Pentax 18-250 query

I am looking for an 18-250mm, either Tamron or Pentax, and have found a Pentax one in a camera shop in Scotland. I notice that they also have a silver K200D,which along with the lens is listed as "just in".

The shop is closed until Tue,so I wonder if any of you can help with a question I have in my mind, was the Pentax 18-250mm ever made in silver ?

Also, is there any difference between the Pentax and Tamron version in terms of IQ ? be gentle if that sounds daft


anyone able to help ?
regards Donald

The Pentax 18-250mm was never made in Silver afaik (but maybe proved wrong). The Tamron/Pentax lenses are identical apart from external markings although no one is quite sure if the front element coating is the same. It is said on the other forum that the Tamron performs slightly better IQ wise,

I actually have a Tamron version for sale on the forum if you are interested.

As far as I know the Pentax and Tamron are the same as regards IQ. They are both made in Japan by Tamron. One point to consider is that if you have a K-7 which has among the menu options the ability to correct distortion and chromatic aberations electronically is that it only works with Pentax lenses - not with Tamrons. Of course the same corrections can be applied in pp if needed but involves more work.

Archie