Sorry, 18-250 question again !!

I've been reading reviews & trawled through a few forums looking at info on the 18-250 lens (probably the Tamron version due to cost).

I currently own the 50-200 which I'm reasonably happy with but with a few travels on the horizon I'm seriously considering replacing it with the 18-250.

Do any users have experience of both of these lenses. I'm intrigued to know the "Pros & cons" of swapping the 50-200 for the 18-250 ?

thanks

Simon

Aren't all the 18-250 lenses quite large compared to the 50-200?

I bought the Samsung version of the 50-200 and it's a really pleasing lens. So simple, light small and it seems to be very sharp.

It's made me really wonder about the size of the Sigma 10-20 I bought which is something of a whopper in comparison.

Mike

Thought I would do a size comparison for ya!

By gum that Pentax 18-250 is (initially) very compact. There's a lot of merit in that IMO.

Mike

Hi Simon

Re your question:

Having never handled the 50-200mm before, I cannot comment on it's optical or handling abilities but have been delighted with the results I've obtained with my Tamron 18-250mm over the past seven months. It is not uncommon to hear disparaging remarks concerning zoom lenses emanating from the 'prime-lens brigade', but I cannot imagine a more convenient product from the standpoint of a general 'walkaround' lens. By now I reckon that enough photographers have had the opportunity of purchasing either the Tamron or the latest Pentax variant of this superzoom to conclude that it is a fine lens which suits most requirements, except perhaps in very low lighting situations, where a larger maximum aperture might be desirable. The additional usefulness of the 27.5mm wide-angle (in 35mm film terms) coverage cannot be underestimated either !!! I wholly concur with Mike's observation:
Here are a few photos illustrating the Tamron's quality:

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/83871-post6.html
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/83875-post7.html

And finally a shot illustrating the 18-250's macro feature:
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/136007-post15.html

Hope this helps towards clarifying your eventual purchasing decision,

Best regards
Richard

couldn't agree more. Helterskelter.

I use primes where the job demands it, and zooms where I can...
up to 11x14 the differences are negligable. But try taking the same shot my trusty 28-200, (at 50mm) and my 50mm 1.4 and blow the final images up to 20x30 inches. at ten feet from the print, hard to tell, but at ten inches....night and day. also try both at low light levels...
so end use matters.

Couple of examples of the range. Not fantastic shots I know, but 1st shot is at 18mm, 2nd one at 250mm, obviously from the same location! As taken, no PP, just reduced to 20% for the forum.

Good to see you have a willing assistant to carry what looks like a heavy tripod! I hope she didn't leave the bag behind though!
Mike

Well, she did offer!

On a different note, she was only carrying the tripod because I recently bought a Slingshot 300 bag. Thought it would be a good idea instead of my usual Tamrac Expedition 7, but there is nowhere to carry a tripod on it.

Also, after carrying the bag around for a couple of hours with all the new glass in it, it really hurt my shoulder, can still feel the effects now. The Tamrac has very well padded straps, and even with double the weight, it is a hell of a lot more comfortable.

I bought a Tamrac 7 as well. Good bag although it's tight for space with three zooms and two primes so those of you that have more lenses might struggle. The top section is Ok for sandwiches etc. so I'm happy enough.

FWIW I did Best Offer on the Aspen eBay shop and got one for £38 so you can try for less than that!

Mike

Mike, are you sure we have the same bag, mine sounds a lot bigger than that!

Whoops brain out of gear - yours is the much larger expedition mine is the measly adventure!

Old age taking its toll.

Mike

Not fantastic shots??

Personally I think the subject matter is excellent! And yes, that tripod was very heavy (and I was taking a macro shot at the same time in the second photo!)

As for the new "glass". Having seen the results I will definitely be nicking it when he's not looking!

I'll definitely be buying the 18-250 for an upcoming trip, having read every review going it seems the ideal travel lens

simon