at 120mm


Image #4) The other grandson with his father.
1/25s, f/5.6, lens at 85mm


Bonus LBA image, from my fairly new A50/1:1.2 lens. It was getting pretty dark by this time and I had to switch to a faster lens.

Daughter with her husband in the background cutting up.
1/25s, f/1.2, Av mode

[sharko]

That's exactly where I got mine except I got the Tamron version. My default walk around lens with the family thought I don't tend to use it beyond 100mm...just my shooting style though.