[rr1736]

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Not sure how to post as I do not often do it. I was looking to replace my Sigma 18-250 ( my walking around lens) and thought I would buy a Pentax 18-270 but they no longer are offered for sale when were they discontinued and why? Sigma no longer make the 18-250 in K mount so this leaves a void in the line up.

[Nakedgun]

You missed the Sigma 18-300 also, which was the best of the three. Unless you can find one used, Pentax users are SOL, for now.

[rr1736]

I did miss the 18-300 I wonder why Pentax discontinued their 18-270

[TwoUptons]

I did miss the 18-300 I wonder why Pentax discontinued their 18-270

If I had to guess, I'd suggest Pentax/Ricoh is shifting away from the "general purpose photographer", who is more often served now with cell phones, and toward the enthusiasts, who are less likely to buy the superzooms.

I think all of the Pentax superzooms, even back to the 28-200, were relabeled versions of other manufacturers lenses (mainly, if not exclusively, Tamron), and there aren't as many manufacturers making lenses for Pentax (or SLRs at all) any more.

Still, a 16-85 and 55-300 are a very well-regarded combo if you can't find a 18-270 used.

-Eric

[Des]

I was looking to replace my Sigma 18-250 ( my walking around lens) and thought I would buy a Pentax 18-270 but they no longer are offered for sale when were they discontinued and why? Sigma no longer make the 18-250 in K mount so this leaves a void in the line up.

I used to have a Tamron 18-250 (optically the same as the Pentax DA 18-250). It was OK on the old 6mp K100D, but more recent bodies deserve better lenses. I see you have a KP and a K-S2. (I also have both of these.) Unless you really really want an all-in-one lens, I'd strongly suggest a two-lens kit instead, with the DA 16-85 or DA 18-135 and DA 55-300 f4.5-6.3 PLM. You'll get much better results. Put one on each body if you don't want to change lenses.

I don't think the absence of a superzoom is a big hole in the lineup, given that Pentax is trying to go for higher quality. Nowadays people who want an all-in-one, wide-ranging zoom, no fuss arrangement are probably better served with a bridge camera.

[JPT]

I don't see this lens on the Ricoh USA site's product list, but on the Japan site it is definitely still listed as current and it's available at as many retailers as the other Pentax lenses.

It could be that they are phasing it out, but if that's the case there will probably be a replacement. Tamron has a 18-400 in their range if they want to go that route again. Otherwise it might just be a temporary stock issue in some markets. There's s lot of that going on at the moment.

Not having such a lens in the line-up would be off-putting to some prospective customers, so I don't think they'll just drop it without a replacement.

[Bob 256]

I purchased the FA 28-200mm when I got my PZ-1p film camera way back and it served me well. It now sits on my K-1 (it's a FF lens) as an all purpose lens (I actually purchased a second 28-200mm when this one developed a zoom issue but I opened it up and got that fixed so the dupe is on my old PZ-1p). Though not that sharp by today's standards (particularly at the 200mm end), it serves the purpose of many lenses at once when the need arises. Not that fast but with the K-1 and a little bit of sharpening, photos from it would surprise people. There still may be copies of it floating around on Ebay which is where I got the second one. It was made by Tamron and with Multi-coating (Tamron's version didn't have MC), was rebranded as a Pentax.

There is another version of the FA 28-200mm.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324769345178?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item4b9dc2ee9a...Cclp%3A2334524

and lo and behold (on Amazon of all places):

https://www.amazon.com/Pentax-FA-28-200-AL-Lens/dp/B00005Y3ON

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Last edited by Bob 256; 08-29-2021 at 06:26 AM.

[Mbaez]

You still can get new from Adorama the last superzoom from Sigma:
https://www.adorama.com/sg18200omnka.html?utm_m...ce=adl-gbase-o

It's the 18-200 contemporary

[UncleVanya]

You still can get new from Adorama the last superzoom from Sigma:
https://www.adorama.com/sg18200omnka.html?utm_m...ce=adl-gbase-o

It's the 18-200 contemporary

That link (at least on my mobile) is for a Nikon version and the Canon EF and Sigma are the only choices. Not seeing K Mount… I do see one at B&H.

[Mbaez]

That link (at least on my mobile) is for a Nikon version and the Canon EF and Sigma are the only choices. Not seeing K Mount… I do see one at B&H.

That's strange, I copy-pasted from other tab. Well, the point is that the Sigma 18-200 looks like the only option if you want a new lens.

[hcc]

You already received some good advice. Let me share my own experience as a superzoom user.

I have the DA18-270mm, the DA18-250mm and the DA18-135mm. The IQ is generally similar between the three lenses IMHO, 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 / the Tamron 18-250mm is nearly identical and slightly cheaper
-DA18-270mm is silent and fast AF - a bit expensive

I tried the Sigma 18-250mm but I felt that the lens was (far) too heavy. Personally I value compactness and light weight, when I go bush/walking. This has been a strong motivation to move to Pentax dSLR and to stay with Pentax.

While only available 2nd hand, the DA18-250mm/Tamron 18-250mm is likely the best price option IMO. The lens was very well regarded by all users and is definitely worth to consider.

I like the extra reach, silent and quick AF of the DA18-270mm. I have no issue in recommending it.

I continue to use my DA18-135mm when I need WR, but I miss the extra reach of the other two.


Hope that the comment may help.

[AfterPentax Mark II]

Not sure how to post as I do not often do it. I was looking to replace my Sigma 18-250 ( my walking around lens) and thought I would buy a Pentax 18-270 but they no longer are offered for sale when were they discontinued and why? Sigma no longer make the 18-250 in K mount so this leaves a void in the line up.

I checked but in Europe the 18-270 is still on offer with Ricoh and the dealers. It also seems not to be discontinued according to this list: Discontinued Lens for Digital single-lens reflex camera / Lens lineup/ Lenses / Products | RICOH IMAGING. Maybe it is just a shortage on the other side of the Atlantic?

[thibs]

What about Tamron 18-200 ? Second hand I get that, but is it that worse?
It is way cheaper then the 18-250.

[i_trax]

The Tamron 18-200 is old , old coating not a very good option.
The DA 18-250 ( Tamron made , so no Quick Shift , with Pentax coating ) is still very good performer , I have one since new and still enjoy it.
There were two different versions of Sigma 18-250 .
The latest one , much smaller ( 62mm filter , physically identical to DA18-250 ) , no OS , better macro , I have one since new and still enjoy it.
The Sigma 18-300 Contemporary Macro - I have one since new ,very capable performer , a bit large/heavy for my liking.
The DA 18-270 ( Tamron made , so no Quick Shift , with Pentax coating ) nice performer , still available in Australia, I have one since new and still enjoy it.
The Sigma 18-200 Contemporary Macro , I do not have one , apparently good performer , still available new with Pentax mount.

[AfterPentax Mark II]

There were two different versions of Sigma 18-250

I wish I had the older one with the 72mm filter thread... But the newer one is a fine fellow, unfortunately I bought a few nice Pentax lenses such as the 20-40mm Limited. But still like to have the older 18-250 as well with the OS.