18-200 choice on K10D

I'm thinking about buying an 18-200mm lens for my K10D.

There are three on offer from Pentax, Sigma and Tamron.

As it's for general use when I can't be bothered to change lenses I don't need to go for the more expensive Pentax model so it's really between the Sigma and the Tamron offerings. (The Sigma is the 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Lens - Pentax AF Fit).

Which should I get - the Sigma or the Tamron?

I've not answered the poll as I think neither....

The Tamron 18-250 is the ONLY superzoom I would consider, by most accounts it's IQ etc is the best of the bunch

simon

Thank you for that Simon. I don't really need 250mm - I can get one of the lenses I mentioned for £200 and that's about as much as I wish to pay for the use I have in mind.

Would you opine that Tamron products are generally better than Sigma?

Sorry, I (wrongly) assumed you meant the 18-250 Tamron when I voted. I haven't used these lenses but I am interested in them and the research I've done so far suggests this is the one you should go for. It does seem to have a good review from everyone that has one.

To be honest I'm not an expert on these lenses & don't personally own one - I have read lots of information/reviews about them however as I'm still considering purchasing the 18-250..

Regarding Tamron/Sigma from what I've read in this range the Tamron lenses seem to be a little sharper, although still not great the Tamron do have downsides too, namely Purple fringing/CA

After much reading on the superzooms the only lens which seems to have a positive consensus amongst owners & most reviews is the Tamron 18-250

simon

OK well thanks for that Simon. I'll have a look at it.

there's probably a good reason the Tamron 18-250 is also sold as the Pentax DA 18-250.

Ah... I was wondering about that - there seem to be a number of lenses with the Pentax / Tamron / Samsung badges that have identical specs. Are they all made by the same manufacturer. And what about Sigma - are they included?

The Samsung lenses are extremely similar to Pentax's, and apparently are made in the same factory.

There are more differences with With Pentax/Tamron. For example the Tamron 18-250 doesn't have Quick Shift focusing.

I've not seen Sigma lenses linked with any other brands. They are certainly completely different from Tamron's and Pentax's anyway.

With all these big Japanese makes, you mustn't think of any one being better than another. You need to research each individual lens that you are interested in.

truer words were rarely spoken.

with regard to the quick shift, I'm pretty sure the 18-250 is the only pentax DA lens which doesn't have quick shift. There certainly are cosmetic differences but they are pretty minor and very similar to the FA28-200 vs Tamron 28-200.

Mongoose is right. Pentax 18-250 does not have Quick Shift. (I forgot that).

Phtozone.de say it is "licensed from Tamron".