[Alfisti]

I am considering changing my kit lenses to the 18-250 but I am yet to see some controlled comparison images between the 18-250 and the 50-200. The 50-200 has been very, very good to me and I am reluctant to put anything on the camera that does not stand up to that lens.

Can anyone help?

[k100d]

i too would like to know this, considering using a superzoom as a backup and telephoto for my DA21 and FA35

[Lowell Goudge]

I would have to question your logic, because with the exception of going to a single lens solution, from a practical point of view, if you are happy with the 50-200, and only displeased with the wide to normal (i think 18-55mm) lens, are you not better off to get perhaps a 16-50 F2.8 or 16-45 F4 to replace that lens?


That would be my choice, but then I don't object to changing lenses or carrying more than one at a time.

My own perspective on lenses and how to build your complete system is to look at either adding to the range (either focal length or speed), or replacing a poor performer, but not really duplicating lenses.

[Alfisti]

You seem to be missing my point a tad.

On recent travels I have been toting the 2 kit lenses because they are light, and the FA50 (just in case). I am willing to sell the two kit lenses and replace them with the 18-250 if the 50-200 range is comparable to the 50-200DA.

I have two sets of lenses, kit/light/travel lenses and serious/large/fast lenses.

[heatherslightbox]

After looking at pics from both the 50-200 and 18-250, I would say that the 18-250 is on par with the 50-250 at the long end. I had the Tamron version for a while and while I was impressed with it's performance on the tele end, I wasn't so happy with the wide end (viginetting issues). Here are some examples from the Pentax version from pbase.com:
Pentax smc P-DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 Lens Sample Photos and Specifications
If all you're really concerned about is the tele end, then I say go for the 18-250.

HTH,
Heather

[wtlwdwgn]

I haven't used the 18-250 as yet, but from looking at the examples on PBase, it looks like it would be a great travel lens. Sure, you will get better IQ from an assortment of primes or lower ratio zooms, but you're traveling a long ways and you have to carry all of that. Only you can decide what is more important. Have a great trip and don't forget to post your images!

[daacon]

I have the 18-250 Tamron and as a general all purpose lens IMHO there is no equal. I like the wide end more so and rarely use the long end when I have this lens (hard to hand hold fully extended) - as for PQ quality I am not a pixel peeper but have been very pleased with most all the shots I have taken. If I am carrying one or two lens with me, this one is always there. (as well as the Tamron 28-75 for low light). On a recent trip I took all my gear and snapped about 1.5k shots well over half were with the 18-250, it is pretty handy.

I have seen some great shots with 50-200 as well - but for my needs I would consider it a wash PQ wise and the extra versatility makes the Tamron a winner.

[frank]

I did a quick comparison beteen the DA1825 and DA1855+50200 combo, what I find is the DA18250 is sharper than the kit 1855 lens, and probably as sharp as the 50200, but w/ less mag ratio (at close distance, what appears in the photos taken by the 18250 look smaller than the ones by the 50200) due to its big meg zoom ratio.

You can find the complete comparison here on a Singapore photographer's forum:

Pentax DA18-250 vs DA18-55&DA50-200, DA18-250 Testing - ClubSNAP Photography Forums

Oh btw, my nick name there is 'fengwei' -- my Chinese name. Frank is my English name

[Alfisti]

Magnificent comparison, EXACTLY what I am looking for

Sadly, as I kind of suspected, the 50-200 seems much, much better than the 18-250 IMHO. I don't think they are as close as some people are saying, the 50-200 is a clear winner in every regard.

I'm sticking with the two kit lenses for now based on this comparison.

[ftahir]

I did a quick comparison beteen the DA1825 and DA1855+50200 combo, what I find is the DA18250 is sharper than the kit 1855 lens, and probably as sharp as the 50200, but w/ less mag ratio (at close distance, what appears in the photos taken by the 18250 look smaller than the ones by the 50200) due to its big meg zoom ratio.

You can find the complete comparison here on a Singapore photographer's forum:

Pentax DA18-250 vs DA18-55&DA50-200, DA18-250 Testing - ClubSNAP Photography Forums

Oh btw, my nick name there is 'fengwei' -- my Chinese name. Frank is my English name

Thanks for the link. I'm thinking of getting this lens to replace my 18-55, my reasoning is that 18-55 do not have enough reach for me. While I do have 50-200, the last few times I lost the moment once I got my lens changed.

Looking at at the lens comparison, 18-250 is not worse than 18-55, it may be a bit better. And it is comparable to the 50-200.

[Confused]

Hi ftahir

Click on the links below for to view some images taken with my Tamron 18-250mm. IMHO it has no competition as a general purpose walk-around lens and in my experience it has never delivered less than sharp images. Kindly bear in mind that these images are not as good as the originals, as they have all been heavily 'jpeg optimised' to reduce the file sizes, before finally resizing them (800 x 536) to meet forum requirements.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/171724-post3.html

Best regards
Richard

[Buddha Jones]

I wouldnt espect the all-in-one lens to surpass the kit duo in IQ at all. I am a huge fan of the combo, they have served me well. While I don't have the 50-200mm any longer I am hard pressed to get rid of the 18-55mm.

[Alfisti]

That is not really what we have been led to believe though, most (not al) users say the 18-250 is wonderful and the IQ "startling" for what it is. If this was the case, i'd expect it to be as good as a basic $190 kit zoom. It's not like I am comparing it to a steller/expensive lens.

Again though, many, many thanks for the comparison images. Wonderful.

I wouldnt espect the all-in-one lens to surpass the kit duo in IQ at all. I am a huge fan of the combo, they have served me well. While I don't have the 50-200mm any longer I am hard pressed to get rid of the 18-55mm.

[hinman]

I have a hard time parting with both the kit's lens and the DA 50-200. I have written my thoughts on both lens

My beloved Kit's lens from Pentax
Thoughts on Pentax DA 18-55 - Hin's Tech Corner

My thoughts on DA 50-200 in reaction to poor review in photozone.de
Photozone.de Pentax DA 50-200 review - Hin's Tech Corner

If I have to forgo one to fund other better lens, I would forgo the kit's lens first before the DA 50-200. I personally love the DA 50-200 for its very usable range. While I like both lens, I find it harder to replace DA 50-200 than the 18-55. Of course, this is really personal that has to do with style of shooting. I always prefer lens change over compromise of all in one and I prefer lighter gear. Lighter gear and smaller gear makes Pentax a unique brand. Go look around lens similar to DA 50-200 and I find none that is that small and light. And not to mention about the price to quality factor.

Thanks,
Hin

[hinman]

Some memorable shots with DA 50-200. That lens is so light and I can have it for all weekend excursions and I never feel the need to change lens in the zoo

the funny lines come from the wire in the tiger cage




It is a male on top, not a baby as I first thought


Through the glass


Some odd scupture

I love that lens.
Thanks,
Hin