Pentax smc DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ED AL IF Lens

This is a great carry around lens. This one had some zoom creep. I sent it to pentax and they went over the whole lens. It is now tight and very sharp. I have many pentax lens and this one is the one that will go on trips.

This is a great "do it all" lens for those times you don't want to carry all your other lenses. Image quality is very good - as good as the kit lens. That is saying much, because Pentax has the best kit lens out.
At the 18mm setting, the lens is very small for a super zoom, not much larger than the kit lens. At 250mm the lens does really extend though. The included petal hood will reverse mount for storage. My K200D and this lens fit in the small size Lowepro top load zoom case, designed for the kit lens.
My lens will creep down and extend when hung around my neck. A zoom lock is provided to stop this. There is some distortion at the wide end, but not really noticeable unless you look for it. There is some vignetting as well, again not bad. Both can be fixed in post processing. This lens needs a camera body with shake reduction. The f6.3 at 250mm really can't be hand held except in full sunlight. You ban also find this same lens sold under the Tamron name.
A very good lens for its intended use. Recommended.

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I love how versatile the lens is. It allows me to take only one lens with me when I go out which a huge plus for me. I love how it's almost as small as the kit lens. I have been very pleased with the pictures that I've taken with it. Great quality. I use it with a Pentax K200D.

Pros: fine all times lens; sharp and light.
Cons: Distortion at wide (understandable, with this focal range !). Only F/6.3 at 200-250mm.

Good general purpose lens. I really enjoy the short focus compared to other variable zoom lenses. The short (18") distance compared to over 4' for other telephotos allows for greater flexiability in setup when working in confined areas.