The new 18-135 WR doesn't have distance markings either, and it's not a low end lens judging by the RRP....does seem to have a hood though.

As Jon said, I have found that this lens is at its best at f8/f11, and try not to use it at f5.6, as the edges especially get soft. f16 is not as good as f8, but still ok, but I never go beyond that.

Thanks I-berg, I think I will have to see the lens myself before making any decision, but I doubt I will go for it. It is interesting, however, that the only reference I can find to this lens says that only 8 are known of, and this isn't one of them, so I guess that makes 9. It does make me wonder if its wortha punt purely for selling it on at some point.

I am in Melborne at the end of October, so will have a look at it then. Meanwhile, if you fancy a look yourself, pm me and I'll send you his details. He works in one of the camera shops in town.

Strange, I just got an email from the guy who has this lens saying that in fact the thread is 35mm (must be 37mm) So I guess I would not be able to use this lens at all. Shame really, sounded interesting. If anyone is interested in this lens I'd be happy to put you in touch with the guy. Model and serial number are Takumar 83mm f1.9 no 84008.

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

Seems I had tthe same problem the lens distortion feature was turned on. thanks for the help! i will stick to doing lens corrections in ACR.

OK thanks for that I'll email them.

I'll have to look into this: technically, I imported the lens into Qatar, which has a 4% import duty (which I didn't pay ).

I can't find anything on the guarantee that says it is conditional on proof of payment of import duty. Surely if I needed it fixed in the UK, as I live abroad, I am not importing it into the UK anyway?

Hopefully I'll never need to use the guarantee, but I would be a bit p%^**ed off if I couldn't get it fixed under warranty should the need arise.

What about the world-wide guarantee that you get with new equipment? For example, the Sigma 18-250 I just bought in Oz has a guarantee that says I can take it to any authorised Sigma dealer. Surely that stands irrespective of how I imported it?

I think I would run away from a woman throwing vegetables at me.