IanCandler

I have been using Ebay/PayPal for a long time. I find the best and safest way is not to buy from anyone with less than a 98% positive feedback, with at least 100 deals under their belt and only use Paypal. Try to never deal with a newbie. All of this still does not mean you will not get screwed.

Shipping and handling charges can be the the biggest rip off on Ebay.

If one leaves negative feedback, it's a given one will get it back justified or not.

I have had one very bad experience with a total jerk buyer that continued for weeks. This was due to me wandering from my policy.

Even with care I have had many minor problems.

If one uses Ebay be prepared for "Sh-t Happens"

RG.

Dirk,

Incredible Photographer.

Incredible Images.

Incredible Camera.

Incredible Lens.

Cheers. RG.

Helterskelter.

Received the 18-250mm Di II Tamron this morning. Looks like a well built lens.

Hope to try it today.

There has been some discussion on Forums about this lens being made in China. The one I got is made in Japan and has a metal mount. (I read somewhere the mount was plastic.)

RG.

Helterskelter.

Thanks for pointing that out. Sorry for the finger trouble.
Some of the images you previously pointed out from this lens is what got me going on wanting one.

Cheers, RG.

Daniel.

http://www.ppmag.com/bonus/2007/04/pro-review-tamron-spaf-18250-f.html

The above site has a good review and some great examples of what one can do with this lens. Check out the full size images.

I am hoping my K10 and this lens will work for me shooting for the Fire Dep't.
It will be great if I can just take one camera/lens. It's gets very tiring lugging around two lots of gear, changing lenses in a fire/smoke/water environment is just not on.

Where did you try the lens out, are you thinking of getting one ?

We have a training burn on the 8th December, which will be a huge test for this lens. I will certainly post some examples.

Cheers, RG.

Well I just bit the bullet and did it.

Today I purchased a new Tamron 18-250mm Di II for my K10.

I have checked out just about every website including this one for opinions on this lens and came to the conclusion that for the most part it gets very good reviews.

Today I checked Ebay and a guy had just listed one with a Buy Now for $400.00. including a filter and shipping. Needless to say I purchased it.

Will have it next week, can't wait to try it out.

RG.

Try Aperture or Graphic Converter. GC is free, the only restriction with the free version is no Batch Editing and if one closes the program and restarts, there is a few seconds countdown delay before it opens. No big deal. I believe it costs $30-40.00 to buy.

You might be amazed at the features GC has, plus great user guides.

RG.

I am pretty happy with the cost, especially as it looks like its had no use at all and came with the Pentax UV Filter, plus the box, lens bag and manual. Everything mint.

RG.

ZaphodB

Thanks for info.

B&H told me they don't have it.

Just because it may be around, doesn't make it not rare.
I certainly don't believe to be able to find only 3 on ebay (1 used 2new)
and none on the Web, makes it easy to get.

How rare does rare have to be ????

Just out of interest, are they hard to find in the UK ?

Sorry you guys have to pay so much more than we do, I don't think I will sleep tonight now knowing I got such a great deal in comparison !!!!!!!!!

Cheers, RG.

Couple of things to clear up.

I am a Fire Department Photographer ONLY.

Yes I am in the thick of it, but I don't fight fires. I just make a record of just about everything my department gets involved in.

Yes, it can get intense and I have to watch my back, need I state the real work is not done by me, the brave firefighters do that.

Shooting images of structure fires is certainly not boring, one never knows what will happen next and I am pretty much in constant movement. Live burn drills are pretty much worked out and start real slow with smoke drills, roof drills, then the fire drills and finally full a structure burn.

The live fire drill on the 8th December is a bit different as there will be four fire departments involved, much of it will be for training rookies.

It's not required but I like to shoot the drill structures before the burn. This one is yet another older farm house, sitting right near a big new house, with lots of large trees in the immediate area. Also lots of out buildings and barns close by. It will be a tricky burn

Boring. NEVER.

RG.