[yyyzzz]

Hi DA*60-250mm owners, I bite the bullets and got the lens a couple of weeks ago. The image at 250mm f4 seems a bit soft. While softness is fine, I do NOT want to have a defect. See attached photos which are cropped at about 1:1. Is it too soft?





The whole photo.



I use Kx.

Thanks much!!!!

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Last edited by yyyzzz; 01-11-2012 at 06:39 PM. Reason: typos

[WozniakMac]

To me it.looks.like camera shake. The first two are blurry. That is indicitive of a long focal length and not using a tripod or something to keep the camera still.

[yyyzzz]

With due respect, I know the differences between softness due to CA and softness due to hand shake. I do not see the same softness for f5.6 or smaller aperture at 250mm.

[twitch]

Way way way too soft (times 100). What was the shutter speed?

[CrazyNuts]

That is exactly the same result I got from the 60-250mm I tested in store, with my K20D. I was set on buying that lens but after seeing the results I was left feeling disappointed.

Suffice to say, I ended up buying a Tamron 70-200mm f2.8

[wlachan]

Those weren't due to camera shake. They look diffused. Whether it was due to BF/FF or optical misalignment is uncertain.

[JinDesu]

wlachan hit it on the spot I think - I've seen a lot of 60-250 shots (had to compare when deciding to get that or the Tamron 70-200) and it is no slouch at any focal length or aperture. What your shots are showing is not typical to the lens.

For example:



That is from the lens review section testing the 250mm at F4. It has none of the "softness" your shots show (and is damn sharp to me).

[RonHendriks1966]

I would guess either OOF or blur due to SR not ready.

[CrazyNuts]

Those weren't due to camera shake. They look diffused. Whether it was due to BF/FF or optical misalignment is uncertain.

I've seen more than one example of this already and if what you state is correct, then the QC of Pentax is a bit lackluster.

[Wheatfield]

Hi DA*60-250mm owners, I bite the bullets and got the lens a couple of weeks ago. The image at 250mm f4 seems a bit soft. While softness is fine, I want to have a defect.

Well, if you want to have a defect, there are plenty around, you shouldn't have to look hard.
Repeat your "test" on a sturdy tripod, ensuring the focus is spot on and that you are using the self timer. 250mm on APS-C is a very long focal length. You are way out of easy hand holding territory, shake reduction or not.

[yyyzzz]

I used tripod when taking this one. Shutter speed is 1/3200 sec. which is no slow. ISO 200. Shot at 250mm f4. It is almost as soft my old 85mm at f1.8. I think there is evidence of aberration.

I am particularly looking for suggestions from those who HAVE this lens. Is this normal? I have 7 days to get this replaced.

Despite the possible problem, I LOVE the color from the lens. Would not hesitate to get a replacement if it is a defect.



1:1 crop

[Azzy]

I think your lens has a defect, it looks familiar with the issue im having with my F*300:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/168224-f-fa-30...rformance.html

[kenyee]

hmmm...now I'm wondering if my 60-250 is defective too. I don't find it that sharp wide open. It sharpens up nicely if you stop it down a little though...

[pcarfan]

What is 1:1 crop? If that is a 100% crop, I think its fine. If it is just resized its a tad soft. Your top shots are extremely soft. I own the lens.

[RonHendriks1966]

hmmm...now I'm wondering if my 60-250 is defective too. I don't find it that sharp wide open. It sharpens up nicely if you stop it down a little though...

Well it does need a little stop down at 250mm to get real sharp, but it is still good at 250m and f4.

Did a test with it when I bought mine:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/143968-da-60-250mm-f4-test.html