[tempelorg]

I've found a problem with my K-5 and the 18-135mm while I was in the alps, taking panoramic pictures.

The camera did not auto-focus on ANYTHING far away with the zoom being in the middle range of its focal length. It did focus just fine at the extremes (below 20mm and above 80mm).

I guess that's a production fault of the lens, as other lens of mine don't show this. Is there something I can self-adjust about this or do I need to send it in for repair?

(Actually, I also just did a test with my K-20D, which shows the same results)

[ruggiex]

I've had interest in the lens for a while due to the range and WR. I'm kind of afraid of using my 21mm Ltd out on hikes too much because I've already gotten some dusts in my 50-300mm. I'm just wondering if WR will also help keeping the dust out as well? I imagine it would since it can keep water out. Thanks.

[luk_gb]

> Doesn't focus on infinity between 24-70mm

I had the same problem but only in range between 20-30mm.
Additionally I noticed that I have little back focus and corrected it (in my K200d) in debug mode (+70).
And now AF is working OK.
Please check this method and write some words about my method.

[dgaies]

> Doesn't focus on infinity between 24-70mm

I had the same problem but only in range between 20-30mm.
Additionally I noticed that I have little back focus and corrected it (in my K200d) in debug mode (+70).
And now AF is working OK.
Please check this method and write some words about my method.

I agree that this is a good place to start. If you're having trouble focusing at infinity, even if it's only for a certain range, there's a good chance you need to dial in some focus adjustment to correct from a back-focus issue between the lens and body.

[audiobomber]

I had to dial in +7 on my K20D and +8 on the K-5 I had temporarily. I intend to send the lens for calibration, but not until I get back from my vacation in June. I bought the 18-135 specifically for this trip, as it supposedly rains about 4 days in 10 in Paris in June.

[tempelorg]

What do you all mean by dialing in focus adjustment? All I know of is the AF Adjustment setting in the camera, but that is for correcting a misalignment between the AF sensor's focus point and the actual focus, isn't it? In any case, I tried changing this setting on my k20 to -10 and to +10 to no avail.

Could anyone please enlighten me?

[markdesmarais]

I thought this one came out pretty well. 135mm, 1/20, f5.6, no flash. This is a fancy wine bottle stopper, to give a sense of scale.



100% crop of the center focus point. There is almost enough fingerprint to convict. ;-)
(I think it is 100%, Fotki might have messed it up)

[crewl1]

I think this is a very versatile lens. On my K-5 the most.

[ruggiex]

I decided to pick up the lens mostly for its versatility and WR. Too bad I have been really busy at work to really try out the lens. However, it didn't matter how many times I read how silent and quick the focus is I was still surprised by it trying it out with my own hands; I don't have any SDM lens so the difference is quite big compared to normal lenses. Can't wait to take it with me to Niagara Falls in a couple weeks.

[noel]

I find that the lens shine exceptionally under natural light.

[Chex]

I've found a problem with my K-5 and the 18-135mm while I was in the alps, taking panoramic pictures.

The camera did not auto-focus on ANYTHING far away with the zoom being in the middle range of its focal length. It did focus just fine at the extremes (below 20mm and above 80mm).

I guess that's a production fault of the lens, as other lens of mine don't show this. Is there something I can self-adjust about this or do I need to send it in for repair?

(Actually, I also just did a test with my K-20D, which shows the same results)

I haven't used this lens for pano's since the day I shot and posted that one on an earlier page (shot Easter Sunday), but I always use manual focus for doing pano's anyways. I find that this lens has too much barrel distortion and that can make extra PP work I could avoid using a different lens. If you don't mind the distortion the color rendition is actually very nice.

[Chex]

This is exactly what I was hoping to use this lens for, more than a light sprinkle the other evening, but the air was still warm enough not to deter me.. since (according to my wife) I'm apparently not made of sugar... I could go out and shoot for a bit.

[ruggiex]

Pretty happy with the lens so far. Not really a technical person when it comes to photography yet but it was so nice to bring just one lens for my trip to Niagara Falls.

[normhead]

The latest from my DA 18-135....

[PALADIN85020]

I just got my 18-135 WR yesterday and did some test shots with the K-5 indoors this morning for "worst possible lighting" with no artificial light. Autofocus was fast and accurate. All shots at ISO 3200. I got this lens as an all-purpose walkaround without having to carry extra stuff or weight. So far I like it. Sharp photos with good color, plenty of range, and weather resistant as well. Reported problems with CA and distortion at some settings can be sorted out with compensatory adjustments in the K-5. Here are some test shots:







Next I went outside. This shot, taken in my back yard, has been cropped to show the relevant portions. I think any CA is taken care of by stopping down, and any distortion by the camera's compensatory software. I find no trace of either here. K-5, ver. 1.03, 1/320, f/20, 48mm, ISO 320. Taken in the TAv mode.