why should i keep?

[gokenin]

Pentax has recently come out with the 18-250mm lens and I was wondering what are the advantages of keeping my current 18-55 & 50-200mm combo over buying one lens that covers the range. I know the obvious advantage is that it means less lens changes and it would provide one overall day to day lens but what do you all think? and if i get the single lens would you recommed keeping or selling the other lenses?

 

[dfontaine]

I am not familiar with the Pentex model lens but I purchased a Nikon 18-200 lens over a year ago. It didn’t come off my camera for about 8 months (including a 4 day trip to WDW). Assuming the quality is as good as your current combo, you should consider the 18-250 if you do a lot of travel photography. Lenses tend to hold their value so you may be able to sell your combo. I was able to sell my 55-200 for $20 less then I paid for it. The range was redundant so I decided to sell it to buy a 12-24.

 

[Anewman]

Focal range vs optical quality, focus speed, aperture, price, size, etc...

Without using any of the above lenses I cant tell you where any of them stand, but it is not all about focal range.

 

[fitzperry]

I'm also unfamiliar with the Pentax lineup, but as a general rule you sacrifice some quality in order to get the "super zoom" range. For instance, such lenses are often softer and show more distortion, particularly at the ends of the zoom range, than lenses that cover a smaller gap. Of course, if that's the case, you need to decide whether the convenience is worth what you'll be giving up. I used to lust after the Nikon 18-200, but then I decided I'd rather have faster lenses instead.

 

[Code]

The keyword on superzoom lenses is compromise. You get convenience/versatility, you give up image quality. I'm considering getting an 18-180 for my next trip (already have 14-42 and 40-150) but I'm just not sure the downsides (not as sharp, barrel distortion, etc) are worth the convenience and, like fitzperry, I'd probably rather spend my $$$ on faster lenses.

 

[ukcatfan]

From what I have heard, the Pentax 18-250mm is basically a re-badged Tamron with a few improvements like the SMC coating. I have heard good things about the Tamron, but it is true that you will be sacrificing a little IQ for the convenience.

Kevin

 

[Jeanne B]

I just replaced my 18-55/50-200 combo with the Tamron 18-250 and I'm very happy with it although I haven't sold my combo yet (but I intend to). I just don't see myself using them enought now that I have the 18-250 to justify keeping them. The one advantage they have over the 18-250 is weight, they're definitely more lightweight but I hate changing lenses any more than I have to so I don't mind sacrificing two lightweight lenses for a single heavier lens.

I haven't had a chance to use my 18-250 too much yet but I spent a lot of time researching prior to buying it and everything I read showed that people were surprised at how good the IQ was for a lens with such a wide focal range.

 

[Groucho]

I seem to recall that they made a couple optical tweaks to the original Tamron 18-250mm design, too, but I'm not 100% sure. The SMC coating is worthwhile, it's probably the best coating out there. From what I've read of people who have it, they're quite happy with it and the quality is quite good for a long-zoom lens.

I'm not sure what the street price is, but officially it's under $500. Certainly more than the 18-55mm and 50-200mm combined, but you get just one single lens, a little reach, and maybe slightly better IQ too (not sure on that one, but it's certainly possible.)