Lens update

Paul Charlier · 06-19-2018, 04:51 PM

Hi, I currently have a Tamron 18-250 which I use on my K7 and K-S2 bodies. I am thinking of upgrading to the Pentax 18-270 lens. Just wondering if the performance increase would justify the investment?

Last edited by MarkJerling; 06-19-2018 at 09:53 PM.

**clackers** · 06-19-2018, 05:05 PM - **1 Like**

With all due respect, Paul, despite the convenience all those kinds of superzooms are generally the least performing in all brands in terms of image quality, and swapping one from the other may really disappoint you after you spend the money!

**BigMackCam** · 06-19-2018, 05:20 PM

Hi Paul, and welcome

I'd have to agree with @clackers on this. So-called "super-zoom" lenses have their uses, but they're always a huge series of compromises optically, and don't bring out the best in decent cameras. If I were you, I'd keep the Tamron 18-250 for those occasions where you really need that focal length versatility over every other aspect, and - considering the capabilities of your K-7 and K-S2 bodies - think about something better optically (if more limited in focal length range)

If you absolutely must stick with a super-zoom, the Sigma 18-300 is very good within that class of lenses (and much better than the Pentax 18-270), but still very compromised

Adam · 06-19-2018, 05:25 PM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by Paul Charlier

Hi, I currently have a Tamron 18-250 which I use on my K7 and K-S2 bodies. I am thinking of upgrading to the Pentax 18-270 lense. Just wondering if the performance increase would justify the investment?

A good alternative would be the DA 18-135mm or the DA 16-85mm plus the 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM. That would give you a bump up not only in terms of image quality, but also focusing speed, across the board.

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:

SSGGeezer · 06-19-2018, 06:07 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Adam

A good alternative would be the DA 18-135mm or the DA 16-85mm plus the 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM. That would give you a bump up not only in terms of image quality, but also focusing speed, across the board.

Bingo! Anything shorter with the 55-300 PLM is a great combo. I even got a picture of a Unicorn with my 55-300 PLM!

**Pentax Syntax** · 06-19-2018, 06:24 PM

Superzooms have their place and yours is a good one for that range. You won’t gain much going to the 18-270. The zooms mentioned by others are better and you can also supplement the superzoom with primes. I would start with the DA 15 for a reasonable and compact ultra wide.

Paul the Sunman · 06-19-2018, 06:27 PM - **1 Like**

It's called an Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC) for a reason. You can change the lens. The 16-85 + 55-300 (any version) option would be a huge step up for you.

**tduell** · 06-19-2018, 07:29 PM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Hi Paul, and welcome

If you absolutely must stick with a super-zoom, the Sigma 18-300 is very good within that class of lenses (and much better than the Pentax 18-270), but still very compromised

I will second that.
Notwithstanding the comments of others re the optical quality of lenses of this class, my experience with the Sigma 18-300 suggests that at the long end it is one of the sharpest lenses I have.
It does tend to be slower to focus than my other lenses, but this isn't much of an issue expect for BIF and such like.

Cheers,
Terry

dubyam · 06-19-2018, 07:31 PM

Does the new PLM lens work with the K7 & KS2?

Aside from that, I've had excellent service out of a shorter zoom (walk-around lens) and a longer zoom for real reach when needed.

SSGGeezer · 06-19-2018, 07:34 PM

KS2 should be no issue. The K-7 is a no unless you want to shoot wide open all the time.

**onlineflyer** · 06-19-2018, 07:35 PM - **1 Like**

Another alternative is to pick up a used DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited in the marketplace and a new 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM.

jimr-pdx · 06-19-2018, 07:57 PM

To answer the original question, I have not heard anyone speak of better performance from the 18-270 model. Booth Tamron/DA and Sigma hit a relative sweet spot with the 18-250.

I do agree however that a two- or three-lens set will result in better overall results.

Paul Charlier · 06-19-2018, 07:57 PM

Thanks, yes I was thinking it wouldn't be worth it really, I mainly use it for overseas travel as my FDA 150-450 lense is rater heavy. I also have a D FA 100 macro and a DA 10-17 fisheye. As Adam suggested my other option was to get a DA 18-135 for overseas travel, as they are quite compact.

tvdtvdtvd · 06-19-2018, 09:51 PM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

It's called an Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC) for a reason. You can change the lens.

This^^^^^^ All day long.

It's hard to imagine the desire for a do everything super zoom on an ILC. Why not just buy a really good fixed lens camera?

As much as I prefer primes over zooms, I will concede the convenience of a zoom does have its allure and can understand
how some shooters are willing to live with their shortcomings for access to variable FL on the fly. But if you're going to go
to the extreme of covering almost the entire range with just one lens, why bother with an ILC?

hcc · 06-20-2018, 12:36 AM - **1 Like**

I had a DA18-250mm that I replaced by a DA18-270mm. I am a prime lens shooter mostly, but I value highly the convenience of the DA18-2XX mm. I have also a DA18-135mm, mostly because of its WR feature.

The DA18-270mm is, like the DA18-250mm, the perfect all-around lens in my opinion. It is small, compact, relatively light weight and very versatile. I loved my DA18-250mm and I love my DA18-270mm. I considered alternatives like the Sigma 18-250mm and Sigma 18-300mm. In each case, the weight and size was an issue for me. I often bushwalk with my camera and lens, and I want something light to carry. In addiition, the Sigma 18-300mm was pricier than the DA18-270mm at the time of my purchase.

If I compare side-by-side the DA18-250mm and DA18-270mm, I am very impressed by the AF of the DA18-270mm, its speed, reasonable accuracy and it is almost silent. IMHO, the AF is a major improvement over the DA18-250mm.

Similarly I have the DA18-135mm. Both my wife and I use love the DA18-135mm. But the DA18-270mm is more versatile in my opinion.

In summary, I would rate this lens as an excellent all-around zoom lens. My main criticism is the lack of WR. Off course the IQ of DA18-270mm is well below that of most prime lenses. But that is not the point because one should compare apples and apples, and oranges and oranges.

Hope that the comment will help.

06-19-2018, 04:51 PM	#1
Paul Charlier Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: NSW, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 42	Lens update Hi, I currently have a Tamron 18-250 which I use on my K7 and K-S2 bodies. I am thinking of upgrading to the Pentax 18-270 lens. Just wondering if the performance increase would justify the investment? Last edited by MarkJerling; 06-19-2018 at 09:53 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Update of DCU 5 cannot find the old version to update on my K-3ii	Elizabeth	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	2	01-27-2018 01:11 PM
K70 firmware update 1.1.0，DCU update 5.6.1	OoKU	Pentax News and Rumors	4	09-07-2016 02:19 AM
lense hood help (50-200mm lense for k-30)	obsidianjeff	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	5	05-06-2014 06:46 PM
Universal lense wide lense: Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8, DA 16-45mm F4, DA 17-70mm ?	Vejas	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	12	02-11-2014 12:04 PM
Noob Question Difference Between a Lense That Does Macro & A True Macro Lense	Christopher M.W.T	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	16	07-19-2009 12:20 AM

06-19-2018, 05:05 PM - 1 Like	#2
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	With all due respect, Paul, despite the convenience all those kinds of superzooms are generally the least performing in all brands in terms of image quality, and swapping one from the other may really disappoint you after you spend the money!

06-19-2018, 05:20 PM	#3
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,670	Hi Paul, and welcome I'd have to agree with @clackers on this. So-called "super-zoom" lenses have their uses, but they're always a huge series of compromises optically, and don't bring out the best in decent cameras. If I were you, I'd keep the Tamron 18-250 for those occasions where you really need that focal length versatility over every other aspect, and - considering the capabilities of your K-7 and K-S2 bodies - think about something better optically (if more limited in focal length range) If you absolutely must stick with a super-zoom, the Sigma 18-300 is very good within that class of lenses (and much better than the Pentax 18-270), but still very compromised

06-19-2018, 05:25 PM - 4 Likes	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by Paul Charlier Hi, I currently have a Tamron 18-250 which I use on my K7 and K-S2 bodies. I am thinking of upgrading to the Pentax 18-270 lense. Just wondering if the performance increase would justify the investment? A good alternative would be the DA 18-135mm or the DA 16-85mm plus the 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM. That would give you a bump up not only in terms of image quality, but also focusing speed, across the board. 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:

06-19-2018, 06:24 PM	#6
Pentax Syntax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 595	Superzooms have their place and yours is a good one for that range. You won’t gain much going to the 18-270. The zooms mentioned by others are better and you can also supplement the superzoom with primes. I would start with the DA 15 for a reasonable and compact ultra wide.

06-19-2018, 06:27 PM - 1 Like	#7
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	It's called an Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC) for a reason. You can change the lens. The 16-85 + 55-300 (any version) option would be a huge step up for you.

06-19-2018, 07:29 PM	#8
tduell Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Melbourne Posts: 1,514	Originally posted by BigMackCam Hi Paul, and welcome If you absolutely must stick with a super-zoom, the Sigma 18-300 is very good within that class of lenses (and much better than the Pentax 18-270), but still very compromised I will second that. Notwithstanding the comments of others re the optical quality of lenses of this class, my experience with the Sigma 18-300 suggests that at the long end it is one of the sharpest lenses I have. It does tend to be slower to focus than my other lenses, but this isn't much of an issue expect for BIF and such like. Cheers, Terry

06-19-2018, 07:31 PM	#9
dubyam Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 221	Does the new PLM lens work with the K7 & KS2? Aside from that, I've had excellent service out of a shorter zoom (walk-around lens) and a longer zoom for real reach when needed.

06-19-2018, 07:34 PM	#10
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	KS2 should be no issue. The K-7 is a no unless you want to shoot wide open all the time.

06-19-2018, 07:35 PM - 1 Like	#11
onlineflyer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NW Ohio Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,091	Another alternative is to pick up a used DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited in the marketplace and a new 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 PLM.

06-19-2018, 07:57 PM	#12
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	To answer the original question, I have not heard anyone speak of better performance from the 18-270 model. Booth Tamron/DA and Sigma hit a relative sweet spot with the 18-250. I do agree however that a two- or three-lens set will result in better overall results.

06-19-2018, 07:57 PM	#13
Paul Charlier Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: NSW, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 42 Original Poster	Thanks, yes I was thinking it wouldn't be worth it really, I mainly use it for overseas travel as my FDA 150-450 lense is rater heavy. I also have a D FA 100 macro and a DA 10-17 fisheye. As Adam suggested my other option was to get a DA 18-135 for overseas travel, as they are quite compact.

06-19-2018, 09:51 PM	#14
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman It's called an Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC) for a reason. You can change the lens. This^^^^^^ All day long. It's hard to imagine the desire for a do everything super zoom on an ILC. Why not just buy a really good fixed lens camera? As much as I prefer primes over zooms, I will concede the convenience of a zoom does have its allure and can understand how some shooters are willing to live with their shortcomings for access to variable FL on the fly. But if you're going to go to the extreme of covering almost the entire range with just one lens, why bother with an ILC?

06-20-2018, 12:36 AM - 1 Like	#15
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	I had a DA18-250mm that I replaced by a DA18-270mm. I am a prime lens shooter mostly, but I value highly the convenience of the DA18-2XX mm. I have also a DA18-135mm, mostly because of its WR feature. The DA18-270mm is, like the DA18-250mm, the perfect all-around lens in my opinion. It is small, compact, relatively light weight and very versatile. I loved my DA18-250mm and I love my DA18-270mm. I considered alternatives like the Sigma 18-250mm and Sigma 18-300mm. In each case, the weight and size was an issue for me. I often bushwalk with my camera and lens, and I want something light to carry. In addiition, the Sigma 18-300mm was pricier than the DA18-270mm at the time of my purchase. If I compare side-by-side the DA18-250mm and DA18-270mm, I am very impressed by the AF of the DA18-270mm, its speed, reasonable accuracy and it is almost silent. IMHO, the AF is a major improvement over the DA18-250mm. Similarly I have the DA18-135mm. Both my wife and I use love the DA18-135mm. But the DA18-270mm is more versatile in my opinion. In summary, I would rate this lens as an excellent all-around zoom lens. My main criticism is the lack of WR. Off course the IQ of DA18-270mm is well below that of most prime lenses. But that is not the point because one should compare apples and apples, and oranges and oranges. Hope that the comment will help.