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Pentax's latest superzoom lens, the DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3, has just hit the shelves- right on schedule! This lens, offering a 75 degree field-of-view at 18mm and 15x zoom, is the best choice for those who just want to stick to a single lens. Sure, it's not going to deliver the image quality of premium zooms, but for many users, it'll get the job done just fine.
This lens is launching at an MSRP of $799, and it is based on the Tamron 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 lens, which has been available for Canon, Nikon, and Sony for quite a while. If you want to find out how the Pentax lens will perform, search for a few reviews of the Tamron! From what we gathered at Photokina, the Pentax 18-270mm is optically and mechanically identical to the Tamron, except that it lacks in-lens stabilization as it is not needed on Pentax DSLRs (due to the presence in-camera Shake Reduction).
To learn more about this lens, visit its entry in our lens database. Does this price make sense for a lens that's targeted at consumers? We are looking forward to your comments and practical experiences with this lens, and we will be posting an in-depth review after the holiday season.
Disappointing..
I guess this is the new pricing model. I don't think we can blame this initial price on the Hoya dynasty.
So they remove the lens stabilization (which is not needed anyway) and ask $ 800? What the hell?
It's a super zoom. Just get an X-5 when you don't mind crappyness
Way too expensive for this. They have got to be kidding.
$150 for a badge! We are being asked to pay a lot for demonstrating brand loyalty.
Pentax badged Tamrons previously cost no more than the original. No doubt prices will fall after a year so, if you want one, wait.
For that price I'd expect at least weather sealing and I still wouldn't touch it. Remember Pentax is supposed to be the value brand Ricoh.
At that price compared to Sony models? Will not be purchasing also based on optical quality and especially the poor aperature range.
One would like to think that Pentax could do better.
The same lens can be picked up in Nikon or Canon or Sony mount for well under $500.
Ricoh / Pentax seem to be wishing self-destruction on themselves by ripping people off.
Personally I would never buy a super zoom as id much rather deal with the hassle of switching lens in order to get better quality photos. That being said, there may people out there who like to have a "walk around" lens just like that. Unfortunately, this is way out of the price range of those users :( Pentax seriously needs to take another look at their business model...
It'll be interesting to see if they fixed the zoom creep in this version.
We're going to post a comparison between this and the 18-135mm in the coming weeks, but we won't be comparing to to the discontinued lens.
Are there any comparisons between this, the 18-270, the 18-135, and the 18-250 which has been discontinued.
Pentax, you're losing me here........
Not buying
I agree. I bought my DA 18-250 new at B&H for just over $400 maybe three years ago. This new lens has to have some magic to justify a $799 MSRP.
I'm glad to see it's finally shipping. Too bad it's not around $500, like it ought to be!