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Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£260
Avg. price in US: ~$330
Lens mount: Pentax K
Maximum focal length: 270 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 6.3
Optical image stabilization: no
Maximum angle of view: 76 °

Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Good

6.1

Good

8.1

Excellent

6.9
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.4
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
5.0
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
8.6
Lens length
25.0%
7.8
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

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Verdict

The Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM is a versatile superzoom lens designed for APS-C crop sensor K-mount DSLRs, delivering a massive 15x zoom ratio with a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 27.5-414mm. Weighing 453g with a compact length of 89mm, it features an optical construction of 16 elements in 13 groups—including extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to reduce chromatic aberrations—alongside a 7-blade rounded diaphragm, a 62mm non-rotating filter thread, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.49m with a 0.26x maximum magnification. Main pros include its highly convenient, lightweight, all-in-one travel design and a quiet Supersonic Drive Motor (SDM) autofocus system. However, cons include a lack of weather sealing, the omission of Pentax's Quick-Shift manual focus override, and diminished image sharpness paired with slower focus hunting at the maximum 270mm telephoto end.

Technical Specifications of Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM

Overall score

6.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Pentax K

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

APS-C

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

62 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

7.9

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

18 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

270 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

15x

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

76 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

6 °

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Focus & Controls

3.8

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

SDM

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

4.2

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?

Build & Handling

7.0

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

5.7

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM vs the average camera lens

Why is Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM better than the average camera lens?

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0.4 EV less vignetting
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.8 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.8 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.0.800 EV vs 1.2 EV
1 more aspherical elements
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.3 vs 2
2.04x cheaper
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM is cheaper than the average camera lens (£260 vs £530).
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM is cheaper than the average camera lens (£260 vs £530).£260 vs £530
1 more aspherical elements
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
0.4 EV less vignetting
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.8 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.

Optics & Aperture

Why is Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM worse than the average camera lens?

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3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
2 fewer aperture blades
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
No full-time manual focus
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
0.19 m longer minimum focus distance
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
Not weather-sealed
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Older release date
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
0.4 % higher optical distortion
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.7% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
2.6 T-stop higher transmission value
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (5.7 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
9 points lower DxOMark sharpness
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (7 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.6.3 vs 2.8
Not weather-sealed
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No full-time manual focus
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
2 fewer aperture blades
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
0.4 % higher optical distortion
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.7% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.7% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.0.7 % vs 0.3 %
2.6 T-stop higher transmission value
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (5.7 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (5.7 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.5.7 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop
9 points lower DxOMark sharpness
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (7 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (7 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.7 vs 16
0.19 m longer minimum focus distance
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.49 m vs 0.3 m

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM?

Versatile 15x zoom range for all-in-one travel use
Compact and lightweight design for its focal range
Quiet and smooth SDM (Supersonic Drive Motor) autofocus
Good sharpness and contrast at the wider end (18-70mm)
Non-rotating front element simplifies filter use
Excellent build quality with a durable metal mount
Effective minimum focus distance for close-up shots

What customers dislike about Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM?

Noticeable loss of sharpness at the telephoto end (270mm)
Significant vignetting and distortion across the zoom range
Lacks 'Quick-Shift' for full-time manual focus override
Prone to zoom creep when pointed downward
No weather sealing (not WR rated)
Manual focus ring is undamped and feels fiddly
Autofocus can hunt in low light or at long focal lengths

Expert reviews

ephotozine.com

07/02/2013

Summary of the review

Pentax SMC DA 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 SDM Lens Review

The Pentax SMC DA 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 SDM is a lightweight 15x superzoom (27.5-414mm equivalent) for APS-C cameras, offering excellent versatility, good handling, and impressive sharpness at wider focal lengths. While designed for convenience with features like an internal focus mechanism, it lacks weather sealing and the "Quick-Shift" focus system found on other Pentax lenses. However, the high-ratio zoom design results in significant compromises, including reduced sharpness and noticeable chromatic aberration at the 270mm telephoto end. Furthermore, the SDM autofocus can struggle in low-light conditions. The lens is ideal for travel, provided the user accepts the optical limitations at maximum reach.

pentaxuser.com

07/02/2013

Summary of the review

SMC Pentax-DA 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 SDM Lens Review(pentaxforums.com) | May 16, 2013 | Pentax-DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 Review

The PentaxUser review of the SMC Pentax-DA 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 ED SDM lens highlights its excellent, lightweight (453g) handling, high-quality construction, and smooth, quiet SDM autofocus. Key advantages include a non-rotating 62mm filter thread and a durable metal mount, making it a convenient option for travel photography. However, the 15x superzoom faces significant,, handling compromises, including a lack of weather sealing and the absence of a 'Quick Shift' focus system for manual adjustments. Further, the manual focus ring rotates during autofocus and lacks damping, while users must disengage the AF switch for manual focusing, making it less convenient for precise, fast adjustments.

pentaxforums.com

22/12/2012

Summary of the review

SMC Pentax-DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM Reviews

The smc Pentax-DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM is recognized as a versatile, all-in-one travel lens featuring a massive 15x zoom range that eliminates the need to change gear in the field. Its primary pros include a compact, lightweight build and a quiet Supersonic Drive Motor (SDM), making it convenient for casual hiking and daytime, outdoor walk-around use. However, the review indicates that the lens is among the lowest-rated in testing, with significant cons due to its extreme zoom ratio. The lens exhibits soft image quality, significant edge-to-edge sharpness degradation, prominent distortion, and noticeable chromatic aberration and vignetting. For more information, visit the full analysis on Facebook.

whatdigitalcamera.com

01/06/2016

Summary of the review

5 Best Superzoom Lenses - What Digital Camera What Digital Camera

The Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is rated as the top superzoom lens, praised for its compact size, affordability at £249, and exceptional centre sharpness at 18mm. It features an improved design that is smaller and lighter than previous versions, handles focusing internally without rotating the front element, and includes basic macro capabilities with a 39cm minimum focusing distance. However, image quality slightly declines at 50mm, and edge sharpness drops noticeably at the maximum 200mm telephoto focal length, requiring users to stop down to f/8 or f/11 to achieve sharper results. Additionally, the built-in Optical Stabilisation (OS) is exclusively included for Nikon and Canon bodies, leaving Sony and Pentax users reliant purely on their camera's in-body stabilization. The alternative options present varied trade-offs in price, reach, and build quality. The Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II and Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS both deliver good short-to-medium sharpness, but they suffer from distinct softness at 200mm and are prone to lens creep issues. At £169, the Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC serves as the most budget-friendly choice with...

de.scribd.com

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Photo Test 2013-2 E-paper

This review of the Fototest 2013-2 Epaper magazine highlights comprehensive laboratory evaluations of several prominent system cameras and lenses of its era, checking manufacturers' performance claims against rigorous ISO-based metrics. Key highlights include tests of the Nikon D5200, praised for its defensibly sharp, detail-rich 24MP image quality up to ISO 800 and its robust 39-point hybrid autofocus module, though its resolution drops and shadows fade into dark grey above ISO 1600. The Pentax K5IIs serves as another standout; by omitting an optical low-pass filter, it achieves exceptional edge sharpness and details, but remains prone to moiré and visible aliasing artifacts. Furthermore, the Sony Cyber-shot RX1 is commended for setting new compact standards with its full-frame sensor, delivering noise-free, highly sharp results even up to ISO 6400, but is heavily critiqued for its staggering price tag (€3,100) and noticeable barrel distortion. On the mirrorless front, the Samsung NX210 secured the "Test Winner" title due to an aggressive in-camera sharpening profile that yields ultra-high resolution results exceeding the sensor's theoretical limits, though its images lack a built-in viewfinder and suffer from severe...

lesnumeriques.com

11/05/2018

Summary of the review

Pentax 645D, Nikon D7000 and Tamron 18-270 mm PZD win awards.

The provided article outlines the 2011 awards presented by the Japanese Camera Journal Press Club (CJPC), highlighting the top-performing cameras and lenses of that year. The Pentax 645D won the prestigious "Camera of the Year" award with 177 votes, praised by Les Numériques in their comprehensive testing for its exceptional medium-format image quality, robust weather-sealed construction, an extraordinary optical viewfinder, and surprisingly long battery life. However, the article points out that it was closely followed in the rankings by the Nikon D7000, which captured the "Reader's Award" voted on by the public, alongside the Fujifilm FinePix X100. Les Numériques Les Numériques's baseline reviews highlight clear pros and cons for the primary award-winning products. The Pentax 645D boasts professional-grade image resolution, remarkable color fidelity on its LCD screen, and excellent electronic noise handling up to ISO 1600, though it lacks modern essentials like any video recording capabilities. Meanwhile, the Nikon D7000 serves as a highly versatile alternative, praised for its snappy 39-point autofocus tracking, 100% viewfinder coverage, dual SD slots, and the integration of a dedicated Full HD video switch. On...

radojuva.com

13/08/2013

Summary of the review

Review of the Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 (IF) Aspherical LD XR (Technical reference to the optical design of the Pentax 18-270mm SDM)

The Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro (Model A14) is a budget-friendly 11.1x zoom lens for APS-C DSLR cameras, offering a versatile range from wide-angle to telephoto in a compact, lightweight body. Key advantages include internal focusing, 45cm minimum focusing distance for pseudo-macro, and a zoom-lock switch to prevent lens creep. Conversely, the lens suffers from low contrast and poor sharpness, particularly wide open at the 200mm telephoto end, alongside significant barrel distortion and vignetting at 18mm. Additional drawbacks include a slow aperture, loud/slow autofocus, a plastic lens mount, and a lack of optical image stabilization.

fowa.it

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Pentax K-5 II and DA Lenses Catalogue - Fowa.it

The provided document functions as a comprehensive promotional brochure and technical datasheet outlining the primary features of the Pentax K-5 II and its variant, the K-5 IIs. The text positions this camera as a premier semi-professional choice for outdoor and action photography, highlighting a highly rugged build and advanced shooting adjustments. Structurally constructed with a magnesium alloy shell over a stainless steel chassis, the camera offers complete weather, dust, and cold resistance down to -10°C. A core technical highlight is the integration of the SAFOX X autofocus system, which drastically improves focusing speeds and achieves reliable tracking down to a low-light luminance of -3 EV. This autofocus capability is paired with a 16.28-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, an expanded sensitivity reach up to ISO 51200, and an advanced "Air Gapless" 3-inch anti-reflective LCD monitor designed for clear viewing under direct sunlight. The text also covers creative controls, including custom image profiles, 14-bit data processing, an integrated Shake Reduction (SR) stabilization system that provides up to three stops of compensation, a 100% field-of-view optical pentaprism, and standard 1080p Full HD video recording...

pentaxiani.it

16/02/2013

Summary of the review

Pentax 18-270 In the Field - Review and Discussion

The Pentax smc DA 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 ED SDM lens is evaluated as a highly versatile, "all-in-one" zoom lens that delivers solid overall image quality for its 15x focal range. Tested on a Pentax K-5 IIs body using RAW files processed through Camera Raw, the lens shows good wide-open sharpness at both its 18mm and 270mm focal extremes. Additionally, it demonstrates strong optical performance regarding peripheral illumination, appearing to suffer from less vignetting than narrower alternative zooms like the Pentax 50-200mm WR. However, the reviewer highlights several prominent structural and functional drawbacks relative to the lens's retail price point. On the physical side, it lacks weather resistance (WR), does not include a rubber O-ring seal on the bayonet mount, and ships without a soft storage pouch or a standard bayonet-style rear lens cap. Functionally, the lens utilizes a Supersonic Drive Motor (SDM) that produces somewhat slow autofocus speeds, leading the reviewer to state a preference for Pentax's Direct Drive Linear Motor (DC) system instead. Ultimately, the reviewer notes that the price is too high for these compromises, suggesting it should be...

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