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Find your perfect Lens
Sigma has just announced a new version of their 18-250mm superzoom for Pentax called the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 HSM Macro. Compared to its predecessor, this lens features improved optics and can focus on subjects as close as 35 centimeters. In addition, its external barrel is made of a special composite material which does not respond as much to variations in temperature as normal plastic, meaning that the new lens will perform better consistently in extreme weather conditions.
This new lens is also both smaller and lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at only 16.6 oz (470 grams). More details on it can be found in our Sigma lens database.
It will ship in July for $499 and is also available for Canon and Nikon DSLRs. The new 18-250mm is already available for pre-order at retailers, and at this price, it costs only $20 more than the current lens.
If you are looking for an all-purpose lens, in addition to the 18-250mm you may also wish to take a look at the new Sigma 18-200mm Mark 2 or Pentax 18-135mm WR.
Spoke with the Sigma Rep's on Sunday.
Seems to be a typical marketing ploy. Distributors have been taking pre-orders way in advance so that the Manufacturer can gage interest and amass paid back-orders for it.
Not impressed but they did tell me they should be shipping (In Canada) in 3 - 4 weeks.
Far cry from the original June release date.
On a different the Pentax Richo Reps mentioned that yes Tamron was / is involved in the production of the some Pentax lens, however Pentax has always supplied their own glass
Almost November and still not available. Will be speaking with the Sigma Rep.s on the
weekend as there is a photo show by one of the local dealers here in Edmonton (Alberta)
I fear the addition of macro feature on this lens will only sacrifice the performance on max focal length. Just remind me with their low performance of their Sigma 70-200 F2.8 HSM Macro II. May be this feature will interest to the new comer?
There are also correction profiles from Adobe, right? You can even make your own I believe.
Maybe it is using a deconvolution algorithm instead of edge detection.
What?? Dxo pro does lens sharpening? Really? How is that any different than an unsharp mask?
Ricoh needs to step up the game for third-party lens makers to consider K-mount a profitable investment..
Yes I agree it would be great if Pentax produced some more useful lenses for Joe Soap and not just for Joe Pro. But check the DxO Pro website from time to time to see what modules they have produced for Pentax and thrid party lens combos. I'm using the old Tamron 18 - 250mm lens and the sharpness algorithm on DxO Pro turns this one into a brilliantly sharp lens - you can't believe the difference it makes.
I wish Pentax would make a silent-focusing travel zoom like this so that we could use in-camera optical correction.