[UncleVanya]

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The 18-135 is a fantastic all around lens. It is similar in purpose to the film era 28-200 with better IQ. Frankly despite the grief that lens takes it is very good compared to the range and cost.

However as mentioned earlier the low light needs inside don't align well with this lens.

[Scorpio71GR]

Browsing around I came across this.

Tokina AF 80 200mm F2 8 at x Pro Lens for Pentax | eBay

Within the OP price range and f2.8. I day left.

[UncleVanya]

If I were planning this shoot I would use my 18-135 outside by the pool and a DA 20-40 inside because that's my faster inside zoom. If I had the 16-50 I would likely use it inside. I own the DA* 50-135 and 60-250 which have stellar IQ but I would be unlikely to bring them due to the lack of certainty about the need for <50mm in the pool setting.

Recently I picked up the DA* 16-50, I am testing it out this month but I have not got the full measure of it yet.

[Scorpio71GR]

For inside shots nothing beats my trusty DA*16-50. Sometimes f2.8 just really matters.

[jpzk]

I have a few lenses just sitting around that fit that range. I have a very old Tamron 70-300 that I have not used in years. I also have a DA 18-135 that I am no longer using. I replaced it with a 16-85. I also have an older Sigma 50-200 kit lens that is not too bad. That lenses is in like new condition. I had my Tamron 70-200 2.8 stolen but I missed it so much I had to replace it. I have been going to list some stuff in the Marketplace but I have been working crazy hours. If you are interested just let me know. None of these lenses come anywhere close to your budget.

Is it this one: SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
?

---------- Post added 02-04-17 at 03:33 PM ----------

Browsing around I came across this.

Tokina AF 80 200mm F2 8 at x Pro Lens for Pentax | eBay

Within the OP price range and f2.8. I day left.

Looks in good shape and also seems to be a close "cousin" of the Tammy 70-200/2.8 ... I wonder how it compares to the Tamron though.
I can't find it in the reviews ... just the "SD" version.
Interesting find.

[Scorpio71GR]

Yes that is the DA 18-135 I have sitting around. My HD16-85 has replaced it.

The Tokina review is here Tokina AT-X 828AF PRO 80-200mm F2.8 Lens Reviews - Tokina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

I used one of these years ago. Very nice lens, it may suffer some purple fringing on DSLR's. It is a film era lens. All metal construction and very heavy. Built like a tank. I was never fond of the small tripod footor the screw on lens hood. The later versions changed the mount on the hood the newer style. This is essentially the best option after the Tamron in my opinion. I almost bought on BH's website until I found a new Tamron for $600.

[jpzk]

Yes that is the DA 18-135 I have sitting around. My HD16-85 has replaced it.

The Tokina review is here Tokina AT-X 828AF PRO 80-200mm F2.8 Lens Reviews - Tokina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

I used one of these years ago. Very nice lens, it may suffer some purple fringing on DSLR's. It is a film era lens. All metal construction and very heavy. Built like a tank. I was never fond of the small tripod footor the screw on lens hood. The later versions changed the mount on the hood the newer style. This is essentially the best option after the Tamron in my opinion. I almost bought on BH's website until I found a new Tamron for $600.

Thanks ... review is quite good for this beast.
As for the Tammy .... I might be lucky one of these days and find another one that is as good as my sold unit.
In the meantime, I am still waiting for my daughter's 55-300 ... as a loan (I will not keep this lens) and to be tested for what I have planned to do. We never know, it just might work ok at the pool (very well lit, BTW.)
The 18-135 is an interesting piece as well.

Edit: the 55-300 is on its way but I have the feeling this might not quite cut it for my "event". Anyway, I am arranging a test period with the manager at the hotel so I can at least fire a few shots ahead of time. The only "problem" being that there has to be nobody in that pool when I do the "tests" (for known reasons) .... I'll have the manager himself jump in the deep end so I can get some "live" action !!

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Last edited by jpzk; 02-15-2017 at 11:35 AM. Reason: added info

[jpzk]

Opinions requested (please):

I might get a deal on this:

TAMRON SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di MACRO LENS for PENTAX
Model A001
LD AF IF Di

Is this the latest version (for Pentax)?
Yes, I am now tempted to "re-buy" one ...