DA 18-135 WR, Show us what it can do

**Kevin B123** · 11-05-2018, 12:42 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Des

I feel a bit the same way Kevin. I think there would be a noticeable gain in resolution with say the K-1 and DFA 28-105, but it would significantly lighten your wallet and weigh down your bag! And while the DFA 28-105 seems to be a fine lens, you'd miss the reach of the 18-135.

If I may make a suggestion, a K-70 or a K-P might be a better upgrade from the K-50, to go with your K-3ii. I'm now regretting I didn't buy a K-P when Pentax Australia had them on sale for $A990 a couple of months back, especially as the next flagship model seems to be still some way off.

One thing about staying with APS-C is that there is a wider range of current lenses available, especially at the wide end - e.g. no FF counterpart of the wonderful DA 15 or 20-40, or of the DA 12-24. And there isn't really a FF equivalent of the 18-135 (28-200) or the 16-85 (24-125) in the current lens range. Nor is there a counterpart of the DA 55-300 PLM. And if there were, they'd be bigger, heavier and probably a lot more expensive.

All sound reasoning, but still the pull of a FF viewfinder beckons

. I will sit on it a little longer. Really I don't need anymore resolution, and I would settle with 28-105 and 35 & 50mm primes and that's it on FF. At least that what I tell myself. The big heavy zooms hold no appeal to me.
The K-50 / 18-135 kit would still see plenty of use. All that said the K-70 is the alternative option for me if I stay away from FF.

**mattb123** · 11-05-2018, 01:38 PM - **11 Likes**

Originally posted by Des

I feel a bit the same way Kevin. I think there would be a noticeable gain in resolution with say the K-1 and DFA 28-105, but it would significantly lighten your wallet and weigh down your bag! And while the DFA 28-105 seems to be a fine lens, you'd miss the reach of the 18-135.

If I may make a suggestion, a K-70 or a K-P might be a better upgrade from the K-50, to go with your K-3ii. I'm now regretting I didn't buy a K-P when Pentax Australia had them on sale for $A990 a couple of months back, especially as the next flagship model seems to be still some way off.

One thing about staying with APS-C is that there is a wider range of current lenses available, especially at the wide end - e.g. no FF counterpart of the wonderful DA 15 or 20-40, or of the DA 12-24. And there isn't really a FF equivalent of the 18-135 (28-200) or the 16-85 (24-125) in the current lens range. Nor is there a counterpart of the DA 55-300 PLM. And if there were, they'd be bigger, heavier and probably a lot more expensive.

The full frame bodies are really nice but be sure to identify what it is that you want to improve on and at what cost would you do it. And the cost isn't just for the gear but the cost of carrying around a bigger body and bigger lenses and worry about your gear's safety. I have a K-1ii and also a 645D in addition to my K-3. I still shoot with the K-3 and 18-135 (as well as other lenses) on a regular basis because it's often the most appropriate tool for the job.
If my photo mission is to try and get that magazine or calendar cover of a spectacular sunrise, I'll probably bring a bigger kit if the location is compatible. But much of the time I'm cycling, hiking, skiing, or in an urban exploration situation and I need to keep the camera kit compact and have it attract less attention. In those cases the K-3 & 18-135 is often the choice because even if it isn't my best gear, it's plenty good enough to not be the limiting factor most of the time. Having the smaller camera along and ready has allowed me to get a lot of shots I wouldn't otherwise have been able to get.
Also, I never got an equivalent zoom for full frame because I already have the K-3 & 18-135 setup. For full frame I got more specific primes and higher grade zooms for when the shoot calls for it.

I carried the K-3/18-135 combo on a nice little hike yesterday. It was all I needed!

**Des** · 11-05-2018, 03:18 PM - **1 Like**

Very interesting to hear your experience Matt. And your shots always make a compelling case for the 18-135.

**Kevin B123** · 11-12-2018, 01:02 PM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by Des

Very interesting to hear your experience Matt. And your shots always make a compelling case for the 18-135.

Agreed.

Originally posted by mattb123

I carried the K-3/18-135 combo on a nice little hike yesterday. It was all I needed!

I have come to that conclusion too after reviewing my photos. I may go for an exchange for the 55-300 to the PLM version for BF, and or get a K-70.

The FF dragon is not properly slain though

.

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**UncleVanya** · 11-12-2018, 01:21 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by mattb123

Also, I never got an equivalent zoom for full frame because I already have the K-3 & 18-135 setup. For full frame I got more specific primes and higher grade zooms for when the shoot calls for it.

Yes - the fact is there is NO equivalent to the 18-135 in FF. The 28-105 is more like an 18-70. You'd need a 28-200 with the same level of sharpness and contrast etc. And that beast doesn't currently exist in the Pentax world that I know of. The existing FA 28-200 available is no match for the 18-135.

**mattb123** · 11-12-2018, 06:29 PM - **12 Likes**

I took it skating on wild ice over the weekend. I even had a close call on a thin spot but managed not to fall through! We all wear flotation just in case.
I had my K-1ii kit in the car but didn't bring it out. K-3 did fine! I used the other kit later under more controlled conditions.

cgchang · 11-15-2018, 10:59 PM - **9 Likes**

By far my most used lens on a trip to Hong Kong last month, second being the DA 15mm Limited. The versatility of reach and decent stitched panoramas proves the 18-135 is king for travel. If it would go just a little wider or had less vignetting, it probably would have been the only lens I'd take travelling.

]

cgchang · 11-18-2018, 10:16 PM - **6 Likes**

KoolKool · 11-23-2018, 06:25 AM - **5 Likes**

impressive flare resistance for such a consumer 2011 kit zoom len, bravo SMC coating!
i still remember my canon era, when i using 18-55, at this situation, sure the len will get terrible ghosting, flare issue!

looking forward to HD version...someday!

cgchang · 11-24-2018, 08:08 PM - **9 Likes**

rickc118 · 11-28-2018, 12:54 AM - **8 Likes**

Still warm and beautiful where these pictures were shot this past Sunday with the DA 18-135...

**mattb123** · 11-28-2018, 08:47 AM - **5 Likes**

From my office roof last night. I was hoping for a more interesting sunset but it was kind of subdued. Still nice. Sadly I'm probably moving out of this office space at the end of the year so I'm taking all the rooftop opportunities I can before then!
K-3 & 18-135

The tree is up but not lit until Friday night.

Commuters coming down from Crested Butte

**pepperberry farm** · 12-02-2018, 06:16 AM - **3 Likes**

on the road yesterday and it turned grey and wet - thankfully, I usually carry the DA 18-135 in the bag for just such occasions:

**pepperberry farm** · 12-02-2018, 06:17 AM - **4 Likes**

there was even a parade

**pepperberry farm** · 12-02-2018, 06:19 AM - **4 Likes**

street graffiti

and a lost bagel

11-05-2018, 12:42 PM - 1 Like	#2641
Kevin B123 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,176	Originally posted by Des I feel a bit the same way Kevin. I think there would be a noticeable gain in resolution with say the K-1 and DFA 28-105, but it would significantly lighten your wallet and weigh down your bag! And while the DFA 28-105 seems to be a fine lens, you'd miss the reach of the 18-135. If I may make a suggestion, a K-70 or a K-P might be a better upgrade from the K-50, to go with your K-3ii. I'm now regretting I didn't buy a K-P when Pentax Australia had them on sale for $A990 a couple of months back, especially as the next flagship model seems to be still some way off. One thing about staying with APS-C is that there is a wider range of current lenses available, especially at the wide end - e.g. no FF counterpart of the wonderful DA 15 or 20-40, or of the DA 12-24. And there isn't really a FF equivalent of the 18-135 (28-200) or the 16-85 (24-125) in the current lens range. Nor is there a counterpart of the DA 55-300 PLM. And if there were, they'd be bigger, heavier and probably a lot more expensive. All sound reasoning, but still the pull of a FF viewfinder beckons. I will sit on it a little longer. Really I don't need anymore resolution, and I would settle with 28-105 and 35 & 50mm primes and that's it on FF. At least that what I tell myself. The big heavy zooms hold no appeal to me. The K-50 / 18-135 kit would still see plenty of use. All that said the K-70 is the alternative option for me if I stay away from FF.

11-05-2018, 01:38 PM - 11 Likes	#2642
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	Originally posted by Des I feel a bit the same way Kevin. I think there would be a noticeable gain in resolution with say the K-1 and DFA 28-105, but it would significantly lighten your wallet and weigh down your bag! And while the DFA 28-105 seems to be a fine lens, you'd miss the reach of the 18-135. If I may make a suggestion, a K-70 or a K-P might be a better upgrade from the K-50, to go with your K-3ii. I'm now regretting I didn't buy a K-P when Pentax Australia had them on sale for $A990 a couple of months back, especially as the next flagship model seems to be still some way off. One thing about staying with APS-C is that there is a wider range of current lenses available, especially at the wide end - e.g. no FF counterpart of the wonderful DA 15 or 20-40, or of the DA 12-24. And there isn't really a FF equivalent of the 18-135 (28-200) or the 16-85 (24-125) in the current lens range. Nor is there a counterpart of the DA 55-300 PLM. And if there were, they'd be bigger, heavier and probably a lot more expensive. The full frame bodies are really nice but be sure to identify what it is that you want to improve on and at what cost would you do it. And the cost isn't just for the gear but the cost of carrying around a bigger body and bigger lenses and worry about your gear's safety. I have a K-1ii and also a 645D in addition to my K-3. I still shoot with the K-3 and 18-135 (as well as other lenses) on a regular basis because it's often the most appropriate tool for the job. If my photo mission is to try and get that magazine or calendar cover of a spectacular sunrise, I'll probably bring a bigger kit if the location is compatible. But much of the time I'm cycling, hiking, skiing, or in an urban exploration situation and I need to keep the camera kit compact and have it attract less attention. In those cases the K-3 & 18-135 is often the choice because even if it isn't my best gear, it's plenty good enough to not be the limiting factor most of the time. Having the smaller camera along and ready has allowed me to get a lot of shots I wouldn't otherwise have been able to get. Also, I never got an equivalent zoom for full frame because I already have the K-3 & 18-135 setup. For full frame I got more specific primes and higher grade zooms for when the shoot calls for it. I carried the K-3/18-135 combo on a nice little hike yesterday. It was all I needed! Last edited by mattb123; 11-05-2018 at 01:51 PM.

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11-05-2018, 03:18 PM - 1 Like	#2643
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Very interesting to hear your experience Matt. And your shots always make a compelling case for the 18-135.

11-12-2018, 01:21 PM - 2 Likes	#2645
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,403	Originally posted by mattb123 Also, I never got an equivalent zoom for full frame because I already have the K-3 & 18-135 setup. For full frame I got more specific primes and higher grade zooms for when the shoot calls for it. Yes - the fact is there is NO equivalent to the 18-135 in FF. The 28-105 is more like an 18-70. You'd need a 28-200 with the same level of sharpness and contrast etc. And that beast doesn't currently exist in the Pentax world that I know of. The existing FA 28-200 available is no match for the 18-135.

11-12-2018, 06:29 PM - 12 Likes	#2646
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	I took it skating on wild ice over the weekend. I even had a close call on a thin spot but managed not to fall through! We all wear flotation just in case. I had my K-1ii kit in the car but didn't bring it out. K-3 did fine! I used the other kit later under more controlled conditions.

11-15-2018, 10:59 PM - 9 Likes	#2647
cgchang Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Delta, British Columbia Posts: 148	By far my most used lens on a trip to Hong Kong last month, second being the DA 15mm Limited. The versatility of reach and decent stitched panoramas proves the 18-135 is king for travel. If it would go just a little wider or had less vignetting, it probably would have been the only lens I'd take travelling. ]

11-18-2018, 10:16 PM - 6 Likes	#2648
cgchang Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Delta, British Columbia Posts: 148

11-23-2018, 06:25 AM - 5 Likes	#2649
KoolKool Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 59	impressive flare resistance for such a consumer 2011 kit zoom len, bravo SMC coating! i still remember my canon era, when i using 18-55, at this situation, sure the len will get terrible ghosting, flare issue! looking forward to HD version...someday!

11-24-2018, 08:08 PM - 9 Likes	#2650
cgchang Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Delta, British Columbia Posts: 148

11-28-2018, 08:47 AM - 5 Likes	#2652
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	From my office roof last night. I was hoping for a more interesting sunset but it was kind of subdued. Still nice. Sadly I'm probably moving out of this office space at the end of the year so I'm taking all the rooftop opportunities I can before then! K-3 & 18-135 The tree is up but not lit until Friday night. Commuters coming down from Crested Butte

12-02-2018, 06:16 AM - 3 Likes	#2653
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,678	on the road yesterday and it turned grey and wet - thankfully, I usually carry the DA 18-135 in the bag for just such occasions:

12-02-2018, 06:17 AM - 4 Likes	#2654
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,678	there was even a parade

12-02-2018, 06:19 AM - 4 Likes	#2655
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,678	street graffiti and a lost bagel