Looking for an all in one lens!

[disneyfanUSA]

Hi, I have the Pentax K-x and two lenses the Pentax 18-55 and Pentax 55-300. I would like a lens that is all in one for when we go on vacations. It is a pain always switching lenses. Which lens would you suggest? Do they make an all in one lens that is 18-300 mm or just 18-250mm? I don't care if it is made by Pentax as long as it works good. Thanks for any help!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

In the realm of new lenses, your choices are going to be the new Pentax 18-135, the Tamron 18-200, Sigma 18-200 (2 versions) or the Sigma 18-250. The new Pentax lens has been getting pretty good reviews, but if you need the 200mm or better the Sigma 18-250 has the best reviews at slrgear.com. There may be some older lenses out there, but I will leave that to someone else. I have three Sigma's and they have worked well. I did have an issue with one, but the customer service was better than outstanding, if there is such a thing.

 

[Icemann]

I shoot Nikon and I have the Tamron 18mm-270mm and it works well for me.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I shoot Nikon and I have the Tamron 18mm-270mm and it works well for me.

The 18-270 is not available in the Pentax mount.

 

[hjd0411]

I have a Canon 18-200 lens which I used at WDW in May, and found that to be good. I didn't want to carry too much with me at any given time! If you can get a similar one for your camera, I'm sure you will find it useful.

 

[GrillMouster]

Sorry, I'm not a Pentax user. I recommend that you check out B&H or Adorama's website to see what lenses are available.

 

[Groucho]

Pentax also sold an 18-250mm for a while. I think it was a rebadged lens from someone else (maybe Tamron); you may be able to find that one second-hand.

IIRC the Tamron 18-200mm and 18-250mm are supposed to be quite nice. The new Pentax 18-135mm is probably going to be the best in terms of optical quality and build (and have the fastest autofocus), but of course you lose some reach.

 

[networktek]

hi Heather i was looking into getting the 18-200 lens do you have the L series or the non L series i have heard that the 200 the photos arnt the best quality

 

[zackiedawg]

if given a choice between the Tamron 18-200 and an 18-250 variant, even if you search for a used Pentax version, the 18-250 would be my recommendation. By all accounts, the Tamron 18-250 was a better lens than their 18-200. I use the Tamron 18-250mm, rebadged as a Sony, on my camera, and have had it for 4 years...it's an excellent solution when you want an all-in-one lens (I'd recommend lots of other lenses too as an all-in-one can't do everything as well as a specific lens can - but there are times when you want to or are limited to one lens, and in those scenarios, it's a great one).