The Pentax SMC DA Star 60-250mm F4 ED (IF) SDM ($1,999.95 direct)($1,299.94 at Amazon) is the top-end telezoom in the company's D-SLR lens lineup. It's compact when you consider its range, and pairs well with APS-C Pentax cameras like the K-3($1,085.95 at Adorama) in terms of size. It's a lot more expensive and doesn't have the telephoto reach of the Pentax HD DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR ($449.95), but it captures about twice the light when zoomed all the way in. Our Editors' Choice telezoom, the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM($3,589.99 at Amazon), is not available for Pentax cameras at this time, but Sigma does sell the APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM ($1,399) in the K-mount if you're in need of a similar lens with a maximum f/2.8 aperture. The lens is on the large size, but not out of line for an optic that covers its field of view. Pentax doesn't make a full-frame camera, so the field of view is like a 90-375mm lens on a 35mm camera. It measures 6.6 by 3.2 inches (HD), weighs 2.3...
The Pentax SMC DA Star 60-250mm F4 ED (IF) SDM is a weather-sealed telezoom lens that is compact when you consider its range and aperture, but it's not optically perfect.
Impressive zoom range and telephoto reach; Constant f/4 aperture; Sharp through most of zoom range; Weather-sealed design; SDM focus motor
Some softness at the edges of the frame and at 250mm f/4; Some chromatic aberration; Extends when zoomed; Pricey