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audiobomber · 11-02-2010, 07:34 PM

I'd like an inexpensive manual lens (~ $100),
fast (f/2.8 min),
compact (smaller than my D FA 100?),
~ 135mm FL
with superior IQ,
bayonet mount.

What would you recommend?

Adam · 11-02-2010, 08:35 PM

You should have a look at this page: 135mm Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Sounds like you're looking for either a K 135mm F2.5 (which isn't more compact) or the M 135mm F3.5 (which isn't faster than 2.8).

audiobomber · 11-02-2010, 08:39 PM

Originally posted by Adam

You should have a look at this page: 135mm Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Sounds like you're looking for either a K 135mm F2.5 (which isn't more compact) or the M 135mm F3.5 (which isn't faster than 2.8).

I don't think there's a Pentax lens that matches my want list. It will have to be some off-brand, and there are so many of them that it's confusing and very time consuming to research.

stover98074 · 11-02-2010, 08:44 PM

You should be able to find many M42 or Pentax K mount lenses in 135 at 2.8. It is fun focal lengh to work with. M42 will should work with with Pentax K bodies via an inexpensive adapter.

One of my favorites is an older Takumar Preset 135 3.5 lens - a little slower than a 2.8, but it works well for me with a hood. This is a small and lightweight lens - there is a write up of the lens in this forum - Takumar/Auto-Takumar 135mm F3.5 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Telephoto Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database . I have the all black version.

This lens was purchased used and came in almost new condition - it cost $50.

I also have a Mamiya/Sekor Auto 135 2.8 and Yashikor 135 2.8. Both the Mamiya and Yashica are in M42, both are in like new condition and both cost about $15/each.

This was taken with the old Takumar Preset.

Last edited by stover98074; 11-02-2010 at 09:01 PM.

tentacles · 11-02-2010, 08:46 PM

That seems like a pretty tall order to me; considering that the DFA100 is pretty small for what it is. Looking around the lens review section I see you could possibly shave off a cm or *maybe* two of length, diameter of the DFA100 is hardly huge. Problem is you're looking for fast long (focal length) and small and that's tough, especially if you're on a budget.

yeatzee · 11-02-2010, 09:36 PM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I'd like an inexpensive manual lens (~ $100),
fast (f/2.8 min),
compact (smaller than my D FA 100?),
~ 135mm FL
with superior IQ,
bayonet mount.

What would you recommend?

There is nothing to recomend....

[IMO]Skip all of the other 135mm's and get the F/FA 135mm. Worth it 100% [/IMO]

OR if it must be manual get the K 135mm F/2.5

Both are a lot more than $100 though, thats for sure. My F 135mm is worth every penny I spent on it however

pinholecam · 11-02-2010, 09:43 PM

I did a very recent simple evaluation on what the K135 and FA135 could give me (in terms of bokeh and subject isolation). The intention was to see which one I would keep.

Though the K135 has served me very well, I am at times frustrated with MF at 135mm, which can be quite a bit of glass and metal to handle when doing MF. This coupled with the very good AF on the K5 led to to the FA135.

FA135

K135

I like the rendition on the K135 better. Looks like I will keep both for the time being.

Raylon · 11-02-2010, 10:21 PM

I bought a Sear 135mm f/2.8 for about $20 on eBay a while ago. Using the K200D, I got some amazing shots recently at an air show.

Check this one out:

http://rynwohld.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Airpower-Over-the-Midwest-2010/IMGP352...21_UXe77-O.jpg

If you search eBay you may be able to find another one.

Pentaxor · 11-02-2010, 10:28 PM

Originally posted by pinholecam

I did a very recent simple evaluation on what the K135 and FA135 could give me (in terms of bokeh and subject isolation). The intention was to see which one I would keep.

Though the K135 has served me very well, I am at times frustrated with MF at 135mm, which can be quite a bit of glass and metal to handle when doing MF. This coupled with the very good AF on the K5 led to to the FA135.

FA135

K135

I like the rendition on the K135 better. Looks like I will keep both for the time being.

yup, the K135 is a bit sharper and looks to have a better bokeh perhaps due to a much narrow FOV (cite background wideness difference). I have the same issue with the ST/SMCT and K135/2.5 with it's manual use since I most of the time use it for action/candid shots. it would be no problem for portraits but that's not the only thing I would use a 135mm for.

yeatzee · 11-02-2010, 11:08 PM

Originally posted by Pentaxor

yup, the K135 is a bit sharper and looks to have a better bokeh perhaps due to a much narrow FOV (cite background wideness difference). I have the same issue with the ST/SMCT and K135/2.5 with it's manual use since I most of the time use it for action/candid shots. it would be no problem for portraits but that's not the only thing I would use a 135mm for.

Im not sure how you could conclude anything from the samples provided

Pentaxor · 11-02-2010, 11:51 PM

Originally posted by yeatzee

Im not sure how you could conclude anything from the samples provided

I had handled 4 of them personally. Super-Tak 135/2.5, SMC-Tak 135/2.5, K135/2.5 and of course the FA135/2.8. well, actually 5, if I'm going to include the Takumar bayonet 135/2.5 which was eeerrr.....not quite up there with the other 4.

and believe me, the K135/f2.5 is a bit sharper. the only reason why I never really considered keeping either of the f/2.5 is because of my need for an AF 135mm lens.

this statement coming from the person who recommended you the F135mm.

Pentaxor · 11-03-2010, 12:58 AM

and some images to ponder upon.

Pentacon 135 preset

FA135

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-03-2010, 02:52 AM

look at the lens club, there are tons of 135mm fans.

I personally have 4 of them.

I have a K135F2.5, an SMC Takumar 135F3.5, a Tele-Lentar 135F2.8 (Preset T Mount) and a Rikenon 135F2.8 (M42)

All of them are sharp, but the Rikenon has some other issues, It has a color cast I don't like, which is different from the other lenses, and it has about 1 stop of light transmission loss compared to the other lenses. It also had an issue of reflection off the sensor, due to some shiny metal parts in the light path, which I have fixed with flat black paint.

The 135F3.5 SMC tak, and any K mount SMC 135F3.5 is quite small and is an excellent performer. If the maximum aperture is the only consideration, you are probably wasting your time and money on third party lenses which are 1/2 stop faster, unless there is a chance to test and compare.

The main reason I got the tele lentar is because it is a preset lens with a 14 blade aperture, and has very nice Bokeh. In fact it's has an OFF rendering that gives more foreground background separation at any equal aperture when compared to the takumar. It is a good medium tele for outdoor portraits. The only drawback is a somewhat limited minimum focus.

The K135F2.5 is (in my opinion) the best 135 Ever. sharp and contrasty at all apertures, but big and heavy compared to others, with a 58mm front end vs 55 for most F2.8's and 49 for the F3.5's

troglodyte · 11-03-2010, 03:32 AM

Makinon 135mm f2.8 macro and normal dual focus mode Pentax mount. ~$30.
Look up sample pics on Hivemind.

stanic · 11-03-2010, 04:31 AM

Originally posted by Pentaxor

and some images to ponder upon.

Last pic is amazing!

11-02-2010, 07:34 PM	#1
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Which 135mm for me? I'd like an inexpensive manual lens (~ $100), fast (f/2.8 min), compact (smaller than my D FA 100?), ~ 135mm FL with superior IQ, bayonet mount. What would you recommend?

11-02-2010, 08:35 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	You should have a look at this page: 135mm Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Sounds like you're looking for either a K 135mm F2.5 (which isn't more compact) or the M 135mm F3.5 (which isn't faster than 2.8). Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

11-02-2010, 11:51 PM	#11
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by yeatzee Im not sure how you could conclude anything from the samples provided I had handled 4 of them personally. Super-Tak 135/2.5, SMC-Tak 135/2.5, K135/2.5 and of course the FA135/2.8. well, actually 5, if I'm going to include the Takumar bayonet 135/2.5 which was eeerrr.....not quite up there with the other 4. and believe me, the K135/f2.5 is a bit sharper. the only reason why I never really considered keeping either of the f/2.5 is because of my need for an AF 135mm lens. this statement coming from the person who recommended you the F135mm. Last edited by Pentaxor; 11-02-2010 at 11:57 PM.

11-03-2010, 02:52 AM	#13
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	check the 135mm lens club look at the lens club, there are tons of 135mm fans. I personally have 4 of them. I have a K135F2.5, an SMC Takumar 135F3.5, a Tele-Lentar 135F2.8 (Preset T Mount) and a Rikenon 135F2.8 (M42) All of them are sharp, but the Rikenon has some other issues, It has a color cast I don't like, which is different from the other lenses, and it has about 1 stop of light transmission loss compared to the other lenses. It also had an issue of reflection off the sensor, due to some shiny metal parts in the light path, which I have fixed with flat black paint. The 135F3.5 SMC tak, and any K mount SMC 135F3.5 is quite small and is an excellent performer. If the maximum aperture is the only consideration, you are probably wasting your time and money on third party lenses which are 1/2 stop faster, unless there is a chance to test and compare. The main reason I got the tele lentar is because it is a preset lens with a 14 blade aperture, and has very nice Bokeh. In fact it's has an OFF rendering that gives more foreground background separation at any equal aperture when compared to the takumar. It is a good medium tele for outdoor portraits. The only drawback is a somewhat limited minimum focus. The K135F2.5 is (in my opinion) the best 135 Ever. sharp and contrasty at all apertures, but big and heavy compared to others, with a 58mm front end vs 55 for most F2.8's and 49 for the F3.5's

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11-02-2010, 08:39 PM	#3
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam You should have a look at this page: 135mm Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Sounds like you're looking for either a K 135mm F2.5 (which isn't more compact) or the M 135mm F3.5 (which isn't faster than 2.8). I don't think there's a Pentax lens that matches my want list. It will have to be some off-brand, and there are so many of them that it's confusing and very time consuming to research.

11-02-2010, 08:44 PM	#4
stover98074 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 153	You should be able to find many M42 or Pentax K mount lenses in 135 at 2.8. It is fun focal lengh to work with. M42 will should work with with Pentax K bodies via an inexpensive adapter. One of my favorites is an older Takumar Preset 135 3.5 lens - a little slower than a 2.8, but it works well for me with a hood. This is a small and lightweight lens - there is a write up of the lens in this forum - Takumar/Auto-Takumar 135mm F3.5 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Telephoto Primes - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database . I have the all black version. This lens was purchased used and came in almost new condition - it cost $50. I also have a Mamiya/Sekor Auto 135 2.8 and Yashikor 135 2.8. Both the Mamiya and Yashica are in M42, both are in like new condition and both cost about $15/each. This was taken with the old Takumar Preset. Last edited by stover98074; 11-02-2010 at 09:01 PM.

11-02-2010, 08:46 PM	#5
tentacles Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Winnipeg, MB Photos: Albums Posts: 48	That seems like a pretty tall order to me; considering that the DFA100 is pretty small for what it is. Looking around the lens review section I see you could possibly shave off a cm or maybe two of length, diameter of the DFA100 is hardly huge. Problem is you're looking for fast long (focal length) and small and that's tough, especially if you're on a budget.

11-02-2010, 09:36 PM	#6
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Originally posted by audiobomber I'd like an inexpensive manual lens (~ $100), fast (f/2.8 min), compact (smaller than my D FA 100?), ~ 135mm FL with superior IQ, bayonet mount. What would you recommend? There is nothing to recomend.... [IMO]Skip all of the other 135mm's and get the F/FA 135mm. Worth it 100% [/IMO] OR if it must be manual get the K 135mm F/2.5 Both are a lot more than $100 though, thats for sure. My F 135mm is worth every penny I spent on it however

11-02-2010, 09:43 PM	#7
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,710	I did a very recent simple evaluation on what the K135 and FA135 could give me (in terms of bokeh and subject isolation). The intention was to see which one I would keep. Though the K135 has served me very well, I am at times frustrated with MF at 135mm, which can be quite a bit of glass and metal to handle when doing MF. This coupled with the very good AF on the K5 led to to the FA135. FA135 K135 I like the rendition on the K135 better. Looks like I will keep both for the time being.

11-02-2010, 10:21 PM	#8
Raylon Guest	I bought a Sear 135mm f/2.8 for about $20 on eBay a while ago. Using the K200D, I got some amazing shots recently at an air show. Check this one out: http://rynwohld.smugmug.com/Airplanes/Airpower-Over-the-Midwest-2010/IMGP352...21_UXe77-O.jpg If you search eBay you may be able to find another one.

11-02-2010, 10:28 PM	#9
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by pinholecam I did a very recent simple evaluation on what the K135 and FA135 could give me (in terms of bokeh and subject isolation). The intention was to see which one I would keep. Though the K135 has served me very well, I am at times frustrated with MF at 135mm, which can be quite a bit of glass and metal to handle when doing MF. This coupled with the very good AF on the K5 led to to the FA135. FA135 K135 I like the rendition on the K135 better. Looks like I will keep both for the time being. yup, the K135 is a bit sharper and looks to have a better bokeh perhaps due to a much narrow FOV (cite background wideness difference). I have the same issue with the ST/SMCT and K135/2.5 with it's manual use since I most of the time use it for action/candid shots. it would be no problem for portraits but that's not the only thing I would use a 135mm for.

11-02-2010, 11:08 PM	#10
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Originally posted by Pentaxor yup, the K135 is a bit sharper and looks to have a better bokeh perhaps due to a much narrow FOV (cite background wideness difference). I have the same issue with the ST/SMCT and K135/2.5 with it's manual use since I most of the time use it for action/candid shots. it would be no problem for portraits but that's not the only thing I would use a 135mm for. Im not sure how you could conclude anything from the samples provided

11-03-2010, 12:58 AM	#12
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	and some images to ponder upon. Pentacon 135 preset FA135

11-03-2010, 03:32 AM	#14
troglodyte Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oz Posts: 408	Makinon 135mm f2.8 macro and normal dual focus mode Pentax mount. ~$30. Look up sample pics on Hivemind.

11-03-2010, 04:31 AM	#15
stanic Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Zakopane Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 389	Originally posted by Pentaxor and some images to ponder upon. Last pic is amazing!

Which 135mm for me?

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