| Author: | | Closed Account Registered: March, 2015 Posts: 8,694
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 2, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $1,050.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Build quality, image quality, sharpness, bokeh | | Cons: | None for me. | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-3
| |
This is a very high quality lens. The AF has been faultless on my K-3, and the image quality is superb. It is reasonably heavy, but quite hand holdable for long periods for me. Being only f4 has not been an issue for me with the type of photography that I enjoy doing. The " All Weather " sealing makes this lens very safe and pleasing to use in all conditions.. When combined with the Pentax HD DA 1.4x AW rear converter, this lens becomes even more versatile. I can highly recommend the DA* 60-250 as a wonderful addition to your photographic equipment.
 | | | | | | | Senior Member Registered: December, 2012 Posts: 126
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 29, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $1,000.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | A star * 300mm - but zooming. | | Cons: | It's not under 100 grams | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K5IIS, K3 and K-1
| |
Read the other threads here under - I loved it now just more!
Now a new lens Fully FF as described here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/304092-da-60-250-mod-ff.html
Link does not work? - Copy and paste it in the address field above.
A real tele on the K3 and a Master on the K-1.
/Gutta Perka
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2012 Location: Gloucester Posts: 1,199
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 18, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $1,600.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Relatively light and compact; Renders well, Fairly close focussing | | Cons: | Autofocus could be faster | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: Pentax K-1
| |
I have had this lens for a few years now, and without doubt it is my favourite Pentax lens, narrowly pipping the 77mm f1.8 Limited. It has a very useful focal range, and focuses fairly close, too. And it is very sharp, even wide open. Although it is designated as a APS-C lens, I have found that it works very well on the full-frame K-1 body, with only a little vignetting at the longer focal lengths. The vignetting is small, but quite noticeable at 250mm, reducing with focal length. I didn't do any specific tests to see when the vignetting actually disappears, but it seems to be all but gone at 120 mm at f5.6, as evidenced by the photograph below. In all cases, it will allow a much larger crop than just APS-C sized. The bokeh on the lens is quite pleasing, though I don't tend to use it in situations where background blur is particularly important.
  | | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2015 Posts: 13
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 5, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp telezoom, low CA, silent AF, water resist. | | Cons: | not so big aperture, sharpnes loss @60&250mm, lazy AF, overpriced new | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-3
| |
So I bought a copy for a fairly reasonable price, so I can not say that I was disappointed lens. But I would not buy it at the price of "B&H". Someone having more fat wallet may think otherwise. In relation to the optical lens is almost perfect. This "almost" means that if you want to get razor-sharp picture on the extreme focus, you need to stopped down the aperture (at f/5.6 it perfect). Autofocus is very quiet and smooth, thanks to the SDM. But it is more thoughtful than I would like - you can miss the object, if it is very fast. Aperture just slightly out of reach entirely comfortable number, so bokeh can not qualify for a high score, despite the long focal lengths. Just because of this, we will have to increase the ISO in low light conditions. Size and weight are not a problem - they are quite reasonable for such a lens. Size and weight are not a problem - they are quite reasonable for such a lens. In general, the lens is quite compact and reliable made, comfortable to use. There is no backlash.
I also should mention that this is the second instance, which I held in my hands, when I bought it. The first was an internal defect because of which he could not focus to infinity at a focal length 135mm. Something jammed inside so that the focus stop 15 meters. I had to return it to the owner. The second proved to work, and I hope to do a lot of good photos this summer.
| | | | | | | Senior Member Registered: May, 2011 Location: Hanoi Posts: 213 | | Review Date: August 27, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $1,200.00
| Rating: N/A |
| Pros: | good build, WR | | Cons: | autofocus | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: Pentax K3
| |
It would be a great statue in the museum of zoom lenses systems. However, the speed of autofocus need to be improved. I would expect to the next generation DFA 70-200 f2.8.
 Rock concert 2014 - Battle ship, on Flickr
 Rock concert 2014 - Battle ship, on Flickr
 5C, on Flickr
 5C, on Flickr
 5C, on Flickr
 Oringchain, on Flickr
 paragliding, on Flickr
paragliding, on Flickr
 paragliding, on Flickr
 paragliding , on Flickr
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: February, 2010 Location: Carlisle Cumbria England Posts: 68 | | Review Date: May 29, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $1,400.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | light for focal length, sharpness, size, ergonomics | | Cons: | Autofocus not the best for fast action | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K3
| |
I don't normally bother writing reviews but, I can't let this lens get a bad rap!
For a four and a bit times zoom it is simply fabulous! The range is far more useful than a 70-210 and no doubt sharper than the latter with a 1.4 convertor. One of the Jewels in the Ricoh/Pentax crown.
Add the HD tc to this lens and you have a very versatile and high quality set up.
Thoroughly recommend!
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2012 Posts: 14 | | Review Date: April 16, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Constant f/4 | | Cons: | Sharpness at 250 | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 7
Handling: 8
Value: 7
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-5
| |
I am not very impressed with 60-250 as I expected more from a "star" lens.
I bought it as a second "walk around" lens to my sigma 17-70 (C). Sigma is a way sharper at similar focal length. And as a telephoto lens I expected it to be better on a long end, but no, it is not quite sharp at 250 mm.
Auto-focus is not quite fast, tend to miss. Maybe I need it serviced up or maybe my copy is not the best.
On the other hand 60-250 delivers bright contrast photos, handles easily and is a real joy to use. Frankly I don't know is it marginally better than 55-300 or not. The latter is smaller, lighter and reaches 300.
 | | | | | New Member Registered: February, 2011 Location: Manchester Posts: 12
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 23, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $900.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, good colour and contrast throughout. | | Cons: | Difference in FOV between 200-250 almost unnoticeable. | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K5iis
| |
I wanted another high-quality telephoto that could take me beyond the 200mm that my full-frame set up gives me. My travel-light system being Pentax K-5s and FA Limiteds, I researched this lens extensively and got one very cheap on Ebay, in mint condition. Yesterday, in North of England winter light, I took indoor and outdoor shots in not so promising conditions and I was delighted with the results. The lens is responsive, sharp, with great colour and contrast. It's at its best at f5.6 though f4 is fine, if you're careful. My only disappointment-and perhaps this would have been true of alternatives-is that the FOV between 200mm and 250mm is almost imperceptible-negating some of the reason for buying it. Seeing as the lens IQ is weakest at 250mm, it has affectively become a 60 to 200mm on APS-C for me. This begs the question whether I wouldn't have been better off getting a Sigma or Tamron 70-200mm. I think the size and heft would have been that bit too much. In my modestly sized Kata traveller side-mounted camera bag I can have the 60-250 attached to a K-5 standing on the lens end and have another K-5 with a FA31 attached and a couple more primes underneath, with my Ricoh GR in one of the side pockets. I have an incredibly capable and diverse set up with acceptable if not exactly light weight and hardly bothersome size.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: September, 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935 | | Review Date: October 27, 2014 | Recommended
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | 4x zoom, sharp, bokeh, etc, etc | | Cons: | Well, it doesn't focus real close, but that's pretty picky. | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K5IIs
| |
Finally, after more than a year of hemming and hawing, I bought this lens. As I've seen posted so many times before, what was I waiting for  . This lens replaces my DA 55-300, which is a pretty good lens in it's own right, but can't compare with the DA 60-250. The lens is sharp wide open and the bokeh is very smooth and creamy. It's heavier than the 55-300, but I didn't feel it as much as I feared I might. This and the DA 16-50 will be my 2 lens kit for travelling.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2008 Location: Brampton, ON, Canada Posts: 2,456
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 21, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | contrast, colour, sharpness, tripod foot, good range | | Cons: | small amounts of CA | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-5iis
| |
I got what I paid for. Excellent general telephoto zoom.
I have previously had/tried the FA 28-200mm, DA 50-200mm, DA 55-300mm and briefly the Tamron 70-300mm. The DA 55-300mm is a good lens, but the AF drove me crazy. The Tamron has PF issues, the 50-200mm is good at mid-range, but is a bit short and slow, and the FA has a lot of distortion issues.
The lens is very sharp from F4, required no focus adjustment on my camera (unlike the 18-135mm), and the micro-contrast and colours remind me of the FA 43mm. There is no creep, the MF override works well. The zoom control is a little small, but works fine. There is a little purple CA, and I have also seen yellow/blue edges, depending on the angle. Generally very well controlled, though.
My copy was bought second-hand off a reluctant seller, and has slightly squeaky AF, and the ridge that the lens hood clips onto on the barrel of the lens has been partially broken. None of which seem to affect the operation of the AF or prevent me from using a hood.
The removable foot works well, I use a black-rapid sling strap on mine, which makes me a little nervous, given the whole thing is attached by one screw, but makes travel very comfortable.
Taking the foot off, I am able to use the K-5IIs and the lens hand-held in good to reasonable light. The weight also means that I often turn off the shake reduction and am comfortable shooting down to 1/160th.
I don't carry things around for long these days, so by the time a couple of hours has gone by when carrying without a strap, my arm is getting tired.
It's a touch short for birds, but very good for larger animals. The AF is adequate (and a lot faster and quieter than the 55-300!).
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2014 Location: St Petersburg Posts: 402 | | Review Date: March 22, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $1,100.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Size, Killer with a 1.4xTC, Color, Crisp, FAST SDM | | Cons: | Can't make coffee, hunts a bit in low light, but better than manual results! | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K#
| |
Had an 80-200FA*, downsized. Better AF, half the weight, more range. IQ same, Tammy PZ 1.4TC doesn't hurt IQ. Cant wait till HD PTX 1.4x arrives next week.
B+W UV 1x sufficient cover.
Handholds a bit touchy @350mm, but not the lens fault, SR perfect in K3 for it...
Got it from AUTH dealer NEW - USE the sponsors unless you have a need not too. Worth the few % points... US/ CD Auth is the only way to go... (Depending on where you live)...
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: July, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 28
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 1, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp wide open, weather sealing, well dampened focusing | | Cons: | Minor green tinged bokeh CA and PF wide open | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: k-30
| |
My copy is Ricoh branded for those interested. And I guess I got a good copy because it is sharp from 4.0 at all focal lengths that I have used so far. It did front focus rather badly at first but I was able to dial in enough fine adjustment and now it's spot on. I have not seen any decentering problems or other obvious issues so I decided it was a keeper in spite of the front-focus issue.
There is some green tinged bokeh CA and PF wide open in very high contrast areas, but it's not really bothersome unless you pixel peep, and using DXO Pro cleans up most of it nicely. I do find the bokeh very pleasant for a zoom.
I have also used it in driving snow it and performed flawlessly, with the hood providing great protection for the front element.
Also of note is the very nicely designed tripod collar which can also be used to brace the lens when hand holding.
Now if only it was cheaper...
| | | | |
7 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 6, 2013 | Recommended
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp, Quiet, Specs, Build | | Cons: | Weight | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K5, K7
| |
This is, first of all, a unique lens. No other manufacturer really has anything to compare to it, especially optimized for cropped sensors. f4 all the way, and a wider range than the usual 70-200 lenses for full-frame.
The build and feel for what it is are really top notch. The tripod mount is better than anything out there. It easily attaches from the bottom only, with the lens attached to the body, and is lighter than a full ring. You pay over $200 for ring mounts which aren't included with Canon and Nikon f4 zooms!
I've compared this lens to my DA55-300 which is a good lens, and more subjectively to previous tele zooms like the excellent Sony 70-300G and 200mm f/2.8 prime. This Pentax is up there with the best of them. I notice that at long distances in the 200mm + range, the centre of the 60-250 is sharper than the 55-300 and significantly sharper at the edges and corners. There's richer contrast and what I'll call smoother transitions and feel to the image. Same thing at shorter distances but especially noticeable at the long end which is really where you're putting your money on this lens. One would hope this to be the case for the price difference. It's clearly there.
Is it hand-holdable? many ask, including me before I got one. Possibly. I think it's at the edge of what you'd want to walk around with for long periods. I think if you have a grip on your K5, it would be better balanced but it gets a bit front-heavy with a sans-grip Pentax body. But I've walked around with it in my hand for extended periods and it's not too bad. Certainly hand-holdable for shooting with enough light. It's not like a whopping 70-200 f/2.8. I used it with a monopod and that was a nice combo. It packs nicely in a sling pack for example and you can pull it out with one hand and shoot.
The AF is certainly quiet and probably about as fast as what Pentax makes. Not Canon fast, but nothing in Pentax is. I can't really add much to the enthusiasm of other owners. And I can't really see what the benefit would be of the 300/f4 over this lens, but that's just me.
I guess I'll focus on the upgrade question. If you want the best zoom going for Pentax, and can stand a fairly hefty lens in your hand, this is the one to get. At full prices, it hurts. If you can find a good used one or a sale on a new one, then it's a really good value. Bottom line, you'll notice a clear upgrade over your 55-300 in every way from build to AF to picture quality. I like how Pentax chose the specs on this lens.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: November, 2012 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Posts: 105
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 9, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $1,500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Amazing image quality | | Cons: | None | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: Pentax K-5
| |
The SMC Pentax DA* 60-250mm 4.0 ED [IF] SDM is a masterpiece!
Never in the field of Pentax photography was so much owed by so many Pentax photographers to so few Pentax lens manufacturers for a lens of this caliber!
Perhaps the DA* 60- 250mm 4.0 is only one small step for Pentax, but it certainly enables a giant leap into the field of photography for Pentax photographers.
It is in every way equal to - and often better - than lenses with comparable fixed focal length.
Thank you Pentax for this magnificent piece of craftsmanship! | | | | | Forum Member Registered: April, 2010 Location: Ocean City MD Posts: 94
5 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 7, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $1,300.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | The right mm for me. | | Cons: | Non | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-5 IIs
| |
I think 60-250mm is the best size for everyone.
Pretty silly I think, but the previous review was just as silly.
| | |
![SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM Review RSS Feed](https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/images/rss/rss_feeds14x14.gif)
![SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM](https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/data/43/SMC_Pentax-DA_60-250mm.jpg)
![SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM](javascript:update('https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/data/43/SMC_Pentax-DA_60-250mm.jpg');)
![SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM](javascript:update('https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/data/43/img-smcpentax-das60-250_02_en.jpg');)
![Buy the SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM](https://www.pentaxforums.com/content/camerapics/pentax-button.gif)
![Read our SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM in-depth review!](https://www.pentaxforums.com/content/homepage/pflensseal.gif)
![Add Review of SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM](https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/images/digitalvb/pentax_red/buttons/addreview.gif)
![Buy the SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM](https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/images/digitalvb/pentax_red/buttons/buylens.png)
