Review on Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens: Enhanced Performance for Sony Digital SLR Cameras by Scott Clark

Okay, I'm not a professional photographer, but I take really good pictures. I have this lens and two main Pentax lenses (f2.8 200 and 55) and I use a Pentax K-5. I've read numerous reviews, dpreview, and other websites, so yes, this isn't a $2000 Canon lens, but it's not a cheap lens either. I've used it for close-ups and sports, mainly soccer. It stretches very well, it's light and comfortable in the hand, and the focus is quiet and fast. (I've tried Sigma 70-200 f2.8, heavy. Pentax DA 55-300,.slow. and this is the best of the bunch. Tameron has bad reviews for slow focus so I haven't tried this one.) It shoots well in low light, drops to 3.5 but not great. Night football games will not work with this lens. But then again, is there a lens that can do all of this? In the bright light of a daytime soccer game, I've taken many sharp shots from long distances, usually at f8 or so, which seems to be a bottleneck for this lens. Also good shots of birds in flight and other wildlife, deer etc which came out very well. I highly recommend this lens in this price range, I don't think you can do better. This is the lens that is always on my camera except for unusual shots like night sports.