Pentax DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL IF Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras

Pentax DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL IF Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras
by Pentax

Pentax DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL IF Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras
List Price: $499.95
Our Price: $432.23
You Save: $67.72 (14%)
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Buy Used: from $401.99 (click here)
Category: Digital Camera
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Digital product summary information

Manufacturer: Pentax
Model: 258693
Product features:
  • 14x zoom range of 18-250mm makes this the ideal all-around lens
  • ED element and two aspherical elements compensate for chromatic and spherical aberration
  • Focal length equivalent to 27.5mm to 383mm in the 35mm format
  • Lens focuses as close as 18 inches throughout the entire zoom range
  • Internal focus mechanism prevents the front lens element and lens barrels from moving during focusing
Accessories:

Digital camera reviews of Pentax DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL IF Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras

Digital camera Review: Not great, but not horrible
Summary: 3 Stars

At first glance the Pentax DA 18-250 looks beefy--and it is...in size that is. Performance wise it leaves a lot to be desired. First off the autofocus is very loud and slow as molasses. And trying to focus manually is even worse. The focus is way to sensitive for fine tuning. The lens also makes a grinding noise when focusing in manual mode.

But the biggest put off of all is the extreme vignetting (darkening) at the corners when zoomed all the way out. I didn't think that it would be this much of a problem when I read reviews about this lens.

About the only stellar feature this lens has is it's huge zoom range. assuming you are at a family picnic at noon on a sunny day and your backyard is as big as a football field, this lens is a good option, if you don't mind the dismal low light performance.

I am undecided if I want to keep this lens or not as a travel all-in-one super zoom, but using it indoors... I would definitely not even consider it.

Pros:
Excellent zoom range, almost unparalleled.
Decent focusing under adequate light.

Cons:
Really bad vignetting .
Zoom is not smooth to operate.
Focus is too touchy. Forget about fine tuning focus--it ain't gonna happen with this lens.
Focus makes grinding noise when in manual mode.
Lens is one stop slower at the extreme end than other lens with even longer focal lengths (I already knew this when I bought it but just something to keep in mind).

Just as a reminder, there has been lots of misinformation spreading around ***This lens does NOT have quick shift or macro capabilities!***



Summary of Pentax DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL IF Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras

What a range! The smc PENTAX DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 ED AL [IF] interchangeable zoom lens, designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras, will provide just about all the coverage you'll need. With an approximate 14X zoom ratio covering from wide-angle to super-telephoto ranges, this versatile lens handles a great variety of applications from wide-angle landscapes to close-up sporting events and wildlife photography.
Designed for exclusive use with Pentax and Samsung digital SLR cameras, the DA 18-250mm interchangeable zoom lens gives you just about all the coverage you'll ever need. With an approximate 14x room ratio, this versatile lens handles a great variety of applications, from wide-angle landscapes to close-up sporting events and wildlife photography. Features include ED element and two aspherical elements that compensate for chromatic and spherical aberration; a focal length equivalent to 27.5mm to 383mm in the 35mm format; a close focus range of 18 inches throughout the entire zoom range; and an internal focus mechanism that prevents the front lens element and lens barrels from moving during focusing.

  • Angle of view: 76 to 6.5 degrees
  • Diaphragm: Fully automatic
  • Minimum aperture: f/22-45
  • Number of aperture blades: 7
  • Metering system: TTL open aperture metering
  • Minimum focus distance: 1.48 feet
  • Filter diameter: 62mm
  • Maximum magnification: 0.28x
  • Lens mount: Pentax KAF2
  • Hood: PH-RBB 62mm
  • Dimensions: 3 inches in diameter and 3.4 inches long
  • Weight: 16 ounces (without hood)
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