Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM C Pentax lens review: Convenient choice

Close-up photography possibilitiesThe Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM C (Sigma 18-300mm) is a third-party all-in-one super-zoom available in Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Sony, and Pentax APS-C lens mounts. Offering an equivalent 27–450mm focal length on APS-C DSLRs, it covers wide-angle through to super-telephoto focal range, making it a convenient multi-purpose lens for vacations, photography day trips, and general photography. To cover such a wide focal range, as well as to keep the size, weight, and cost reasonable for its target market, the $499 Sigma 18-300mm uses a “slow” variable maximum aperture. At the widest 18mm focal length,