Convenient walk-around telephoto zoom

I have had this lenses for a couple of years now and it serves as a well matched partner for the DA16-45. Sharpness and contrast are perfectly reasonable at least as far as the K10D's 10.2 MP sensor is concerned. I don't detect any vignetting at the long end. Out of focus areas, while not exactly "creamy" are not ugly or distracting either.

The main drawback is that it struggles to find focus and will often need manual intervention to lock on. I suggest using the AF select or center point rather than the evaluative AF setting on the camera. This is not an action photo lens, it struggles with continuous focus and is really only usable on AFS.

The big advantage of this lens is its compact size and portability. It doesn't take up much room in your camera bag and isn't heavy to lug around. For this reason you may find yourself using it more often than you might think.

Deer in early morning light, 200mm f5.6 125/s ISO200

I still have my copy, that I bought before I even got my K10, so I've had the lens for over 13 years now. I like that it's quite compact and light. I have similar problems with autofocus especially at the long end, which hunts even in single point af.  In my experience I don't think I'd even waste my time with continuous af. It's quite soft close to wide open, but stopped down it's totally acceptable, even with my newer cameras. I get decent results with my K70, and I'll often boost my iso to 1600 or higher so I can stop down. I wish I had waited for the WR model, but that came out a good 3 years after I bought my copy.
Given our last names I wonder if we're related way way back?

Thanks for the reply – as a further coincidence my brother's name is Andrew Gardiner, so I had do a double take when I first read your comment.

I am slightly curious in regard to your regret at not securing the WR version of the lens. Do you take your kit out into the elements often? I'm not ashamed to admit I am a fair weather photographer and prefer the indoors when conditions are inclement.

I can see the advantage on the beach, however, where defense against sand is welcome. Here is a shot I took on memorial day last year with the DA 50-200. This is the kind of scenario where I would leave an expensive lens at home for concern of security and grit exposure. No such worries with the relatively inexpensive DA 50-200.

Jersey Shore, Memorial Day 2018. 88mm f8 1/350s ISO100

I do like to go out and take photos in the rain, I wouldn't mind having a bit more protection! Right now I'm hoping to get a 20-40 Limited, although it might be a while. I tend to use the wide to normal more than tele these days.