KEH is offering a Tamron 28-75mm with caps and hood, in bargain condition, at $265 -- with free shipping for the next three days -- and $1 for shipping insurance. It includes Keh's 6 month used warranty. I almost pulled the trigger on it but I really can't justify adding yet another lens right now, especially since I'm saving up my pennies for the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 and a new WR camera body sometime in 2014.

But this lens is apparently supersharp and a great wedding/portrait zoom lens. Has a reputation for some FF/BF issues, along with plasticky build quality and loud AF noise, but for $266 with 6 months warranty, it may be a no-brainer for someone who has a camera body that can do AF-adjustment.

So... someone please buy this lens so I don't have further temptations over the weekend. My wife and wallet will thank you:

http://www.keh.com/camera/Pentax-Autofocus-Non-Mfg-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-AP09999121358J?r=FE

[seventysixersfan]

Well, I tested my da 18-135 just now and tried limiting myself to the 28-75mm range. That "wide" end is just a bit too narrow for indoors shooting, I found myself wanting to zoom out wider. While zooming up to 75mm at f/2.8 is attractive, I just don't see myself using this lens that much. So, I will pass but someone else should pick it up I think...

[JinDesu]

Ack, that's a damn awesome price for something that normally goes for $320 used..

[seventysixersfan]

Keh's BGN condition is what might be called great or even mint on eBay. It is a good deal, even better with free shipping-- they usually charge $13 for that.

[ClinchShots]

someone bought it

I just went on right now to purchase it

how do you guys find deals like this on KEH?

[seventysixersfan]

What's weird is that the BGN lens WAS gone as of last night, but then this morning when I just checked the website, it has reappeared. Of course, the free shipping offer is over now so it's less of a good deal. I wonder if KEH has extra "BGN" lenses of the 28-75 and listed it after the other one was purchased? They may have strategically waited until their free shipping deal was over with, so they didn't have to eat the cost of shipping.

I find these deals by obsessively checking their website daily. It's just a ritual I do, every morning, to open up their "latest arrivals" page and see what pops up. It's not that much work on my part to open these webpages that I've bookmarked. I also check the Sigma Outlet page but they usually don't have anything exciting on there. I do the same daily checking of the B&H Used section and Adorama Used, and Amazon Warehouse deals.

[ClinchShots]

man I wish I could talk them into free shipping on that lens

now I'm on the fence again

[seventysixersfan]

I would hold off for them to run another free shipping weekend and hope the BGN lens is still there at that point.

OR just wait and see if any are offered on the PF Marketplace for a reasonable price, but these usually are sold for upwards of $315+ depending on condition.

[ClinchShots]

couldn't hold off at that price

just bought the bargain one...

[ClinchShots]

The way I see it is

as long as I treat this Lens like gold it will never lose value

and It is a great wedding lens addition

[seventysixersfan]

congrats on the new (used) lens purchase! KEH is really great in my experience. Be sure to report back on how you enjoy the lens and what kind of condition it is in.

[JinDesu]

Post pictures! Of the lens and also with the lens!

[ClinchShots]

I will... I receive the lens on the 9th

[thornburg]

I will... I receive the lens on the 9th

Hey, any chance of a report on this? Sample shots?

I've been happy with by "bargain" purchases from KEH, but I'm always looking for more info.

[RyanS]

Hey, any chance of a report on this? Sample shots?

I've been happy with by "bargain" purchases from KEH, but I'm always looking for more info.

Interested to see how this one worked out as well