Is this lens any good?

Vantage-Point · 04-07-2011, 11:14 AM

Hi all,
I have the opportunity to buy a Sears 135mm f 2.8 telephoto lens and I wanted to know if it is a good lens?

**NaClH2O** · 04-07-2011, 11:23 AM

I don't own it, but I have borrowed a friend's. It's not too bad, but neither is it a hidden treasure. I came away from the experince thinking that I was glad I had the Pentax K 135 f/2.5, but that lens is in a completely different league. I don't think I'd spend more than 30 usd for it, but for that price point it delivers nicely.
Here are some reviews from our own lens review database: clicky

NaCl(tis OK but not stellar)H2O

**blackcloudbrew** · 04-07-2011, 11:37 AM

I have one and have found it to be a nice usable lens. It has a sorta macro function that's kinda interesting. My main problem is that I don't find the 135 length on an APS-C sensor that useful. Put this lens on a 35mm film camera and it's just right. I don't recall what I paid for mine but it wasn't much (although I got the original box with it). Check out the reviews here of it. Sears 135mm f2.8 Auto Multicoated Lens Reviews - Pentax Third-Party Lens Review Database

I think I agree that this is one with some hidden bang for the buck.

deadwolfbones · 04-07-2011, 11:39 AM

Owned one briefly. I think the highest compliment I could give it would be "competent."

glee46 · 04-07-2011, 11:56 AM

I have (5) 135mm for Pentax.

They are the following:
1. Rikenon XR 135mm f/2.8

2. Sears MC Auto 135mm f/2.8

3. Super Takumar 135mm f/2.5 M42

4. SMC Pentax M 135mm f/3.5

5. SMC/Super-Takumar 135mm F/3.5

For me, #4 the SMC Pentax M 135mm f/3.5 is the one I like the best. However, My Sears is maybe even sharper at 5.6 & up, & has great colors. I love the range just for portraits. However, I've used them in many situations as well.

I've been using them on a K20D, however, I just purchased the K5. I'm looking forward to testing them on it.

I'll also, be doing a Shootout with all 5 & post the pics & results here soon.

Also, the filter ring is 52mm. If you find a good one for under $50 I would go for it.

Vantage-Point · 04-07-2011, 12:12 PM

Thanks everyone for you feedback it has been helpful.

RioRico · 04-07-2011, 10:04 PM

More feedback: There is no one single Sears 135/2.8. I have had three, all from different makers, and there are probably a dozen other versions. That's the bad news: the model situation is too complex. Now the good news: Sears bought their gear from excellent makers. Even Pentax and Canon made Sears lenses. I have never encountered a bad Sears prime. Even their old-tech zooms can range from pretty good to excellent.

So don't hesitate to buy a Sears prime. Word is leaking out that they're in the same league as Vivitar, and prices are rising, but they're still real bargains. Another brand with similar quality but less diversity is Focal (K-Mart). If you see virtually any Vivitar, Sears, or Focal prime at a low price, GRAB IT!

creampuff · 04-07-2011, 10:15 PM

Well here's a recent shot of two friends taken with the Sears 135mm f/2.8 with the K-5. As you can see don't expect too much from such an el-cheapo crap lens.

04-07-2011, 11:14 AM	#1
Vantage-Point Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New York Posts: 516	Is this lens any good? Hi all, I have the opportunity to buy a Sears 135mm f 2.8 telephoto lens and I wanted to know if it is a good lens?

04-07-2011, 11:56 AM	#5
glee46 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North of San Francisco, California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 598	I own five 135mm I have (5) 135mm for Pentax. They are the following: 1. Rikenon XR 135mm f/2.8 2. Sears MC Auto 135mm f/2.8 3. Super Takumar 135mm f/2.5 M42 4. SMC Pentax M 135mm f/3.5 5. SMC/Super-Takumar 135mm F/3.5 For me, #4 the SMC Pentax M 135mm f/3.5 is the one I like the best. However, My Sears is maybe even sharper at 5.6 & up, & has great colors. I love the range just for portraits. However, I've used them in many situations as well. I've been using them on a K20D, however, I just purchased the K5. I'm looking forward to testing them on it. I'll also, be doing a Shootout with all 5 & post the pics & results here soon. Also, the filter ring is 52mm. If you find a good one for under $50 I would go for it.

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04-07-2011, 11:23 AM	#2
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	I don't own it, but I have borrowed a friend's. It's not too bad, but neither is it a hidden treasure. I came away from the experince thinking that I was glad I had the Pentax K 135 f/2.5, but that lens is in a completely different league. I don't think I'd spend more than 30 usd for it, but for that price point it delivers nicely. Here are some reviews from our own lens review database: clicky NaCl(tis OK but not stellar)H2O

04-07-2011, 11:37 AM	#3
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,460	I have one and have found it to be a nice usable lens. It has a sorta macro function that's kinda interesting. My main problem is that I don't find the 135 length on an APS-C sensor that useful. Put this lens on a 35mm film camera and it's just right. I don't recall what I paid for mine but it wasn't much (although I got the original box with it). Check out the reviews here of it. Sears 135mm f2.8 Auto Multicoated Lens Reviews - Pentax Third-Party Lens Review Database I think I agree that this is one with some hidden bang for the buck.

04-07-2011, 11:39 AM	#4
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Owned one briefly. I think the highest compliment I could give it would be "competent."

04-07-2011, 12:12 PM	#6
Vantage-Point Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New York Posts: 516 Original Poster	Thanks everyone for you feedback it has been helpful.

04-07-2011, 10:04 PM	#7
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	More feedback: There is no one single Sears 135/2.8. I have had three, all from different makers, and there are probably a dozen other versions. That's the bad news: the model situation is too complex. Now the good news: Sears bought their gear from excellent makers. Even Pentax and Canon made Sears lenses. I have never encountered a bad Sears prime. Even their old-tech zooms can range from pretty good to excellent. So don't hesitate to buy a Sears prime. Word is leaking out that they're in the same league as Vivitar, and prices are rising, but they're still real bargains. Another brand with similar quality but less diversity is Focal (K-Mart). If you see virtually any Vivitar, Sears, or Focal prime at a low price, GRAB IT!

04-07-2011, 10:15 PM	#8
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	Well here's a recent shot of two friends taken with the Sears 135mm f/2.8 with the K-5. As you can see don't expect too much from such an el-cheapo crap lens.