18-200mm or 18-250mm
Posted 26/09/2010 - 20:41
Link
Tell us a bit more about why you want to upgrade, and we could probably help some more.
The best all in one lenses are pretty good, but won't perform notably better than your existing kit lens, and won't outperform the Pentax 50-200 (which is not very much bigger than your kit lens, so a compact twin lens solution might be preferable to a bulky one lens one).
From what I remember, the Sigma 18-200 was not considered to be one of the better superzooms, and the Pentax/Tamron 18-250 is rather better - if you can find one secondhand. Try SRS and you'll also often find them in places like London Camera Exchange secondhand (LCEgroup dot com) and they'll post to you.
If what you are after is more telephoto reach, the best quality option that is still affordable is probably to stick with your 18-55 lens and add the 55-300 to your collection.
The best all in one lenses are pretty good, but won't perform notably better than your existing kit lens, and won't outperform the Pentax 50-200 (which is not very much bigger than your kit lens, so a compact twin lens solution might be preferable to a bulky one lens one).
From what I remember, the Sigma 18-200 was not considered to be one of the better superzooms, and the Pentax/Tamron 18-250 is rather better - if you can find one secondhand. Try SRS and you'll also often find them in places like London Camera Exchange secondhand (LCEgroup dot com) and they'll post to you.
If what you are after is more telephoto reach, the best quality option that is still affordable is probably to stick with your 18-55 lens and add the 55-300 to your collection.
Posted 26/09/2010 - 20:48
Link
I'm really wanting an all in one lens so I don't have to keep changing out in the field, so to speak. I'll have a look for the Pentax/Tamron 18-250 and see if I can find one anywhere!!
"Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine" - Elvis Aaron Presley
Currently using a K-X with 18-55mm kit lens - but hoping to upgrade soon!!!
Currently using a K-X with 18-55mm kit lens - but hoping to upgrade soon!!!
Posted 26/09/2010 - 21:35 - Helpful Comment
Link
I have a Sigma 18-200 and use it on my K110d.
The lens performs well, the only thing to note is the 'long' end actually stops around 180mm.
I also have a Tamron 18-250 on my K200d and find this lens more useful, although image quality from both lenses is good.
This was taken with the Tamron and this with the Sigma,
Hope that helps.
The lens performs well, the only thing to note is the 'long' end actually stops around 180mm.
I also have a Tamron 18-250 on my K200d and find this lens more useful, although image quality from both lenses is good.
This was taken with the Tamron and this with the Sigma,
Hope that helps.
Cheers, HG
K110+DA40, K200+DA35, K3 and a bag of lenses, bodies and other bits.
Mustn't forget the Zenits, or folders, or...
PPG entries.
K110+DA40, K200+DA35, K3 and a bag of lenses, bodies and other bits.
Mustn't forget the Zenits, or folders, or...
PPG entries.
Posted 26/09/2010 - 22:26
Link
I can highly recommend the Tammy 18-250mm. I haven't used the 200mm models but they don't have good reputation! You might want to consider the 17-70 as well (pentax or sigma).
Digital: KP, Film: KX, ME Super
Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6, Tamron 17-50mm f2.8, Pentax 16-85mm, Pentax DA 20-40 ltd
Pentax 21mm f3.2 ltd, Sigma 24mm f2.8 macro, Pentax 28mm f2.8, Pentax 35mm f2.8 macro, Pentax 43mm f1.9 LTD, Pentax 50mm FA f1.7, Pentax A 50mm f1.7, Pentax K 55mm f1.8, Pentax DA* 55mm f1.4
Metz 36 AF-4
Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6, Tamron 17-50mm f2.8, Pentax 16-85mm, Pentax DA 20-40 ltd
Pentax 21mm f3.2 ltd, Sigma 24mm f2.8 macro, Pentax 28mm f2.8, Pentax 35mm f2.8 macro, Pentax 43mm f1.9 LTD, Pentax 50mm FA f1.7, Pentax A 50mm f1.7, Pentax K 55mm f1.8, Pentax DA* 55mm f1.4
Metz 36 AF-4
Posted 26/09/2010 - 22:41
Link
what about the DA 18-135, this lens will come out next month so nobody know how it is or the price.
It doesn't have the reach as the superzooms but to be honest they aren't great at the long end so all in all you won't be missing a lot if the DA 18-135 preforms well that is.
It doesn't have the reach as the superzooms but to be honest they aren't great at the long end so all in all you won't be missing a lot if the DA 18-135 preforms well that is.
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Posted 26/09/2010 - 23:19 - Helpful Comment
Link
I have just bought the Sigma 18-250 for the same reason you want one. After a lot of research I decided it was a better lens than the Tamron, and a lot better than the Sigma 18 -200 and so far am very pleased with it. In fact I would say more pleased than I expected to be
Posted 27/09/2010 - 12:43
Link
I had the Tamron but found it was rather flat.
I appreciate what you are saying about not wanting to change lenses, but the only good time for a zoom like this is when you simply cannot carry all your equipment. You won't get anything like the quality you will get simply by buying a second lens, and to be honest, superzooms will make you a worse photographer because you will stand in one spot and zoom rather than looking for the photo you should be taking.
I agree that you would be far better looking at the 50-200 - it is a much better lens (although not a brilliant lens, for that you want the 60-250). You can get a used 50-200 for under £100 at SRS (or others) giving you cash to spare.
I appreciate what you are saying about not wanting to change lenses, but the only good time for a zoom like this is when you simply cannot carry all your equipment. You won't get anything like the quality you will get simply by buying a second lens, and to be honest, superzooms will make you a worse photographer because you will stand in one spot and zoom rather than looking for the photo you should be taking.
I agree that you would be far better looking at the 50-200 - it is a much better lens (although not a brilliant lens, for that you want the 60-250). You can get a used 50-200 for under £100 at SRS (or others) giving you cash to spare.
Posted 27/09/2010 - 14:42
Link
Quote:
I had the Tamron but found it was rather flat.
I found this, but after updating the software in my K200d I now have no worries at all and love the lens
I had the Tamron but found it was rather flat.
Cheers, HG
K110+DA40, K200+DA35, K3 and a bag of lenses, bodies and other bits.
Mustn't forget the Zenits, or folders, or...
PPG entries.
K110+DA40, K200+DA35, K3 and a bag of lenses, bodies and other bits.
Mustn't forget the Zenits, or folders, or...
PPG entries.
Posted 27/09/2010 - 15:08
Link
If a superzoom is wanted for its advantage of avoiding changing lenses and general versatility the Pentax version of the 18-250 has a slight advantage over the Tamron version as with it you can use distortion and chromatic aberation correction in camera with the newer Pentax bodies. This applies to jpegs only.
Archie
Archie
Archie
Posted 27/09/2010 - 16:04 - Helpful Comment
Link
greynolds i'd like to see a comparison between the 18-250mm (whichever make I don't think they're any different) and the 50-200mm you mention.
I doubt the quality will be much better...? (i'm asking)
Having a 18-250mm is very handy especially when travelling, if you do need to do specific shots that require only one range, then yes it makes sense to have specific lenses, otherwise this is the best compromise you can get. (and i believe they are CLEARLY UNDER-RATED).
Satnin since you're looking for an upgrade i would say (keeping it under your 250 budget):
- 16-45mm: very good lens but 45mm is short
- 17-35mm sigma: very good lens too but even shorter
- 17-70mm sigma or pentax: haven't tried it, apparently soft above 50mm but have good reviews otherwise (pretty much everyone on this forum owns one!)
- 17-50mm f2.8 tamron: haven't tried it but according to reviews the best of the range (i'm after one myself)
- 18-200mm (sigma or tam): as mentioned i do not know these lenses but bad reputation so would avoid, you'll cover more but it wont be an upgrade
- 18-250mm (tammy or pentax): very good if you just want to take good pictures and not worry about changing lenses all the time, I bought a tammy version (which is quite cold), it takes really good pictures and is very handy, not sure it's a proper upgrade comparing to the kit lens (which is very good), but having the 55-250mm extra will definitely give you more options (knowing that it gets a bit soft on the longer end...)
Anyway that's just my opinion,
I doubt the quality will be much better...? (i'm asking)
Having a 18-250mm is very handy especially when travelling, if you do need to do specific shots that require only one range, then yes it makes sense to have specific lenses, otherwise this is the best compromise you can get. (and i believe they are CLEARLY UNDER-RATED).
Satnin since you're looking for an upgrade i would say (keeping it under your 250 budget):
- 16-45mm: very good lens but 45mm is short
- 17-35mm sigma: very good lens too but even shorter
- 17-70mm sigma or pentax: haven't tried it, apparently soft above 50mm but have good reviews otherwise (pretty much everyone on this forum owns one!)
- 17-50mm f2.8 tamron: haven't tried it but according to reviews the best of the range (i'm after one myself)
- 18-200mm (sigma or tam): as mentioned i do not know these lenses but bad reputation so would avoid, you'll cover more but it wont be an upgrade
- 18-250mm (tammy or pentax): very good if you just want to take good pictures and not worry about changing lenses all the time, I bought a tammy version (which is quite cold), it takes really good pictures and is very handy, not sure it's a proper upgrade comparing to the kit lens (which is very good), but having the 55-250mm extra will definitely give you more options (knowing that it gets a bit soft on the longer end...)
Anyway that's just my opinion,
Digital: KP, Film: KX, ME Super
Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6, Tamron 17-50mm f2.8, Pentax 16-85mm, Pentax DA 20-40 ltd
Pentax 21mm f3.2 ltd, Sigma 24mm f2.8 macro, Pentax 28mm f2.8, Pentax 35mm f2.8 macro, Pentax 43mm f1.9 LTD, Pentax 50mm FA f1.7, Pentax A 50mm f1.7, Pentax K 55mm f1.8, Pentax DA* 55mm f1.4
Metz 36 AF-4
Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6, Tamron 17-50mm f2.8, Pentax 16-85mm, Pentax DA 20-40 ltd
Pentax 21mm f3.2 ltd, Sigma 24mm f2.8 macro, Pentax 28mm f2.8, Pentax 35mm f2.8 macro, Pentax 43mm f1.9 LTD, Pentax 50mm FA f1.7, Pentax A 50mm f1.7, Pentax K 55mm f1.8, Pentax DA* 55mm f1.4
Metz 36 AF-4
Posted 27/09/2010 - 16:38
Link
If you were looking to improve your shots and could spend £399, then stick with the kit lens until you get a good deal on a 16-45 or 17-50 and pick up the sigma 50-150mm f2.8 for £350 from SRS. That's a great deal on a seriously good lens. Put the £50 in a fund for a second hand one of the shorter zooms. I had good success with the 16-45, trading it for the Tamron 17-50 which I'm really impressed with (I love natural light shots, so traded the 16-45mm simply because the tamron had a faster maximum aperture).
Posted 27/09/2010 - 18:08 - Helpful Comment
Link
Quote:
- 18-200mm (sigma or tam): as mentioned i do not know these lenses but bad reputation so would avoid,
Where does this 'bad reputation' come from?- 18-200mm (sigma or tam): as mentioned i do not know these lenses but bad reputation so would avoid,
I use a Sigma 18-200 and have no problems with it, like wise several other members have this lens and are happy!
I can only assume somebody on a canikony site didn't like it on their(poorer) body so said it was cr**!
Don't go by hearsay, go by experience. my copy is Fine and I wouldn't put anybody off trying one.
Cheers, HG
K110+DA40, K200+DA35, K3 and a bag of lenses, bodies and other bits.
Mustn't forget the Zenits, or folders, or...
PPG entries.
K110+DA40, K200+DA35, K3 and a bag of lenses, bodies and other bits.
Mustn't forget the Zenits, or folders, or...
PPG entries.
Posted 29/09/2010 - 20:08
Link
Thanks for all the advice. I've decided to stick within my more realistic budget and go for the Sigma 18-200mm - thanks for the sample pictures Hardgravity, they really helped me to make up my mind!!
"Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine" - Elvis Aaron Presley
Currently using a K-X with 18-55mm kit lens - but hoping to upgrade soon!!!
Currently using a K-X with 18-55mm kit lens - but hoping to upgrade soon!!!
Add Comment
To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.
8 posts
16 years
YO32 4AP
Currently using a K-X with 18-55mm kit lens - but hoping to upgrade soon!!!