DA 18-250....who's got one?

DanLoc78 · 04-26-2008, 08:46 PM

thinking about replacing my two kit lenses with this one. last time i checked there weren't any reviews in the database...anybody out there have comments about this lens they could lend to aid me in this decision?

Thanks!

k100d · 04-26-2008, 09:04 PM

there is the Tamron model which is the same. there are a few reviews in the Third Party database. Photozone.de also has reviews of the Pentax and Tamron (nikon or canon mount). it is what it is, decent at all ranges, but not outstanding at one. also some distortion at the extremes. is it better than both kits combined? ... probably

jsherman999 · 04-26-2008, 10:19 PM

.

I've had the Tamron 18-250, and the two kit lenses - and I'd say it's a bit better than
the kit lenses in just about every way - not radically better, but noticeably better.

It's sharper at 200mm than the DA 50-200 (and the DA 50-200 was no slouch.) It
vignettes at 18mm about the same as the 18-55 kit.

Here's a shot taken at 250mm:

More here ---> 18-250

.

jdg · 04-26-2008, 10:24 PM

That's pretty sharp!

jsherman999 · 04-26-2008, 10:30 PM

Originally posted by jdg

That's pretty sharp!

Yeah, it is. I never saw much evidence of 'softness' at 250mm that some folks talked about.
It's really a pretty great lens. It's only real weakness is it gets to f/6.3 at 200mm+.

(that shot was K100D at ISO 800, BTW - little K100D's no slouch at high ISO

.

beaumont · 04-27-2008, 09:03 AM

Just left a long winded reply and then by computer shut down before it was sent...bummer. I'll try again.
I bought the 18-250 a month ago prior to going on vacation. Couldn't find much in the way of reviews, but there was one thread I found that did a very thorough tech analysis, and came up with favorable reviews. (Good news as I'm a newby and know nothing this indepth.) Having said this, looking back I went through the full 18-250 range everyday so this proved to be a perfect fit. I love the utility of this lens. I will attempt to attach a number of resized photos (which of course reduce the quality) to give you an idea...Hope this helps in some way. (One further note, the lens has a lock on it for the idle state which is necessary as it will creep when dangling from the neck.)

DanLoc78 · 04-27-2008, 09:32 AM

jsherman999...great shot at 250mm...looks really sharp. i have not a problem with either kit lens, i just figured having one with a focal range that eclipses both would be beneficial.

beaumont...also great shots. do you have the tamron or the pentax? seems like the versatility of this lens is worth the purchase.

BrianK · 04-27-2008, 10:04 AM

I have the Pentax version and it has become my walk around lens. I am looking forward to using on travels as well. I will still take other lenses but the quality of the images from this lens means being able to get a good shot when conditions are unexpected. I have lost shots before while changing lenses. With this one on the camera, you can cover most types of casual shooting. It even works well indoors with a flash. The only images that I can find in a hurry are here.

Colors and saturation are good. Only complaint is the lens creep.

Indoor with flash.

Outdoors

beaumont · 04-27-2008, 10:28 AM

Originally posted by DanLoc78

jsherman999...great shot at 250mm...looks really sharp. i have not a problem with either kit lens, i just figured having one with a focal range that eclipses both would be beneficial.

beaumont...also great shots. do you have the tamron or the pentax? seems like the versatility of this lens is worth the purchase.

Mine is the Pentax. Very happy with it...

beaumont · 04-27-2008, 06:44 PM

DanLoc78 here is the review thread that I had mentioned:
Pentax DA18-250 vs DA18-55&DA50-200, DA18-250 Testing - ClubSNAP Photography Forums
Goodluck with whatever you choose...

heatherslightbox · 04-27-2008, 06:53 PM

I had the Tamron version for a short while and the main reason that I got rid of it was the vigenetting at the wide end when I used both a UV and polarizer at the same time. Ironically, I've noticed the same thing with the 17-70 that I now have. Would replacing my standard UV and polarizer with the more expensive thin UV and polarizer filters help any?

I almost regret getting rid of the 18-250 now.

Thanks!
Heather.

Derridale · 04-27-2008, 07:00 PM

Heather - why use a polarizer AND a UV filter at the same time?

I have a Hoya Pro 1 polarizer that I use on myTamron 18-250, and get no vignetting to speak of. I also have a bigger diameter one that I use on my Sigma 10-20, and get virtually no vignetting on that lens either. The Pro 1 Series filters are not cheap, but worth the loot.

So, yes - perhaps thinner filters, and sticking to just the polarizer or the UV one at a time might be the answer...

KFrog · 04-27-2008, 07:31 PM

I have the DA 18-250mm and it is a great lens. It stays on my camera most of the time and produces great images, sharpness and color. It's so flexible to not have to change lenses when I'm out and about. Zoom creep is it's biggest fault. You just have to use the zoom lock you'll be ok.

I've used it with my Tiffen circular and UV polarizers (not at the same time) with good results IMHO. I think it's a better deal than the "old" kit lenses.

Now you might want to consider the "new" kit lens solution of the DA 18-55mm II and the DA 55-300mm for a bit more reach and for a little more money.

Confused · 04-28-2008, 03:07 AM

Hi DanLoc78

I have owned the Tamron version of the 18-250mm for about a year now and have been delighted with it's sharpness and indispensable flexibility of focal length. Admittedly it does suffer from slight 'lens-creep' if the lens is pointed downwards under it's own weight, but it simply becomes a matter of habit to engage the little locking-switch to prevent this happening before starting to walk around. There is a tiny amount of vignetting at the wide (18mm) end, which is probably due to the protective UV filter I attached to the lens in order to safeguard the vulnerable front lens element. However, vignetting can easily be removed nowadays with most half-decent software editing packages. To view some images taken with this lens, try this link:

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

and then click on the the three links at the bottom of the post.

In addition, I have to agree with Derridale when he said:

Quote:

Heather - why use a polarizer AND a UV filter at the same time?

The stacked combination of two filters (one in front of the other) would probably cause SERIOUS vignetting on the vast majority of wide-angle lenses at their widest ranges. Personally, I would have used either one filter OR the other, NOT both combined, but that's just my own thoughts on the matter.

Best regards
Richard

lapeen · 04-29-2008, 07:50 AM

I too have... and love... this lens! It pretty much lives on my camera. It does 'creep' and it does have vignetting on the low end, but neither of those things bother me. ...And the vignetting only really shows up 'badly' in certain situations.

Here's one at 250mm...

And here's one at 18mm showing vignetting...

04-26-2008, 08:46 PM	#1
DanLoc78 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Philadelphia Photos: Gallery Posts: 915	DA 18-250....who's got one? thinking about replacing my two kit lenses with this one. last time i checked there weren't any reviews in the database...anybody out there have comments about this lens they could lend to aid me in this decision? Thanks!

04-27-2008, 09:03 AM	#6
beaumont Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 505	Just left a long winded reply and then by computer shut down before it was sent...bummer. I'll try again. I bought the 18-250 a month ago prior to going on vacation. Couldn't find much in the way of reviews, but there was one thread I found that did a very thorough tech analysis, and came up with favorable reviews. (Good news as I'm a newby and know nothing this indepth.) Having said this, looking back I went through the full 18-250 range everyday so this proved to be a perfect fit. I love the utility of this lens. I will attempt to attach a number of resized photos (which of course reduce the quality) to give you an idea...Hope this helps in some way. (One further note, the lens has a lock on it for the idle state which is necessary as it will creep when dangling from the neck.) Last edited by beaumont; 02-06-2011 at 04:29 PM.

04-27-2008, 10:04 AM	#8
BrianK Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 128	Da 18-250 I have the Pentax version and it has become my walk around lens. I am looking forward to using on travels as well. I will still take other lenses but the quality of the images from this lens means being able to get a good shot when conditions are unexpected. I have lost shots before while changing lenses. With this one on the camera, you can cover most types of casual shooting. It even works well indoors with a flash. The only images that I can find in a hurry are here. Colors and saturation are good. Only complaint is the lens creep. Indoor with flash. Outdoors

04-28-2008, 03:07 AM	#14
Confused Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London Posts: 1,067	Hi DanLoc78 I have owned the Tamron version of the 18-250mm for about a year now and have been delighted with it's sharpness and indispensable flexibility of focal length. Admittedly it does suffer from slight 'lens-creep' if the lens is pointed downwards under it's own weight, but it simply becomes a matter of habit to engage the little locking-switch to prevent this happening before starting to walk around. There is a tiny amount of vignetting at the wide (18mm) end, which is probably due to the protective UV filter I attached to the lens in order to safeguard the vulnerable front lens element. However, vignetting can easily be removed nowadays with most half-decent software editing packages. To view some images taken with this lens, try this link: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/171724-post3.html and then click on the the three links at the bottom of the post. In addition, I have to agree with Derridale when he said: Quote: Heather - why use a polarizer AND a UV filter at the same time? The stacked combination of two filters (one in front of the other) would probably cause SERIOUS vignetting on the vast majority of wide-angle lenses at their widest ranges. Personally, I would have used either one filter OR the other, NOT both combined, but that's just my own thoughts on the matter. Best regards Richard Last edited by Confused; 04-28-2008 at 03:57 AM.

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04-26-2008, 09:04 PM	#2
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	there is the Tamron model which is the same. there are a few reviews in the Third Party database. Photozone.de also has reviews of the Pentax and Tamron (nikon or canon mount). it is what it is, decent at all ranges, but not outstanding at one. also some distortion at the extremes. is it better than both kits combined? ... probably

04-26-2008, 10:19 PM	#3
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	. I've had the Tamron 18-250, and the two kit lenses - and I'd say it's a bit better than the kit lenses in just about every way - not radically better, but noticeably better. It's sharper at 200mm than the DA 50-200 (and the DA 50-200 was no slouch.) It vignettes at 18mm about the same as the 18-55 kit. Here's a shot taken at 250mm: More here ---> 18-250 .

04-26-2008, 10:24 PM	#4
jdg Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Cavite, Philippines Posts: 85	That's pretty sharp!

04-26-2008, 10:30 PM	#5
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by jdg That's pretty sharp! Yeah, it is. I never saw much evidence of 'softness' at 250mm that some folks talked about. It's really a pretty great lens. It's only real weakness is it gets to f/6.3 at 200mm+. (that shot was K100D at ISO 800, BTW - little K100D's no slouch at high ISO .

04-27-2008, 09:32 AM	#7
DanLoc78 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Philadelphia Photos: Gallery Posts: 915 Original Poster	jsherman999...great shot at 250mm...looks really sharp. i have not a problem with either kit lens, i just figured having one with a focal range that eclipses both would be beneficial. beaumont...also great shots. do you have the tamron or the pentax? seems like the versatility of this lens is worth the purchase.

04-27-2008, 10:28 AM	#9
beaumont Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 505	Originally posted by DanLoc78 jsherman999...great shot at 250mm...looks really sharp. i have not a problem with either kit lens, i just figured having one with a focal range that eclipses both would be beneficial. beaumont...also great shots. do you have the tamron or the pentax? seems like the versatility of this lens is worth the purchase. Mine is the Pentax. Very happy with it...

04-27-2008, 06:44 PM	#10
beaumont Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 505	DanLoc78 here is the review thread that I had mentioned: Pentax DA18-250 vs DA18-55&DA50-200, DA18-250 Testing - ClubSNAP Photography Forums Goodluck with whatever you choose...

04-27-2008, 06:53 PM	#11
heatherslightbox Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,599	I had the Tamron version for a short while and the main reason that I got rid of it was the vigenetting at the wide end when I used both a UV and polarizer at the same time. Ironically, I've noticed the same thing with the 17-70 that I now have. Would replacing my standard UV and polarizer with the more expensive thin UV and polarizer filters help any? I almost regret getting rid of the 18-250 now. Thanks! Heather.

04-27-2008, 07:00 PM	#12
Derridale Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 412	Heather - why use a polarizer AND a UV filter at the same time? I have a Hoya Pro 1 polarizer that I use on myTamron 18-250, and get no vignetting to speak of. I also have a bigger diameter one that I use on my Sigma 10-20, and get virtually no vignetting on that lens either. The Pro 1 Series filters are not cheap, but worth the loot. So, yes - perhaps thinner filters, and sticking to just the polarizer or the UV one at a time might be the answer...

04-27-2008, 07:31 PM	#13
KFrog Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Katy, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 294	I have the DA 18-250mm and it is a great lens. It stays on my camera most of the time and produces great images, sharpness and color. It's so flexible to not have to change lenses when I'm out and about. Zoom creep is it's biggest fault. You just have to use the zoom lock you'll be ok. I've used it with my Tiffen circular and UV polarizers (not at the same time) with good results IMHO. I think it's a better deal than the "old" kit lenses. Now you might want to consider the "new" kit lens solution of the DA 18-55mm II and the DA 55-300mm for a bit more reach and for a little more money.

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04-29-2008, 07:50 AM	#15
lapeen Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: bangor, maine Posts: 380	I too have... and love... this lens! It pretty much lives on my camera. It does 'creep' and it does have vignetting on the low end, but neither of those things bother me. ...And the vignetting only really shows up 'badly' in certain situations. Here's one at 250mm... And here's one at 18mm showing vignetting...