| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM
This lens really surprised me. I always do tons of research before buying a lens and especially for an expensive one like this.
I started out with a DA 55-300 Pentax lens and was quite happy with it. In the right conditions it really is a good performer. But, I always had my eye on the DA* 60-250 as the ultimate zoom in this range. It took me months of reading everything I could fine plus look at every image available. I knew I wanted it, but the price was out of my range.
Finally over the winter, I decided to start saving up for it plus knew I could sell my 55-300 to help pay for it. Finally, in the last week of March 2012, I pulled the trigger. I was very fortunate since that 5 days later, the price of the lens went to $2000.00 overnight.
This was my first DA* lens, and it is everything that the DA* line is supposed to be. Very well built and feels good in your hands. This was also my first SDM lens, and it was such a treat to hear (or not hear) the focus motor compared to my 55-300. And the lens is heavy, but with the grip installed on my K-5 it balances out quite nicely. I also like to keep the tripod foot installed as it acts as a hand or palm grip. Another very nice feature is how the tripod foot is removed and installed so simply.
The IQ and rendering are nothing short of amazing. This is what you are paying for when you buy an expensive Pentax lens like this. While I normally shoot it at f5.6 for a bit more depth of field, you can shoot it all day long wide op... |
