Pentax SMCP-DA - Lente Autofoco 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) para SLR Digital USA

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

I used a similar focus Tamron zoom on my K20, but was unhappy with the flat colors. For a recent Egypt trip I invested in the Pentax zoom. The definition, contrast, and colors are superb at all focal lengths! It is also very rugged. I slipped in a temple and in the process gave the lens, at full extension, a severe whack on a stone pillar. I was sure that I'd find at least a warped barrel if not cracked glass, but it was unmarked and worked perfectly.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

Great all-around lens. The 18-250mm range cover everything. Especially great for travelers who wish to pack light. Quality Pentax construction and sharp at all focal lengths

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

I bought this for my first DSLR, a Pentax K-7. I had used a P&S for quite some time, and wanted to take a big leap up in the quality of my equipment. However, coming from a P&S background, I lacked the experience to make a good judgement concerning what kind of lenses I needed, much less when to change from one to another. With this in mind, I decided to get a very versitle zoom from Wide Angle to Telephoto Range.

I gave the lens 5 stars based on the value. I feel like I've gotten every dollar I put into it. It has handled sand and spray from beach taking pictures of my son, rain in the Smokies, and few bumps as I've gotten used to a camera with something that protrudes from the front. My pictures look great, I've learned a lot, and I haven't missed pictures because I didn't select the 'right' lens for the situation.

I'm sure there are better lenses, and more experienced photographers would want a bagful of faster, crisper, more expensive lenses. However, for a beginner needing a wide zoom range, for its price and its purpose its a really great buy.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

Yes, it's a superzoom. It's not as wide or fast as a prime. It's also bulkier than a kit lens. But it's amazingly flexible, provides sharp images, and focuses relatively quickly on my K20D. I've even tracked birds in flight using it. All in all, a nice versatile lens; just remember to lock it when not in use to prevent zoom creep.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

I mostly used this a few weeks ago on my trip to Canyonlands National Park as my main lens to really test this out.
Yes, the lens did slip some on me. But this was not overly bothersome.
I got some great shots from my Jeep trail road trip.
Loved it.
This was better than my 16-45mm that I had been using as a standard lens.

I added a Pola Screen for the majority of the shots.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

This is a decently sharp lens. It's has a very versatile range and if you want to pack light this and a camera body is all you need carry. Landscapes, Portraits, Close ups it does it all, sharply. The construction is very good, rings feel solid and while there is zoom creep there is also a lock. Comes with a hood and looks and feels nice on a K10/K20D. The only issues are:
-Very noticeable vignetting at wide open. Sometime to the point of beyond help in Camera Raw... need PS work or cropping.
-Fairly loud AF. If taking Pics in a small room people will hear and if it has to hunt it'll get annoying. Not really an indoor lens. If you're walking around a city, hiking, or on a tour this is a wise choice.
- Colors are ok, but just ok, not flat but no pop either.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

Great for walking around or travel.So kit for this lens.A little tought in low light.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

Great for outdoor shoots when walking around.Don't have to change lenses.Tought to use in low light but it's only a F/3.5

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

Used for family/hobby shots. It is an excellent lens. Given its price, it would be hard to beat the value. Images are sharp and colorful with my k100d. Only negative is zoom creep which is a small annoyance when you forget to lock it.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

General purpose.
Good light (until 200mm), accurate focusing (mf and af), good colors, strong construction, very good zoom and panoramic, hold key.
Slow focusing at 250mm, heavy, not much light at 250mm.

I buy it again if I have another choice...

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

Purchased for my wife's K10. She had a similar lens (18-250)on a Minolta film camera and loved it. She was not satisfied with the range on the standard lens (18-55). She has been in heaven since receiving this lens. It takes great photos. Everything from hurricane Ike damage in my home to hummingbirds at the feeder. It has great range and is the best everyday lens available. It is a hard to find lens and somewhat expensive but oh so worth it. If you are going to invest in a high quality digital camera then this lens is a must for everyday. I have not noticed the sliding out of the lens that others have but we keep it locked anyways. The only adjustment is that it makes an already heavy camera heavier. Once you get used to the weight its no problem. Just surprising at first. Highly...Highly recommend this lens.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

If light is not strong and omniprescent this lens never focuses,I mean NEVER. Always creeps, its too loud. Its heavy yes, but I expected that for a zoom with that range. In little less than superbright light NEVER FOCUSES!

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

I use this lens almost exclusively for PJ shots for a small, local newspaper. For photo features I swap to primes, but this lens is super all around town.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

Great all round carry lens, simply a lense to have with you at all times.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

The flexibility of this lens, from very wide angle to quite long telephoto is amazing. I love it. I used this lens almost constantly on my K20D after I first tried it out. The zoom is smooth and tight, the daylight shots are clear and bright (even at full 250mm) even on cloudy days, and f3.6 at 18mm seems to let in more light than f3.6 at 18mm on the kit 18-55.

Focus is fast, and isn't terribly noisy. The first time I extended it to 250mm, I was surprised at how long the whole thing extends, but when it's pulled back to 18mm, it fits nicely in a case for a camera body plus short zoom lens. It fits nicely in the Lowepro Lens Case 1 (B&H LOLC1SF) with a bit of room left over.

It does make the camera front-heavy, even when pulled in and locked, but I learned to live with that slight annoyance.

Also, other commenters have noted that it does tend to "fall out" if not locked, and turned down. If you have it unlocked, and turn the camera toward the ground, the lens will gradually extend to 250mm. I quickly learned to snap the lock after I turn off the camera. It's a simple habit to pick up, and doesn't detract from the utility of the lens in the slightest.

I love this lens, and have come to prefer it as my "day to day" lens, when I am wandering around and don't know what I'm going to shoot next.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

I needed a lens for my K200D when I travel and can't carry my camera backpack. And the lens is just what I needed. Focal lenght ranging from wide to medium tele, it saves a lot of space (only 3,4" closed) and its easy to carry mounted on the camera (there is even the lock at the minimum length). And in a second it can extend to a APS-c equivalent 380mm+. Focuses quickly. Yes, there is the balance: there are some CA expecially at the extreme ranges of focal length, some distortion in the wide range, a not exceptional sharpness in the whole. But it works as requested and if you need more, it is better you choose half a dozen of primes. Despite the number of lenses included, the creeping is not a problem unless you point it down and shake. I experienced no wobbling even at the maximum extension.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

This lens is fantastic. It fits easily into any Pentax camera with no sweat. I tend to worry a little bit about forcing anything with delicate mechanisms. Once the lens is in, youre all set to go! You can take pictures of just about anything!

The zoom works great and covers large distances very easily. Its capabilities are just as good as one of those massive zoom lenses, at a fraction of the price and weight.

Ive even been able to take macro style shots from a little farther away. The wide angle is staggering! From a normal distance, the lens covers more area than my own eyes!

It is even fast and easy when you just want to take a quick picture with the auto function.

The shutter speed and aperture adjust easily and it is very fun to use and experiment with various settings.

Not only does it do all that, but it is also durable. A very sad story: While on vacation I slipped, fell, and dropped my camera. Not only did it hit the ground, but it was covered in water. My body didnt make it, but the lens is fine.

The only problem I could say about this lens is that sometimes the auto focus has trouble "deciding" what it is you want to focus on exactly. But after a little movement, it works out great.

No problems, no complaints, this lens is a simple, easy one in all!

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

Good all around lens, but slow. Fortunately, the Image Stabilization in the K10D helps overcome this. You must lock it or it will extend all the way out, I've used other zooms that never did this.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

I debated endlessly getting two lenses but have very happy I made the call to get this all in one lens! it easily goes from wide angle to telephoto and make snapping a shot under any conditions a snap.

the only negative is it is heavy and as a result must be held and locked when closed. I read other reviews about this issue and they were right it is a pain and for this cost of this Pentax should be able to come up with some kind of solutions that prevents the lens from "falling out" when pointed down.

Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR:

Really useful in your bag when you don't know what you are going to photography.

One little problem : the shadows when you use the flash on a short distance.