| Author: | | New Member Registered: January, 2012 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 2 | | Lens Review Date: August 29, 2018 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $700.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Delicate balance between IQ and usability, custom-made FF compatibility, solid build quality | | Cons: | Autofocus, price for new copies | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 7
Handling: 9
Value: 8
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-1 & K20d
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This is one of the most respectable lenses of DA* line. More-than-enough build quality and balance, convenient ergonomics, image quality marginally inferior to DA* telephoto prime lenses and custom-made compatibility with Full Frame's image circle all make it a very attractive package compared to counterparts from other brands. Its image quality can only be overpowered by DA* 200 F2.8 or 300 F4 when experienced users care about the subtle changes of light and colour as well as the transition between subject and background. Yet, similar to FA* 80-200 2.8 (the best telephoto zoom only second to DFA 70-200 2.8), this lens presents the interesting swirling bokeh, which should be refreshing to those new to it. While there is a DFA 70-200 F4 waiting next year as in the roadmap, you can surely buy a 2nd-handed 60-250 F4 for considerably less than the coming new zoom lens. Based on the photos I have taken with K-1, I expect this lens can at least work with upcoming APS-C DSLRs satisfactorily in terms of resolving power. It is a safe buy.
There are only two mild weak points here. One is undeniably the autofocus system. I am using K-1, with which 60-250 focuses faster than my K20d. Still, it is hard to use it for any serious sport photography. I mainly use it for birding in close range. Its AF efficiency leaves me wanting at times that I switch to MF. I am used to MF lenses anyway. Another thing is its current high price as new. In 2018, looking forward to 2019, if Pentax is not going to update her DA* line drastically, she should lower the prices of these legendary lenses of the digital era a bit more to promote sales and guarantee future development of the whole system.
However, if you are looking for a Pentax high-end zoom lens for portraiture on APS-C bodies, DA* 50-135 would produce much nicer images.
You may take a look of how it performs with K-1 for birding here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.922916954522954&type=1&l=3d272fb378 | | | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: October, 2012 Location: Trail, BC Posts: 368 | | Lens Review Date: April 12, 2018 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $700.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Weather sealing, zoom range, bokeh, sharpness | | Cons: | Autofocus | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 6
Handling: 8
Value: 8
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: Pentax K5
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This is a great lens in almost all respects, with auto-focus being its major issue. Ninety percent of the time it focuses fast enough and produces excellent results. I may even go higher and say 95% of the time. But in some circumstances it is hit or miss, such as being out on the water in low contrast situations trying to capture whales and other wildlife that may spring into view suddenly and you only have moments to frame the shot and shoot. I have adapted my technique to compensate for this as much as possible. In clear conditions, prefocusing on the area where you anticipate a whale may surface, or switching to manual when the light is low or the environment is misty/foggy and inherently low contrast.
Don't get me wrong, even though it has a little heft I don't have any trouble in carrying it around on the camera for a days shooting and love the results it gives. It is sharp, low CA and nice bokeh for a zoom. I wouldn't part with it for the world.
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2016 Posts: 2
2 users found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: June 9, 2017 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $900.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | sharp, excellent max. aperture, weather resistance, bokeh | | Cons: | bit heavy, expensive, not too reliable SDM | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 6
Handling: 8
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: Pentax K-1
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After modification the image circle can cover the 135 full frame! and the weather resistance and autofocus are still fully functional. Extra range from 60-250mm is more useful than typical 70-200mm.
It can make a good balance on K-1 and has enough resolution for the 36MP sensor.
Below is my review blog with large size photos:
http://iplaylens.blogspot.hk/2017/06/pentax-da-60-250mm-f4-sdm.html | | | | | Junior Member Registered: July, 2016 Location: Alps Posts: 35 | | Lens Review Date: November 22, 2016 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $1,295.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | IQ, sharpness, contrast, colors, silent AF, great range of focals... | | Cons: | bulky, external zooming, autofocus could be faster | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 7
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-3 II
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Used mainly for sports (Rafting, mountain bike, ski...) and nature / wildlife.
I loved this lens, stunning IQ.
I've also owned the HD 55-300 (the old version, no PLM) and there's no comparison in IQ, not speaking of difficult light conditions. And the autofocus is way better than the small 55-300 which misses focus a lot more in same context.
The new 55-300 PLM that I now own is somehow not far behind in terms of center sharpness, but not on the edges/corners. Also the color/global rendition/resolution/micro-contrast are better on the 60-250 (DA*/Limited rendering, as opposed to DA lenses).
Downsides for me are :
1) too bulky, no smooth zoom ring
2) external zooming / long barrel extension
3) autofocus is just OK, some of the best Pentax I guess... but no match to other big brands.
I ended up selling this lens for getting the DA* 50-135 : handling is MUCH better, internal zooming, lightweight & compactness, 1 stop aperture (& bokeh!)... at the cost of magnification, which is a more than acceptable trade for my use, having the PLM 55-300 if needed. And the DA* 300 in mind...
| | | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: May, 2016 Posts: 959
2 users found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: October 22, 2016 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $550.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | versatile, good quality | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-3II
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This is a versatile lens for sports, the range lets you cover the entire width of the field for soccer, football and such. It has some focus breathing but it's only noticeable for very close distances and especially at 250 (almost but not quite 400mm equivalent on 35mm); if the subject is across the field, 250mm really helps and focus breathing is not an issue.
AF tracking works nicely assuming camera settings are right for the situation, but point-to-point af could be a little faster. f4 is fast enough for me, especially since image quality is solid at max aperture, but it is a little softer at 250mm. If you are able to stay under 200mm, no worries at all. Using the lens hood is a must, the lens doesn't flare badly but it is no hd prime either.
Mounted on the k3ii with no battery grip it is hand holdable and it's small enough to move quickly, but not if you are planning to keep it to your eye constantly. I need to look around anyway for what's going on on the the field, so I find using it with no mono/tripod just fine.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: November, 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 339
1 user found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: September 7, 2016 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $1,100.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Great balance of size, weight, speed , range | | Cons: | none! | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-5
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This is the best lens I have ever used. I love it more than Pentax Limiteds and any other lens I have seen. It's the perfect size for a telephoto, which can be carrtied all day. I have never used the collar and do not see a reason to use that. It might not look like a "walkaround lens" when in city, but in the field, or at zoo, etc it might be it.
The lens can safely be left wide open and the bokeh is great for the range, Sharpness and colors are great too.
Like every other zoom you may sometimes hit the reach limits, but really not often. All in all, if you have not tested it, and reading this, it means you need the lens! Go and buy one  | | | | | Moderator
Loyal Site Supporter Registered: March, 2015 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 5,654 | | Lens Review Date: August 2, 2016 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $1,050.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Build quality, image quality, sharpness, bokeh | | Cons: | None for me. | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K-3
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This is a very high quality lens. The AF has been faultless on my K-3, and the image quality is superb. It is reasonably heavy, but quite hand holdable for long periods for me. Being only f4 has not been an issue for me with the type of photography that I enjoy doing. The " All Weather " sealing makes this lens very safe and pleasing to use in all conditions.. When combined with the Pentax HD DA 1.4x AW rear converter, this lens becomes even more versatile. I can highly recommend the DA* 60-250 as a wonderful addition to your photographic equipment.
 | | | | | Senior Member Registered: December, 2012 Posts: 109
1 user found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: May 29, 2016 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $1,000.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | A star * 300mm - but zooming. | | Cons: | It's not under 100 grams | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K5IIS, K3 and K-1
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Read the other threads here under - I loved it now just more!
Now a new lens Fully FF as described here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/304092-da-60-250-mod-ff.html
Link does not work? - Copy and paste it in the address field above.
A real tele on the K3 and a Master on the K-1.
/Gutta Perka
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2012 Location: Gloucester Posts: 1,096 | | Lens Review Date: May 18, 2016 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $1,600.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Relatively light and compact; Renders well, Fairly close focussing | | Cons: | Autofocus could be faster | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: New
Camera Used: Pentax K-1
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I have had this lens for a few years now, and without doubt it is my favourite Pentax lens, narrowly pipping the 77mm f1.8 Limited. It has a very useful focal range, and focuses fairly close, too. And it is very sharp, even wide open. Although it is designated as a APS-C lens, I have found that it works very well on the full-frame K-1 body, with only a little vignetting at the longer focal lengths. The vignetting is small, but quite noticeable at 250mm, reducing with focal length. I didn't do any specific tests to see when the vignetting actually disappears, but it seems to be all but gone at 120 mm at f5.6, as evidenced by the photograph below. In all cases, it will allow a much larger crop than just APS-C sized. The bokeh on the lens is quite pleasing, though I don't tend to use it in situations where background blur is particularly important.
  | | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2015 Posts: 13 | | Lens Review Date: April 5, 2016 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $700.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp telezoom, low CA, silent AF, water resist. | | Cons: | not so big aperture, sharpnes loss @60&250mm, lazy AF, overpriced new | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 9
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-3
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So I bought a copy for a fairly reasonable price, so I can not say that I was disappointed lens. But I would not buy it at the price of "B&H". Someone having more fat wallet may think otherwise. In relation to the optical lens is almost perfect. This "almost" means that if you want to get razor-sharp picture on the extreme focus, you need to stopped down the aperture (at f/5.6 it perfect). Autofocus is very quiet and smooth, thanks to the SDM. But it is more thoughtful than I would like - you can miss the object, if it is very fast. Aperture just slightly out of reach entirely comfortable number, so bokeh can not qualify for a high score, despite the long focal lengths. Just because of this, we will have to increase the ISO in low light conditions. Size and weight are not a problem - they are quite reasonable for such a lens. Size and weight are not a problem - they are quite reasonable for such a lens. In general, the lens is quite compact and reliable made, comfortable to use. There is no backlash.
I also should mention that this is the second instance, which I held in my hands, when I bought it. The first was an internal defect because of which he could not focus to infinity at a focal length 135mm. Something jammed inside so that the focus stop 15 meters. I had to return it to the owner. The second proved to work, and I hope to do a lot of good photos this summer.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: May, 2011 Location: Hanoi Posts: 199 | | Lens Review Date: August 27, 2015 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $1,200.00
| Rating: N/A |
| Pros: | good build, WR | | Cons: | autofocus | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: Pentax K3
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It would be a great statue in the museum of zoom lenses systems. However, the speed of autofocus need to be improved. I would expect to the next generation DFA 70-200 f2.8.
 Rock concert 2014 - Battle ship, on Flickr
 Rock concert 2014 - Battle ship, on Flickr
 5C, on Flickr
 5C, on Flickr
 5C, on Flickr
 Oringchain, on Flickr
 paragliding, on Flickr
paragliding, on Flickr
 paragliding, on Flickr
 paragliding , on Flickr
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: February, 2010 Location: Carlisle Cumbria England Posts: 68 | | Lens Review Date: May 29, 2015 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $1,400.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | light for focal length, sharpness, size, ergonomics | | Cons: | Autofocus not the best for fast action | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K3
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I don't normally bother writing reviews but, I can't let this lens get a bad rap!
For a four and a bit times zoom it is simply fabulous! The range is far more useful than a 70-210 and no doubt sharper than the latter with a 1.4 convertor. One of the Jewels in the Ricoh/Pentax crown.
Add the HD tc to this lens and you have a very versatile and high quality set up.
Thoroughly recommend!
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2012 Posts: 14 | | Lens Review Date: April 16, 2015 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $700.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Constant f/4 | | Cons: | Sharpness at 250 | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Autofocus: 7
Handling: 8
Value: 7
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K-5
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I am not very impressed with 60-250 as I expected more from a "star" lens.
I bought it as a second "walk around" lens to my sigma 17-70 (C). Sigma is a way sharper at similar focal length. And as a telephoto lens I expected it to be better on a long end, but no, it is not quite sharp at 250 mm.
Auto-focus is not quite fast, tend to miss. Maybe I need it serviced up or maybe my copy is not the best.
On the other hand 60-250 delivers bright contrast photos, handles easily and is a real joy to use. Frankly I don't know is it marginally better than 55-300 or not. The latter is smaller, lighter and reaches 300.
 | | | | | New Member Registered: February, 2011 Location: Manchester Posts: 12
1 user found this helpful
| | Lens Review Date: November 23, 2014 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: $900.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, good colour and contrast throughout. | | Cons: | Difference in FOV between 200-250 almost unnoticeable. | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Autofocus: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
New or Used: Used
Camera Used: K5iis
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I wanted another high-quality telephoto that could take me beyond the 200mm that my full-frame set up gives me. My travel-light system being Pentax K-5s and FA Limiteds, I researched this lens extensively and got one very cheap on Ebay, in mint condition. Yesterday, in North of England winter light, I took indoor and outdoor shots in not so promising conditions and I was delighted with the results. The lens is responsive, sharp, with great colour and contrast. It's at its best at f5.6 though f4 is fine, if you're careful. My only disappointment-and perhaps this would have been true of alternatives-is that the FOV between 200mm and 250mm is almost imperceptible-negating some of the reason for buying it. Seeing as the lens IQ is weakest at 250mm, it has affectively become a 60 to 200mm on APS-C for me. This begs the question whether I wouldn't have been better off getting a Sigma or Tamron 70-200mm. I think the size and heft would have been that bit too much. In my modestly sized Kata traveller side-mounted camera bag I can have the 60-250 attached to a K-5 standing on the lens end and have another K-5 with a FA31 attached and a couple more primes underneath, with my Ricoh GR in one of the side pockets. I have an incredibly capable and diverse set up with acceptable if not exactly light weight and hardly bothersome size.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: September, 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 886 | | Lens Review Date: October 27, 2014 | I can recommend this lens: Yes |
Price: N/A
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | 4x zoom, sharp, bokeh, etc, etc | | Cons: | Well, it doesn't focus real close, but that's pretty picky. | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Autofocus: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 8
New or Used: New
Camera Used: K5IIs
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Finally, after more than a year of hemming and hawing, I bought this lens. As I've seen posted so many times before, what was I waiting for  . This lens replaces my DA 55-300, which is a pretty good lens in it's own right, but can't compare with the DA 60-250. The lens is sharp wide open and the bokeh is very smooth and creamy. It's heavier than the 55-300, but I didn't feel it as much as I feared I might. This and the DA 16-50 will be my 2 lens kit for travelling.
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