Originally posted by ozlizard Is this lens really any good? I havn't heard much about it and thought it was a kit lens. I saw a kit lens on the K5 at a camera shop, I think it was the 18-55, which looked and felt very plasticy and cheap. I will have a look at the 18-135, but will it be anywhere as good as a * lens?
About 5% of the shots I've seen from the 18-135 were what I would call impressive. The other 95% were pretty mediocre. No way is it as good as the 50-135 (and technically, it does qualify as a kit lens, just sayin'
). The only downsides to the * lens are the less-than speedy AF (still not that bad) and the possible SDM issue. While it is a real issue, it has gotten so rare that I truly wouldn't even think twice about buying a new one today. The IQ of the 50-135 is top-notch, the 16-50 perhaps a half-notch below it (but quicker AF). I have seen some pretty good images from the 16-45, but I would personally still prefer the 16-50. It's just a little bit better and has WR. Let us know what you decide!