General purpose all-in-one day to day usage lens

iAndroid · 11-22-2012, 12:51 AM

Friends,sorry to bother you again but I need some more help.

Aftersome WEB surfing I came with a final list of potential lenses.
I'lltrying to find the best solution taking into account price, performance andsecond hand availability for general purpose all-in-one day to day usage thatwill be suitable for my K-r camera.
Mylist consists of the following lenses:

Pentax SMC DA 18-250mmF/3.5-6.3 ED AL IF
Used can be found under 400$
Tamron A18 18-250mmF/3.5-6.3 LD Di-II Aspherical IF AF
Used can be found under 300$
Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DCOS
New can be found around 400$
PENTAX DA 18-135mm f3.5-5.6ED AL[IF] DC WR
New can be found under 500$

I'llappreciate your recommendation taking into account also the price.

Daniel

**crewl1** · 11-22-2012, 12:59 AM

The Tamron 18-250 is a well regarded all-in-one for the price.

Adam · 11-22-2012, 01:02 AM

I'd recommend the Pentax 18-135mm. On Black Friday it will be selling for about $429 at B&H and Adorama

hcc · 11-22-2012, 01:17 AM

The Tamron 18-250mm is the same lens as the DA18-250mm. Designed by Tamron, the lesn was rebadged as a Pentax. Both Tamron and Pentax 18-250mm are very well-respected and well worth to consider. The only down side: they are not no longer manufactured and can only be purchased 2nd hand. While the lens are nearly identical and as well regarded, the Tammy is usually slightly chapter on the 2nd hand market and a god condition one is usually a good bargain.

The DA18-135mm is WR but that is no use with a K-r.

The Sigma is well regarded but possibly (too) heavier.

Hope that the comment may help.

iAndroid · 11-22-2012, 01:54 AM

Thanks all for great answers and fast response.

Adam - do you recommend buying a new DA18-135 (no need for WRas hcc wrote) for 429$ over used (in a very good condition) Tamron 18-250 forunder 300$?

foto guy · 11-22-2012, 05:10 AM

Unless you need the reach of 250mm, I'd suggest the Pentax 18-135.
In general, the longer the range, the more image quality will suffer.
Being weather sealed may not be a great benefit now, but it will if you upgrade the body in the future.
Also, I've only witnessed poor quality images and build from Tamron products (the one exception being the 90mm macro).
Sigma might be better, but it's hit and miss.

hnikesch · 11-22-2012, 07:58 AM

I have the Pentax 18-135 and it is almost always on my Kr, the only exceptions are birding and the grand kids soccer games they require my 55-300mm and that is often too short, The 18-135 is sharper than my 55-300 and the 18-55, it's right up there with my DA 35 f2.4. I guess what I an trying to say is you will need more than a 18-250 can supply so why suffer with less IQ for a walk around lens that going to be too short.

Hans

iAndroid · 11-22-2012, 08:16 AM

Thanksall.

Ifthe cost was not an issue and all were at same price I would probably chose theSA 18-135.

The250mm is probably less frequently used (and according to hnikesch , if a realTele is needed 250 is not enough) and as the DA 80-135 has a better IQ is probablypreferable.

Butthere is a cost issue. Tamron can be found use under 300$ and DA I found onlynew – now on Black Friday for 429$.

So foto guy and hnikesch – do you stillrecommend on the DA with this information?

hcc · 11-22-2012, 01:04 PM

The Tamron 18-250mm and DA8-250mm are the same lens. Manufactured by Tamron, and rebadged by Pentax for the DA. Both are very well regarded by senior Pentaxians (without distinction) for the reasonable IQ for a zoom, the built quality (sturdy lens) and the range of focal length.

Value for money: go for the Tamron.

iAndroid · 11-22-2012, 01:33 PM

Thanks.

hnikesch · 11-23-2012, 06:57 AM

+1 to hcc Value for money: go for the Tamron. they make a nice lens I like the build quality of my only Tamron the 70-300 and the IQ is quite good also.

Hans

iAndroid · 12-04-2012, 07:09 AM

Dear friends,

Thank you all for your help and advices.
I'm currently a proved owner (I will get it unfortunately only in few weeks)of Tamron 18-250mm lens.
I bought it for just above 300$ and according to its description it shouldbe in excellent condition.
I'll try to update as soon I have some experience with it.

Daniel

Tom in Delaware · 03-22-2013, 11:33 PM

The Tamron/Pentax 18-250 is one of the best walking-around lenses ever made.

mcrtex · 03-27-2013, 05:06 AM

I have used the Pentax 18-135 while on vacation to take group photo's & to bring in details of writing on building in Egypt. It worked very ell on my K200. I hve been using it on my KR as well & have had good luck with it. I have the Tamaron 200 lens and it is not as useful as I first thought as it is not powerful enough for my needs when tele is needed.

jlaubza · 05-20-2013, 05:09 AM

This is an old post but other folk may look in for guidance.

I bought the Tamron 18 - 250mm lens a few years ago. In looking back through my pictures not one of them is really crisp, spot on sharp. Sharpness is a relative term - I can sharpen these images with software and make them looker crisper but the true fact about this lens is revealed by lens tests and it comes out as average for sharpness. That is my experience as well.

For a different camera brand, I bought the later 18 - 270mm PZD lens - much better than the earlier model - sharper, less CA and the PZ drive is terrific. I think however that Tamron does not make the 18 - 270mm model to fit Pentax - I write under correction on this point though. But if I am wrong, ignore the old 18 - 250mm model, bite the bullet and get the new lens.

One other issue that I experienced with the 18 - 250mm lens (that others have endorsed) is that it does not focus accurately at wide angle for short range shots - the workaround is to focus on a telephoto setting and then zoom out.

Since Adam says that the 18 - 135 Pentax lens is sharper, take his word for it.

11-22-2012, 12:51 AM	#1
iAndroid New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 18	General purpose all-in-one day to day usage lens Friends,sorry to bother you again but I need some more help. Aftersome WEB surfing I came with a final list of potential lenses. I'lltrying to find the best solution taking into account price, performance andsecond hand availability for general purpose all-in-one day to day usage thatwill be suitable for my K-r camera. Mylist consists of the following lenses: Pentax SMC DA 18-250mmF/3.5-6.3 ED AL IF Used can be found under 400$ Tamron A18 18-250mmF/3.5-6.3 LD Di-II Aspherical IF AF Used can be found under 300$ Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DCOS New can be found around 400$ PENTAX DA 18-135mm f3.5-5.6ED AL[IF] DC WR New can be found under 500$ I'llappreciate your recommendation taking into account also the price. Daniel

11-22-2012, 01:02 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	I'd recommend the Pentax 18-135mm. On Black Friday it will be selling for about $429 at B&H and Adorama 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:

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11-22-2012, 12:59 AM	#2
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	The Tamron 18-250 is a well regarded all-in-one for the price.

11-22-2012, 01:17 AM	#4
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	The Tamron 18-250mm is the same lens as the DA18-250mm. Designed by Tamron, the lesn was rebadged as a Pentax. Both Tamron and Pentax 18-250mm are very well-respected and well worth to consider. The only down side: they are not no longer manufactured and can only be purchased 2nd hand. While the lens are nearly identical and as well regarded, the Tammy is usually slightly chapter on the 2nd hand market and a god condition one is usually a good bargain. The DA18-135mm is WR but that is no use with a K-r. The Sigma is well regarded but possibly (too) heavier. Hope that the comment may help.

11-22-2012, 01:54 AM	#5
iAndroid New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 18 Original Poster	Thanks all for great answers and fast response. Adam - do you recommend buying a new DA18-135 (no need for WRas hcc wrote) for 429$ over used (in a very good condition) Tamron 18-250 forunder 300$?

11-22-2012, 05:10 AM	#6
foto guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vernon, Connecticut Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 292	Unless you need the reach of 250mm, I'd suggest the Pentax 18-135. In general, the longer the range, the more image quality will suffer. Being weather sealed may not be a great benefit now, but it will if you upgrade the body in the future. Also, I've only witnessed poor quality images and build from Tamron products (the one exception being the 90mm macro). Sigma might be better, but it's hit and miss.

11-22-2012, 07:58 AM	#7
hnikesch Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,316	I have the Pentax 18-135 and it is almost always on my Kr, the only exceptions are birding and the grand kids soccer games they require my 55-300mm and that is often too short, The 18-135 is sharper than my 55-300 and the 18-55, it's right up there with my DA 35 f2.4. I guess what I an trying to say is you will need more than a 18-250 can supply so why suffer with less IQ for a walk around lens that going to be too short. Hans

11-22-2012, 08:16 AM	#8
iAndroid New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 18 Original Poster	Thanksall. Ifthe cost was not an issue and all were at same price I would probably chose theSA 18-135. The250mm is probably less frequently used (and according to hnikesch , if a realTele is needed 250 is not enough) and as the DA 80-135 has a better IQ is probablypreferable. Butthere is a cost issue. Tamron can be found use under 300$ and DA I found onlynew – now on Black Friday for 429$. So foto guy and hnikesch – do you stillrecommend on the DA with this information?

11-22-2012, 01:04 PM	#9
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	The Tamron 18-250mm and DA8-250mm are the same lens. Manufactured by Tamron, and rebadged by Pentax for the DA. Both are very well regarded by senior Pentaxians (without distinction) for the reasonable IQ for a zoom, the built quality (sturdy lens) and the range of focal length. Value for money: go for the Tamron.

11-22-2012, 01:33 PM	#10
iAndroid New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 18 Original Poster	Thanks.

11-23-2012, 06:57 AM	#11
hnikesch Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,316	+1 to hcc Value for money: go for the Tamron. they make a nice lens I like the build quality of my only Tamron the 70-300 and the IQ is quite good also. Hans

12-04-2012, 07:09 AM	#12
iAndroid New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 18 Original Poster	Dear friends, Thank you all for your help and advices. I'm currently a proved owner (I will get it unfortunately only in few weeks)of Tamron 18-250mm lens. I bought it for just above 300$ and according to its description it shouldbe in excellent condition. I'll try to update as soon I have some experience with it. Daniel

03-22-2013, 11:33 PM	#13
Tom in Delaware Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Delaware Posts: 177	The Tamron/Pentax 18-250 is one of the best walking-around lenses ever made.

03-27-2013, 05:06 AM	#14
mcrtex Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 34	I have used the Pentax 18-135 while on vacation to take group photo's & to bring in details of writing on building in Egypt. It worked very ell on my K200. I hve been using it on my KR as well & have had good luck with it. I have the Tamaron 200 lens and it is not as useful as I first thought as it is not powerful enough for my needs when tele is needed.

05-20-2013, 05:09 AM	#15
jlaubza Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: south africa, johannesburg Photos: Gallery Posts: 228	This is an old post but other folk may look in for guidance. I bought the Tamron 18 - 250mm lens a few years ago. In looking back through my pictures not one of them is really crisp, spot on sharp. Sharpness is a relative term - I can sharpen these images with software and make them looker crisper but the true fact about this lens is revealed by lens tests and it comes out as average for sharpness. That is my experience as well. For a different camera brand, I bought the later 18 - 270mm PZD lens - much better than the earlier model - sharper, less CA and the PZ drive is terrific. I think however that Tamron does not make the 18 - 270mm model to fit Pentax - I write under correction on this point though. But if I am wrong, ignore the old 18 - 250mm model, bite the bullet and get the new lens. One other issue that I experienced with the 18 - 250mm lens (that others have endorsed) is that it does not focus accurately at wide angle for short range shots - the workaround is to focus on a telephoto setting and then zoom out. Since Adam says that the 18 - 135 Pentax lens is sharper, take his word for it.