Mid/wide zoom

Currently I have a K100D with kit 18-55 plus a Tamron 70-300, Old Pentax 50mm (MF) and 1.4 and 2x.
I'm looking to get a mid/wide zoom. I wanted a Sigma 18-125 but they no longer seem to exist. So instead looking at 24-135 (Sigma or Tamron) any views on these and prices I'd xpect to pay in UK. What other lenses should I consider. I don't really want to spend more than £250. Are there any other lenses starting at around 18mm with at least 90mm at the top end? - Also I would consider something around the 24-90 or 24-105 mark.
These type of lenses don't seem to get reviews in the mags so any advice gratefully received.
Cheers
Donut

I've got one of the Sigma 24-135mm F2.8-4 lenses - I bought mine new from a US Ebay seller and I seem to recall it was quite cheap - I recall a couple of other posters here also buying one at around the same time.

I used it for a while in combination with a Sigma 10-20 to give me a decent general purpose 2-lens kit however since getting the Pentax 16-45 I haven't used it anything like as much. Overall I've found it a pretty decent performer optically plus it also has a fairly fast max aperture throughout its zoom range. I can't recall using it much on my K10D however on my DS there were certainly no compatibility issues and it's a pleasant lens to use. The zoom ring operates the opposite way from normal but that doesn't take much getting used to. It AF's fine with a 2x TC as well, which is useful.

The Pentax 24-90 is supposed to be very good however the last one I noticed on Ebay went for something over £200.

The Tamron 18-250 seems to get good reviews and as it's around £300 it's not that much over the price range you mentioned. The Tamron 18-200 is £250 - no idea what that's like though.

I don't suppose you'd like to sell it

Anyone any thoughts on the Sigma 17-70? Might consider this although it isn't really long enough for me it may do especially as it gets good reviews.

Donut

I did consider chucking it on Ebay but I'm still hoping Pentax will bring out a full-frame DSLR and it'd be a great general purpose lens if they do!

I also recomend the Pentax FA 24-90. A very fine general walkabout lens with excellent image quality

apparently there is one on ebay at the moment, it does have dust (apparently) and I don't know if it's got a hood. I have one and I can honestly say it's a fantastic lens which replaced my Sigma 28-105.

Peter

IIRC, the 24-90 was around £450 RRP. Optically superb, and very, very nice on the digital format
I keep um-ing and ah-ing over whether to sell mine off to fund the new DA* lenses... but the 24-90 range is superb as a single lens Decisions decisions

Matt

I contacted the seller regarding this item and was informed that no accessories (presumably hood or caps) were included in the sale.

Steve

Sounds like a great lens but even if it were available it is well above my budget.
Now considering the Sigma 17-70

Donut

They seem to go around the £250 mark second hand... so that's not exactly well above
Matt

I currently use the sigma 28-70mm f2.8 ex lens. It is superb!

It is cheap as well. Just over 200£ brand new....

(depends if the wideangle is good enough for you)

I bought it to replace the kit lens. I'm very pleased I did.

I have a Sigma 17-70 and can highly recommend it. Very sharp and usable wide open. It stays on the camera pretty much all the time. I did consider the Pentax 16-45 but the extra reach of the Sigma swung it for me. I am not disappointed with that decision. Bought from SRS as it is not stocked at most outlets, give Chris a ring, I'm sure he will sort you out.
Harry