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liukaitc · 04-20-2012, 06:53 AM

optically I know these two lens are both great. I might think that tarmon would be a bit shaper. not sure...

The reason I am selling 50-135 to get the tarmon 70-200 is that I feel 50-135 is bit short for me, also worrying SDM is not that reliable, so better off with screw drive lens. (I just paid 300 for repair my 16-50 recently)

but I really like the weather sealing of 50-135. that is pentax exclusive. I think there will be no third party weather sealing lens for pentax ever. and it is also compact and lighter compare to tarmon 70-200.

and also the price issue. I do not think we can get brand new 50-135 for below 1000 or even 1200 in the future. but we can still get tarmon 70-200 for 800 at anytime. so that means 50-135 has a lot more value right now.

Last edited by liukaitc; 04-20-2012 at 07:07 AM.

Docrwm · 04-20-2012, 07:00 AM

I'm bias because I have avoided the SDM lenses based on all the reports of failures and bugs. You've already had to pay $300 to repair one lens that should not have failed and should have been covered by a warranty for that failure. The other advantage to Tamron that you don't mention is their 6 year warranty on lenses. Even before the price hikes I went with the Tamron 10-24 instead of the Pentax alternative for a variety of reasons including the warranty issue. WR is terrific and all but if the lens isn't working how valuable is the WR then?

**blackcloudbrew** · 04-20-2012, 08:04 AM

I have both of these and would not sell either one of them. For me the 50-135 is more versatile indoor and outdoors while the Tamron is better outdoors. If I had to figure out which get's more use, I'd guess it would be the 50-135 - for me.

**Fontan** · 04-20-2012, 08:32 AM

My SDM is busted, and I don't plan to send it in for repair, but I still use it a fair amount. In fact, 50-135 is the only zoom I own, and ever will, I think. I really like the rendition of that particular lens at both ends of the focal length for some reasons. I sold all of my aps-c lenses except that one.

ElJamoquio · 04-20-2012, 08:51 AM

This has to be about the tenth post I've made saying that the Tamron is a great lens.

I don't know about the 50-135, it never appealed to me.

However: sigma is starting to implement some weather resistant lenses. So I'm guessing a lot of lenses in the near future will be released with WR.

creampuff · 04-20-2012, 09:20 AM

Personally I find the 50-135mm is a lot better than the Tamron. No matter how good it's optical performance is the Tamron's build quality comes across as pretty cheap imo. A couple of friends who use this lens daily for work lament that dust build-up on the inner surfaces is a common thing as it sucks in air when zooming. Of course this depends on how much one puts this lens to use. I have the Sigma 70-200 HSM II and it is a lot better in the focus and build quality departments, but there is no comparison which lens is the best in terms of color rendition... the 50-135mm. I've never had any SDM issues with my 50-135mm, it is a lot more compact than the Tamron or Sigma, plus there's no noisy screw drive.

mikeSF · 04-20-2012, 09:23 AM

ive shot with both, though not at the same time, and my overall impression was that the Tamron 70-200 pics were sharper throughout and the bokeh was much better. The 50-135 was definitely quieter! Better build on the Pentax, no question!
both fine lenses. you could always run a TC on the 50-135 to give it more reach.

mikeSF · 04-20-2012, 09:26 AM

Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

I have both of these and would not sell either one of them. For me the 50-135 is more versatile indoor and outdoors while the Tamron is better outdoors. If I had to figure out which get's more use, I'd guess it would be the 50-135 - for me.

+1. i'm not sure what i'd be able to do with 70-200 indoors...unless i'm in the Astrodome.

Mareket · 04-20-2012, 09:46 AM

I wouldn't personally worry about SDM but if it's too short then you're not going to miss it for the Tamron. Both are fantastic lenses as everyone has mentioned, each with it's quirks.

But yeah the quiet focusing and the smaller size might be missed, but the shorter reach definitely won't be.

joe.penn · 04-20-2012, 10:01 AM

Originally posted by liukaitc

will I be regret selling 50-135 to get tarmon 70-200?

Without reading the other replies - you would be a fool (take no offense) to sell the 50~135 for a Tamron 70~200; there isn't a single advantage other than extended focal that you would gain, you would however lose a ton of other stuff including:

Giving Up:
Weather Sealing
Better IQ
Quickshift Focus
Silent Focusing
Lighter Weight
Much Better Resale Value
Ability to use CIF (incredibly huge disadvantage if you ask me)

I just got the new Sigma FLD OS 70~200 to compliment my kit and even with how incredibly good the Sigma is I am still keeping the 50~135...

liukaitc · 04-20-2012, 10:09 AM

Ok, guys...I decide not selling 50-135.
I think if I really want something longer, I should better look at something reach 300mm or more

Anvh · 04-20-2012, 10:23 AM

Sigma 100-300 fits nicely next to the 50-135
Hopefully sigma release the 120-300 f/2.8 for pentax but that one won't be cheap.

Mareket · 04-20-2012, 10:38 AM

Originally posted by Anvh

Hopefully sigma release the 120-300 f/2.8 for pentax but that one won't be cheap.

My savings cry in bed at night at the thought of the 120-300 being released.

Imagine... covered from 16-300mm at f/2.8... And a good workout to carry it all too.

Venturi · 04-20-2012, 07:14 PM

Originally posted by liukaitc

Ok, guys...I decide not selling 50-135.
I think if I really want something longer, I should better look at something reach 300mm or more

Wise choice, I think. I sold my 50-135 to fund the 70-200 so I had that length coverd with my film cameras too. I love the 70-200, but I regret giving up the 50-135.

The DA* is lighter and balances better with the camera (K20D). I find it awkward to get comfortable with the 70-200 without the tripod ring, and with it it gets heavy very quickly.
They focus equally slow, so that's a wash; though the DA* was silent, at least.
Optically, they each have their own strengths. I liked the color rendition better in the DA*. I like the extra subject isolation I can get with those extra 35mm at the long end, and I often miss the 20mm on the short end from the Pentax.
And I very much cherish the 6-year warranty from Tamron.

If I could go back in time, I'd have kept the DA* and just budgeted for the Tamron a little later.

Jodokast96 · 04-20-2012, 07:27 PM

Given the new pricing of that lens, I wouldn't give it up for anything. And I've never even used it. I really wanted to have both of them in my bag (already have the Tamron), but I don't ever see that happening now. The smaller size, SDM, and weather sealing are no way worth twice the price. I don't see there being such a huge difference in IQ to even bother counting it. $100-$200 more I might be able to justify, but not double.

Save up and get the Tamron in addition to the Pentax if you can.

04-20-2012, 06:53 AM	#1
liukaitc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Photos: Albums Posts: 1,008	will I be regret selling 50-135 to get tarmon 70-200? optically I know these two lens are both great. I might think that tarmon would be a bit shaper. not sure... The reason I am selling 50-135 to get the tarmon 70-200 is that I feel 50-135 is bit short for me, also worrying SDM is not that reliable, so better off with screw drive lens. (I just paid 300 for repair my 16-50 recently) but I really like the weather sealing of 50-135. that is pentax exclusive. I think there will be no third party weather sealing lens for pentax ever. and it is also compact and lighter compare to tarmon 70-200. and also the price issue. I do not think we can get brand new 50-135 for below 1000 or even 1200 in the future. but we can still get tarmon 70-200 for 800 at anytime. so that means 50-135 has a lot more value right now. Last edited by liukaitc; 04-20-2012 at 07:07 AM.

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04-20-2012, 07:00 AM	#2
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	I'm bias because I have avoided the SDM lenses based on all the reports of failures and bugs. You've already had to pay $300 to repair one lens that should not have failed and should have been covered by a warranty for that failure. The other advantage to Tamron that you don't mention is their 6 year warranty on lenses. Even before the price hikes I went with the Tamron 10-24 instead of the Pentax alternative for a variety of reasons including the warranty issue. WR is terrific and all but if the lens isn't working how valuable is the WR then?

04-20-2012, 08:04 AM	#3
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461	I have both of these and would not sell either one of them. For me the 50-135 is more versatile indoor and outdoors while the Tamron is better outdoors. If I had to figure out which get's more use, I'd guess it would be the 50-135 - for me.

04-20-2012, 08:32 AM	#4
Fontan Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5th floor Posts: 1,610	My SDM is busted, and I don't plan to send it in for repair, but I still use it a fair amount. In fact, 50-135 is the only zoom I own, and ever will, I think. I really like the rendition of that particular lens at both ends of the focal length for some reasons. I sold all of my aps-c lenses except that one.

04-20-2012, 08:51 AM	#5
ElJamoquio Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 4,873	This has to be about the tenth post I've made saying that the Tamron is a great lens. I don't know about the 50-135, it never appealed to me. However: sigma is starting to implement some weather resistant lenses. So I'm guessing a lot of lenses in the near future will be released with WR.

04-20-2012, 09:20 AM	#6
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	Personally I find the 50-135mm is a lot better than the Tamron. No matter how good it's optical performance is the Tamron's build quality comes across as pretty cheap imo. A couple of friends who use this lens daily for work lament that dust build-up on the inner surfaces is a common thing as it sucks in air when zooming. Of course this depends on how much one puts this lens to use. I have the Sigma 70-200 HSM II and it is a lot better in the focus and build quality departments, but there is no comparison which lens is the best in terms of color rendition... the 50-135mm. I've never had any SDM issues with my 50-135mm, it is a lot more compact than the Tamron or Sigma, plus there's no noisy screw drive.

04-20-2012, 09:23 AM	#7
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	ive shot with both, though not at the same time, and my overall impression was that the Tamron 70-200 pics were sharper throughout and the bokeh was much better. The 50-135 was definitely quieter! Better build on the Pentax, no question! both fine lenses. you could always run a TC on the 50-135 to give it more reach.

04-20-2012, 09:26 AM	#8
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	Originally posted by blackcloudbrew I have both of these and would not sell either one of them. For me the 50-135 is more versatile indoor and outdoors while the Tamron is better outdoors. If I had to figure out which get's more use, I'd guess it would be the 50-135 - for me. +1. i'm not sure what i'd be able to do with 70-200 indoors...unless i'm in the Astrodome.

04-20-2012, 09:46 AM	#9
Mareket Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chester Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 719	I wouldn't personally worry about SDM but if it's too short then you're not going to miss it for the Tamron. Both are fantastic lenses as everyone has mentioned, each with it's quirks. But yeah the quiet focusing and the smaller size might be missed, but the shorter reach definitely won't be.

04-20-2012, 10:01 AM	#10
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Originally posted by liukaitc will I be regret selling 50-135 to get tarmon 70-200? Without reading the other replies - you would be a fool (take no offense) to sell the 50~135 for a Tamron 70~200; there isn't a single advantage other than extended focal that you would gain, you would however lose a ton of other stuff including: Giving Up: Weather Sealing Better IQ Quickshift Focus Silent Focusing Lighter Weight Much Better Resale Value Ability to use CIF (incredibly huge disadvantage if you ask me) I just got the new Sigma FLD OS 70~200 to compliment my kit and even with how incredibly good the Sigma is I am still keeping the 50~135...

04-20-2012, 10:09 AM	#11
liukaitc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Photos: Albums Posts: 1,008 Original Poster	Ok, guys...I decide not selling 50-135. I think if I really want something longer, I should better look at something reach 300mm or more

04-20-2012, 10:23 AM	#12
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Sigma 100-300 fits nicely next to the 50-135 Hopefully sigma release the 120-300 f/2.8 for pentax but that one won't be cheap.

04-20-2012, 10:38 AM	#13
Mareket Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chester Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 719	Originally posted by Anvh Hopefully sigma release the 120-300 f/2.8 for pentax but that one won't be cheap. My savings cry in bed at night at the thought of the 120-300 being released. Imagine... covered from 16-300mm at f/2.8... And a good workout to carry it all too.

04-20-2012, 07:14 PM	#14
Venturi Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,636	Originally posted by liukaitc Ok, guys...I decide not selling 50-135. I think if I really want something longer, I should better look at something reach 300mm or more Wise choice, I think. I sold my 50-135 to fund the 70-200 so I had that length coverd with my film cameras too. I love the 70-200, but I regret giving up the 50-135. The DA* is lighter and balances better with the camera (K20D). I find it awkward to get comfortable with the 70-200 without the tripod ring, and with it it gets heavy very quickly. They focus equally slow, so that's a wash; though the DA* was silent, at least. Optically, they each have their own strengths. I liked the color rendition better in the DA. I like the extra subject isolation I can get with those extra 35mm at the long end, and I often miss the 20mm on the short end from the Pentax. And I very much cherish the 6-year warranty from Tamron. If I could go back in time, I'd have kept the DA and just budgeted for the Tamron a little later.

04-20-2012, 07:27 PM	#15
Jodokast96 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Erial, NJ USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,134	Given the new pricing of that lens, I wouldn't give it up for anything. And I've never even used it. I really wanted to have both of them in my bag (already have the Tamron), but I don't ever see that happening now. The smaller size, SDM, and weather sealing are no way worth twice the price. I don't see there being such a huge difference in IQ to even bother counting it. $100-$200 more I might be able to justify, but not double. Save up and get the Tamron in addition to the Pentax if you can.