Pentax 18-250mm lens - good price?

[Lili]

Thanks Kym! Yep that's the one I shall contact the seller! Hopefully it's still available... Is it wrong to buy a lens before you've got the camera?

[Kym]

Is it wrong to buy a lens before you've got the camera?

No! In fact choosing a lens first is the right thing to do.
Over time you keep glass and change bodies!

This choice gives:
a. One lens for many things - makes life easy - wide landscape to portraits, to some wildlife (maybe not small birds)
b. No so good in low light (the super zoom compromise) coz it's not as fast as alternates
c. No changing lenses in the field
d. Some specialist cases where it will not have the IQ of primes etc
e. Very affordable
f. Reviews well and you will get good images

[Lili]

Ah bummer, the lens has already been sold Not surprising really, they're hard to find! It looks like my best choice now is to pick up a Sigma 18-200mm when I get my K7 (I'm ringing around for quotes now).

Thanks for the tips Kym, you've reinforced my decision to go for a superzoom, at least to start with. I don't want to lug many lenses with me overseas next month, and I have no idea what focal range I'll need most, so I thought a versatile lens was probably best. It certainly won't be the lens (but my skill level) holding my photos back

Hopefully once I get back I can figure out what focal lengths I like the most and then pick up some better quality glass then

[Kym]

Thanks for the tips Kym, you've reinforced my decision to go for a superzoom, at least to start with. I don't want to lug many lenses with me overseas next month, and I have no idea what focal range I'll need most, so I thought a versatile lens was probably best. It certainly won't be the lens (but my skill level) holding my photos back

As long as you are fully aware of the issues. And it looks like you are.
A one lens strategy is not bad for travel.

Maybe some other travel thoughts...
1. Copy your memory card to disk and CDROM/DVD and mailing those home along the way.

2. Pentax battery chargers are universal, make sure you have adapter plugs for the countries you are travelling to.

3. 2 x 8GB cards are better the 1 x 16GB, just in case (very unlikely) one fails.

4. Are you planning any night shots?
If so you need support and lugging a tri-pod is a pain - maybe a camera bean bag

[OzzieTraveller]

G'day Lili

Kym gives good advice (above too)
I am a superzoom user too - I travel Oz for months each year & size & weight of equipment comes in as "very important" along with Image Quality too

You are asking about a Pentax / Tamron lens ... have a look at Shopbot.com for a possible source & price - I use it as a source & have bought several items from the sellers on the list

Regards, Phil