優點:
1. Useful focal length range (27-200mm film camera equivalent)
2. Weather resistant
3. Quick shift ability
4. Pretty sharp at the center area
5. Good color rendition
6. Lens hold included
7. Small size compared to similar zooms by Canon/Nikon
缺點:
1. Slight lens drool problem during long hiking
2. This lens alone can be more expensive than the 18-55 and 50-200 combo.
評價:
1. This is my most used lens on my Pentax K-30, although I also like my other two lenses (an f1.8 50 mm prime and a 10-17 mm wide angle). Why? Its useful range of 27-200 film focal length covers most of my outdoor photo opportunities. Lastly, it feels very balanced with my K-30.
2. Since my K-30 is also weather resistant, I do not need to be afraid to continue to compose and shoot during rain. This is particularly important for me. And with this very useful 27-200 mm focal length, I do not need to change lenses during rains.
3. Cost - Though this lens can be more expensive and have shorter reach than the two lenses18-55 and 50-200 combo. I still prefer to buy this lens because I do not like to change lens during outdoor activities such as hiking. By the way, I hate to change lens especially when it rains.
4. Photo quality - I was a bit nervous when I read DXO's rating of this lens. After reading more, I later learn that was because Pentax's previous owner, Hoya sent a defective copy (earlier copy) to DXO for testing. Hoya also did not respond to DXO's request for another copy for testing !! Two thumbs down for Hoya. Reading more internet materials indicate that this lens' image quality is very similar to the Sony's 18-135 zoom which has a much better XO rating. Well, I am glad that my lens is not defective one and pretty sharp in the central area especially stopping down 1-stop.
6. Color is very good from this lens. It is a bit overly saturated, but it is done in a nice way making the landscape photos very pleasing without exaggeration. With strong sunlight, I use natural rather landscape setting and find this setting has the best result to my eyes.
7. Quick shift - I like this ability very much. With this ability, I can manual focus the lens on the fly. After the shot, I recompose and half-press the shutter, auto focus return. Turn the manual focus ring again, I can fine tune the focus again. This works like magic particularly in situations like shooting an object behind some tree branches or fences which may fool the camera's auto-focus.
Lens hood is included. It has a thoughtful touch as well - it has a detachable hole to use with circular polarizer (CPL). The hole will allow turning the CPL for the best polarizing effect without detaching the lens hood. Wonderful.
About lens drooling during travel. After trying Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax models, the worst lens drooling is Canon followed by Nikon. Sony and Pentax have only slight drooling. After putting on a lens cap string, it is not a problem anymore.
Lens price. Similar models for Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax cost about the same.
Lens size. Canon is biggest followed by Nikon. Sony and Pentax models about the same size.
The 5 stars rating was given when compared with other similar zooms. Highly recommended for this zoom range.