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dr_romix · 10-12-2011, 08:45 AM

this is lowest price I got .$750. quoted from the seller" There isn't any warranty on the repair. They had originally replaced the SDM at an earlier point, but it didn't work, so they replaced it this time as a "freebie" - they won't extend warranty on a free repair. It's working better now than it ever has. They also focus adjusted, cleaned...etc.."

what do you guys think? still this or a new one?

dgaies · 10-12-2011, 09:39 AM

Originally posted by dr_romix

this is lowest price I got .$750. quoted from the seller" There isn't any warranty on the repair. They had originally replaced the SDM at an earlier point, but it didn't work, so they replaced it this time as a "freebie" - they won't extend warranty on a free repair. It's working better now than it ever has. They also focus adjusted, cleaned...etc.."

what do you guys think? still this or a new one?

I think $750 is about the current going rate (and a fair price) for a used DA*50-135. As I stated earlier, I would personally pocket the $200 savings over a new one (assuming they're up to $950 new, I haven't checked in a while) and take my chances knowing that I had enough to pay for a new SDM motor should something happen down the road.

But at the end of the day, you need to do what you're most comfortable with. For a lot of people that includes the peace of mind of buying a new lens with a one-year warranty and/or buying an extended warranty as well. Whatever you do, I think you'll really like the DA*50-135 as its a really great lens despite the potential issue of the SDM motor failing

**jac** · 10-12-2011, 09:51 AM

I agree with Dan and would add one more point. I traded-up my DA*50-135 for a DA*60-250 with a reputable member who has listed it again, roughly the price of Dan's math above. I had no problems and the other member didn't. If the price is right, you have confidence in the seller and the lens has obviously enough use to get by that risky first few months, used is often a pretty good bet.

RioRico · 10-12-2011, 09:57 AM

A used MANUAL lens with no history of issues, that's one thing. But a used AF lens (especially SDM) with known issues? Only buy if the seller has a no-questions return policy. Otherwise, buy new, with same return policy, and a sufficient warranty.

ripit · 10-12-2011, 10:10 AM

Originally posted by RioRico

A used MANUAL lens with no history of issues, that's one thing. But a used AF lens (especially SDM) with known issues? Only buy if the seller has a no-questions return policy. Otherwise, buy new, with same return policy, and a sufficient warranty.

That's a very good point. If the seller doesn't have a decent term no questions asked return policy, I wouldn't even consider it. Just because sdm is the common problem with this lens doesn't discount the fact that there are lots of other issues an autofocus lens can have. For all you know, someone dropped it and there are internal problems, but there was a lens hood on so there was no physical external damage. I'n not sure if it si the same model, but keh has one for 750$ with a 6 month warranty (at least I think they give 6 months on all used lenses). Does the seller give any kind of guarantee or warranty in general since you are paying almost what a new one costs?

Pentax Digital 50-135 F2.8 SMC DA ED INTERNAL FOCUS SDM (67) WITH HOOD, CAPS, CASE, DIGITAL SLR ZOOM STANDARD ANGLE LENS - KEH.com

dgaies · 10-12-2011, 10:33 AM

Originally posted by RioRico

A used MANUAL lens with no history of issues, that's one thing. But a used AF lens (especially SDM) with known issues? Only buy if the seller has a no-questions return policy. Otherwise, buy new, with same return policy, and a sufficient warranty.

Originally posted by ripit

That's a very good point. If the seller doesn't have a decent term no questions asked return policy, I wouldn't even consider it. Just because sdm is the common problem with this lens doesn't discount the fact that there are lots of other issues an autofocus lens can have. For all you know, someone dropped it and there are internal problems, but there was a lens hood on so there was no physical external damage.

That goes without saying. I'm certainly not suggesting to anyone that they buy a lens from a seller who isn't willing to stand behind what they're selling. It is a given that the seller should accept a return if (upon receipt) you found there was an issue with the lens (be it an AF issue or otherwise).

Originally posted by ripit

I'n not sure if it si the same model, but keh has one for 750$ with a 6 month warranty (at least I think they give 6 months on all used lenses). Does the seller give any kind of guarantee or warranty in general since you are paying almost what a new one costs?

Pentax Digital 50-135 F2.8 SMC DA ED INTERNAL FOCUS SDM (67) WITH HOOD, CAPS, CASE, DIGITAL SLR ZOOM STANDARD ANGLE LENS - KEH.com

That is the same lens in question, and a better deal as you are indeed backed by both a nice return policy AND a 6 month warranty from KEH. I buy from KEH fairly often and feel it's a great place to shop (not always the best prices, although in the case of the linked DA*50-135, that's not bad either given the current market price for one).

dr_romix · 10-12-2011, 10:51 AM

Originally posted by ripit

That's a very good point. If the seller doesn't have a decent term no questions asked return policy, I wouldn't even consider it. Just because sdm is the common problem with this lens doesn't discount the fact that there are lots of other issues an autofocus lens can have. For all you know, someone dropped it and there are internal problems, but there was a lens hood on so there was no physical external damage. I'n not sure if it si the same model, but keh has one for 750$ with a 6 month warranty (at least I think they give 6 months on all used lenses). Does the seller give any kind of guarantee or warranty in general since you are paying almost what a new one costs?

Pentax Digital 50-135 F2.8 SMC DA ED INTERNAL FOCUS SDM (67) WITH HOOD, CAPS, CASE, DIGITAL SLR ZOOM STANDARD ANGLE LENS - KEH.com

already being sold..

dr_romix · 10-12-2011, 02:02 PM

Originally posted by Adam

If you don't specifically need the weather sealing of the DA*, perhaps consider the tamron 70-200mm? It's cheaper and comes with a 6-year warranty.

AF001P700 Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 DI LD (IF) Macro, Fast AF Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax Autofocus Mount - USA Warranty

I was thinking about it but it's too heavy and 70mm is bit too long for wedding, indoor event photography. Love my Tammy 28-75 with 6 year warranty but I also need that 50mm length.

Derek

Aegon · 10-12-2011, 02:05 PM

I'll add one more personal opinion here:

Don't buy a repaired lens. I've seen many tales of woe and hardship where one unlucky owner has returned the same lens for SDM repair many times.

My reasoning is anecdotal and isn't built on a foundation of hard underlying data. But that's what I'd do.

SOldBear · 10-12-2011, 02:11 PM

Originally posted by dr_romix

this is lowest price I got .$750. quoted from the seller" There isn't any warranty on the repair. They had originally replaced the SDM at an earlier point, but it didn't work, so they replaced it this time as a "freebie" - they won't extend warranty on a free repair. It's working better now than it ever has. They also focus adjusted, cleaned...etc.."

what do you guys think? still this or a new one?

Ask to see the receipt of the repair(s), and ask for 14 day return privilege.

If they are granted, I'd buy it. A new one is what? $950? That's $200 that can be saved for a (possible) repair.

FYI, except for the Tamron 18-250 and the Pentax 10-17 FE, all of my lenses were bought used. Similar to the DA* 50-135 in question here, my DA* 16-50 had gone through two SDM repair jobs before I bought it.

I sold bunch of lenses too. None of the buyer has come back and complained.

JHD · 10-12-2011, 02:24 PM

I'd wouldn't buy a used lens SDM lens - period. I wouldn't buy a new one either... I'd wouldn't buy a used lens (or anything else for that matter) unless I got a screaming good deal. To save 30% over the price of a new one won't cut it for me. I'd rather have brand new one with a full warranty. With a used lens you've always got a wonder has it been dropped, smacked, banged around etc. No thanks.

dgaies · 10-12-2011, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by JHD

I'd wouldn't buy a used lens SDM lens - period. I wouldn't buy a new one either... I'd wouldn't buy a used lens (or anything else for that matter) unless I got a screaming good deal. To save 30% over the price of a new one won't cut it for me. I'd rather have brand new one with a full warranty. With a used lens you've always got a wonder has it been dropped, smacked, banged around etc. No thanks.

Well, I suppose someone has to buy the lenses new so that I can save 30% later

dr_romix · 10-12-2011, 06:26 PM

I think everyone has a valid point.

dr_romix · 10-13-2011, 02:18 PM

found a good deal on brand new K5 in Canada, does anyone know if there will be any import tax on it?

**Rondec** · 10-13-2011, 02:21 PM

No, there is no import tax. I have purchased several lenses from Prodigital 2000 and the purchase was very simple.

10-12-2011, 02:11 PM	#25
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by dr_romix this is lowest price I got .$750. quoted from the seller" There isn't any warranty on the repair. They had originally replaced the SDM at an earlier point, but it didn't work, so they replaced it this time as a "freebie" - they won't extend warranty on a free repair. It's working better now than it ever has. They also focus adjusted, cleaned...etc.." what do you guys think? still this or a new one? Ask to see the receipt of the repair(s), and ask for 14 day return privilege. If they are granted, I'd buy it. A new one is what? $950? That's $200 that can be saved for a (possible) repair. FYI, except for the Tamron 18-250 and the Pentax 10-17 FE, all of my lenses were bought used. Similar to the DA* 50-135 in question here, my DA* 16-50 had gone through two SDM repair jobs before I bought it. I sold bunch of lenses too. None of the buyer has come back and complained. Last edited by SOldBear; 10-12-2011 at 02:40 PM.

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10-12-2011, 08:45 AM	#16
dr_romix Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: Pittsburgh,PA Posts: 321 Original Poster	this is lowest price I got .$750. quoted from the seller" There isn't any warranty on the repair. They had originally replaced the SDM at an earlier point, but it didn't work, so they replaced it this time as a "freebie" - they won't extend warranty on a free repair. It's working better now than it ever has. They also focus adjusted, cleaned...etc.." what do you guys think? still this or a new one?

10-12-2011, 09:39 AM	#17
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by dr_romix this is lowest price I got .$750. quoted from the seller" There isn't any warranty on the repair. They had originally replaced the SDM at an earlier point, but it didn't work, so they replaced it this time as a "freebie" - they won't extend warranty on a free repair. It's working better now than it ever has. They also focus adjusted, cleaned...etc.." what do you guys think? still this or a new one? I think $750 is about the current going rate (and a fair price) for a used DA50-135. As I stated earlier, I would personally pocket the $200 savings over a new one (assuming they're up to $950 new, I haven't checked in a while) and take my chances knowing that I had enough to pay for a new SDM motor should something happen down the road. But at the end of the day, you need to do what you're most comfortable with. For a lot of people that includes the peace of mind of buying a new lens with a one-year warranty and/or buying an extended warranty as well. Whatever you do, I think you'll really like the DA50-135 as its a really great lens despite the potential issue of the SDM motor failing

10-12-2011, 09:51 AM	#18
jac Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Clyde River, Nunavut, Canada Posts: 2,364	I agree with Dan and would add one more point. I traded-up my DA50-135 for a DA60-250 with a reputable member who has listed it again, roughly the price of Dan's math above. I had no problems and the other member didn't. If the price is right, you have confidence in the seller and the lens has obviously enough use to get by that risky first few months, used is often a pretty good bet.

10-12-2011, 09:57 AM	#19
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	A used MANUAL lens with no history of issues, that's one thing. But a used AF lens (especially SDM) with known issues? Only buy if the seller has a no-questions return policy. Otherwise, buy new, with same return policy, and a sufficient warranty.

10-12-2011, 10:10 AM	#20
ripit Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NewYork Posts: 899	Originally posted by RioRico A used MANUAL lens with no history of issues, that's one thing. But a used AF lens (especially SDM) with known issues? Only buy if the seller has a no-questions return policy. Otherwise, buy new, with same return policy, and a sufficient warranty. That's a very good point. If the seller doesn't have a decent term no questions asked return policy, I wouldn't even consider it. Just because sdm is the common problem with this lens doesn't discount the fact that there are lots of other issues an autofocus lens can have. For all you know, someone dropped it and there are internal problems, but there was a lens hood on so there was no physical external damage. I'n not sure if it si the same model, but keh has one for 750$ with a 6 month warranty (at least I think they give 6 months on all used lenses). Does the seller give any kind of guarantee or warranty in general since you are paying almost what a new one costs? Pentax Digital 50-135 F2.8 SMC DA ED INTERNAL FOCUS SDM (67) WITH HOOD, CAPS, CASE, DIGITAL SLR ZOOM STANDARD ANGLE LENS - KEH.com

10-12-2011, 10:33 AM	#21
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by RioRico A used MANUAL lens with no history of issues, that's one thing. But a used AF lens (especially SDM) with known issues? Only buy if the seller has a no-questions return policy. Otherwise, buy new, with same return policy, and a sufficient warranty. Originally posted by ripit That's a very good point. If the seller doesn't have a decent term no questions asked return policy, I wouldn't even consider it. Just because sdm is the common problem with this lens doesn't discount the fact that there are lots of other issues an autofocus lens can have. For all you know, someone dropped it and there are internal problems, but there was a lens hood on so there was no physical external damage. That goes without saying. I'm certainly not suggesting to anyone that they buy a lens from a seller who isn't willing to stand behind what they're selling. It is a given that the seller should accept a return if (upon receipt) you found there was an issue with the lens (be it an AF issue or otherwise). Originally posted by ripit I'n not sure if it si the same model, but keh has one for 750$ with a 6 month warranty (at least I think they give 6 months on all used lenses). Does the seller give any kind of guarantee or warranty in general since you are paying almost what a new one costs? Pentax Digital 50-135 F2.8 SMC DA ED INTERNAL FOCUS SDM (67) WITH HOOD, CAPS, CASE, DIGITAL SLR ZOOM STANDARD ANGLE LENS - KEH.com That is the same lens in question, and a better deal as you are indeed backed by both a nice return policy AND a 6 month warranty from KEH. I buy from KEH fairly often and feel it's a great place to shop (not always the best prices, although in the case of the linked DA*50-135, that's not bad either given the current market price for one).

10-12-2011, 10:51 AM	#22
dr_romix Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: Pittsburgh,PA Posts: 321 Original Poster	Originally posted by ripit That's a very good point. If the seller doesn't have a decent term no questions asked return policy, I wouldn't even consider it. Just because sdm is the common problem with this lens doesn't discount the fact that there are lots of other issues an autofocus lens can have. For all you know, someone dropped it and there are internal problems, but there was a lens hood on so there was no physical external damage. I'n not sure if it si the same model, but keh has one for 750$ with a 6 month warranty (at least I think they give 6 months on all used lenses). Does the seller give any kind of guarantee or warranty in general since you are paying almost what a new one costs? Pentax Digital 50-135 F2.8 SMC DA ED INTERNAL FOCUS SDM (67) WITH HOOD, CAPS, CASE, DIGITAL SLR ZOOM STANDARD ANGLE LENS - KEH.com already being sold..

10-12-2011, 02:02 PM	#23
dr_romix Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: Pittsburgh,PA Posts: 321 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam If you don't specifically need the weather sealing of the DA*, perhaps consider the tamron 70-200mm? It's cheaper and comes with a 6-year warranty. AF001P700 Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 DI LD (IF) Macro, Fast AF Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax Autofocus Mount - USA Warranty I was thinking about it but it's too heavy and 70mm is bit too long for wedding, indoor event photography. Love my Tammy 28-75 with 6 year warranty but I also need that 50mm length. Derek

10-12-2011, 02:05 PM	#24
Aegon Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,416	I'll add one more personal opinion here: Don't buy a repaired lens. I've seen many tales of woe and hardship where one unlucky owner has returned the same lens for SDM repair many times. My reasoning is anecdotal and isn't built on a foundation of hard underlying data. But that's what I'd do.

10-12-2011, 02:24 PM	#26
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	I'd wouldn't buy a used lens SDM lens - period. I wouldn't buy a new one either... I'd wouldn't buy a used lens (or anything else for that matter) unless I got a screaming good deal. To save 30% over the price of a new one won't cut it for me. I'd rather have brand new one with a full warranty. With a used lens you've always got a wonder has it been dropped, smacked, banged around etc. No thanks.

10-12-2011, 03:03 PM	#27
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by JHD I'd wouldn't buy a used lens SDM lens - period. I wouldn't buy a new one either... I'd wouldn't buy a used lens (or anything else for that matter) unless I got a screaming good deal. To save 30% over the price of a new one won't cut it for me. I'd rather have brand new one with a full warranty. With a used lens you've always got a wonder has it been dropped, smacked, banged around etc. No thanks. Well, I suppose someone has to buy the lenses new so that I can save 30% later

10-12-2011, 06:26 PM	#28
dr_romix Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: Pittsburgh,PA Posts: 321 Original Poster	I think everyone has a valid point.

10-13-2011, 02:18 PM	#29
dr_romix Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: Pittsburgh,PA Posts: 321 Original Poster	found a good deal on brand new K5 in Canada, does anyone know if there will be any import tax on it?

10-13-2011, 02:21 PM	#30
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,666	No, there is no import tax. I have purchased several lenses from Prodigital 2000 and the purchase was very simple.

Should I purchase used 50-135 ?

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