Originally posted by Kevin B123 I agree it seems a pittance, and it is tempting. I have not been looking at the 60-250 for various reasons, and I can't think of it as a walk around lens.
Potential SDM failure puts a lot of folks off, I think, and that's fair enough. Mine - a relatively late model (c. 2015) has been, and still is, perfect... but the spectre of failure is always looming. Plus, you're quite right - in my view, it's just too heavy to be a walk-around lens (for me, at any rate). It's heavy for good reason, of course, given the glass, body materials and general build quality... but the fact that I usually shoot my screw-drive HD DA55-300 in preference - even with its optical compromises - speaks volumes. Lastly, there's the focus breathing. At short range, the long end is significantly compromised... I've heard it said that it's more like 135mm, and whilst I haven't measured it, I can believe it. I bought the HD DA1.4x rear converter primarily to use with the 60-250 at short range, just to get the reach a bit closer to what you'd expect from a 250mm lens.
If you can live with the compromises, I think it's a superb lens and worth the hassle for the right photographer - but it's a big
if.
Update #2:
I added my HD DA1.4x rear converter to the Wex instant quote, and it came back with a better price than I expected - not hugely less than I'd have asked if selling it privately. That makes me feel a little better (not a whole lot, but a little
) about the price for the 60-250. With both of those items part-ex'd and the current discount on the HD FA31, I think I'm good to go. I'll call Wex tomorrow and see if they'll keep an FA31 to one side for me, so I can go pick it up at their 25th Anniversary event
Thanks for the nod on these HD FA deals, Kevin. Much appreciated