No, it's still available. I did have a close offer today, but I declined as I've already lowered the asking price to the minimum that I'd accept.

I could find out the postage cost to NL if you're interested? If so, maybe we should discuss on my thread in the classifieds: Pentax SMC DA 18-250mm or by PM.

another typo in the first line. When reading, please replace "..., haven't a large sensor..." with ".., having a large sensor...".

Meanwhile, I'll be writing out "I must proof-read my posts first" 100 times...

Actually, having thought about it, haven't a larger sensor wouldn't work. As it moved, each pixel would be seeing different parts of the image from before.

The lens coverage area has to be the one which is larger. When the camera shakes, the sensor moves within the expanded coverage area such that any given pixel continues to see the same source.

Either way would have worked. My understanding though is that Pentax opted for standard APS-C sized sensors and lenses with over-sized coverage. (Probably because it would cost more and waste pixels the other way.)

^^ Typing omission: First line should have read "...an area larger than..." etc.

Just a thought. The current DA lenses need to cover an area than the APS-C sensor due to the Shake Reduction feature, which of course works by moving the sensor slightly relative to the body and lens. Thus they all cover a larger proportion of a 35mm film negative than one might otherwise imagine. It follows that, if a Pentax FF DSLR had SR, it would need a lens covering a larger area than 35mm film. So the tests people have done so far mounting a DA lens on an film SLR might not be as relevant as we think.

As I say, just a thought.

First a disclaimer in the interests of transparency. I'm the chap selling the DA 18-250 in the classifieds, but I'll try not to let that influence my advice.

From your budget, I'm wondering if you were intending to buy new. The only 18-250 lens still available new in a Pentax mount that I know of is the Sigma f3.5-5.6. SRS have them on offer for £350, which would fit nicely. I considered it along with a new Tamron 18-200 when I was buying but, having scoured the interweb and read as many online reviews as I could find, discounted both new lenses in favour of the used Pentax. The Tamron 18-200 seems to universally underwhelm all who use it, and the few reviews of the Sigma that I could find indicated that it would be too soft for my tastes.

There were a lot of positive reviews of the DA 18-250 though. Personally I like the colours and I was surprised at the improved sharpness compared to the 18-55WR kit lens over the same range. At the long end I don't think it's quite as sharp as the 55-300, but it doesn't disgraces itself either.

As you may know, the DA 18-250 was closely related to its contemporary Tamron 18-250 and the Samsung 18-250, and all three are believed to share an internal design. The other two tend to be available on the used market at slightly lower prices so are also worth considering. The flip side with that pair is you lose on the SMC lens coatings, in-body lens corrections (though I'm not sure the K20D supports that) and a little resale value.

I think whether the IR remote can reliably be used from behind or not depends more on the camera than the remote. My K10D had IR sensors back and front, whereas my K-30 only has a sensor at the front.

The alternative is to use a wired cable release that plugs into the body. I have a couple of cheapies, and both have a locking action that can hold their shutter buttons down until I want to release them. Both do the job but a Pentax one would be better quality no doubt.

I bought one of my cheapies from Amazon for £3.50 (just this week, co-incidentally). link

I hadn't heard of the Rule of 600 before, so I just Googled it. Seems like a useful rule of thumb to remember. Another thing learnt from this forum!

Just wondering, should it not be the Rule of 400 on our crop sensors?

Thanks Sharon and Weinelm for your 18-250 endorsements!

Having been watching the classifieds forum for a few weeks, it seems to a poor time of year to be selling lenses generally. And, you're right Sharon, it's probably an especially bad time to be selling a 'travel lens' (though I too think it's so much more than that). By contrast, in the spring and summer these don't seem to hang around for long here at £270-odd.

I've a parallel 'Buy It Now' listing for it on ebay that has a dozen watchers but, as yet, no takers. Mind you, I'm having to ask £275 there to cover their commission. I'm going to let that listing run until it expires but I'd much rather see it go to a forum member than sell there...

So is anyone interested at £240? (+RMSD and PayPal fees if applic.)

And if anyone is worried about that tiny dust speck then please don't be. It's actually quite hard to see it at all under natural light but in the photo the flash positioned camera left makes it much more noticeable. If a forum buyer thinks it's a problem on receipt I'll take the lens back. And if they think I've misrepresented the lens in anyway, I'd refund their postage too.

Please no offers though. The new £240 +RMSD/fees is already my 'best price'.

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