DA 18-135mm first impressions

bwDraco · 05-24-2012, 06:01 PM

I just got a DA 18-135mm lens yesterday, and here are my first impressions:

The build of the lens is very good due to the use of high-quality plastic which appears to be fiber-reinforced polycarbonate, and the lens has a reassuring weight. Zoom cams show minimal wobble. Zoom and focus rings are very well dampened, but the zoom ring had suddenly loosened up on me once. This hasn't recurred since. Has anyone else experienced this behavior?
Image quality is good for a superzoom overall. The corners are somewhat soft with chromatic aberration at all focal lengths wide open, and the softness worsens at the wide end when focusing closely, but this isn't a problem (unlike what Photozone says) and is to be expected for a superzoom lens. In the center, resolution is very good at all focal lengths and typical aperture settings. There is significant complex (mustache) distortion at the wide end, but distortion is well controlled otherwise. Flare resistance is very good, as usual for Pentax SMC lenses.
The DC autofocus motor makes a faint high-pitched noise that is nonetheless far quieter than the in-body AF motor. End-to-end autofocus time is less than 0.45 seconds each way and the focus ring travels 100 degrees. At closer focusing distances, the focal length decreases visibly, which is normal for an internal-focusing lens.
The hood feels rather cheap relative to the hood shipped with the D FA 50mm macro lens, but this is probably because the plastic is thinner. I don't think this is a problem.
The fact that this lens is weather sealed gives me the freedom to shoot in bad weather when used on my K-5.

Overall, this is a well-made superzoom lens. Any questions or comments?

--DragonLord

Last edited by bwDraco; 07-20-2012 at 07:26 PM.

calsan · 05-24-2012, 06:48 PM

How does it compare with the 18-55? For example, is it faster at 55? Better at 18mm???

bwDraco · 05-24-2012, 06:51 PM

It's softer in the corners than the 18-55mm at all focal lengths, but this may be because I have a good copy of the DA L 18-55mm lens--many people say the 18-55mm lens is a so-so lens, but not quite in my case. My 18-55 is quite sharp even wide open at all focal lengths, except at close focusing distances at 18mm. The DA 18-135mm lens is certainly faster at 55mm compared to the 18-55mm, though.

--DragonLord

calsan · 05-24-2012, 07:04 PM

Thanks, I prefer the wider end of things, so this matters to me. I reckon the good old 18-55 is very nice, certainly my 18-55 is as good as any of my other lenses at the same focal length and aperture. With the notable exception of the DA35 limited which cannot be beaten at any aperture!

bwDraco · 05-24-2012, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by calsan

Thanks, I prefer the wider end of things, so this matters to me. I reckon the good old 18-55 is very nice, certainly my 18-55 is as good as any of my other lenses at the same focal length and aperture. With the notable exception of the DA35 limited which cannot be beaten at any aperture!

Certainly better than the C&N (and Sony) 18-55mm lenses...

--DragonLord

jimr-pdx · 05-24-2012, 07:26 PM

If you are satisfied that's the big thing - may it serve you long, and well! The extended range is definitely good to have in a WR lens since fewer swaps keeps it sealed.

Tanzer · 05-24-2012, 08:03 PM

I can second these impressions. The center of the 18-135 is very sharp, but the edges get a little soft. For most of my shooting, where the subject is closer to the center than the edges, this is a fine tradeoff. Usually I want more softness and bokeh at the edges anyhow. This has been debated by many haters and supporters of the 18-135 on these fora. Count me in as a supporter. I have the 31 Ltd and DA*55 and those are sharper of course, but for a superzoom, the 18-135 can't be beat.

Also the 18-135 is not much bigger than the 18-55. The 18-55 is indeed lighter and smaller, so I will keep that lens for situations when smaller size makes a difference.

Build quality is great. The DC motor supposedly has a great reliability record.

I have no regrets about my purchase. Granted, that was before the price increases. But as far as quality goes, it is a good lens. Nah ... for what I wanted (WR all-around utility go-to lens), I would say it is a great lens.

Last edited by Tanzer; 05-24-2012 at 10:15 PM. Reason: clarify some text

Tanzer · 05-24-2012, 08:08 PM

One more comment. The colors out of both the 18-135 and 18-55 are great, very Pentax-like.

Eulogy · 05-24-2012, 08:30 PM

I've always made the stance that for a superzoom, this lens is A+ - Blows away the Sigma 18-200 I've seen, and also has weather resistant features, which makes it perfect for walkaround without a bag sort of photography. Compact and balanced with the K5 for sure as well.

Unsinkable II · 05-24-2012, 08:33 PM

I seem to be walking, zombie like, towards a 18-135/K-30 (blue) kit...

Gray · 05-24-2012, 09:19 PM

The K5 + 18-135 + 15, 40 and 70 Ltds make an ideal compact travel kit for me.

I have no hesitation in recommending the DA 18-135 as a versatile, ideal companion to the K-5.

Three typical tourist examples at wide 18, normal 35 and short tele 90 mm.

PENTAX K-5 - smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR - ISO 500 - 1/160 at f / 10 - 18 mm - +0.7 EV

PENTAX K-5 - smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR - ISO 200 - 1/200 sec at f / 7.1 - 36 mm - 0 EV

smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR - ISO 200 - 1/200 sec at f / 9.0 - 88 mm - +0.7 EV

ruggiex · 05-24-2012, 11:21 PM

I love this lens. It may not be good enough for people who do professional work; but for regular usage, it's perfect.

Unsinkable II · 05-24-2012, 11:21 PM

Originally posted by Gray

The K5 + 18-135 + 15, 40 and 70 Ltds make an ideal compact travel kit for me.

I have no hesitation in recommending the DA 18-135 as a versatile, ideal companion to the K-5.

Three more or less typical examples at wide 18, normal 35 and short tele 90 mm.

Nice shots. Rich colour.

I'm thinking that my ideal travel kit will be an 18-135 with a K-30 and a Q. Perhaps a 15 also.

The 18-135 becomes a 100-740mm on the Q! I'd be hitting diffraction limits at the tele end wide open, but it's doable...

I doubt you could get a better-performing 15-740mm kit in a smaller package!

RioRico · 05-24-2012, 11:32 PM

Originally posted by Unsinkable II

The 18-135 becomes a 100-740mm on the Q! I'd be hitting diffraction limits at the tele end wide open, but it's doable...

You don't need a Q for that. Just crop the hell out of shots taken with your Kx.

calsan · 05-25-2012, 12:04 AM

Shot no 1 you're shooting towards the sun, so the detail retained is pretty decent. This may also be down to the DR of the K-5.

05-24-2012, 06:01 PM	#1
bwDraco Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Photos: Albums Posts: 1,071	DA 18-135mm first impressions I just got a DA 18-135mm lens yesterday, and here are my first impressions: The build of the lens is very good due to the use of high-quality plastic which appears to be fiber-reinforced polycarbonate, and the lens has a reassuring weight. Zoom cams show minimal wobble. Zoom and focus rings are very well dampened, but the zoom ring had suddenly loosened up on me once. This hasn't recurred since. Has anyone else experienced this behavior? Image quality is good for a superzoom overall. The corners are somewhat soft with chromatic aberration at all focal lengths wide open, and the softness worsens at the wide end when focusing closely, but this isn't a problem (unlike what Photozone says) and is to be expected for a superzoom lens. In the center, resolution is very good at all focal lengths and typical aperture settings. There is significant complex (mustache) distortion at the wide end, but distortion is well controlled otherwise. Flare resistance is very good, as usual for Pentax SMC lenses. The DC autofocus motor makes a faint high-pitched noise that is nonetheless far quieter than the in-body AF motor. End-to-end autofocus time is less than 0.45 seconds each way and the focus ring travels 100 degrees. At closer focusing distances, the focal length decreases visibly, which is normal for an internal-focusing lens. The hood feels rather cheap relative to the hood shipped with the D FA 50mm macro lens, but this is probably because the plastic is thinner. I don't think this is a problem. The fact that this lens is weather sealed gives me the freedom to shoot in bad weather when used on my K-5. Overall, this is a well-made superzoom lens. Any questions or comments? --DragonLord Last edited by bwDraco; 07-20-2012 at 07:26 PM.

05-24-2012, 09:19 PM	#11
Gray Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Cape Town Photos: Gallery Posts: 536	Ideal travel kit The K5 + 18-135 + 15, 40 and 70 Ltds make an ideal compact travel kit for me. I have no hesitation in recommending the DA 18-135 as a versatile, ideal companion to the K-5. Three typical tourist examples at wide 18, normal 35 and short tele 90 mm. PENTAX K-5 - smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR - ISO 500 - 1/160 at f / 10 - 18 mm - +0.7 EV PENTAX K-5 - smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR - ISO 200 - 1/200 sec at f / 7.1 - 36 mm - 0 EV smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR - ISO 200 - 1/200 sec at f / 9.0 - 88 mm - +0.7 EV Last edited by Gray; 05-24-2012 at 11:18 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
First Impressions of my new K-5	Docrwm	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	22	12-04-2011 09:28 AM
FA*28-70 - first impressions	axl	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	29	10-12-2011 05:28 AM
K5 first impressions	an3ony	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	8	08-29-2011 12:10 PM
My impressions of the K-r	deadwolfbones	Pentax K-r	14	03-02-2011 02:02 PM
My K-5 First Impressions	deadwolfbones	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	53	10-29-2010 07:31 PM

05-24-2012, 06:48 PM	#2
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,548	How does it compare with the 18-55? For example, is it faster at 55? Better at 18mm???

05-24-2012, 06:51 PM	#3
bwDraco Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Photos: Albums Posts: 1,071 Original Poster	It's softer in the corners than the 18-55mm at all focal lengths, but this may be because I have a good copy of the DA L 18-55mm lens--many people say the 18-55mm lens is a so-so lens, but not quite in my case. My 18-55 is quite sharp even wide open at all focal lengths, except at close focusing distances at 18mm. The DA 18-135mm lens is certainly faster at 55mm compared to the 18-55mm, though. --DragonLord

05-24-2012, 07:04 PM	#4
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,548	Thanks, I prefer the wider end of things, so this matters to me. I reckon the good old 18-55 is very nice, certainly my 18-55 is as good as any of my other lenses at the same focal length and aperture. With the notable exception of the DA35 limited which cannot be beaten at any aperture!

05-24-2012, 07:17 PM	#5
bwDraco Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Photos: Albums Posts: 1,071 Original Poster	Originally posted by calsan Thanks, I prefer the wider end of things, so this matters to me. I reckon the good old 18-55 is very nice, certainly my 18-55 is as good as any of my other lenses at the same focal length and aperture. With the notable exception of the DA35 limited which cannot be beaten at any aperture! Certainly better than the C&N (and Sony) 18-55mm lenses... --DragonLord

05-24-2012, 07:26 PM	#6
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	If you are satisfied that's the big thing - may it serve you long, and well! The extended range is definitely good to have in a WR lens since fewer swaps keeps it sealed.

05-24-2012, 08:03 PM	#7
Tanzer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Perrineville, NJ Posts: 1,375	I can second these impressions. The center of the 18-135 is very sharp, but the edges get a little soft. For most of my shooting, where the subject is closer to the center than the edges, this is a fine tradeoff. Usually I want more softness and bokeh at the edges anyhow. This has been debated by many haters and supporters of the 18-135 on these fora. Count me in as a supporter. I have the 31 Ltd and DA55 and those are sharper of course, but for a superzoom, the 18-135 can't be beat. Also the 18-135 is not much bigger than the 18-55. The 18-55 is indeed lighter and smaller, so I will keep that lens for situations when smaller size makes a difference. Build quality is great. The DC motor supposedly has a great reliability record. I have no regrets about my purchase. Granted, that was before the price increases. But as far as quality goes, it is a good lens. Nah ... for what I wanted (WR all-around utility go-to lens), I would say it is a great lens. Last edited by Tanzer; 05-24-2012 at 10:15 PM. Reason: clarify some text*

05-24-2012, 08:08 PM	#8
Tanzer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Perrineville, NJ Posts: 1,375	One more comment. The colors out of both the 18-135 and 18-55 are great, very Pentax-like.

05-24-2012, 08:30 PM	#9
Eulogy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick Photos: Gallery Posts: 632	I've always made the stance that for a superzoom, this lens is A+ - Blows away the Sigma 18-200 I've seen, and also has weather resistant features, which makes it perfect for walkaround without a bag sort of photography. Compact and balanced with the K5 for sure as well.

05-24-2012, 08:33 PM	#10
Unsinkable II Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,352	I seem to be walking, zombie like, towards a 18-135/K-30 (blue) kit...

05-24-2012, 11:21 PM	#12
ruggiex Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: East Bay Area Photos: Gallery Posts: 811	I love this lens. It may not be good enough for people who do professional work; but for regular usage, it's perfect.

05-24-2012, 11:21 PM	#13
Unsinkable II Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,352	Originally posted by Gray The K5 + 18-135 + 15, 40 and 70 Ltds make an ideal compact travel kit for me. I have no hesitation in recommending the DA 18-135 as a versatile, ideal companion to the K-5. Three more or less typical examples at wide 18, normal 35 and short tele 90 mm. Nice shots. Rich colour. I'm thinking that my ideal travel kit will be an 18-135 with a K-30 and a Q. Perhaps a 15 also. The 18-135 becomes a 100-740mm on the Q! I'd be hitting diffraction limits at the tele end wide open, but it's doable... I doubt you could get a better-performing 15-740mm kit in a smaller package!

05-24-2012, 11:32 PM	#14
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by Unsinkable II The 18-135 becomes a 100-740mm on the Q! I'd be hitting diffraction limits at the tele end wide open, but it's doable... You don't need a Q for that. Just crop the hell out of shots taken with your Kx.

05-25-2012, 12:04 AM	#15
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,548	Shot no 1 you're shooting towards the sun, so the detail retained is pretty decent. This may also be down to the DR of the K-5.