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Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras
- Price: $549.00
- Instant Savings: -$150.00 Offer ends JUN 30 '13
- You Pay: $399.00
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # SI1825035MP
- Mfr# 883-109
Product Highlights
- Wide-Angle to Telephoto Zoom Macro Lens
- For Pentax K APS-C Cameras Only
- Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM)
- Thermally Stable Composite Material
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 13.7"
- 4 Special Low Dispersion (SLD) Elements
- 3 Aspherical Glass Elements
- Super Multi-Layer Lens Coating
- Brass Made Bayonet Mount
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If you have a Pentax camera with a smaller-size APS-C sensor and K mount, then the 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM from Sigma is an incredibly versatile lens that is a real jack-of-all-trades lens you can carry in any situation. With a focal length spanning from a wide-angle 18mm up to a 250 mm telephoto zoom, with macro capabilities to boot, Sigma's 18-250mm could easily be your camera's first all-in-one lens, or a great replacement for several smaller lenses that you're looking to consolidate.
Sigma redesigned the optical and structural design of this lens in order to achieve a relatively compact size, at 4.0" long, as well as a close minimum focusing distance of 13.8" for macro photography. Their Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) construction maintains the structure of the lens, with little variation despite changing temperatures. The lens also incorporates a brass-made bayonet mount, to further reinforce the lenses durability and resistance to wear and tear over time.
The minimum focusing distance is the same throughout the focal length of the entire zoom range, and provides a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9. As an added benefit over fixed focal length macro lenses, the size and framing of subjects can quickly and easily be adjusted by rotating the zoom ring. For even further convenience, at each focusing distance on the side of the lens barrel, the maximum magnification ratio is also displayed.
For high image quality, you know you've got to have high quality glass, and Sigma has incorporated their Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element into the 18-250mm. In addition to the SLD element, three aspherical lenses, including a double-sided aspherical lens, have been used in the lens' construction--offering excellent correction of color aberration, for better clarity and quality of images throughout the zoom range.
A Super Multi-Layer Coating has also been employed to reduce flare and ghosting with this lens. This makes it resistant to strong incident light, such as backlight behind a subject, providing sharper, high contrast images even shooting into a light source. To prevent internal reflections from occurring, the included petal-type lens hood can be attached in order to block out extraneous light.
For a lens that offers a wide-angle to telephoto focal length, and the ability to zoom-in with macro photography, Sigma's 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM made for Pentax cameras is more than a match. Whether you're on a macro product shoot, a walk in the park, or have a wedding to go to, this lens will help you shoot high quality images in any situation.
- Possibilities as Wide as its Zoom Range
- Going from an 18mm wide-angle lens in the park, to an 85mm portrait lens at a wedding, and later attaching a heavy 250mm lens for wildlife or sport photography means you'll have to carry pounds of gear around with you, by hand or on your back, all day long. With the 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM, you won't have to risk dust entering your Pentax camera body, dropping one of your lenses as the bride's aunt runs into you with a glass of wine, or fumbling to switch to your zoom lens as you watch an eagle soar away--missing opportunities because you had the wrong lens at the time
- In Close, or Wide Open
- Not only is the zoom range excellent for a variety of situations, but the focus range is also conducive to macro photography--with the added benefit of zooming in on the tiniest textures or creatures. With a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9 you can get an up-close and personal shot of the petals of a flower, then immediately zoom out and catch a group photo before anyone blinks
- Compact Construction
- Incorporating double-sided aspherical lenses, and redesigning the lenses construction, Sigma has made improvements in keeping this lens at a relatively compact size, yet still achieving an outstanding zoom range. The filter thread diameter has been reduced to 62mm--while, with a 13x zoom range, the length of the lens still remains a mere 3.4" long
- Tough Exterior, yet Quality Interior
- While the design and construction of the lens has kept it relatively compact, the new Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material has been used to keep it strong and resistant to weathering effects. In addition, a brass made bayonet mount reinforces the strength applied to the surface of the lens. The combination of these features leads to reduced contractility with changing temperatures, a higher quality of lens construction, and allows for slimmer parts to be used--keeping it compact and strong
- Flares, Aberrations, and Ghosting. Oh my!
- Everybody says you should invest in your glass, and Sigma's 18-250mm provides just the way for you to do that. With three Aspherical glass elements that offer correction for distortion. Four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements that provide optimum color correction and sharpness, as well as a Super Multi-Layer lens coating that reduces flare and ghosting. This array of optical features assure high image quality throughout the entire zoom range, and widely varying lighting situations
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18 - 250 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 6.3 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Pentax K |
| Format Compatibility | DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Angle of View | 76.5° - 6.5° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 13.8" (35.05 cm) |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2.9 |
| Groups/Elements | 13/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | Front: 62 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.9 x 3.5" (7.37 x 8.89 cm) |
| Weight | 1.04 lb (0.47 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 12 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (11)
- Strong construction (7)
- Consistent output (5)
- Durable (5)
- Easily interchangeable (4)
Cons
- Lens creep (3)
- Poor in low light (3)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (10)
- Wildlife photos (7)
- Macro photography (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (5), Semi-pro photographer (4), Casual photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (12)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 12 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Rugged
Cons
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Travelgeneral Walkaround
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
Purchased for use on guided tour vacations. Used on ~3 week trip around Aegean. Very flexible: wide angles of Parthenon; telephoto of ships on Bosporus; good close-ups of small objects in museums. Image quality is excelleent at shorter focal lengths, good to very good at the long end. There is lens creep if the lens is left at anything other than the 18mm setting, which is mildly annoying. A compact, light-weight lens with excellent range, excellent close focusing, and very good IQ. At the price, it is impossible to beat.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
I've found this to be an good lens for general use in a variety of situations. I've used it indoors and out even in near zero temperatures without a problem. The auto focus is quick and VERY quiet. It is a bit heavy, but weighs less than the two zoom lenses that it has replaced. The zoom will creep if the lens is not level so I need to keep a rubber band around the proximal end of the barrel to act as a brake. That works fine in all the situations in which I've used it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
i was looking for a all-in-one lense for traveling, the pentax 18-270mm wasn't looking good from the reviews i came across plus it was $..The sigma 18-250mm on sale for $ until the end of april what a deal considering sigma website listed this lense for $ ..i'm about a week in and the photos look good across the focal length,but i'm a noob so yeah lolz
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
I am a casual photographer and shoot just about anything that seems interesting with my K-x. This a good walk around lens and with the exception of low light shots pleased with the overall results. AF is fast and very quiet. For telephoto I recommend using a tripod as some of my photo results are blurred at the long end. Absolutely no lens creep so far in the unlocked mode. Decent replacement for a kit lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Tripod
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
This is the best all round travel lens currently out there, quiet, quick and bright. The addition of macro is a bonus. Why Sigma dropped the traditional red dot on the camera mount is a mystery...hard to align with the camera body, but then again, once on why would you ever take it off.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- One Lens Does It All
- Sizeweight
Cons
Best Uses
- No Need To Swap Out
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
Used extensively on one day trip and took no other lenses along. Took about 100 images, (some 3 shot brackets) in a mid afternoon environment, and came away with a surprisingly large number of keepers. The contrast of the results were pretty good and the zoom range worked for me. This isn't the sharpest lens on the planet, but it looks good relative to cost. Corners seem to soften a mite under extreme enlargement. Too bad the lens hood doesn't feature a cutout for a polarizer. The zoom motor is extremely quiet and fast. So far, I am pleased with my purchase and have taken 3 lenses out of my kit that I can retire.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- TRIPOD
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
Performs as expected from other reviews. A good travel lens. My example has a speck on an inside element however it is only a problem at f22. Focus is fast and quiet compared to screw drive.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Sharp
Cons
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
I wanted a walk-a-round lens for trail walking and hiking. When the Pentax 18-270 was announced, I waited for that lens since all my other lens are Pentax and I liked the quality of them. But at [$], the price was just too much. This lens ended up being[$] cheapter. I was not expecting the sharpness of my other lens but have been pleasantly surprised! I took some pictures of some small birds and they were tack sharp. The color of the images are right on. The weight is great - equal to my Pentax 18-135. The only minor complaint is that the lens will creep out (not sure if proper word) sometimes if you point it down but I guess that's why they have the lens lock.Now I bought the lens beginning of January and notice this week there is a sale of [$]off. Bad timing I guess for me!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
- Surprisingl Sharp
Cons
- Soft At 250mm
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
I am a semi-pro who owns both Nikon and Pentax equipment. I prefer the Pentax (2 of them) outdoors because they are smaller and lighter. Anyway, I bought this lens for the Pentaxes after reading the reviews of the equivalent Pentax lens (18-270). The Sigma was slightly better rated and it was almost $300 cheaper. As any "super zoom" would go, it is a little soft at both ends, but if you want extreme sharpness all over you get a "prime" lens instead. Super zooms are intended as "walk about" or travel lenses where one wants to carry only one lens or not take the time to change lenses. That said, this lens was sharper than I expected, except at the extremes, and very well built. The autofocus is of the latest most advanced type (silent) and works great. I matched it against the Pentax 18-135 lens I already had and it was close in sharpness but the Pentax lens beat it in contrast and color. These were maximun resolution pictures at 100% enlargement, something you don't normally do. So yes, I am very pleased with the lens and now I can carry two Pentax cameras with different lenses without having to change them. Incidentally, I use a K-5 and a K-10, and occasionally do film in a XZ-L. I do mostly landscapes and fitness models, mosty all outdoors, so the "slowness" of super zooms does not affect me much as I live in South Florida. Hope this helps!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Soft At 250 Mm
Best Uses
- Great walk about lens
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
I am a semi-pro who owns both Nikon and Pentax equipment. I prefer the Pentax (2 of them) putdoors because they are smaller and lighter. Anyway, I bought this lens for the Pentaxes after reading the reviews of the equivalent Pentax lens (18-270). The Sigma was slightly better rated and it was cheaper. As any "super zoom" would go, it is a little soft at both ends, but if you want extreme sharpness all over you get a "prime" lens instead. Super zooms are intended as "walk about" or travel lenses where one wants to carry only one lens or not take the time to change lenses. That said, this lens was sharper than I expected, except at the extremes, and very well built. The out of focus is of the latest most advanced type (silent) and works great. I matched it against the Pentax 18-135 lens I already had and it was close in sharpness but the Pentax lens beat it in contrast and color. These were maximun resolution pictures at 100% enlargment, something you don't normally do. So yes, I am very pleased with the lens and now I can carry two Pentax cameras with different lenses without having to change them.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- Pentax 18-135 MM, Pentax 18-55 MM
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
This is all in one lens ,good for traveling.
Very sharp and light .
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Great walk around lens
- Vacation lens
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM for Pentax K Cameras:
This lens beats my old Tamron 18-250. Much better at the long end. Macro is better too. No lens creep, sharper, faster focus with the internal zoom. Great price for what you get.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-12
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