18-270 DA Lens

ctt · 05-15-2021, 06:55 AM

Hello: I’m an amateur photographer who doesn’t like to change lenses much. Mostly I use 18-270mm DA lens, but my images never seem sharp enough. Is there a better “all round” lens someone has found?

Tks!

**UncleVanya** · 05-15-2021, 06:59 AM

Originally posted by ctt

Hello: I’m an amateur photographer who doesn’t like to change lenses much. Mostly I use 18-270mm DA lens, but my images never seem sharp enough. Is there a better “all round” lens someone has found?

Tks!

The 18-300 third party lens is supposed to have the best iq out of the super zooms.

The 18-135 while not as extreme is also “better”, but the best choice might be a two lens kit: 16-85 + 55-300 plm.

**pepperberry farm** · 05-15-2021, 07:20 AM

Originally posted by ctt

Hello: I’m an amateur photographer who doesn’t like to change lenses much. Mostly I use 18-270mm DA lens, but my images never seem sharp enough. Is there a better “all round” lens someone has found?

Tks!

perhaps an example of your work could be shown here, so we could possibly help before spending your money?

ctt · 05-15-2021, 07:49 AM

Here are few shots, but all have been enhanced with Photoshop; especially blur.

Photographing nature is my favorite, or action.

---------- Post added 05-15-2021 at 10:51 AM ----------

Thank you for the response!

Last edited by ctt; 12-28-2021 at 06:02 PM.

**i_trax** · 05-15-2021, 08:46 AM

The first photo was taken with iPhone 7 + ,
All the rest with K-3 , very capable camera.
The dragonfly is actually very good.

Tesla · 05-15-2021, 09:25 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The 18-300 third party lens is supposed to have the best iq out of the super zooms.

The 18-135 while not as extreme is also “better”, but the best choice might be a two lens kit: 16-85 + 55-300 plm.

I agree that a pair is better than an all in one. Do you have the 16-85? Does it have AF problems? The Sigma 17-70mm HSM is another option. I am trying to decide between those two lenses.

The 55-300 PLM is a great lens!

ctt · 05-15-2021, 09:49 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by i_trax

The first photo was taken with iPhone 7 + ,
All the rest with K-3 , very capable camera.
The dragonfly is actually very good.

Thank you. My apologies, I did not realize my spouse’s photos were in mine folder. I have removed it. How could you tell?

---------- Post added 05-15-2021 at 12:51 PM ----------

Originally posted by Tesla

I agree that a pair is better than a all in one. Do you have the 16-85? Does it have AF problems? The Sigma 17-70mm HSM is another option. I am trying to decide between those two lenses.

The 55-300 PLM is a great lens!

I believe it has problems, but it could be me! I only have the one lens, except for a macro. Good luck.

**i_trax** · 05-15-2021, 10:06 AM

Originally posted by ctt

Thank you. My apologies, I did not realize my spouse’s photos were in mine folder. I have removed it. How could you tell?

the EXIF is attached to each photo with all info

**DonV** · 05-15-2021, 11:12 AM

Originally posted by ctt

Hello: I’m an amateur photographer who doesn’t like to change lenses much. Mostly I use 18-270mm DA lens, but my images never seem sharp enough. Is there a better “all round” lens someone has found?

Tks!

Post some of your photos that are not "sharp" enough for us to see.

**UncleVanya** · 05-15-2021, 11:42 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Tesla

I agree that a pair is better than an all in one. Do you have the 16-85? Does it have AF problems? The Sigma 17-70mm HSM is another option. I am trying to decide between those two lenses.

The 55-300 PLM is a great lens!

Typically the 16-85 isn’t known for bad autofocus. I don’t have the lens. I use the 18-135 and the older da 55-300. I find that combo useful also.

Simon K · 05-15-2021, 12:50 PM

Originally posted by ctt

all have been enhanced with Photoshop

Nice to look at but of no use for the case. If you don't have any that arend enhanced in PS just take some. They don't have to be pretty, your lawn mower, a hedge what ever. Leave the in camera settings as they are for usual and a 100% crop added would be most informative.

Tesla · 05-15-2021, 01:08 PM

I think they want a ooc image to compare to other zooms.

The PF review has a few ooc images:
Pentax-DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 Review - Image Gallery | PentaxForums.com Reviews

hcc · 05-15-2021, 02:58 PM - **1 Like**

I am sorry to hear about your problem, and I wonder if it is a lens or a camera body issue.

I have the DA18-270mm, the DA18-250mm and the DA18-135mm. The IQ is generally similar, and the photographer (rather than the lens) will account for the difference in IQ most often. Between these 3 lenses, my experience suggest that each one has its pros and cons:
-DA18-135mm is WR, but a a bit short at the long range (135mm)
-DA18-250mm is solid, relatively cheap and well-regarded - noisy AF
-DA18-270mm is silent and fast AF - a bit expensive

For your comment on the lack of sharpness, I think that you need to acknowledge that a all-around zoom lens will never be as sharp as a good prime lens. Full-stop. Then off course some PP can help in sharpening the photos and you need to be willing to do it.

On another hand, could it be that your camera body has back focusing issue? What body do you use? How does it behave with other lenses, in particular prime lenses?

Hope that the comments may assist.

**Des** · 05-15-2021, 03:15 PM

I used to have the Tamron 18-250, which was the forerunner of the Tamron 18-270 (each was rebadged as a Pentax). It was pretty decent for a superzoom, but going to a two-zoom kit was a huge improvement, especially at the telephoto end.

If you want to stick with a superzoom, the Sigma 18-300 is really the only option: Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM (Contemporary) Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database (I think it has now been discontinued so might be hard to find.)

If you go with a two-zoom kit instead (and if you want real improvement, I'd suggest you do), I'd recommend this lens for telephoto: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database It has outstanding autofocus, very good resolution, pleasant rendering and is light-weight, compact and affordable.

For longer telephoto your main options are the DA*300mm f4 with the DA 1.4x teleconverter or the DFA 150-450mm f4.5-5.6, but these are much heavier and more expensive.

For the wide end, the main options are the DA 16-85, DA 18-135 and Sigma 17-70. There is a case for each. To minimise lens changes (and it's very affordable), the 18-135. For best IQ and extra width, the 16-85. For in-between, the Sigma.

Sidney Porter · 05-15-2021, 05:55 PM

I am seeing some motion blur in the first tennis photo (his feet). 1/320 is pretty slow to freeze motion in sports. Motion blur is going to to make it less sharp. I typically shoot sports at 1/1250 and f2.8 or 3.2. I know your lens isn't going to be that fast and you don't like to change lenses. But a 70-200 f2.8 is a staple for sports, especially youth where you can usually get close. When I am shooting sports that is usually the objective and I am not changing lenses.

There is a sports photography thread in the technique section

05-15-2021, 06:55 AM	#1
ctt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 237	18-270 DA Lens Hello: I’m an amateur photographer who doesn’t like to change lenses much. Mostly I use 18-270mm DA lens, but my images never seem sharp enough. Is there a better “all round” lens someone has found? Tks!

05-15-2021, 09:25 AM	#6
Tesla Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Washington State Posts: 589	Originally posted by UncleVanya The 18-300 third party lens is supposed to have the best iq out of the super zooms. The 18-135 while not as extreme is also “better”, but the best choice might be a two lens kit: 16-85 + 55-300 plm. I agree that a pair is better than an all in one. Do you have the 16-85? Does it have AF problems? The Sigma 17-70mm HSM is another option. I am trying to decide between those two lenses. The 55-300 PLM is a great lens! Last edited by Tesla; 05-15-2021 at 10:49 AM.

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05-15-2021, 06:59 AM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,381	Originally posted by ctt Hello: I’m an amateur photographer who doesn’t like to change lenses much. Mostly I use 18-270mm DA lens, but my images never seem sharp enough. Is there a better “all round” lens someone has found? Tks! The 18-300 third party lens is supposed to have the best iq out of the super zooms. The 18-135 while not as extreme is also “better”, but the best choice might be a two lens kit: 16-85 + 55-300 plm.

05-15-2021, 07:20 AM	#3
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,625	Originally posted by ctt Hello: I’m an amateur photographer who doesn’t like to change lenses much. Mostly I use 18-270mm DA lens, but my images never seem sharp enough. Is there a better “all round” lens someone has found? Tks! perhaps an example of your work could be shown here, so we could possibly help before spending your money?

05-15-2021, 07:49 AM	#4
ctt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 237 Original Poster	Here are few shots, but all have been enhanced with Photoshop; especially blur. Photographing nature is my favorite, or action. ---------- Post added 05-15-2021 at 10:51 AM ---------- Thank you for the response! Last edited by ctt; 12-28-2021 at 06:02 PM.

05-15-2021, 08:46 AM	#5
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	The first photo was taken with iPhone 7 + , All the rest with K-3 , very capable camera. The dragonfly is actually very good.

05-15-2021, 09:49 AM - 1 Like	#7
ctt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 237 Original Poster	Originally posted by i_trax The first photo was taken with iPhone 7 + , All the rest with K-3 , very capable camera. The dragonfly is actually very good. Thank you. My apologies, I did not realize my spouse’s photos were in mine folder. I have removed it. How could you tell? ---------- Post added 05-15-2021 at 12:51 PM ---------- Originally posted by Tesla I agree that a pair is better than a all in one. Do you have the 16-85? Does it have AF problems? The Sigma 17-70mm HSM is another option. I am trying to decide between those two lenses. The 55-300 PLM is a great lens! I believe it has problems, but it could be me! I only have the one lens, except for a macro. Good luck.

05-15-2021, 10:06 AM	#8
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	Originally posted by ctt Thank you. My apologies, I did not realize my spouse’s photos were in mine folder. I have removed it. How could you tell? the EXIF is attached to each photo with all info

05-15-2021, 11:12 AM	#9
DonV Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Near Charlotte NC Photos: Albums Posts: 693	Originally posted by ctt Hello: I’m an amateur photographer who doesn’t like to change lenses much. Mostly I use 18-270mm DA lens, but my images never seem sharp enough. Is there a better “all round” lens someone has found? Tks! Post some of your photos that are not "sharp" enough for us to see.

05-15-2021, 11:42 AM - 1 Like	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,381	Originally posted by Tesla I agree that a pair is better than an all in one. Do you have the 16-85? Does it have AF problems? The Sigma 17-70mm HSM is another option. I am trying to decide between those two lenses. The 55-300 PLM is a great lens! Typically the 16-85 isn’t known for bad autofocus. I don’t have the lens. I use the 18-135 and the older da 55-300. I find that combo useful also.

05-15-2021, 12:50 PM	#11
Simon K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2019 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 466	Originally posted by ctt all have been enhanced with Photoshop Nice to look at but of no use for the case. If you don't have any that arend enhanced in PS just take some. They don't have to be pretty, your lawn mower, a hedge what ever. Leave the in camera settings as they are for usual and a 100% crop added would be most informative.

05-15-2021, 01:08 PM	#12
Tesla Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Washington State Posts: 589	I think they want a ooc image to compare to other zooms. The PF review has a few ooc images: Pentax-DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 Review - Image Gallery \| PentaxForums.com Reviews

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05-15-2021, 02:58 PM - 1 Like	#13
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,001	I am sorry to hear about your problem, and I wonder if it is a lens or a camera body issue. I have the DA18-270mm, the DA18-250mm and the DA18-135mm. The IQ is generally similar, and the photographer (rather than the lens) will account for the difference in IQ most often. Between these 3 lenses, my experience suggest that each one has its pros and cons: -DA18-135mm is WR, but a a bit short at the long range (135mm) -DA18-250mm is solid, relatively cheap and well-regarded - noisy AF -DA18-270mm is silent and fast AF - a bit expensive For your comment on the lack of sharpness, I think that you need to acknowledge that a all-around zoom lens will never be as sharp as a good prime lens. Full-stop. Then off course some PP can help in sharpening the photos and you need to be willing to do it. On another hand, could it be that your camera body has back focusing issue? What body do you use? How does it behave with other lenses, in particular prime lenses? Hope that the comments may assist.

05-15-2021, 03:15 PM	#14
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,421	I used to have the Tamron 18-250, which was the forerunner of the Tamron 18-270 (each was rebadged as a Pentax). It was pretty decent for a superzoom, but going to a two-zoom kit was a huge improvement, especially at the telephoto end. If you want to stick with a superzoom, the Sigma 18-300 is really the only option: Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM (Contemporary) Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database (I think it has now been discontinued so might be hard to find.) If you go with a two-zoom kit instead (and if you want real improvement, I'd suggest you do), I'd recommend this lens for telephoto: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database It has outstanding autofocus, very good resolution, pleasant rendering and is light-weight, compact and affordable. For longer telephoto your main options are the DA*300mm f4 with the DA 1.4x teleconverter or the DFA 150-450mm f4.5-5.6, but these are much heavier and more expensive. For the wide end, the main options are the DA 16-85, DA 18-135 and Sigma 17-70. There is a case for each. To minimise lens changes (and it's very affordable), the 18-135. For best IQ and extra width, the 16-85. For in-between, the Sigma.

05-15-2021, 05:55 PM	#15
Sidney Porter Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Columbus Ohio USA Posts: 353	I am seeing some motion blur in the first tennis photo (his feet). 1/320 is pretty slow to freeze motion in sports. Motion blur is going to to make it less sharp. I typically shoot sports at 1/1250 and f2.8 or 3.2. I know your lens isn't going to be that fast and you don't like to change lenses. But a 70-200 f2.8 is a staple for sports, especially youth where you can usually get close. When I am shooting sports that is usually the objective and I am not changing lenses. There is a sports photography thread in the technique section