Originally posted by shutterbob To get the best all around zoom lens range you are seeking, I vote for a combo of 2 rather than 1. I own the DA 18-250 and I like it; but it is not the optimal for sharpness in a zoom. To get that in my opinion, you need two zooms (if you really like the convenience of the zooms and want to stay in budget). My recommendations for you are the:
DA 16-45mm &
DA 55-300mm
Both excellent quality and won't break the bank-and with the 300, you get a little more reach at the long end of your range and a little more width at the wide end of the 16mm than the 18-250. Neither of these lenses (but especially the DA 16-45) give up much to the primes in terms of high quality high resolution glass. And the cost is surprisingly low for Pentax genuine products.
Go for it!
I think you misunderstand me. I already have a DA* 16-50, 50-135 and FA* 80-200. Awesome lenses, but I want ONE small lens to bring when I'm hiking.
About the X70. I will consider it! I just have to compare price vs performance. I guess the 18-250 will give me better performance than the X70?