Buying a KS-2 - Which lens?

redimp · 08-30-2015, 12:13 PM

Insurance will be helping me buy a new KS-2 to replace my K-30 that did not bounce. Which lens would you go for? The new 18-50 or the 18-135 (if I can get them to go for it to replace my written off 18-55)

**UncleVanya** · 08-30-2015, 12:26 PM - **1 Like**

18-135 unless you need super compact.

Kozlok · 08-30-2015, 04:02 PM

I have both. The 18-135 is much better all around. I only got the 18-50 because I wanted a stone-grey KS2 and already have an 18-135. The 18-50 just gives kind of flat looking images.

**Wingincamera** · 08-30-2015, 04:35 PM

If you are a Costco member, you might want to check the "Pentax Deals" in the Market forums.

wstruth · 08-30-2015, 06:05 PM

Another vote for the 18-135 here as well.

redimp · 08-31-2015, 06:00 AM

Thanks; confirmed what I thought. I shall send quotes for kits including the 18-135 and keep my fingers crossed.

robtcorl · 08-31-2015, 08:41 AM

I bought a DA 18-135 via Amazon warehouse, graded used like new, for $257.
Later, also via their warehouse deals, I bought a black K-S2 with the 18-50 for $600.
Both were as new, in original boxes, no warranty since they were sold as used.
I liked the 18-135 so well that I did't even try the 18-50 and sold it for $200.
So my total for the camera and lens was $657, and the combo new is currently selling for $900 to 1K, so I'm happy.

It seems the K-S2 is really starting to drop in price, so some good deals should be coming for those who wait a bit longer.

redimp · 09-05-2015, 04:22 AM

Paid for Pentax K-S2 Camera with 18-135mm DC WR Lens and being sent Monday.

smf · 09-11-2015, 06:10 AM

I noticed a B&H deal on black body with orange stripe. Please note that B&H will soon temporarily close, reopening in a few days.

skankin_giant · 11-08-2015, 02:57 AM

My mother is in the same boat at the moment, trying to decided between the 18-50 + 55-200 kit to 18-135, the two lens kit is £150 cheaper but heard such good news about the 18-135mm. Trying to help her decide at the moment.

Cheers, Steve

bertwert · 11-08-2015, 08:44 AM

18-135 has better IQ and I think is worth the 150 pounds more.
I don't have it though.

redimp · 11-08-2015, 11:29 AM

I love the 18-135. It is a bit more than the 18-55 to lug around and it is a bit loose on the zoom front so I have to keep zooming it back in as I walk around because motion means it zooms out. It has more or less rendered my 55-200 redundant as I have an 70-300 FA for longer reach; the 55-200 is still useful for its WR though.

08-30-2015, 12:13 PM	#1
redimp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lincoln Photos: Albums Posts: 106	Buying a KS-2 - Which lens? Insurance will be helping me buy a new KS-2 to replace my K-30 that did not bounce. Which lens would you go for? The new 18-50 or the 18-135 (if I can get them to go for it to replace my written off 18-55)

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08-30-2015, 12:26 PM - 1 Like	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	18-135 unless you need super compact.

08-30-2015, 04:02 PM	#3
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	I have both. The 18-135 is much better all around. I only got the 18-50 because I wanted a stone-grey KS2 and already have an 18-135. The 18-50 just gives kind of flat looking images.

08-30-2015, 04:35 PM	#4
Wingincamera Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pine Haven, Wyoming Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,182	If you are a Costco member, you might want to check the "Pentax Deals" in the Market forums.

08-30-2015, 06:05 PM	#5
wstruth Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: at my kitchen table Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,294	Another vote for the 18-135 here as well.

08-31-2015, 06:00 AM	#6
redimp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lincoln Photos: Albums Posts: 106 Original Poster	Thanks; confirmed what I thought. I shall send quotes for kits including the 18-135 and keep my fingers crossed.

08-31-2015, 08:41 AM	#7
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	I bought a DA 18-135 via Amazon warehouse, graded used like new, for $257. Later, also via their warehouse deals, I bought a black K-S2 with the 18-50 for $600. Both were as new, in original boxes, no warranty since they were sold as used. I liked the 18-135 so well that I did't even try the 18-50 and sold it for $200. So my total for the camera and lens was $657, and the combo new is currently selling for $900 to 1K, so I'm happy. It seems the K-S2 is really starting to drop in price, so some good deals should be coming for those who wait a bit longer.

09-05-2015, 04:22 AM	#8
redimp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lincoln Photos: Albums Posts: 106 Original Poster	Paid for Pentax K-S2 Camera with 18-135mm DC WR Lens and being sent Monday.

09-11-2015, 06:10 AM	#9
smf Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Midland, MI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,083	I noticed a B&H deal on black body with orange stripe. Please note that B&H will soon temporarily close, reopening in a few days.

11-08-2015, 02:57 AM	#10
skankin_giant Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Deepest Darkest Cornwall Posts: 513	My mother is in the same boat at the moment, trying to decided between the 18-50 + 55-200 kit to 18-135, the two lens kit is £150 cheaper but heard such good news about the 18-135mm. Trying to help her decide at the moment. Cheers, Steve

11-08-2015, 08:44 AM	#11
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	18-135 has better IQ and I think is worth the 150 pounds more. I don't have it though.

11-08-2015, 11:29 AM	#12
redimp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lincoln Photos: Albums Posts: 106 Original Poster	I love the 18-135. It is a bit more than the 18-55 to lug around and it is a bit loose on the zoom front so I have to keep zooming it back in as I walk around because motion means it zooms out. It has more or less rendered my 55-200 redundant as I have an 70-300 FA for longer reach; the 55-200 is still useful for its WR though.