[123K10D]

got the 18-250/AG360FGZ's and a new FA50 1.4... verdict? passing on the 50-135 was a good decision

to those who have quality issues with the tamron 18-250, i must have a 'once in a lifetime copy' of the 18-250 - because it nearly matches the FA50 1.4 (yes, at 100% cropping too) at any sensible f stop. and it really gives the K10D a nice weight balance - the FA50 1.4 i compared it to is better than my last (and the last was already very, very good).

the best bits though are my two af360fgz's. first off, they ooze quality, and their weight is perfectly balanced on the K10D - making them a viable 'leave on' item. and the results blow me away... bounce, direct, wireless in lateral combo, with and without the master flash... just so far beyond what i could have hoped for.

even though the 18-250 (with the flashes) cost more $ than the DA*50-135 - i'm glad i got them. i won't miss the f2.8 of the DA*50-135 - because i have the flashes. but i'd miss the 'range' of the 18-250 if i'd have gotten the DA*50-135.

and even though we're all supposed to be in awe of the iq of the DA*50-135, it just doesn't blow my skirt up :-)

next purchase? easy, another K10D so i can have the FA50 1.4 permanently available. hell, i've already got a flash for it :-)

then a FA43 1.9 for my birthday - for special occasions only. then that's it.

[Snowcat]

I am very interested in 18-250 one... Can you please post any pictures? I already want to buy it, but still, interesting to see how good it can be

[TheWengler]

Did you get the Tamron or Pentax version of the 18-250? If you got the Pentax version then I would also be interested in seeing some pictures. I'm considering a similar set up. I have the Pentax 16-45 f/4, 50 f/1.4 and the Tamron 70-300. I'd sell the 16-45 and 70-300 and replace them with the 18-250 and a flash. I'll probably end up going with a Sigma flash but I'm also considering the 360.

[123K10D]

this might sound a bit strange, but it's hard to pick what to post. they all turn out great... seriously.

i bought the tamron because i'm too concerned about the quality control issues with pentax at the moment. $500 from adorama.

the fa lenses are a safe bet, and the newer tamrons seem to have very few quality issues. my copy is fantastic, and so was the only other copy i tried.

but i've used da lenses that really were sub standard. this taints you when it comes time to part with the $.

if you wanted a particular kind of shot, let me know and i'll take some and post them - including any particular kind of flash/dual flash shots etc.

[TheWengler]

If you post some samples can you include some 100% crops? It's just easier to determine the IQ that way. I also saw a user review stating that there was severe vignetting when the Tamron variant of this lens is used with a filter. I was hoping you could tell me if that's accurate or not. It's the only complaint of that sort I've seen. Thanks a lot!

[Snowcat]

I would be grateful for some (2-3) landscapes, taken on diferent focal lenghtes, and one macro shot of anything, to see it's close-up capabilities... Thanks in advance

[Confused]

Hi Snowcat

I'm not entirely sure whether this photo qualifies as a macro image but anyway, here's a fairly close-up shot of a flower that I took a while ago with my K10D & Tamron 18-250mm Di II. It's a Jpeg straight out of the camera with NO post-processing whatsoever, except for 30% Jpeg optimisation in PSP & resizing to 800 x 536:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/83871-post6.html

Here's an additional Jpeg shot of the seafront at Eastbourne in Sussex. No PP except for 30% Jpeg optimisation in PSP & resizing to 800 x 536:


Best regards
Richard