Looking for new walk about lens.

Tony3d · 09-18-2011, 09:22 AM

When I go to Itally I really don't think I'm going to be to interested in changing my 18-55 with my 55-300mm lens very often. So I'm thinking about a new walk about lens. Was looking at the 18-135mm da. What are your thoughts on this lens. Let's see some samples shot with a K5.

Adam · 09-18-2011, 09:37 AM

It's a great lens- handy, fast AF and weather-sealed.

Pentax-DA 18-135mm Zoom - Review

charliezap · 09-18-2011, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by Tony3d

When I go to Itally I really don't think I'm going to be to interested in changing my 18-55 with my 55-300mm lens very often. So I'm thinking about a new walk about lens. Was looking at the 18-135mm da. What are your thoughts on this lens. Let's see some samples shot with a K5.

My general purpose walk around lens is the Pentax 18-250 that is on my K5.Most of the photos in my threads and postings have been taken with that lens.--charliezap

Rupert · 09-18-2011, 10:05 AM

I have the Tammy 18-250, same lens as Charlie's, and it is just plain handy for a walkabout lens. IQ is good to plenty good, and it is a lifesaver when you get opportunities at varied ranges. I can't say that I have ever been dissatisfied with it for the purpose it serves.

It is even handy to shoot people...when Squirrels are not around!

Sisters....
[IMG]

[/IMG]

[IMG]

[/IMG]

I love it for just "out and about" shooting!

Best Regards!

RioRico · 09-18-2011, 10:17 AM

Originally posted by charliezap

My general purpose walk around lens is the Pentax 18-250 ...

Ditto. My basic minimalist kit is the Tamron 10-24 for tight spaces, the FA50/1.5 for dimness or action or DOF, and the DA18-250 for everything else. Throw in a Raynox and call it good.

Rupert · 09-18-2011, 10:25 AM

Originally posted by RioRico

Ditto. My basic minimalist kit is the Tamron 10-24 for tight spaces, the FA50/1.5 for dimness or action or DOF, and the DA18-250 for everything else. Throw in a Raynox and call it good.

Yes...Raynox is great on the 18-250...forgot I had one, thanks!

Regards!

Smeggypants · 09-18-2011, 10:53 AM

I haven't been that impressed by pics I've seen from the 18-135. If I was pushed to just take one lens out I'd probably opt for my Sigma 17-70. but really on a holiday, such as to italy, I'd make the effort to take a range of lenses

Tony3d · 09-18-2011, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by charliezap

My general purpose walk around lens is the Pentax 18-250 that is on my K5.Most of the photos in my threads and postings have been taken with that lens.--charliezap

That lens seems to be unavailable.

Rupert · 09-18-2011, 12:13 PM

I also have the Sigma 17-70 OS HSM 2.8-4.0 ...another good choice, but lacking a little in range. Great if you are not needing any distance, like inside shooting at a Mall or such. I think I would look at the Tamron 18-250....maybe a good used one?
Regards!

Smeggypants · 09-18-2011, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by Tony3d

That lens seems to be unavailable.

Second hand?

hcc · 09-18-2011, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by charliezap

My general purpose walk around lens is the Pentax 18-250

+1
The Tamron 18-250mm/DA18-250mm was manufactured by Tamron, sold by Tamron and Pentax (rebadged DA18-250mm). It can be found on the 2nd hand market: PF market place, Adorama used equipment, and keh.com. There have been several offers (LN, EX conditions) over the last 2 months with prices between US$350 and 450 + shipping. (I bought mine from keh.com about 2 years ago.)

The 18-250mm is regarded as one of the best all-around lens across all brands (Canions, Oly, Sony included).

The newer 18-135mm adds the WR, but lacks the range and the IQ is not better.

Hope that the comments wil help.

PKTheMountaineer · 09-18-2011, 06:13 PM

Lately I've been trying to go lighter myself, carrying just one lens. I have really liked using the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 on my K5. With the sensor conversion its more like a 36-105. Its not a wide angle, but I've found it to be a good all around lens with some creative perspectives. I love super wide lenses, so for me this single lens experiment has been more about teaching myself to see in a new perspective rather than just swallow as much as I can with a single frame! Sometimes you need a super wide and a super telephoto, but sometimes what we leave out of a photo is just as important as what we put in. So I don't know that you'll find a perdect lens, but you can find a perfect perspective for whatever lens you have with you.
-PK

dgaies · 09-18-2011, 06:22 PM

Originally posted by hcc

+1
The Tamron 18-250mm/DA18-250mm was manufactured by Tamron, sold by Tamron and Pentax (rebadged DA18-250mm). It can be found on the 2nd hand market: PF market place, Adorama used equipment, and keh.com. There have been several offers (LN, EX conditions) over the last 2 months with prices between US$350 and 450 + shipping. (I bought mine from keh.com about 2 years ago.)

The 18-250mm is regarded as one of the best all-around lens across all brands (Canions, Oly, Sony included).

The newer 18-135mm adds the WR, but lacks the range and the IQ is not better.

Hope that the comments wil help.

Overall, I'd agree.

I have both and the only thing I would mention is that the 18-135 adds more than just WR to the equation. It's also better built, has no annoying zoom creep and the AF is both faster and quieter. Also, the 18-135 has quick-shift focusing, something the 18-250 does not. Now in exchange you do give up a fairly large amount of reach on the long end, but there's always a trade-off

Rupert · 09-18-2011, 06:32 PM

No zoom creep on my Tamron...and it goes from portrait to landscapes in a second....in the original of this one, you can clearly see the nail heads in the siding....
Regards!

[IMG]

[/IMG]

**Basset** · 09-18-2011, 08:35 PM

I picked up a Tamron 18-250 off the Bay a couple of weeks back, and so far it is living up to its reputation. I'm not a good photographer, but I do like taking pictures, especially when something comes up, and I only have a few seconds to grab a few shots. Here's one I did in a rush this afternoon. Rush, as in, grab the camera, kneel, and track the rooster in the viewfinder before it came after me.

K-r, Tamron 18-250 at 250 / f.6, 1/100

09-18-2011, 09:22 AM	#1
Tony3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Orlando Florida Posts: 487	Looking for new walk about lens. When I go to Itally I really don't think I'm going to be to interested in changing my 18-55 with my 55-300mm lens very often. So I'm thinking about a new walk about lens. Was looking at the 18-135mm da. What are your thoughts on this lens. Let's see some samples shot with a K5.

09-18-2011, 09:37 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	It's a great lens- handy, fast AF and weather-sealed. Pentax-DA 18-135mm Zoom - Review Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

09-18-2011, 10:05 AM	#4
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	I have the Tammy 18-250, same lens as Charlie's, and it is just plain handy for a walkabout lens. IQ is good to plenty good, and it is a lifesaver when you get opportunities at varied ranges. I can't say that I have ever been dissatisfied with it for the purpose it serves. It is even handy to shoot people...when Squirrels are not around! Sisters.... [IMG] [/IMG] [IMG] [/IMG] [IMG] [/IMG] I love it for just "out and about" shooting! Best Regards!

09-18-2011, 08:35 PM	#15
Basset Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 340	I picked up a Tamron 18-250 off the Bay a couple of weeks back, and so far it is living up to its reputation. I'm not a good photographer, but I do like taking pictures, especially when something comes up, and I only have a few seconds to grab a few shots. Here's one I did in a rush this afternoon. Rush, as in, grab the camera, kneel, and track the rooster in the viewfinder before it came after me. K-r, Tamron 18-250 at 250 / f.6, 1/100 Last edited by Basset; 09-18-2011 at 08:39 PM. Reason: Forgot details

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09-18-2011, 09:46 AM	#3
charliezap Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: saugus ma Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,686	Originally posted by Tony3d When I go to Itally I really don't think I'm going to be to interested in changing my 18-55 with my 55-300mm lens very often. So I'm thinking about a new walk about lens. Was looking at the 18-135mm da. What are your thoughts on this lens. Let's see some samples shot with a K5. My general purpose walk around lens is the Pentax 18-250 that is on my K5.Most of the photos in my threads and postings have been taken with that lens.--charliezap

09-18-2011, 10:17 AM	#5
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by charliezap My general purpose walk around lens is the Pentax 18-250 ... Ditto. My basic minimalist kit is the Tamron 10-24 for tight spaces, the FA50/1.5 for dimness or action or DOF, and the DA18-250 for everything else. Throw in a Raynox and call it good.

09-18-2011, 10:25 AM	#6
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Originally posted by RioRico Ditto. My basic minimalist kit is the Tamron 10-24 for tight spaces, the FA50/1.5 for dimness or action or DOF, and the DA18-250 for everything else. Throw in a Raynox and call it good. Yes...Raynox is great on the 18-250...forgot I had one, thanks! Regards!

09-18-2011, 10:53 AM	#7
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	I haven't been that impressed by pics I've seen from the 18-135. If I was pushed to just take one lens out I'd probably opt for my Sigma 17-70. but really on a holiday, such as to italy, I'd make the effort to take a range of lenses

09-18-2011, 12:01 PM	#8
Tony3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Orlando Florida Posts: 487 Original Poster	Originally posted by charliezap My general purpose walk around lens is the Pentax 18-250 that is on my K5.Most of the photos in my threads and postings have been taken with that lens.--charliezap That lens seems to be unavailable.

09-18-2011, 12:13 PM	#9
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	I also have the Sigma 17-70 OS HSM 2.8-4.0 ...another good choice, but lacking a little in range. Great if you are not needing any distance, like inside shooting at a Mall or such. I think I would look at the Tamron 18-250....maybe a good used one? Regards!

09-18-2011, 01:22 PM	#10
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	Originally posted by Tony3d That lens seems to be unavailable. Second hand?

09-18-2011, 01:58 PM	#11
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	Originally posted by charliezap My general purpose walk around lens is the Pentax 18-250 +1 The Tamron 18-250mm/DA18-250mm was manufactured by Tamron, sold by Tamron and Pentax (rebadged DA18-250mm). It can be found on the 2nd hand market: PF market place, Adorama used equipment, and keh.com. There have been several offers (LN, EX conditions) over the last 2 months with prices between US$350 and 450 + shipping. (I bought mine from keh.com about 2 years ago.) The 18-250mm is regarded as one of the best all-around lens across all brands (Canions, Oly, Sony included). The newer 18-135mm adds the WR, but lacks the range and the IQ is not better. Hope that the comments wil help.

09-18-2011, 06:13 PM	#12
PKTheMountaineer New Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 6	Lately I've been trying to go lighter myself, carrying just one lens. I have really liked using the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 on my K5. With the sensor conversion its more like a 36-105. Its not a wide angle, but I've found it to be a good all around lens with some creative perspectives. I love super wide lenses, so for me this single lens experiment has been more about teaching myself to see in a new perspective rather than just swallow as much as I can with a single frame! Sometimes you need a super wide and a super telephoto, but sometimes what we leave out of a photo is just as important as what we put in. So I don't know that you'll find a perdect lens, but you can find a perfect perspective for whatever lens you have with you. -PK

09-18-2011, 06:22 PM	#13
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by hcc +1 The Tamron 18-250mm/DA18-250mm was manufactured by Tamron, sold by Tamron and Pentax (rebadged DA18-250mm). It can be found on the 2nd hand market: PF market place, Adorama used equipment, and keh.com. There have been several offers (LN, EX conditions) over the last 2 months with prices between US$350 and 450 + shipping. (I bought mine from keh.com about 2 years ago.) The 18-250mm is regarded as one of the best all-around lens across all brands (Canions, Oly, Sony included). The newer 18-135mm adds the WR, but lacks the range and the IQ is not better. Hope that the comments wil help. Overall, I'd agree. I have both and the only thing I would mention is that the 18-135 adds more than just WR to the equation. It's also better built, has no annoying zoom creep and the AF is both faster and quieter. Also, the 18-135 has quick-shift focusing, something the 18-250 does not. Now in exchange you do give up a fairly large amount of reach on the long end, but there's always a trade-off

09-18-2011, 06:32 PM	#14
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	No zoom creep on my Tamron...and it goes from portrait to landscapes in a second....in the original of this one, you can clearly see the nail heads in the siding.... Regards! [IMG] [/IMG]