Pentax SMC DA 60 250mm F 4 ED IF SDM Review | 54 Data compared

The Imaging Resource review of the Pentax 60-250mm f/4 ED IF SDM smc DA* praises this weather-sealed, DA* standard lens for its excellent sharpness across the zoom range, minimal vignetting, and low chromatic aberration. The pro-grade, constant f/4 aperture lens features robust construction and versatile autofocus, making it a capable choice for APS-C outdoor photography. Conversely, the review notes minor drawbacks, including noticeable corner softness at 60mm and 250mm, along with uneven sharpness at small apertures like f/32. Additionally, the lens is considered quite heavy, carries a premium price, and has limited macro capabilities due to a 1.1-meter minimum focusing distance.

The Pentax SMC-DA* 60-250mm f/4 ED [IF] SDM is a professional-grade telephoto zoom lens targeting sports and nature photography, offering a full-format equivalent field of view of roughly 92-383mm. A major pro of this lens is its excellent build quality, featuring a dust- and weather-sealed body made of tightly assembled metal and high-quality plastics, a non-rotating front element for easy polarizer use, and a stable, easy-to-turn tripod mount. It also features a constant f/4 maximum aperture for faster shutter speeds, a specialized SP coating to repel grease and water, and a "Quick Shift" mechanism that allows full-time manual focusing overrides. However, the lens comes with several notable cons. At approximately 1250 EUR / US$, it is a relatively expensive investment, and it is a large, heavy piece of gear weighing 1040 grams on its own (and up to 1230 grams with the hood and tripod mount attached). Its "Supersonic Dynamic" (SDM) autofocus, while operating with minimal high-frequency noise, offers disappointing speed improvements, as it is not substantially faster than traditional mechanical screw-driven autofocus systems. Furthermore, its effective depth-of-field resembles an...

The Pentax SMC DA* 60-250mm F4 ED (IF) SDM is a high-end, weather-sealed telezoom lens designed specifically for APS-C Pentax digital SLRs, offering a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 90-375mm. Earning a 3.5 "Good" rating from PCMag, it is praised for its compact size relative to its range, its constant f/4 maximum aperture, and its integration with Pentax's in-body image stabilization system. Lab testing paired with a 24-megapixel camera revealed the lens is impressively sharp through most of its zoom range, particularly when stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8, where it achieves edge-to-edge clarity. The lens features an SDM internal focus motor that operates more quietly than older screw-drive systems and includes a practical, locking tripod collar to safely switch between portrait and landscape orientations. However, the lens is not optically perfect and comes with a few prominent drawbacks. Testing showed noticeable softness at the outer edges of the frame when shooting wide open at f/4, as well as a drop in sharpness at the maximum 250mm focal length, which requires stopping down to f/5.6 to crisply resolve fine...

The PentaxForums review identifies the SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM as a versatile, professional-grade telephoto zoom for Pentax APS-C DSLRs, offering excellent, sharp image quality at f/4 and an outstanding, weather-sealed construction. Key advantages include its wide focal range, high-quality build, and a well-engineered rotating tripod collar. Conversely, the lens suffers from a slow, outdated autofocus motor (SDM) that hinders performance on fast-moving subjects. Additional drawbacks noted in the review include its significant 1kg weight, noticeable focus breathing at close range, and a short 65-degree focus ring throw that hampers precise manual adjustments.

The Pentax DA* 60-250mm f/4 ED [IF] SDM is described as a well-built, weather-sealed, and manageable 4.2x telephoto lens featuring a constant f/4 aperture and efficient internal focusing. It delivers excellent center sharpness at maximum aperture, increasing to very high resolution across the frame by f/8. However, the lens suffers from slow autofocus performance, making it difficult to track fast-moving subjects. Furthermore, optical performance is limited by high chromatic aberration at 250mm and weak edge resolution at longer focal lengths unless stopped down to f/11.

The PentaxUser review of the SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm f/4 ED [IF] SDM lens highlights its robust, weather-resistant construction, optimal balance on K-series bodies, and highly functional features, including a quick-shift manual focus system and a useful 1.1-meter minimum focusing distance. While the lens offers exceptional build quality, notable cons include a slow and deliberate autofocus system and a significant extension of the lens barrel at 250mm.

in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons insideSearching The Neocamera review of the Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM highlights a versatile, weather-sealed telephoto zoom that delivers exceptional sharpness at F/6.7 and beyond, though it requires stopping down from F/4 to eliminate edge softness. Its key strengths include a unique focal range, a constant aperture, and superior image quality free from significant distortion or aberrations. Conversely, the lens suffers from an unreliable, first-generation SDM motor prone to stalling. The review strongly recommends utilizing the backup screw-drive autofocus system—which can be enabled via firmware modification—for consistent, reliable performance on medium-speed subjects. Neocamera

The Pentax SMC DA Star 60-250mm F4 ED (IF) SDM is a high-end, weather-sealed telezoom lens designed for APS-C D-SLRs, offering a constant f/4 aperture, sharp imaging, and a quiet autofocus motor. While it provides impressive reach and build quality, the lens is noted for softness at 250mm f/4, visible chromatic aberration, and a high price point of approximately $1,999.95.

The Pentax SMC DA* 60-250mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM is a professional-grade telephoto zoom lens offering exceptional center sharpness, robust weather sealing, and a constant f/4 aperture, making it well-suited for outdoor photography. However, the lens suffers from sluggish SDM autofocus performance, noticeable corner softness at 250mm, a heavy, bulky design, and a lack of a zoom lock that causes lens creep.

The Pentax DA* 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM is characterized as a premium telephoto zoom offering exceptional optical performance, consistent sharpness, and full weather-sealing. Its versatile range, robust construction, and near-silent SDM autofocus make it a strong choice for close-ups and sports, justifying its price point against traditional 70-200mm lenses. However, the lens is limited by a constant F4 maximum aperture and significant physical weight, creating a steep handling curve for users. Additionally, the autofocus tracking is noted to be inconsistent, with reports of sluggish performance in low-light conditions.