Looking for good superzoom

Javaslinger · 08-31-2009, 08:23 AM

I have a K20D and I'm looking for the best superzoom (18-270 or 18-250). There seem to be offerings by Pentax, Tamron, and Sigma.

I would like to stay under $600....

Thanks,

Ken

Marc Sabatella · 08-31-2009, 08:37 AM

The Pentax and Tamron 250's are identical - different names slapped on the same lens. Allegedly some minor differences in coatings or electroncis or something, but nothing that anyone has ever shown to matter. The Sigma is still too new for any consensus to have developed, and I'm not sure the Tamron 18-270 is even available for Pentax yet (maybe it is, but I hadn't heard).

Overall, considering also opinions I've heard from Canon & Nikon users, the feeling is that any of these are just fine for what they are - not bad optically considering their long zoom range. if long zoom range is more important than IQ, maximum aperture, or other attributes, then any of these should suffice.

Venturi · 08-31-2009, 09:01 AM

I used to own the DA18-250 and there are days I wish I had never sold it. Damn handy, and really is a fine lens as long as you take the time to understand its limitations.

Javaslinger · 08-31-2009, 09:24 AM

The limitation I've read about on these are that it has some CA and softness at the ends of it's range. Does this essentially make it usable at 50-200?

Venturi · 08-31-2009, 10:36 AM

The limitation is more that it is not a "low-light indoor candids" lens.

I used mine throughout the zoom range and never had CA or other problems.

08-31-2009, 08:23 AM	#1
Javaslinger Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Blacksburg, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 286	Looking for good superzoom I have a K20D and I'm looking for the best superzoom (18-270 or 18-250). There seem to be offerings by Pentax, Tamron, and Sigma. I would like to stay under $600.... Thanks, Ken

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08-31-2009, 08:37 AM	#2
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	The Pentax and Tamron 250's are identical - different names slapped on the same lens. Allegedly some minor differences in coatings or electroncis or something, but nothing that anyone has ever shown to matter. The Sigma is still too new for any consensus to have developed, and I'm not sure the Tamron 18-270 is even available for Pentax yet (maybe it is, but I hadn't heard). Overall, considering also opinions I've heard from Canon & Nikon users, the feeling is that any of these are just fine for what they are - not bad optically considering their long zoom range. if long zoom range is more important than IQ, maximum aperture, or other attributes, then any of these should suffice.

08-31-2009, 09:01 AM	#3
Venturi Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,636	I used to own the DA18-250 and there are days I wish I had never sold it. Damn handy, and really is a fine lens as long as you take the time to understand its limitations.

08-31-2009, 09:24 AM	#4
Javaslinger Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Blacksburg, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 286 Original Poster	The limitation I've read about on these are that it has some CA and softness at the ends of it's range. Does this essentially make it usable at 50-200?

08-31-2009, 10:36 AM	#5
Venturi Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,636	The limitation is more that it is not a "low-light indoor candids" lens. I used mine throughout the zoom range and never had CA or other problems.

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