[VoiceOfReason]

Just what the title says. I got my mom a KS-1 for Christmas and she likes it, but wishes she had more zoom than the 18-55 gives. I let her use my DA 18-135 and she liked it, but she doesn't want to spend that much on a new one. I also suggested that she may like the Sigma 18-250 (not sure of comparative IQ though) and the Pentax DA-55-300 as a perfect companion to her 18-55. I would like to get your thoughts. What would you go with if you had the KS-1 and 18-55?

[Flying Kiwi]

The 55-300 seems a good choice. Sounds like it produces nice results and she would probably enjoy that focal range. I have had a Tamron 18-250 for quite a while now and that is an acceptable lens, especially if she would prefer not to have to swap lenses. They can be bought pretty cheaply too!

[UncleVanya]

Does she like the idea of swapping lenses? And does she shoot more telephoto or wide angle?

If telephoto and lens swaps are a thumbs up the 55-300 is a great companion lens to the 18-55.

I have never shot the 18-250, a few reviews suggested it was better than the 18-200 and not as good as the 18-270. Particularly on the long end I would expect the 55-300 to crush the superzoom lenses.

If wide/normal is more her thing but just a bit more length is needed then maybe a 17-70? My dad loves his Pentax DA, and there is the Sigma contemporary to consider also.

---------- Post added 12-27-15 at 01:52 AM ----------

Older thread:https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/211908-pent...-18-135-a.html

Despite the title a lot of good info on the 18-250.

[Alex645]

Okay, so she likes the Pentax 18-135mm but doesn't want to spend 'that much' for a new one. So she's looking for something under $365?

In terms of IQ, the second lens, a Pentax 55-300mm ($255 new) gets my vote. But if she really wants a single lens solution, then the Sigma 18-250mm, although that's $350 and only $15 less than the Pentax 18-135mm.

If you sold the 18-55mm kit lens (retail $150, so at least $100 used), then her budget could justify either the Pentax 18-135mm or the Pentax 18-270mm (around $422).

[hcc]

I recommend a used DA18-135mm. My wife has a K-01 and she loves it with the DA18-135mm. I gave her my DA18-135mm as a Xmas present.

The Sigma 18-250mm is quite bulkier and heavy: I would advise against for that reason. My wife tried the DA18-250mm, DA40mm and FA31mm. But she felt that the DA18-135mm was simpler and more convenient.

I do not think that a 2-lens setup will work well with a debutant(e). Lens swapping is not really convenient and one lens might end up on the shelves all time.

For all these reasons, and since I assume that your mum wants something simple, I would recommend very strongly for an used DA18-135mm.

[timb64]

To my mind the 55-300 would be the logical choice giving her extra reach at this stage and she can always upgrade the lower range zoom at a later stage.

[kh1234567890]

What would you go with if you had the KS-1 and 18-55?

DA50-200WR ?

[Alex645]

DA50-200WR ?

For sure, the DA 50-200 WR would be the best value if she's willing to deal with two lenses and doesn't need to go to 300mm.

[pathdoc]

Another vote for 55-300 as the ideal second lens to never need another (stress NEED) or a used 18-135 as an ideal single WR all rounder.

If there's an older Pentax 18-250 out there that would be inexpensive and a good solution, though not WR of course.

[MikeD]

It seems you need to determine if lens swapping would work for her then your choices should get much easier. Take her to a camera shop and have her try the different lenses listed above. You probably won't get to try them all, but at least you could find out if certain lenses are too bulky for her like some of the super zooms may be. Also a lot may depend on what kind of photos she wants to take. So three areas to help narrow down the choices 1. swapping lenses, 2. size of the lens, 3. How is she going to use the camera (subject matter).
Also even if you can;t find the Pentax stuff you want to try out you could find a similar sized Canikon with the different lenses just for feel.
By the way, what a great! Christmas present for your mom!

[UncleVanya]

50-200 is a nice logical alternative. Lighter and smaller than the 55-300. Some malign the IQ but it's not bad in my opinion.

[Scorpio71GR]

I have the 18-135 and the HD 55-300. The 18-135 gets far more use since I like to shoot more in that range. The HD 55-300 is a great lens with an excellent build quality especially for the price. If she likes her 18-55 and does not mind changing lenses I would go for the 55-300. Like others I have found that 55-300 needs stopping down for best results especially at the longer end. The 55-300 also does tend to focus hunt quite a bit. This can be frustrating for some.

[UncleVanya]

As above / get the da or HD WR version and not dal if able to allow her to use quick shift.

[Yos]

I would go for the 18-250mm lens or why not the Tamron 18-200mm lens?

[Murfy]

I have the sigma 18-250 for my nikon and the 55-300 for my pentax. I don't know if you can compare the sigma for the nikon to the pentax (I get overwhelmed with the mechanical stuff) but I think the 55-300 is better at the ends, I also feel it is a tad tricky to use because of the focus (the auto focus is very loud and hunts a lot at times). The 18-250 is fun, that is the best way to describe it for me, it's all around, I thought the images were pretty good for the price, its the only lens I have for the camera now and it's on the nikon all the time. It's a good all around lens but I didn't expect a huge amount from it and I was pleasantly pleased. it's not great at 200-250mm. It's lighter and smaller than the 55-300

I like the 55-300 for the extra reach, for sports and such. the 18-135 is the one that is always on my camera, but I like having them both

I guess it depends on if she wants to just use lens, switch out lenses. Honestly I don't use the 55-300 that much, except for specific things, like outdoor sports during the day, as the 18-135 and the 18-250, are both always on the cameras I have.