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Find your perfect Lens
In our first review of 2013 we take a look at the new Pentax 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM super-zoom lens, which finally hit the shelves in late December. This all-in-one lens fills an important gap in the Pentax lens lineup, as the previous super zoom (the DA 18-250mm) has been discontinued for almost two years now.
This 18-270mm lens, like the 18-250mm before it, is made by Tamron, and is also sold under the Tamron brand for Canon and Nikon cameras. As such, it has already received quite a large number of reviews on other sites, but we decided to perform a comprehensive evaluation of it anyway to see if it will be worthwhile for Pentax users. Compared to its predecesor, this lens delivers improved optics, silent AF (a very welcome addition), nicer bokeh, and a little bit of extra reach. Read the full review to see just how well it fares! All we'll say here is that we were able to capture some fairly impressive landscape photos with it!
Click here to read the Pentax 18-270mm review
Not worth $800, esp. if you look at the forum sample pics.
Not a good time to be a Pentax enthusiast.
Is it ot possible for Pentax to release a single thing with a realistic price?
I just checked the price on the Tamron version of this lens with a Canon mount. It is $550. How in the world does Pentax think their rebranded version is worth $799?? As you know when Pentax introduced this lens Tamron stopped selling the original. Given the rather poor performance, I will continue on with my older version 28 - 300 Tamron.
The AF in this lens is made by Tamron, so it's not going to fail (and even if it were made by Pentax, supposedly the reliability issue has been addressed).
I'm surprised its SDM and not the same as 18-135 DC. SDM is still kind of off putting to me (until demonstrated as reliable over a number of months). Agree pricing seems too high.
I'm just glad there's little skin off PENTAX for this marketing idea as it's not made in house. $799 vs the Tamron equivalent in other brands for $399-$499 plus included VC and potentially more reliable and better PZD focus, no thanks. A $300 rebate with the purchase of a PENTAX body might be acceptable for new buyers but with IQ alone I'm not touching it. I'd pick up a Q10 or MX-1 before that. This lens should be boycotted by the PENTAX community based on price and quality; let 3rd party companies hammer it out to fill the gap while RICOH-PENTAX come to reality and focus on building a brand and products that will sell. Now, when will a silver with brown grip Q10 be available to Canada? Yeah... exactly. That's an easy $600 lost in revenue yet easily corrected. =/
I have to agree with the general consensus; I don't see this being a very strong seller at that price.
$800? Seriously? I bought the DA18-250mm back in 2008. Paid around $450 for if I remember correctly. Pretty good lens, compact (when not zoomed in) great for outdoor walking around and light weight. But for that kind of money? I don't think so.
I have to agree. For the Extra $200-300 I'd probably get me a
nice DA* lens or a limited.
So compared to the 18-250 which I already have, how does this model compare in reality. Is there anything to be really gained beyond the sdm type focusing and a small extra amount of range?
Bleh.. a so-so lense for a crazy price. Already have a 18-55 and 55-300 so I wasn't even interested in this lense in the first place.
The meh performace and super high price is going to most likely make it a poor seller to boot.
It is a pity that the price is so high. I would think that most consumers who would go for a super zoom are not going to be willing to pay $800 for a camera lens. Pentax really needs to do something about that new pricing policy...