Good zoom lens for the Pentax D200? Why is that?
1830478
The 18-250 is the highest powered zoom currently on the market for Pentax DSLRs, at 13.9X. If you want higher magnification, look for lens with greater than 250mm at the long end. Several popular lens include the Tamron and Sigma 70-300, the Pentax 55-300, and if you have the cash, the Bigma 50-500. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, which you can research on dpreview.com 50mm is about what the naked eye sees. So anything less than 50mm will appear smaller, and further away. Wide angle lens can go as low as 10mm to capture as much as possible.
1774788
I love the bokeh on this - however I very rarely use it - I use my 50-1.2 more and my 200mm - however it is a lovely lens that really I should pull out and use more often!!
183451
I shoot the same subjects and have been very pleased with the 18-250mm zoom. If you want a little more reach get the 55-300mm in place of the 18-250. With that choice I would then add the 18-55mm. I'm assuming you want to stay with Pentax brand. Neither zoom is "cheap" but then you get what you pay for. I chose the 18-250 because I hand hold the camera most of the time and here in the Pacific NW the light levels in the winter are pretty low. I doubt if I maxed out the 300mm (450mm equivalent) would I get a sharp image. Love the K20D by the way.
641688
All DSLR zooming depends on the lens, not the camera. i usually walk around with the pentax 50mm f1.4 (no zoom) and the tamron 18-250mm (zoom), which in point-and-shoot terms is 14x optical zoom.
2001062
Some of the old lenses will not focus to infinity on the Pentax DSLR's. I was disappointed in that. My 135 mm, the 105mm and my 200 mm Super Takumar lenses would not focus at infinity. You will definitely need the modern D, DA or DAL lens to fully use of all the camera functions.
1912659
Yes. I have been using my 300mm lens on the d200. Works fine. Have also used with a 2x Teleconverter between lens and camera body. Wonderful lens, great photos!
23197
Yes indeed. And my 85mm f/1.8 Pentax lens functions as a 127.5 mm lens -- but where are you going to find an f/1.8 or even f/2.0 lens of that focal length these days? So some of the older lenses, like that one, actually offer an advantage over the more modern lenses. Because 'noise' kicks in around 400 ISO with most digital cameras, a fast lens is especially useful. (The 50mm f1.4 Pentax lens is a very fast lens of unbelievable quality for its price, which is around $200.)
904846
This is a silly thing to worry about. Older Pentax lenses were designed for film, which is an innately higher resolution medium at lower ASA/ISO speeds. A good K or M lens will still be good on this sensor, arguably better in some cases since the softest part of the image circle is cropped away.
36978
I was in a similar situation, and after trying all the options for a few weeks decided on the primes mostly for size and weight reasons. This lens is tiny for an f/2.8 zoom, but it is big and heavy compared to most other m4/3 lenses.UPDATE: After my latest vacation, constantly switching between primes, I've reconsidered my decision. I sold two of my primes and got the 12-40 again.
105767
By far the best overall performing lens is the Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-5.6. This lens is a miracle performer from wide to zoom. Hunting around you can get this lens for under $400.I would highly recommend having more then one lens so you can shoot in a greater variety of settings. I currently have 3 lenses but my 18-250mm spends the bulk of its time on my K20D.
1029021
Most zoom lenses are VR at least that's what I always look for. A VR lens especially a lens that goes to 200mm is very helpful.
2254947
Thanks for the good info. I had a Canon Rebel that I returned because of picture quality with the standard kit lens. I have been trying to decide between the Nikon D90 & the Pentax K20D. I am going to go with the K20D and start with the 18-250 and see how far I go. So I am off to shop now. Again... Thanks a lot.
1543697
Yes. I struggled with the decision to buy the 2.0 TC or the sigma 50 -500 lens to get more zoom as 200 didn't reach far enough for my needs. In the end I got the teleconverter as it was less money and mainly a way to avoid another heavy lens. It works out very well. loss of sharpness and some f/stops as others have described but you will hardly notice. faster glass and more sharpness costs thousands of dollars which i'm unwilling to spend. i'm pleased going this way.
1260178
I don't know about this lens specifically, but I would want a wider range lens. I got a 14mm - 200mm lens and find I use that most and a 14mm (pancake) lens that I use to keep the camera in a pocket. I think the lens you suggested has most of the size of the larger one without as much of the range, but I am not a professional photographer.
1010249
I was so glad to see this question here! I have a D50 also and was a bit confused too after reading other descriptions of this lens.
684751
Well, considering your ranges, I think for you it would be nice to have some more options in the wide angle range. For you I recommend the Sigma 10-20mm DSH. This one actually comes at about $470, which is more than half for the comparable Nikon 12-24mm and it is wider by 2mm; which is a lot at this range. Sigma is of course, a third party lens manufacturer. But I assure you that with some research and inspection, you can find a copy that meets your satisfaction. They are other wide angles, but so far sigma comes with the widest of the wide for your camera body. By the way, if I was you, I would trade in your 28-80 and 18-55, keep the 50mm lens and if your 18-200mm happens to be the Nikon 18-200mm DX VR, of course keep it too. When you first start out with SLR systems, you think you want a bunch of lenses, but in reality, you don't. You will be more than satisfy with a set of tree or even two lenses that meet all your photographic needs. Finally, I will state that there is no nicer artistic tool than the exaggeration of perspective that wide angle lenses may provide you.
568551
The 200mm gives you more extra zoom than you would think. I probably do more shooting at that focal length than any other.