Like all current DA lenses, the SMC Pentax DA* 50-135mm is designed only for Pentax DSLR cameras. It was announced in late February, 2007. It auto-focuses with an SDM ultrasonic motor on the K10D (firmware 1.30) and newer cameras. On older cameras the lens will auto-focus with the 'screw drive' mechanism.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $850.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
SDM, fantastic construction quality, WX seals, SMC
Cons:
none
Original review, October 2, 2007
Only purchased this lens last week and haven't had much chance to give it a workout yet. Will revise this review when I've had it out in the field a few times.
From a static test, what do I like and dislike about it?
The SDM is fantastic. Automatic focusing is very silent. You feel it more that hear it. Doesn't hunt much either (mid-day under the trees in the photo store parking lot). This is on a K10D body. Have not tired it on a K100D Super, so have no idea how the screw-drive focusing will perform with AA batteries.
The construction quality is among the best I've seen from Pentax. It doesn't match that of the FA limiteds, which are constructed from metal, but for a composite lens, it is the best I've seen.
Not really a negative, but I wish the lens had an aperture ring. But, it is a DA, so won't have one. I also wish it had a bit of a longer maximum focal length.
Under the category of neither being a positive nor a negative...I can not recommend using this lens with a teleconverter. In the parking lot of the camera store, tried it out with my Tamron 1.4x tc. The one that has the power-zoom contacts, which also function as the SDM contacts.
With the Tamron, the lens will focus using the SDM circuitry, but will not achieve focus lock very easily. It gets very close, very quickly, then will micro adjust for a few seconds until it achieves lock...if it ever does. Even then, it will still hunt if you move the camera slightly. The image quality, as shown in the viewfinder was also not as good as the lens by itself. Yes, this is not a "good test", but just looking through the viewfinder, I could tell that the quality was degraded.
Bottom line...if you need a longer reach...use a longer lens. Don't waste your time using a teleconverter with this lens. (However, sometime soon, I will try using my Pentax SMC Rear Converter-A 1.4x-S and the Rear Converter-A 2.0x-S with this lens. I'll lose autofocus capability, but just to see if the image quality is "okay", will give it a quick go.)
If this lens performs as well as I expect it to do, I'll get rid of all my older Pentax zooms and just keep this one (and the 16-50/2.8). Again, will edit this post when I've had a chance to give the lens a workout.
- - - - -
Review update, October 17, 2007
Well . . . I've took this lens on an outing last Friday (to Disneyland). Took this one, along with the DA*16-50/2.8 and FA50/1.4, (the 50 didn't get used and the short zoom only a couple of times).
This lens has lived up to my expectations. Look to see a variety of older lenses for sale soon. The bokeh is great. The color renderings are perfect. I couldn't ask any more from a lens.
One comment on the lack of a tripod mount . . . I don't miss it. The lens is small enough in physical size, balanced well enough in weight distribution, and light enough in weight that a tripod/monopod won't be needed for most applications.
If you can find one . . . purchase it! You won't regret having one.
Usefulness: 10
The APSC equivalent of the classic 70-200. Everyone should have one. great for candids, gigs, portraits....
Sharpness: 9
Wide open, it tails off in sharpness as you approach 135mm but overall its very sharp at F5.6 at all focal lengths. It really shines from 50 - 100mm. There are very few compromises here.
Colour/Contrast: 10
What really gets me about this lens every time is the quite exceptional colour and contrast. Stopped down a bit its hard to separate from a top ranking prime lens like the 77LTD, and even wide open its not too bad.
Bokeh: 9
The bokeh is exceptional for a zoom. Really nothing to choose between it and many primes in the same range.
Handling: 9
The focus ring is enormous - much larger than the zoom ring which is close to the body. Not really an issue but I sometimes grabbed the focus ring instead of the zoom when I first got it. However despite the size and weight it only needs 67mm filters and is well balanced with the C of G well towards the rear of the lens. A tripod collar is not really necessary.
Build Quality: 10
Excellent. Smooth and with very tight tolerances. Internal zoom.
CAs and Flare: 8.5
There is a bit of CA as reported but although its noticeable at the extreme focal lengths its not that bright and not an issue most of the time. Flare is minimal.
Distortion: 10
Not an issue at any focal length.
AF speed: 9
AF without USM is quite OK, but a little sluggish is low light. With USM it hunts less and is therefore faster although rotation speed is no different.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $1,000.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Image quality. Build quality.
Cons:
none, really.
A superb lens on all accounts. Handling is excellent as is build quality and the image quality. I cannot priase this lens highly enough and it is as good as the FA*80-200 f2.8 but a hell of alot lighter!
I rate:
Sharpness: 9
Bokeh: 9 for a zoom
Colur rendition: 9
Handling: 10
Build quality: 10
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $900.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Sharpness, build quality, color.
Cons:
None.
This lens is one of my favorites. The sharpness and color compare to some of the best prime lenses made for the Pentax camera. When I ordered this lens, I expected great results but I was pleasantly surprised after examining my first shots!
Other lenses have trouble comparing in IQ to this lens. I am sure that this lens will join in the list of legendary Pentax lenses. Definitely a keeper!
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $800.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Image Quality, SDM, build quality, handling
Cons:
if only the top FL were a bit longer and the hood a little shorter!
I've shot this lens for a couple of months now, and it is on my K10D about 90% of the time. Its color, contrast, sharpness and bokeh rank with the best primes I've ever shot (a modest but pro-level assortment of Zeiss, Schneider, Pentax, Canon and Nikon glass). No CA problems noted thus far, but I try to avoid extreme contrast situations (not very hard to do, here in Seattle).
Its flexibility as a zoom far better suits my current shooting style and subject matter in landscape and urban scene work, mostly. I shot a portrait session with it a couple of weeks ago, mostly using 50-90mm focal lengths, and was delighted with its quick handling, rapid auto-focus abilities, and the lovely way it threw the backdrop out of focus. It rendered very good files, easily prepped and printed with minimal fuss in CS3.
For a composite-bodied zoom, the DA* 50-135 feels good, with nice action in the zoom and focus rings. I shot it in the snow in Eastern Washington at below-freezing temperatures with no problems on its very first outing. It didn't chill my fingers the way a metal-bodied zoom has in the past. The usual solid K-mount directness in attaching and removing the lens is another tactile plus. I wish the lens hood bayonet mounted as positively, and as quickly. It's got a plasticky feel, the one slightly cheesy aspect of the lens, and it really can make replacing the lens cap a chore when it's being actively used.
Pentax has built a first-rate zoom here. I just wish it had a bit more reach, occasionally.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $700.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
SDM, Weather Sealing, Color and IQ are great
Cons:
None
This lens quickly shot its way up to the top of my list to be my favorite lens. I love every picture that comes out of it. The IQ is deathly accurate, the bokeh is just sweet, the colors and tones are superb. I love this lens more than any other.
I gave this lens a 10, because this is the finest zoom I've ever owned. And that includes my "L" zooms when I was with Canon. (24-105-L and the 70-200 2.8L)
I had and sold the DA70, because at 70mm, and at 100% crops and printed out on inkjet, I could not tell any difference what so ever.
Perfect for portraits or headshots, It would stay on my camera all the time in the studio if only it went down to 40mm.
Out and about, it's impossible to beat this with any other zoom in Pentax mount. (at this time the DA*60-250 is yet unreleased, and so is the Tamron 70-200 2.8)
It performs very well, focuses nicely and quietly, focuses fast enough for a zoom of this range. Haven't noticed any purple fringing yet.
I believe it's as good optically and image quality as the Limiteds. My only complaint is that the companion DA*16-50 isn't anywhere near this good. (The primes in that range ARE noticeably better)
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $1,300.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Terriffic color reproduction, razorsharp from edge to edge at all focal lengths, nice weight
Cons:
Range (perhaps)
I just recently received this lens after a rather unfortunate encounter with the DA* 16-50. Specifically, the DA* 16-50 was blurred on the right side (about 1/3 in from the middle) and I had to send it in for repairs (in Sweden). Additionally, the barrel was "sticky" at around 18mm (+/-), confirming other users' comments in this regard. AF seemed ok though. However, I desperately needed a quality lens for a trip to Valencia (shortly), so I gave the DA* 50-135 a try, although my expectations weren't high to be fully honest. Despite the many positive reviews, the DA* 16-50 experience lingered in my mind.
BUT BOY WAS I IN FOR A SURPRISE!
Subjective observations (with the K20D):
1) The lens is extremely bordersharp, even at 135mm. For example, in a shot on a cloudy but sunny day I could easily make out the details of powerlines in the distant horizon. These details were totally lost on my kit DA 18-55 AL II lens (at same focal lengths).
2) The colors hit like a bullet too, spot on. In fact some colors are so vibrant, using RAW settings (!), that increasing vibrancy or saturation through Photoshop gets a very low priority.
3) Weight with camera is great, only a hundred gram or so heavier than the DA* 16-50.
I have never used any L primes, and cannot do a direct comparison, but if I were to guess any of the focal lengths on this lens would compare very well. I think augustmoon's review above can fill in the blanks
I hearthly recommend anyone with even a slight interest in these focal lengths to buy this lense! It is dirt cheap compared to Nikkor 24-70 for example.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Sharp, IQ, colour, silence, speed, etc etc
Cons:
Absolutely nothing and I mean it.
I will be brief here, you won't find a more perfect portrait lens anywhere.
Considering this is a zoom, you will find, that at any focal point, a perfect portrait lens. 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 135mm, even primes will struggle to match the sheer quality of this lens.
When it was released, I thought, "what are Pentax doing bringing out such a short zoom?" How wrong I was.
I recently bought a K20D and the combo is nothing sort of sensational! I thought this lens with the K10D was a great combo, but with the K20D it is something else......
The sharp detail you get is fantastic!
Even none portraits it is still top dollar. And will cope with monsoons with ease.
I tried to be brief, but with this lens, I cannot help talking about it
Buy one! even if you don't buy another lens for the next year, you will be glad you did.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $750.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Fast focus, sharp images, great color, handling
Cons:
Big, heavy, HUGE hood
This is the perfect lens for events like outdoor birthday parties, garden parties, picnics, etc. It's also a killer portrait lens. I find the colors vivid, contrasty--they "pop" out at you. Images are sharp through the whole range of focal lengths and apertures (to my amateur eye). The lens handles like a dream. Focuses quickly and quietly.
My biggest complaint is that it is a very long lens. If you attach the hood, you have a very formidable looking "thing" hanging off the camera. If you are maneuvering around people at a party or picnic, it can be a bit awkward.
The lens is also very expensive--right up there with the 31mm and 77mm Ltd Primes. But the image quality is very close, and so maybe that's okay.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Incredibly sharp and sweet bokeh
Cons:
None
I am not a long shooter. However, I have used this lens for specific applications between 50-80mm. It is better than any of the "L" lenses I used when I was a Canon user. For those that cannot afford prime 50's, 80's or 135 lenses, this lens will easily stand on it's own merits. I have no problem using it wide open. This lens is definitely a Pentax "Brutally Sharp" Classic.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $725.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Great lens. Very fast. Excellent Build Quality
Cons:
Great lens for portrait work indoor and out. Great Bokeh (on my other lenses I don’t notice bokeh so I did not rate this charateristic). Fast. Well built and great weight. Easy to use and silent focusing. Only wish is a bit longer (like 150mm for shooting stage work). I did a comparison test (the old Newsprint test with K10D) against a 135A f2.8 (about 25 years old). The DA* sharpness was better at the center at all apertures above 2.8 and about qual at 2.8. However at the edge, the old 135A was better at 2.8 and 3.5. By f4 there was near parity at the edge. The DA* had better contrast and CA characteristics at all apertures. Note that the 135A f2.8 is not the best of the Pentax 135 primes so I was a bit surprised by this.
Build Quality: 10 - Try to buy a Nikon lens with this build quality and weather sealing at this price. (answer: You can’t. )
Utility: 9.5 - Just wish it were a tad longer
Sharpness: 9.5 - For a Zoom excellent and should be a 10. See above as to why the 1/2 point was deducted.
Color/Contrast: 10 - Wow
CA 9.5 - I have not noticed CA but it has not been used in extreme situations where it can show. Published tests show some so it held me back from a 10.
Bokeh: 9
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $750.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Sharp, fast, and incredible IQ.....did I mention sharp?
Cons:
Nothing I can think of other than a hood that's almost as big as the lens itself.
I cannot rave about this lens enough. I thought the A70-210 was the best lens I'd ever used.....until I picked up the DA*50-135. This lens is an absolute dream to use. From the very first image I saw in the viewfinder, I knew this lens was special.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $699.95
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Build-quality, IQ, Bokeh, Sharpness, Color Contrast, f/2.8, Useful zoom range
Cons:
Minimum focusing distance
Just as my DA*300, the sharpness, color contrast, and bokeh is superb. Sharp wide open and once you stop down, it takes it to another level. Straight from the camera (RAW), photos are sharp and the Pentax SMC coating gives it that special color contrast. Bokeh is smooth as well. I worried that I might not like the focal range, but find it very useful for day to day shots when you're not wanting wide angle. The overall build quality is top-notch and although focusing is not super fast, it's nice and smooth. I'm use to walking around with my DA*300 so size and weight are no big deal for me. Once you invest in fast quality glass, you get use to the weight. My only complaint is the minimum focusing distance - I wish you could focus a little bit closer.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $1,045.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Sharpness, bokeh, colors, weather sealing, size and weight
Cons:
I've had this lens for over a year now, and it's become my favorite lens by far.
The sharpness and bokeh of this lens is outstanding. I get sharp photographs at any aperture I use, f/2.8 to f/16, I haven't tested f/22 as I haven't needed to use it and I know diffraction has a big impact on the sharpness at that aperture, so no need to verify.
The SDM focusing was weird at first since I only had lenses without a focus engine and the camera motor was used, the SDM is almost perfectly silent, and when you're outside alone in the quiet, you can hear it moving, but not otherwise. It could be a bit faster, but unless an animal or car is fairly close coming straight at you, you will get your shot with continous focus (I use the K10D). I've caught birds, dogs, cars, snowmobiles and dog sleds with this, and it works very well.
It's not a macro, but you can do flowers without any problems, and do it very well. The bokeh is just cream. I have yet to see anything do it better.
Strong light sources in the image renders very beautifully. I love photographing streets at night when the street lights turn into stars, and this does it perfectly. The 9-blade aperture works very well.
The size and weight is very good I think, it's balanced well for the K10D, and then also the K20D. I alwayse use the battery grip, and that works well as well. The Tokina version has a tripod collar, and I'm not sure if it does any good or not, it's not that big a lens, but it wouldn't hurt to have it if it could be taken off :P
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $620.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Spectacularly Sharp, Beautiful Colors
Cons:
Gigantic, Heavy, way too large with the hood on
I love this lens, but I don't have that many uses for it. I'm one hundred percent happy with it's performance in the limited purposes I've put it through (mostly shooting my car during her outdoor adventures).
Everything comes out of this thing sharp as hell and beautifully rendered, color-wise. You really couldn't ask for more- the IQ is outstanding.
I just wish I lived somewhere that telephoto lenses were more useful. I'm not sure I'd want to take this guy on long travels either, since it's so bulky, so I might have to move before I can really put it to good use, which might be worth it!
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $650.00
| Rating: 8
Pros:
Sharp, fast, good build quality, weather sealing, great colors, silent AF, bokeh, lens cap is nice.
Cons:
slow AF, not quite enough zoom at the long end, huge hood.
well since it's a DA* it's weather sealed, and the best of pentax. the photographic qualities of this lens concerning Image quality it's perfect.. it's reproduction of colors and contrast is amazing.. build quality is top class.
however: i do not like the speed of the AF, it's silent, but quite slow.
zoom range seems a little to short.. however the quality of the pictures says it all.
great for outdoor portraits.
not great for any action.
great for still photography, landscaping (if the focal range fits),
not so great for dramatic closeups, they are sharp, but not dramatic.. not close enough.
if the zoom range would be 50-150mm and the photographic qualities the same, and a faster AF it would be perfect.. however nothing is perfect... so this lens is also not perfect. but I like it.. i rarely shoot at f/2.8, more at 3.2 or 3.5 to get sharp the desired point.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $749.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Silent focus, Sharpness, I think it balances well in hand
Cons:
I am going to do this review in two parts. First off, I just got the lens today, so my familiarity with the lens is limited. I purchased it for the main purpose of photographing motocross races and with the reviews I have read, and they were many, it seems most agree that it is not quick enough for action photography.
Well I have been using the kit lens for two years with great success and I find that so far this lens is neither faster, nor slower than the 18-55. This lens will get a complete workout in 8 days as I have 2 races to shoot.
Second part of this review will come after the races, hopefully with photo samples
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $760.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Sharp as a prime
Cons:
It's a big lens
This lens should be on all aspiring photographers want list. I had heard rumors of the prime like sharpness, and the overall smoothness of the images that were produced by this lens. However, I was totally blown away once I had seen first hand the images that were produced by the K20D/DA*50-135mm combo.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Image quality, build quality, silent AF, lightweight.
Cons:
SDM can be quirky, hard plastic of the hood.
Typical MTF tests (photozone.de etc) just fall short to give a real comparison between the possibilities of lenses in this range of quality.
First thing that surprised me was the color rendering - I just do not have to correct the colors on processing the images taken with this lens - there are only few rare exceptions...
It is just lightweight enough to be excellent lens for street photography - I have no problem to walk around having camera in the hand with grip and this lens attached for hours. FL range is also good for indoor (portrait) photography.
Only drawback from the excellent feel of this lens is the clunky, rattling and squeaking hard plastic of the hood - even Tamron can do better - but then... Pentax has this little opening in it for turning the polarizer etc. Very clever.
Here is the example illustrating the sharpness of this lens.
P.S. Quantity can not be of any substitute for quality - I had thoughts about Sigma 50-150 before (pentax having shorter FL range etc), now I do not
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $943.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
stop up to 2.8
Cons:
The auto focus MIGHT be a little slow,
I rated this lens a 10, but really it should be rated 9.9999999 since nothing is perfect. I mentioned that the auto focus might be a little slow, but only because I have been influenced by other reviewers. Others have said it is not a good sports lens. I am totally satisfied with it for this purpose, and it can focus much faster than I can manually. I am just entering the world of digital. I would hope that earlier reviewers remember what it was like to "work" to get a good shot, before being too critical on equipment that will or won't do everything for them. Here are some shots from today. Hats and helmets play havoc with decent exposures. With a mixture of sunny and overcast conditions, WB set to auto. These are straight out of the K20, JPEG, no PP. Please comment, (settings, tweaks or tricks for my photos) positive or negative, all welcome
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $750.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Sharp, AMAZING color/contrast (compared to my other lenses), Great build quality, Nice big MF ring
Cons:
1st copy was defective (loose focus ring is a rare problem)
1st copy had loose MF ring. My review is based on the 2nd copy.
This lens is great. Before I purchased I had a Pentax K10D, 18-55mm kit, and FA 100mm macro.
Build: 9/10
Although this IS a DA* lens, don't assume this lens is made of solid metal, although this is not a bad thing at all. About 80% of the lens is covered by the soft, rubbery rings and the only part that isn't made of rubber is the golden DA* ring, green DA indicator ring at the bottom, and the medium between the MF ring and zoom ring. Don't make this a deciding factor though, because this lens is made of real high quality plastics and most of it is in rubber anyways.
Just FYI the 16-50mm is also made of the same materials, although the DA* 200mm, 300mm, and 60-250mm are made of metal. Not sure about the 55mm.
Auto-focus Performance: 9.2/10
The AF is relatively quiet compared to my other lenses, but it is about the same speed as them. The AF in poorly lit room isn't terrific, although to be honest, no lens really is (for the AF to be accurate, the room should have at least 2 80watt light bulbs) In broad day light however, this lens is a dream to use, with the speed of the FA 100mm on focus limiter and the quietness of Canon USM (almost but not quite ) Canon USM is still faster and quieter, but Pentax is getting ridiculously close... The SDM sound is comparable to the Sony 70-200mmG lens just for reference, speedwise and sound wise.
Manual Focus Performance: 8.5/10
The MF ring is very smooth and slightly damped and about equivalent to my macro lens (although not as precise due to the clamp that exists on that lens). It is not comparable to the old K/M/A/M42 lenses that have extremely damped rings, but compared to the Canon and Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, this is about the same or better (according to user).
General Usage 9.5/10
I spent a lot of time debating whether to get this lens or the Sigma 70-200mm. After 5 months of constantly working I had enough money to finally purchase one of the lenses. For shooting events (in-door or outdoor), weddings, or in-door sports, this lens is a dream. Even the 50mm isn't wide enough for me sometimes (That's why I am going to purchase a used 35mm f/2) To be honest, if you compare 50mm to 70mm, I don't even know how I would survive. The 50-70mm is REALLY useful. For shooting outdoor sports or where you can't get real close, the 70-200mm lenses might suit you better, but even 200mm isn't really long enough for sports or birding and adding a TC would make them really bad quality (although from the Tamron TC shots that is subjective). The Sigma performs much softer at 200mm and especially with the 1.4X TC.
Also remember this lens weighs only about 1.5 lbs (700 grams) and about 1.7lbs (800grams) with hood on. The 70-200mm lenses weigh about 3 lbs (1300 grams). This lens, although quite big with hood on, is just small enough to where it doesn't scare your subjects. If this lens was any bigger width wise or length wise, some subjects would freak out and some of your pictures might look artificial. For those of you that don't know if you can or can't handle the weight, I recommend going to cameralensrentals.com and renting a 50-135mm AND 70-200mm for 3 or 7 days and see if you can handle the weight/ focal lengths. For most 135mm won't be long enough for wild life or out door sports, but at the same time, 70mm might be too much for indoor/ out door events and weddings.
Another awesome quality of this lens is the weather sealing. At first I was extremely skeptical of the weather sealing until a unfortunate turn of events forced me to use this lens under the rain. In the end, it was STILL working with no water ANYWHERE. I don't suggest putting this under a faucet or waterfall though because the weather seals can only handle light/medium rain, dust storms, snow, and sand. Anything more extreme will allow sand to scratch your elements, water to ruin the AF motor and cause fungus/mold, or make your elements "misty". This is also a big plus over the third party offerings (although they aren't bad at all from the images I have seen)
Image Quality: 10.5/10
Now this is where the lens REALLY shines. It is sharp as my macro lens even when it is set to f/5.6 and my 50-135mm is wide open (even more contrasty too!). If you stop it down it gets even MORE sharp, although there isn't enough head room because f/2.8 is already near perfectly sharp. The photozone review of this lens isn't great, but from user reviews and other online reviews, I can agree with them. This lens is unbeatable IQ wise.
Overall: 9.8/10
I'd say the only reason this lens isn't perfect is because of the FL. If they had the lens at 35-135mm or 50-200mm f/2.8, this lens would be perfect, although I suspect that a lens such as those would cost at least $1500.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 8
Pros:
Solid, sharp, sealed and useful range
Cons:
Focus speed
Build quality: 9/10
I'm docking a mark because it's not metal, but in spite of that it's a solid lens. And the fact I can use it in the rain makes it that much better.
Handling: 10/10
This is a beautifully sized lens. It's not a monster but it's not petit either. When you're holding on to it, you can have a good, solid grip. The focus and zoom rings are also a good size, making adjustments easy. Also, having an internal zoom & focus makes it a pleasure to use, including using polarizing filters.
Bokeh: 8/10
Generally very smooth. Not quite 'FA limited' smooth, but still very well done.
Optics: 10/10
For the photos I've taken using it so far, it's what I expect from a pro-level lens. It's sharp, shows good contrast and the colours are natural.
AF: 6/10
This lens surprised me with just how slow it plods along to acquire focus. I knew it wouldn't be a rocket, but I thought it would be faster than this.
Having said that, once it acquires a target, it will track reasonably well. It could follow my daughter running towards me, so long as I had a lock on her before she started running and would yield an average of 8/10 keepers. That result dropped if I didn't have her in focus before she started running.
Conclusion: 8/10
For my purposes with this lens, AF speed isn't a major deal as it will be used for landscapes and some event photography, meaning it's a keeper. However, for a lens of this caliber, I expected better and this is where it looses points. In every other category, this lens meets my expectations of a pro-level piece of kit and if focus speed is not required, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this lens.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $700.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Sweet short telephoto zoom. Sharp wide open. water resistant. Silence focus
Cons:
plastic contstruction
This is my go-to lens for candid photos now. it's really very good. Scary sharp even wide open f2.8... This lens makes the Sigma 70-200 jealous, since it is just a tad shorter but much smaller / ligher, thus less 'intimidating' to people. Did i mention that it's sharp sharp sharp, with buttery smooth bokeh and great color.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $795.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Excellent IQ, bokeh, FL range ideal, water resistant
Cons:
More difficult to use on a vertical oriented tripod head
I've had my DA 50-135 for 3 days now, and its everything folks said it was: great IQ, rendering, bokeh and nothing unusual in the focusing department (except that its extremely quiet)
I didn't have access to my computer equipment for the first day, so had to check image sharpness with the LCD. I noticed right away that i had to significantly increase my normal magnification to find a lack of sharpness. This seemed true till i reached the telescopic FL of 135mm.
Negatives from a few reviews:
a. There was one website review that observed on their copy that there was softness at 135 FL F2.8. I have a Pentax A 135 f2.8 which i think highly of so i took one handheld shot with the DA at 135mm and then 2 shots with the A135 f2.8 of a line on my deck 10 feet away. With 1:1 crops in Lightroom, i saw no difference in sharpness between the two lenses. With 2:1 crops in Lightroom, I could now observe that the A135 f2.8 images were sharper than the DA 50-135. (One review in Pentax Forums Database indicated that at F4 and above, the reviewer thought that the two lens were equal) In any case, i'm happy with 135mm focal length image quality.
b. One reviewer indicated that the hood was pretty flimsy in its attachment. I didn't notice that to be a problem. The hood attaches like a bayonet in the same way as the DA 300. It inserts axially, than rotates clockwise until it hits a partial stop, and then snaps into place. The action is lighter than in the DA 300 but adequate IMO.
c. One reviewer thought that the range should be higher than 135mm. Of course this is a personal thing. I spent one day walking along the shoreside of Port Townsend, taking architectural shots, and seashore scenes. In the long exposure nightime scenes that i enjoy doing, as well as the local playhouse stills that i take for them, this FL range is ideal for me. If anything, i would like to see a slightly wider FL.
d. The one complaint i have is that when i mount this on my tripod ball head, and then flip that ballhead over to a vertical orientation, i find that there is a tendency for the weight of the lens to loosen the camera body on the mounting stud. So this requires a firm tightening of the mounting stud collar and care in handling the camera body in the vertical orientation. Considering the many other virtues of this lens, its a small price to pay :-)
Here's one image of the DA 50-135 compared to the Tamron 18-250. The problem i had with using the Tamron for theater work, is that i often found myself at F5.6 and ISO speeds of 1600 and greater. With some F2.8 primes that i tried, one could work at ISO 800. Please note that on the first image, that i'm trying a 1 inch deep rubber hood from B&H instead of the provided plastic hood. Also note that the DA extends 5 1/4 inches from the mount to the end of the lens, not including hood. The Tamron, fully extended is about 6 7/16" long to the end of the lens. The Tamron weighs one lb while the DA is 1 1/2 lb. The reason for the comparison is that many Pentax folks have tried the Tamron or seen it and might be able to relate to the DA's physical size that way.
Click on the image to view it in a larger size
In the next image, the supplied DA hood is installed. Its 3 inches deep compared to the 1" depth of the rubber hood that i bought from another source:
Click on the image to view it in a larger size
The next image shows that the DA 50-135, installed on a K10 or K20 fits nicely into the Lowepro 200 AW slingbag with about 1/2 inch to spare. The rubber hood may be collapsed and left on the lens for storage while the plastic hood would have to be removed and stored in one of the pockets:
Click on the image to view it in a larger size
Finally, IMO, the following 3 lenses would make a nice light-weight walk around kit. Of course, many other light weight short FL lenses can be substituted for those shown.
Click on the image to view it in a larger size
Whether one likes to shoot with primes or zooms, i think we can all admire an excellently designed lens. The large shape of the DA 50-135 enables the lens to eliminate the normal telescoping 3 sleeves such as the Tamron design, which would be a nightmare to seal for water. The strong shell is likely to be more resistant to physical abuse than a telescoping design.
This lens is a class act all the way. The second day i had it, I used it to take portrait shots of 21 actors for a Shakespeare play brochure. The shots looked professional and got compliments.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $719.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Sharp,small size for me,Weather sealed
Cons:
None yet
Nothing bad to say here...what a lens,i love it
I tried it for landscape and some animals shots in a zoo and the shots are very sharp,thank you again Pentax.It will be great for shooting in the rain and snow here in Canada!
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $750.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
weight, sharpness,
Cons:
AF occasionally has issue but otherwise flawless
another review while im at it
My favorite lens. I wise the zoom range was a bit larger but thats only a small problem. This is an incredible lens and my favorite for portraits. The solid build and internal zooming takes away all fears of using this set up in rain (I did use it in rain very very regularly while in costa rica for 3 months). It holds up well and I've even had to wash it to keep it clean during several 14+km hikes through mud/forest.
For its size i think its rather light and at F2.8 very sharp.
put simply.... if you dont have this lens.... your missing out
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 9
Pros:
size, IQ, WR, SDM, weight
Cons:
some vignetting
I have been waiting with this review until I put the lens through it's paces. I finally had that chance during trip to Egypt.
First impressions:
the lens is well put together, with tight tolerances and with nice finish. The rubberized zoom and focusing rings are easy to handle and nice and wide. I'd love to have them swapped though, meaning zoom ring would be closer to the front and focusing ring closer to the body (being AF person I don't use MF a lot and lens + body combo would be easier to handle if you could zoom with your hand more forward). But that's just personal opinion. What could be better tough is, the space between the rings. It's really narrow and with hood mounted in storage position it's bit tricky to mount/dismount the lens. All in all 9/10
On camera:
This lens balances well on K100/K10D + grip/GX20. Even for the small K100D it's not intimidating. I like it best on K10D + grip. I don't miss the tripod collar as the lens isn't too heavy and the setup is reasonably stable on tripod. All in all 10/10
Performance:
I will start with negative thing. And that is vignetting, I have noticed it with hood attached but I have yet to do proper testing to see if it's general thing or only certain f stop/focal length combination.
Now to the positive things. This lens has exceptional colour rendition, is plenty sharp from wide open, especially from 1.5m and behind. Focuses very quickly and accurately. The SDM and WR are great and very welcome bonuses. Focal range is very good for streets and traveling. And for zoom it has nice bokeh. All in all 9.5/10
Conclusion:
Because of it's small(ish) size and weight, exceptional performance this lens represents great value. I have been quite a bit into the primes but this zoom makes you think twice. It's easily the best zoom I have tried to this date (09/09) and it's one fantastic lens to own.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $1,200.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
The perfect one.
Cons:
A bit, only a bit large and long (with hood)
What a lens!
It's very difficult for me change lens if DA* 50-135 is on, for me it's the perfect range.
from 50 to 135!
Pentax hasn't prime lens from 77 to 135 and this lens is a set of primes!
The only bad things are that it is a little long with hood and that i'm a bit scared about the dead SDM motors.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: No |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $800.00
| Rating: N/A
Pros:
Optical performance
Cons:
SDM
Mine is not really a review, for now, that is!
This lens has the highest price tag among my set of lenses (too many to count).
It is also the only one that failed!
After about a year of infrequent use (I was busy shooting film!), I have started using/re-using this lens. It was "optically" perfect; almost like a prime at every focal length!
However, its SDM started to behave and since using the screw driven AF engine is actively blocked (read, forbidden) my lens turned into a manual one within weeks. The lens was used lightly (first on K10D, then on K20D). It is in "new" condition for all practical purposes. It was used just like all of my other lenses (Pentax and Sigma), of which I am happy.
There are only a few places in the world that are authorized to fix the SDM. And, there is no local representative or service, Pentax is not currently represented in my country.
I wrote two of them for paid repair. None replied!
I do not understand what my mistake was. Do you?
I am not thinking of buying another lens "with SDM" until Pentax either issues a satisfactory statement about the reported problems (and their solution) or publishes a firmware to allow usage of screw driven AF when needed.
I humbly advice Pentax to define a process where users living outside the countries it has representatives and/or services can apply for help.
What am I supposed to do if my equipment fails? Pray?
(The lens was bought in the US, by the way).
I also warn potential buyers (of lenses with SDM, especially second-hand) think thrice if they live in the remote & neglected corners of the world. For other lenses, there is not much reason to be extremely cautious; even my 40 or so years old Takumars work like magic!
Some flare issues. Some CA.
Other than that, it focuses slow for a motorized lens, and tends to hunt quite a bit in less than ideal light. At least for a high end lens like this.
But on the positive side I'm still giving it a 9 because it is sharp, renders colours quite nicely, has wonderful bokeh for a zoom.
It's big and heavy but most fast pro zooms are.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $750.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Everything!
Cons:
None!
This lens is an absolute beauty.
I initially bought into the Pentax line just for the comparability with older (read cheaper) lenses. Soon I realized the true potential of the K-mount cameras and moved up to the K20D last year. I tried this lens once and just could not believe the difference it made. The colors are just stunningly real. Initially I was wondering if 135mm would be enough so I also bought a 1.4x Tamron TC. Works great with it as well.
The one thing Pentax could have improved is the AF speed . This could be better but even after deducting 1 point for that, the score is still 10 since based on my expectations, this lens has already scored 11 on image quality.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $849.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Excellent image quality at all focal lengths, outstanding build quality, looks gorgeous, super silent focusing, great hood, internal zoom and focusing, weather sealing
When I first got this lens, my initial thoughts were "wow, this thing is gorgeous". I love the gold highlights, the green line near the mount, and the massive zoom and focus rings. The large front element makes this lens look like it means business. This thing looks fantastic.
On my K-7, this lens is perfectly balanced. The large zoom ring means the lens has a wide range of space to support it, so I suspect it would be well balanced on just about any Pentax camera. That zoom ring feels smooth, with a good amount of resistance.
The focus ring is very similar, it's even larger than the zoom ring. It also has a fairly smooth motion with good resistance, although I found it felt kinda "dry" initially. Nowhere near the smoothness of my Super Takumar 50mm F1.4's focus ring, which is buttery smooth. It also has a super-long 130 degree sweep, which would be great for manual focusing but is far too long for an auto-focus lens. One oddity I hadn't experienced with a lens before: when I reach the end of the focus throw, the focus ring doesn't stop turning. There's a distinct "clunk" of the internal focusing mechanism reaching its limit, but the ring can continue to be turned indefinitely. It's a weird feeling, none of my other lenses behave this way.
Its size is a bit daunting at first, but this is mostly due to the fact that it focuses and zooms internally. So no matter what focal length you're using or where you're focusing, this lens always stays exactly the same length. The weight is also a bit much to carry around your neck during a long shooting session. After buying this lens, I got a new neck strap from Op/Tech to help reduce the strain on my neck, and it's been a huge help.
I've been using this lens regularly for over a month now, and I've mostly gotten used to the way it behaves. But one thing that still bugs me is the 3 foot minimum focus distance. The F2.8 aperture and 50mm focal length beg for this lens to be used indoors in low light, but the 3 foot minimum focus distance makes this a really frustrating task. I keep getting caught by this, and have to move back or stand on my tip toes to get 3 feet from my subject. I really wish this thing had a macro mode, or at least allowed closer focusing. 3 feet sucks.
Outdoors, this lens is at its best. Sharpness is impressive at any focal length, including the extremes. Even at F2.8, overall sharpness is surprisingly good. I've never seen a lens that gives such great results wide open. Of course, stopping down to F4 makes things even better.
Contrast and saturation are gorgeous. The colours come out vivid and clear, and chromatic aberration is incredibly well controlled. I have yet to be able to induce flare, even on purpose. The lens hood does a perfect job of keeping stray reflections off the lens. It's even lined with black felt on the inside!
Focusing performance is... disappointing. With all the hype from Pentax over SDM, I expected focusing to be on par with high end Canon and Nikon offerings, but the truth is, it barely matches the kit lens with its screw-drive focusing. Accuracy in daylight is excellent, but it takes a long time to get from close focus to infinity. The focus throw is so long, you can feel the mechanism rolling through its entire range... it reminds me of the distant rumble of a bowling ball rolling down the aisle. Sometimes, there's a hesitation before the focus mechanism gets going. Like it's not sure if I really meant to half-press the shutter button. Occasionally, when I haven't used the lens in a couple days, the focusing mechanism takes a few tries to "wake up". It won't move at all the first few times I half-press the shutter button. Once it does wake up, the precision is excellent. It always focuses accurately on my target. If it doesn't have to go through its entire focus range to find a target, it's usually pretty quick. So if I manually focus real quick and then half-press the shutter button, I can get focus blazingly fast. But this is an annoying two-step process. Overall, I'd say it compares favourably with the kit lens in this respect, but it doesn't come close to the competition. It doesn't even come close to my old and ultra-cheap SMC Pentax F 35-70mm F3.5-4.5, which auto-focuses like greased lightning on ice.
As soon as I get out of daylight, focus performance drops like a rock. This lens has a tendency to hunt more than my kit lens does. It'll often sweep through its entire range twice, and then give up, even when there's an obvious line to focus on RIGHT THERE IN THE MIDDLE!!! Honestly, I don't get it. With an F2.8 aperture, it should have plenty of light to focus easily in most situations, but somehow that doesn't matter. The worst part is, sweeping through its range takes so long, by the time it's failed to focus, my shot is often gone. On the upside, the focusing mechanism is whisper quiet. I hear it when I operate the camera, but anyone around me can't hear it at all.
Since I mainly use this lens outdoors during the day, it's been a perfect fit for me, hence the 9 rating. It's really unfortunate that I can't make better use of it indoors or in low-light, but that's not what I got it for. I mainly got it for outdoor shots of static objects, and for this purpose the lens is excellent. I'm also hoping to use it a lot when the Canadian Football League season starts up again in July, although I'm not sure how it will do with fast-moving subjects. I guess I'll find out the hard way...
edit: oops, forgot to mention weather-sealing. I've been using this lens on my K-7 in winter, through some horrible snow storms and pouring rain. The combination never missed a beat. I've even half-buried the camera in snow to get different angles of shots. It's great to be able to do these things and not worry about water getting into the camera. Weather sealing is one of this lens' great qualities, and definitely contributes to the 9 rating I gave it.
This lens is just perfect, could not live without it. The build quality is superb with weather-sealing. It's light-weight and compact compared to it's 70-200/2.8 full frame counterparts.
Nothing major that could be wrong with this lens, one of the best I've ever owned. Used to own a Sigma 17-70, Tamron 28-75/2.8, DA 35 Macro LTD, 21 LTD, FA 43 LTD, 77 LTD, FA 50/1.4, Tamron 70-200/2.8. Now I currently own only the DA* 50-135 and 16-50. This lens is easily my favorite lens out of all.
A minor issue is the AF could be a bit faster, it's not up to par with the competition, but otherwise it's fast enough for me.
The photo has flare under the headlight due to the fact that I had a Hoya Pro1 Digital filter on at night.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $800.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Razor Sharp, Fantastic Portrait Lens
Cons:
Minimum Focusing Distance
I absolutely adore this lens. The auto-focusing is snappy and fast, the sharpness is astonishing, and the clarity and bokeh are just plain fabulous. It's now on my camera about 90% of the time, replacing my Tamron 28-80mm f2.8 as my main shooting lens.
My only issue is that the minimum focusing distance on this guy is much farther out than I'd like, so this is pretty useless as an up-close lens, which is a shame, but only takes it down a point.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $750.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
optical quality, relatively compact for its class, build quality
Cons:
slow AF, huge hood, prone to flare. min. focus distance
This is easily one of the best Pentax zoom, the picture quality is amazing, even at f/2.8 which I use a lot for sports.
The downside for me is the size and weight. It's so much of an issue that I often use other lenses like the FA77, D-FA 100mm or even the DA 55-300mm. But actually the size is quite compact for a f/2.8 zoom in this range.
Other big minus is the slow AF. I can't believe that some people find this lens fast. It's pedestrian to say the least. The DA* 16-50mm is faster and the newer DA* 60-250mm is much faster. That's a big minus for me because I use it a lot in situation where I need fast AF (sports, action, etc.).
Flare performance is also not that great. The minimum focus distance could also be better
Build quality is great, better than any other Pentax zoom I own. The lens does not extend like the 16-50 or 60-250 something I always prefer. The zoom ring is very smooth (unlike the 16-50) and is a joy to use.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $725.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
sharpness, colour, contrast, SDM, silent, speed
Cons:
SDM longevity questionable, large minimum focus distance, size
This is without a doubt the best / most-useful zoom lens that I have used. I admit I was pretty nervous forking out the asking price with such a vocal group of people with SDM issues. The price for a new one here in Australia is significantly higher than to import one from the US. Also, as I was unsure whether I would be able to get warranty repairs done here I settled on the secondhand route. Secondhand was also attractive based on my logic that since the SDM complaints seem to happen either very early on or once the lens is a few years old, a relatively new but secondhand lens showing no signs of SDM failure should have a lower probability of issues for at least a few years.
I have had no problems with SDM issues (knock on wood) and like most others who haven't had issues, I absolutely love this lens. It is extremely sharp, even wide open and I think the colours and contrast out of this lens are absolutely beautiful. The SDM is silent and as fast as I expected - which is to say that it isn't lightning quick but pretty decent nonetheless. For a while I owned both this lens and the DA 70mm. While I loved the small size of the DA 70mm, I felt in terms of image quality the DA* was at least its equal and I chose the added versatility of the zoom over the size/weight of the prime. I have a few primes in the wide to normal range but am in love with this lens over anything in its focal length. I use it a lot for portraits and head-shots for which its great though I haven't ever had a chance to try a FA 77mm - perhaps one day I am more than happy with the DA*.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $750.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Build-quality, IQ, bokeh, sharpness, colors, contrast, fast
Cons:
None
The best zoom I've ever used. The optics are excellent and it is very sharp at f2.8 with very good bokeh. IQ is on par with my primes. Excellent build quality, beautiful colors, fast focusing...
Sample images here:
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): N/A
| Rating: 8
Pros:
Optical quality, IF,
Cons:
Very slow af, SDM
For a lens with a pricetag like this the autofocus should be a lot faster. It's slow even in the Pentax range. First lens that I bought new and was a bit dissappointed, maybe half the price and it'd be very good.
Other than that it's a very good lens optically, it was hard to take it off from the camera. Instant love with a grain of salt.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $750.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
image quaulity, silent fast focus from SMD, aperture
Cons:
size
From B&H as a new one.
pros are everywhere: great lents
Size and weight, and the SDM may be a potential problem.
By the way:SPRING BROTHER IS TRUE MAN.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $763.00
| Rating: 10
Pros:
Finest DA* zoom
Cons:
what's not to love?
This lens goes with us almost everywhere. It's usually on one of our bodies, and is simply fantastic.
At 135mm, it's a great focal length to snap a candid at a party without someone realizing, and with 2.8 glass, you can do fantastic subject isolation and low light.
If you don't have this glass, you should be thinking about purchasing it.
It's out of focus blur is premium, it's highlight bokeh is immaculate, it's IQ is fantastic, and it's SDM is pretty dang quick.
The WR on this lens is simply a bonus.
Additionally, I sometimes shoot with this paired with the 1.7x AFA teleconverter, and I'm pleased with the results I get from that combination.
I can recommend the SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]: Yes |
Price (U.S. Dollars): $820.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Very sharp, smooth bokeh, excellent IQ.
Cons:
AF, lack of tripod collar.
A great lens for the price. If you can afford it, don't hesitate and buy it!
First of all, the lens is very sharp wide open and improves a bit when stopping down. The 135mm focal length is the weak spot, but even then it easily remains in the very sharp territory. At shorter focal lengths, it's very, very sharp.
The AF is accurate but rather slow. My DA16-45mm is much, much faster. When the AF hunts with this lens, it hunts a lot.
Distortion is negligible and vignetting isn't an issue except at 135mm, where it's still very low.
CAs are very low as well, and never really intrusive. PF can occur in contrasty situations, but it's much better than many lenses here as well.
The lens is flare sensitive, so try to keep strong light sources out of the frame.
Finally, the bokeh is quite buttery in most circumstances, but I found it was a bit "jerky" looking at times. Overall, the bokeh is excellent.
My only complaints would be about the AF speed and the AF hunting.
The lack of a tripod collar is also a slight but real oversight. Too bad it wasn't implemented on this lens: the camera is very front heavy with this lens when mounted on a tripod.
All-in-all, a very nice lens with excellent IQ and only a few cons. Highly recommended!
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not close enough.
Well I have been using the kit lens for two years with great success and I find that so far this lens is neither faster, nor slower than the 18-55. This lens will get a complete workout in 8 days as I have 2 races to shoot.
