OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Camera lenses Methodology v1.0
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Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Lens mount:Pentax KMaximum focal length:270 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):6.3Optical image stabilization:noMaximum 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 this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

5.2

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

80%

4.5

Technical score

20%

8.3

User score

â–¼Worse than 96% of camera-lenses
4.5

Technical score

Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

35%

3.6

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.1

Build & Handling

20%

4.0

Focus & Controls

10%

8.3

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 97% of camera-lenses
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on 390 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 52% of camera-lenses
  • pentax-smc-da-18-270mm-f3-5-6-3-ed-sdm
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  • pentax-smc-da-18-270mm-f3-5-6-3-ed-sdm
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM

Technical score
Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

35%

3.6

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.1

Build & Handling

20%

4.0

Focus & Controls

10%

8.3

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

4.5
User score
User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on 390 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
7.5/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Popularity:
Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a popularity score of 7.5 points, which is higher than 52.2% of camera lenses.
7.5
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components:

60%

5.2

Overall score

40%

9.2

Price

6.4
Lens type
zoom
Lens mount
Pentax K
Sensor format coverage
APS-C
Filter thread size
62 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
â–¼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
18 mm
Maximum focal length
270 mm
Optical zoom
15xx
Maximum angle of view
76 °
Minimum angle of view
6 °
Show more
Focus motor
SDM
Minimum focus distance
0.49 m
Minimum focus distance
0.49 m
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.49 m, which is farther than 69.5% of camera lenses and equal to 0.5% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.26xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.26x
â–² Better than 75% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.26x, which is higher than 74.6% of camera lenses and equal to 2.2% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
no
Full-time manual focus
no
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
495 g
Weight
495 g
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 495 g, which is lighter than 52% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens length
89 mm
Lens length
89 mm
â–² Better than 54% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 89 mm long, which is shorter than 53.8% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.7% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
75.8 mm
Lens diameter
75.8 mm
â–² Better than 54% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 75.8 mm, which is slimmer than 53.9% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.2% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
0.8 EV
DxOMark vignetting
0.8 EV
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
This camera lens has DxOMark vignetting of 0.8 EV, which is lower than that of 83.2% of camera lenses and equal to that of 5% of camera lenses.
Show more

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

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • 0.4 EV less vignetting
    DxOMark vignetting
    0.800 EV
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
    This camera lens 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
    Aspherical elements
    3
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    3 vs 2
  • 0.07 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.26 x
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.26 x vs 0.192 x
  • 2.04x cheaper
    Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM is cheaper than the average camera lens (£260 vs £530).
    £260 vs £530
  • 2.04x cheaper
    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
    Aspherical elements
    3
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    3 vs 2
  • 0.07 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.26 x
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.26 x vs 0.192 x
  • 0.4 EV less vignetting
    DxOMark vignetting
    0.800 EV
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
    This camera lens 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
  • 3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    6.3
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens 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
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    7
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    7 vs 9
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2012
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2012 vs 2016
  • 0.19 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.49 m
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens 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
  • 7.5% worse value for money
    Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.41 vs 6.9).
    6.41 vs 6.89
  • 7.5% worse value for money
    Pentax SMC DA 18 270mm F3 5 6 3 ED SDM has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.41 vs 6.9).
    6.41 vs 6.89
  • 3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    6.3
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens 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
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    7
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    7 vs 9
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This camera lens 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
    Minimum focus distance
    0.49 m
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens 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
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2012
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
ephotozine.com
07/02/2013
Summary of the review
Pentax SMC DA 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 SDM Lens Review
P
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
P
pentaxforums.com
22/12/2012
Summary of the review
SMC Pentax-DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM Reviews
W
whatdigitalcamera.com
01/06/2016
Summary of the review
5 Best Superzoom Lenses - What Digital Camera What Digital Camera
D
de.scribd.com
2013
Summary of the review
Photo Test 2013-2 E-paper
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
11/05/2018
Summary of the review
Pentax 645D, Nikon D7000 and Tamron 18-270 mm PZD win awards.
(Translated)Show original
R
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)
(Translated)Show original
F
fowa.it
2012
Summary of the review
Pentax K-5 II and DA Lenses Catalogue - Fowa.it
(Translated)Show original
P
pentaxiani.it
16/02/2013
Summary of the review
Pentax 18-270 In the Field - Review and Discussion
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 390 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we 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 we don't like 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

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.

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