Sigma 18-250 3.5-6.3 DC HSM Macro vs. Pentax 18-250 3.5-6.3 DA ED AL IF

**Spodeworld** · 02-19-2015, 02:44 PM

Has anyone had a chance to compare the two lenses listed in the subject line and have a conclusion on which they think is the superior option?

Thanks

Nowhere Matt · 02-19-2015, 02:49 PM

I can tell you that, most likely after a few year's use of the Pentax, the loose lens hood and zoom creep will drive you to near madness at times.
Buy the Sigma and in a few months, you and I can trade lenses every other month like children after a custody battle.

**Spodeworld** · 02-19-2015, 02:51 PM

Ha...interesting insight.

I'm wondering which has the better optics

hcc · 02-19-2015, 09:16 PM

There are very simple solution to the zoom creep of the DA18-250mm. For example

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/161684-da18-250m...ion-works.html

Ultimately the optical differences between Sigma vs Pentax 18-250mm are minimal, especially when you compare an all-around 18-250mm to most primes. Simply a 18-250mm lens is full of optical compromise and there is relatively little difference from one formula to another.

The DA18-250mm was highly regarded in its own time. It is still a decent performer on the K-3, even of the Sigma 18-250mm is a more modern design. I would add that the DA18-250mm is lighter than the Sigma 18-250mm and this is a plus for me. I like light and compact lenses.

My 5 cents...

Last edited by hcc; 02-20-2015 at 02:52 PM.

wildman · 02-19-2015, 11:52 PM

Don't know about the DA but I do have the Sigma.

Briefly - Much better than I expected from a superzoom. LIght, compact and better then decent optically and all for 350 bucks new.
What's not to like.

At 250mm....

**Spodeworld** · 02-20-2015, 06:56 AM

@wildman....those have pretty good IQ considering that it is a superzoom being used. Surprising detail and crispness.

Any Pentax lens users feel that the Pentax 18-250 is the better choice optically?

Thanks

tibbitts · 02-20-2015, 09:19 PM

I would guess that the 18-300mm sigma would outperform either of the 18-250s (at least in the 18-250 range), but don't have personal experience with any of these except the 18-250 sigma.

pleo · 02-24-2015, 03:15 PM

I had the former Sigma-version (HSM - without macro in it's name) and it's much thicker an heavier than the the Pentax (Tamron)-18-250.
I doubt that the Sigma 18-300 will be better than the 18-250. The Tamron 18-270 isn't better than the 18-250 - despite that it's bigger....

additionally it's hard to get the Sigma macro version in Pentax mount....

02-19-2015, 02:44 PM	#1
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370	Sigma 18-250 3.5-6.3 DC HSM Macro vs. Pentax 18-250 3.5-6.3 DA ED AL IF Has anyone had a chance to compare the two lenses listed in the subject line and have a conclusion on which they think is the superior option? Thanks

02-19-2015, 11:52 PM	#5
wildman Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Flyover America Posts: 4,469	Don't know about the DA but I do have the Sigma. Briefly - Much better than I expected from a superzoom. LIght, compact and better then decent optically and all for 350 bucks new. What's not to like. At 250mm.... Last edited by wildman; 03-02-2015 at 09:24 AM.

02-20-2015, 06:56 AM	#6
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370 Original Poster	@wildman....those have pretty good IQ considering that it is a superzoom being used. Surprising detail and crispness. Any Pentax lens users feel that the Pentax 18-250 is the better choice optically? Thanks Last edited by Spodeworld; 02-20-2015 at 01:20 PM.

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02-19-2015, 02:49 PM	#2
Nowhere Matt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nowhere Land Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,362	I can tell you that, most likely after a few year's use of the Pentax, the loose lens hood and zoom creep will drive you to near madness at times. Buy the Sigma and in a few months, you and I can trade lenses every other month like children after a custody battle.

02-19-2015, 02:51 PM	#3
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370 Original Poster	Ha...interesting insight. I'm wondering which has the better optics

02-19-2015, 09:16 PM	#4
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,004	There are very simple solution to the zoom creep of the DA18-250mm. For example https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/161684-da18-250m...ion-works.html Ultimately the optical differences between Sigma vs Pentax 18-250mm are minimal, especially when you compare an all-around 18-250mm to most primes. Simply a 18-250mm lens is full of optical compromise and there is relatively little difference from one formula to another. The DA18-250mm was highly regarded in its own time. It is still a decent performer on the K-3, even of the Sigma 18-250mm is a more modern design. I would add that the DA18-250mm is lighter than the Sigma 18-250mm and this is a plus for me. I like light and compact lenses. My 5 cents... Last edited by hcc; 02-20-2015 at 02:52 PM.

02-20-2015, 09:19 PM	#7
tibbitts Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 2,196	I would guess that the 18-300mm sigma would outperform either of the 18-250s (at least in the 18-250 range), but don't have personal experience with any of these except the 18-250 sigma.

02-24-2015, 03:15 PM	#8
pleo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamburg Posts: 116	I had the former Sigma-version (HSM - without macro in it's name) and it's much thicker an heavier than the the Pentax (Tamron)-18-250. I doubt that the Sigma 18-300 will be better than the 18-250. The Tamron 18-270 isn't better than the 18-250 - despite that it's bigger.... additionally it's hard to get the Sigma macro version in Pentax mount....