TAMRON 28-300mm 3.5 - 6.3 for PENTAX model 185D
I found very quickly (and to my cost) then its best to bypass old lenses at good prices (unless they are stellar performers) and save for something decent from the outset.
There is a link to the 185D HERE which Google will translate into English.
If mostly interested in the telephoto end, you'll probably get better results from a Pentax 55-300mm or a Tamron 70-300mm.
I am mostly interested in the telephoto end, so if this one does not cut it, I'll take your advice Pete, and look at the Tamron 70-300mm. Our local Duncan and Wright store has the Tamron AF 70-300MM F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 for Pentax for $30.00 more then the used one, or the Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Pentax for about double that.
Thanks for the advice. I appreciate you taking the time to provide your input.
JD
"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."
-Ansel Adams
Worth checking prices before you buy, though, as the price you're quoting ($230?) is at the upper end of the price range for this lens in the UK.
https://pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/barrieforbes
https://www.flickr.com/photos/189482630@N03/
Thanks to everyone for your advice and suggestions. I spent the day today trying a variety of lenses. Here's the list:
Used Tamron 28-300 - 185D: $200.00 - not at all what I was looking for. The IQ was just not there at the max tele end - very soft (almost seemed out of focus), and lots of colour aberration. I had anticipated this to a certain degree, but had to see it for myself.
New Tamron AF 70-300MM F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2: $229.00 - sharp photos, but quite strong purple fringing at the long end. I liked this lens a lot, and if not for the fringing, I would have bought this one.
New Pentax smc DA 55-300 mm F4 - 5.8ED: $500.00 - beautiful, clear, sharp photos - no fringing - gorgeous! But unfortunately currently out of my budget .
SIGMA 70-300MM 4-5.6 APO DG MACRO: $319.00 - Image quality was comparable to the Pentax smc DA 55-300 - crisp, clear photos, with no fringing. It was at the high end of what I wanted to spend, but I was impressed enough to put my money into this lens.
Thanks again to everyone,
JD
"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."
-Ansel Adams
Cedric
IMHO forget the Tamron, I found it to back focus by miles on my K10. Never even bothered to put it on the K20.
Cedric
Which Tamron do you mean?
https://pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/barrieforbes
https://www.flickr.com/photos/189482630@N03/
Cedric
https://pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/barrieforbes
https://www.flickr.com/photos/189482630@N03/
Cedric
You can see some samples (I'll have to wait till tomorrow to post to the gallery):
http://picasaweb.google.com/RobStr86/SundayAtLasallePark# http://picasaweb.google.com/RobStr86/Princess_Point_Park#
I did tweak some of them for exposure, but there was absolutely no fringing in any of them. I think I love this lens
JD
"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."
-Ansel Adams
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
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14 years
I am a new Pentax K-x owner - my first DSLR. I have an opportunity to pick up a TAMRON 28-300mm 3.5 - 6.3, model 185D at a pretty good price. Does anyone have experience with this lens? Any advice you would offer a newbie? Is it worth purchasing this lens?
Thanks for your help,
JD
"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."
-Ansel Adams