Can someone show what the A* 135mm f/1.8 can do.

maverickh · 11-07-2010, 01:54 AM

Fellow Pentaxians,

Once in a while ( long while ) we hear of legendary lens such as the A* 135 f/1.8. But we hardly see any pictures taken with this lens being posted . Can anyone post some photos to show the performance of this lens.

**Douglas_of_Sweden** · 11-07-2010, 05:25 AM

Originally posted by maverickh

Fellow Pentaxians,

Once in a while ( long while ) we hear of legendary lens such as the A* 135 f/1.8. But we hardly see any pictures taken with this lens being posted . Can anyone post some photos to show the performance of this lens.

There have been som shots posted in the 135mm lens club.

Currently I'm posting a serie of theater shots with it on the anything live-stage photo thread.

I've also posted shots from the Alice in wonderland.

I've also shown its performance together with the SMC Pentax-A Rear converter 2x-s, a fantastic combination.

It also participated in a shoot out between the DA*50-135 against the A50/1.7, A100/2.8, A*85/1.4 and A*135/1.8.

And long ago I posted some shots with it used for macro in combo with the Vivitar/Kenko macro converter.

That's what I can remember from me on this forum. You can try my blogg and flickr as well. The reason you don't see much pictures from it is probably because few copies were made and some of these ended up among collectors that hardly use their lenses.

maverickh · 11-07-2010, 10:43 PM

Hi Douglas,

Thanks for the contributions. Apart from the fact that its at f/1.8. what are qualities makes it special.

Seldom get to see photos taken from this lens . any idea how many were manufactured. I understand that Canon also has a 135mm f/2. Any idea what is holding back Pentax from manufacturing this lens in DA format.

**Douglas_of_Sweden** · 11-08-2010, 12:35 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by maverickh

Hi Douglas,

Thanks for the contributions. Apart from the fact that its at f/1.8. what are qualities makes it special.

Seldom get to see photos taken from this lens . any idea how many were manufactured. I understand that Canon also has a 135mm f/2. Any idea what is holding back Pentax from manufacturing this lens in DA format.

What is most unusual to me is how sharp and contrasty it is a wide open. Of course all lenses lose a bit of these qualities wide open simply because wider apperture means more stray light beams, more or less a natural law, but this lens suffers less from that than other fast tele lenses I've tried. The A*135/1.8 is clearly more usable at f1.8 than the A*85/1.4 is at f1.4 (unless you want the 85 to go a bit soft for portrait).
You sometimes here that the A line were less well built than the M and K line. I think that is comming from a few plastic details in the most mass produced kit zoom lenses and the plastic internal detail that sometimes break in the apperture ring of the A50/1.7 and A50/2, but the rest of the line were pure metal and glass, and the A* lenses are as well built as any K lenses. The A*135 is a joy to focus, gives you a bright viewfinder and has a smooth focus throw.

As for why there is no DA*135/1.8. There never was a F* or FA*135/1.8 either. That is more of a mystery to me. For the DA line, I simply think that Pentax did not expect to sell enough of it having lost market shares throughout the 90's and being late into the digital age. With market share picking up with more and more K-x, K-r and K-5 bodies sold, I hope they will again launch some high spec lenses. But before giving anything similar to the A*135 I'd like to see the A*200/4 macro or FA*200/4 macro in a DFA* version.

As for quantity, I don't know. But based on that it appears to be about as unusual as the FA*200 macro, which I've heared was only built in 1100 copies, I'd guess something similar. That's not much on a global basis. Especially considering that some ended up on the shelfes of collectors.

maverickh · 11-08-2010, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by Douglas_of_Sweden

What is most unusual to me is how sharp and contrasty it is a wide open. Of course all lenses lose a bit of these qualities wide open simply because wider apperture means more stray light beams, more or less a natural law, but this lens suffers less from that than other fast tele lenses I've tried. The A*135/1.8 is clearly more usable at f1.8 than the A*85/1.4 is at f1.4 (unless you want the 85 to go a bit soft for portrait).
You sometimes here that the A line were less well built than the M and K line. I think that is comming from a few plastic details in the most mass produced kit zoom lenses and the plastic internal detail that sometimes break in the apperture ring of the A50/1.7 and A50/2, but the rest of the line were pure metal and glass, and the A* lenses are as well built as any K lenses. The A*135 is a joy to focus, gives you a bright viewfinder and has a smooth focus throw.

As for why there is no DA*135/1.8. There never was a F* or FA*135/1.8 either. That is more of a mystery to me. For the DA line, I simply think that Pentax did not expect to sell enough of it having lost market shares throughout the 90's and being late into the digital age. With market share picking up with more and more K-x, K-r and K-5 bodies sold, I hope they will again launch some high spec lenses. But before giving anything similar to the A*135 I'd like to see the A*200/4 macro or FA*200/4 macro in a DFA* version.

As for quantity, I don't know. But based on that it appears to be about as unusual as the FA*200 macro, which I've heared was only built in 1100 copies, I'd guess something similar. That's not much on a global basis. Especially considering that some ended up on the shelfes of collectors.

Hi Douglas,

Thanks once again for the insight.

Hope to see more pictures from this wonderful lens.

Cheers !!!

Andi Lo · 11-08-2010, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by Douglas_of_Sweden

As for why there is no DA*135/1.8. There never was a F* or FA*135/1.8 either. That is more of a mystery to me. For the DA line, I simply think that Pentax did not expect to sell enough of it having lost market shares throughout the 90's and being late into the digital age. With market share picking up with more and more K-x, K-r and K-5 bodies sold, I hope they will again launch some high spec lenses. But before giving anything similar to the A*135 I'd like to see the A*200/4 macro or FA*200/4 macro in a DFA* version.

Why there is no DA 135/1.8 is because Pentax have considered it covered by 50-135 and the DFA WR 100... imho. Same reason as to why we don't have FA 28-70/4 in production anymore.

Of course to have a true replacement we would need a 90mm/1.4, but as you said Pentax probably thinks it's not worth the investment to continue producing this lens.

**Clinton** · 11-09-2010, 07:13 AM

Here's some.

My pic from our exclusive gallery:

3D effect:

Here's one of my first test shots:

And a crop of that same image:

**Clinton** · 11-09-2010, 07:20 AM

Originally posted by Andi Lo

Of course to have a true replacement we would need a 90mm/1.4, but as you said Pentax probably thinks it's not worth the investment to continue producing this lens.

90mm/1.4 is almost covered with the FA* 85/1.4

I don't think I could call that a replacement. The A* 135/1.8 brings a whole new level of creativity to my photography.

dsport · 11-09-2010, 10:43 AM

My pics from this lens

axl · 11-09-2010, 12:27 PM

dsport, I just love the third

Winder · 11-09-2010, 12:42 PM

Originally posted by Andi Lo

Why there is no DA 135/1.8 is because Pentax have considered it covered by 50-135 and the DFA WR 100... imho. Same reason as to why we don't have FA 28-70/4 in production anymore.

Of course to have a true replacement we would need a 90mm/1.4, but as you said Pentax probably thinks it's not worth the investment to continue producing this lens.

A fast 135mm f/1.8 would give you the reach of the fast 200mm primes that you see from Canon and Nikon. Personally a think 135mm f/1.8 is an excellent lens for an aps-c body especially for people who cover indoor sports. A DA* 135mm f/1.8 Limited would be a welcome addition.

dsport · 11-09-2010, 08:30 PM

Originally posted by axl

dsport, I just love the third

Thanks, the pic was taken at night. This is what f1.8 can do.

maverickh · 11-10-2010, 01:49 AM

Hi Guys,

Thansk for the contributions.

Keep the pictures coming .

**Clinton** · 11-10-2010, 05:45 PM

Originally posted by maverickh

Hi Guys,

Thansk for the contributions.

Keep the pictures coming .

If we do, you'll cave and spend too much money on one...

maverickh · 11-11-2010, 08:57 AM

Originally posted by Clinton

If we do, you'll cave and spend too much money on one...

Ha Ha, well, just like in some places , the kids are heard but never seen.

It would be great for many of us to see how best the strength of this lens can be best utilised.

11-07-2010, 01:54 AM	#1
maverickh Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: singapore Posts: 467	*Can someone show what the A 135mm f/1.8 can do.** Fellow Pentaxians, Once in a while ( long while ) we hear of legendary lens such as the A* 135 f/1.8. But we hardly see any pictures taken with this lens being posted . Can anyone post some photos to show the performance of this lens.

11-07-2010, 05:25 AM	#2
Douglas_of_Sweden Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stockholm Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,374	Originally posted by maverickh Fellow Pentaxians, Once in a while ( long while ) we hear of legendary lens such as the A* 135 f/1.8. But we hardly see any pictures taken with this lens being posted . Can anyone post some photos to show the performance of this lens. There have been som shots posted in the 135mm lens club. Currently I'm posting a serie of theater shots with it on the anything live-stage photo thread. I've also posted shots from the Alice in wonderland. I've also shown its performance together with the SMC Pentax-A Rear converter 2x-s, a fantastic combination. It also participated in a shoot out between the DA50-135 against the A50/1.7, A100/2.8, A85/1.4 and A135/1.8. And long ago I posted some shots with it used for macro in combo with the Vivitar/Kenko macro converter. That's what I can remember from me on this forum. You can try my blogg and flickr as well. The reason you don't see much pictures from it is probably because few copies were made and some of these ended up among collectors that hardly use their lenses. Last edited by Douglas_of_Sweden; 11-07-2010 at 05:29 AM. Reason: bad spelling*

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11-07-2010, 10:43 PM	#3
maverickh Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: singapore Posts: 467 Original Poster	Hi Douglas, Thanks for the contributions. Apart from the fact that its at f/1.8. what are qualities makes it special. Seldom get to see photos taken from this lens . any idea how many were manufactured. I understand that Canon also has a 135mm f/2. Any idea what is holding back Pentax from manufacturing this lens in DA format.

11-08-2010, 12:35 AM - 1 Like	#4
Douglas_of_Sweden Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stockholm Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,374	Originally posted by maverickh Hi Douglas, Thanks for the contributions. Apart from the fact that its at f/1.8. what are qualities makes it special. Seldom get to see photos taken from this lens . any idea how many were manufactured. I understand that Canon also has a 135mm f/2. Any idea what is holding back Pentax from manufacturing this lens in DA format. What is most unusual to me is how sharp and contrasty it is a wide open. Of course all lenses lose a bit of these qualities wide open simply because wider apperture means more stray light beams, more or less a natural law, but this lens suffers less from that than other fast tele lenses I've tried. The A135/1.8 is clearly more usable at f1.8 than the A85/1.4 is at f1.4 (unless you want the 85 to go a bit soft for portrait). You sometimes here that the A line were less well built than the M and K line. I think that is comming from a few plastic details in the most mass produced kit zoom lenses and the plastic internal detail that sometimes break in the apperture ring of the A50/1.7 and A50/2, but the rest of the line were pure metal and glass, and the A* lenses are as well built as any K lenses. The A135 is a joy to focus, gives you a bright viewfinder and has a smooth focus throw. As for why there is no DA135/1.8. There never was a F* or FA135/1.8 either. That is more of a mystery to me. For the DA line, I simply think that Pentax did not expect to sell enough of it having lost market shares throughout the 90's and being late into the digital age. With market share picking up with more and more K-x, K-r and K-5 bodies sold, I hope they will again launch some high spec lenses. But before giving anything similar to the A135 I'd like to see the A200/4 macro or FA200/4 macro in a DFA* version. As for quantity, I don't know. But based on that it appears to be about as unusual as the FA*200 macro, which I've heared was only built in 1100 copies, I'd guess something similar. That's not much on a global basis. Especially considering that some ended up on the shelfes of collectors.

11-08-2010, 09:59 AM	#5
maverickh Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: singapore Posts: 467 Original Poster	Originally posted by Douglas_of_Sweden What is most unusual to me is how sharp and contrasty it is a wide open. Of course all lenses lose a bit of these qualities wide open simply because wider apperture means more stray light beams, more or less a natural law, but this lens suffers less from that than other fast tele lenses I've tried. The A135/1.8 is clearly more usable at f1.8 than the A85/1.4 is at f1.4 (unless you want the 85 to go a bit soft for portrait). You sometimes here that the A line were less well built than the M and K line. I think that is comming from a few plastic details in the most mass produced kit zoom lenses and the plastic internal detail that sometimes break in the apperture ring of the A50/1.7 and A50/2, but the rest of the line were pure metal and glass, and the A* lenses are as well built as any K lenses. The A135 is a joy to focus, gives you a bright viewfinder and has a smooth focus throw. As for why there is no DA135/1.8. There never was a F* or FA135/1.8 either. That is more of a mystery to me. For the DA line, I simply think that Pentax did not expect to sell enough of it having lost market shares throughout the 90's and being late into the digital age. With market share picking up with more and more K-x, K-r and K-5 bodies sold, I hope they will again launch some high spec lenses. But before giving anything similar to the A135 I'd like to see the A200/4 macro or FA200/4 macro in a DFA* version. As for quantity, I don't know. But based on that it appears to be about as unusual as the FA*200 macro, which I've heared was only built in 1100 copies, I'd guess something similar. That's not much on a global basis. Especially considering that some ended up on the shelfes of collectors. Hi Douglas, Thanks once again for the insight. Hope to see more pictures from this wonderful lens. Cheers !!!

11-08-2010, 01:14 PM	#6
Andi Lo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 2,924	Originally posted by Douglas_of_Sweden As for why there is no DA135/1.8. There never was a F or FA135/1.8 either. That is more of a mystery to me. For the DA line, I simply think that Pentax did not expect to sell enough of it having lost market shares throughout the 90's and being late into the digital age. With market share picking up with more and more K-x, K-r and K-5 bodies sold, I hope they will again launch some high spec lenses. But before giving anything similar to the A135 I'd like to see the A200/4 macro or FA200/4 macro in a DFA* version. Why there is no DA 135/1.8 is because Pentax have considered it covered by 50-135 and the DFA WR 100... imho. Same reason as to why we don't have FA 28-70/4 in production anymore. Of course to have a true replacement we would need a 90mm/1.4, but as you said Pentax probably thinks it's not worth the investment to continue producing this lens.

11-09-2010, 07:13 AM	#7
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,910	Here's some. My pic from our exclusive gallery: 3D effect: Here's one of my first test shots: And a crop of that same image:

11-09-2010, 07:20 AM	#8
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,910	Originally posted by Andi Lo Of course to have a true replacement we would need a 90mm/1.4, but as you said Pentax probably thinks it's not worth the investment to continue producing this lens. 90mm/1.4 is almost covered with the FA* 85/1.4 I don't think I could call that a replacement. The A* 135/1.8 brings a whole new level of creativity to my photography.

11-09-2010, 10:43 AM	#9
dsport Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hong Kong Photos: Gallery Posts: 431	My pics from this lens

11-09-2010, 12:27 PM	#10
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	dsport, I just love the third

11-09-2010, 12:42 PM	#11
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Originally posted by Andi Lo Why there is no DA 135/1.8 is because Pentax have considered it covered by 50-135 and the DFA WR 100... imho. Same reason as to why we don't have FA 28-70/4 in production anymore. Of course to have a true replacement we would need a 90mm/1.4, but as you said Pentax probably thinks it's not worth the investment to continue producing this lens. A fast 135mm f/1.8 would give you the reach of the fast 200mm primes that you see from Canon and Nikon. Personally a think 135mm f/1.8 is an excellent lens for an aps-c body especially for people who cover indoor sports. A DA* 135mm f/1.8 Limited would be a welcome addition.

11-09-2010, 08:30 PM	#12
dsport Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hong Kong Photos: Gallery Posts: 431	Originally posted by axl dsport, I just love the third Thanks, the pic was taken at night. This is what f1.8 can do.

11-10-2010, 01:49 AM	#13
maverickh Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: singapore Posts: 467 Original Poster	Hi Guys, Thansk for the contributions. Keep the pictures coming .

11-10-2010, 05:45 PM	#14
Clinton Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,910	Originally posted by maverickh Hi Guys, Thansk for the contributions. Keep the pictures coming . If we do, you'll cave and spend too much money on one...

11-11-2010, 08:57 AM	#15
maverickh Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: singapore Posts: 467 Original Poster	Originally posted by Clinton If we do, you'll cave and spend too much money on one... Ha Ha, well, just like in some places , the kids are heard but never seen. It would be great for many of us to see how best the strength of this lens can be best utilised.