Pentax 18-55 or 18-135?

mcook · 07-02-2012, 08:36 AM

Purchasing my first Pentax K-5 today...my question is this. I know there are better lens out there than the Pentax 18-55 WR or Pentax 18-135 WR but the idea of having one versatile water resistant lens seems wise and useful. I can purchase the camera and the Pentax 18-135 WR for $1035 from B & H, or for $333 dollars more I can get the K-5 with the Pentax 18-135WR. Is this lens worth the upgrade? I have read so many reviews good and bad on both lenses. I am open to any suggestions or recommendations even regarding an entirely different lens. I don't consider at this point that I have a certain niche or planned usage for this camera. I enjoy a variety of subjects. Landscapes, closeups, a few portraits, (no plans for wedding photography or much sports photography) I used to do a lot of creative black and white photography. Thanks for your advice!

JinDesu · 07-02-2012, 08:45 AM

From what I saw in the 18-135WR review on this forum, the 18-135WR performs as well or better than the 18-55 in its own range in the centers, but not as well in the corners.

That said, I want to get the 18-135WR over the kit lens. The 18-55 always felt very limiting on the long end when I walk around with it.

Adam · 07-02-2012, 08:46 AM

I would recommend getting the 18-135mm. I have just about every premium Pentax lens in my collection, yet I haven't found any of them to be as versatile as this one. Unless I have room for more than one lens, the 18-135mm is what gets the job done for me!

Don't forget this if you decide to shop at B&H:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-equipment-sale/97599-free-ma...opaz-labs.html

**crewl1** · 07-02-2012, 09:27 AM

I find the 18-135 very useful as a one lens solution for family outings or possible inclement weather.
I sold the18-55WR 50-200WR combo once I got this lens as it is much more convenient, and the IQ was slightly better than the others IMO for this type of use.
If you want top IQ then you should be considering a series of primes instead.

Tanzer · 07-02-2012, 03:29 PM

Unless I am out on a specific mission, the 18-135 is my default set up, even over my DA 15, DA 21, FA 31, and DA*55 primes. Very good all around, quite sharp, at least where it matters. I sometimes will still use my 18-55, when I want something a little smaller/lighter, and I know for certain that I won't need longer than 55mm. But if I am not sure, it's the 18-135 I go with. Both lenses have great color.

StephenHampshire · 07-03-2012, 02:23 AM

The 18-135 is scarcely bigger than the 18-55 and so much more versatile. It also has the very good in lens focus motor. I was a little unsure about the IQ when I bought it, but it has been very reasonable in day to day use. I certainly did not regret selling my 18-250 to help fund the purchase.

cali92rs · 07-03-2012, 11:09 AM

18-135mm + DxO

K57XR · 07-03-2012, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by mcook

Purchasing my first Pentax K-5...I can purchase the camera and the Pentax 18-135 WR for $1035 from B & H

I'm assuming this was a typo and you meant the camera plus the 18-55mm?...or I will buy that kit today! Regardless, I too vote for the 18-135.

Originally posted by StephenHampshire

It also has the very good in lens focus motor.

I thought the 18-135 was a screw drive AF?

JinDesu · 07-03-2012, 12:14 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by K57XR

I'm assuming this was a typo and you meant the camera plus the 18-55mm?...or I will buy that kit today! Regardless, I too vote for the 18-135.

I thought the 18-135 was a screw drive AF?

The 18-135 is the DC motor. It is the rear autofocus silent motor that Pentax uses, as opposed to the front AF silent motor SDM.

It is considered very quick, mostly silent, and very reliable.

K57XR · 07-03-2012, 12:23 PM

Originally posted by JinDesu

The 18-135 is the DC motor. It is the rear autofocus silent motor that Pentax uses, as opposed to the front AF silent motor SDM.

It is considered very quick, mostly silent, and very reliable.

I honestly didn't know that. Thanks for the Info!

Originally posted by StephenHampshire

I certainly did not regret selling my 18-250 to help fund the purchase.

I am contemplating on selling my DA18-250 to fund the 18-135WR when I move to a K-5.

**crewl1** · 07-03-2012, 02:05 PM

Originally posted by K57XR

I am contemplating on selling my DA18-250 to fund the 18-135WR when I move to a K-5.

I gave my 18-250 to my son once I got the 18-135. The 18-250 has great IQ but the 18-135 is smaller, silent, adds WR, and has no zoom creep.

I have other options for longer than 135, so that may be your only consideration if you need the extra 115mm.

audiobomber · 07-03-2012, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by crewl1

I gave my 18-250 to my son once I got the 18-135. The 18-250 has great IQ but the 18-135 is smaller, silent, adds WR, and has no zoom creep.

I gave my DA 18-250 to my wife,

for all the reasons you mention, and because my 18-135 has slightly better IQ than my 18-250. Neither of us uses the 18-55 any more.

Tanzer · 07-03-2012, 04:21 PM

Originally posted by StephenHampshire

The 18-135 is scarcely bigger than the 18-55 and so much more versatile.

Agree that the 18-135 is only slightly bigger than the 18-55 when mounted, but when in use, at focal lengths greater than 18 mm, the zoom extends considerably, compared to the 18-55 which barely extends at all. The lens hood on the 18-135 is larger (as it should be), so that makes the whole kaboodle bigger too, when the hood is mounted (as it normally should be).

The 18-135 is also noticeably bigger when looking directly into the front element, from your subject's point of view. The filter threads are 62 mm vs. 52 mm which doesn't sound like much, but the actual difference in the glass element is more than that due to differences in the trim bezel surrounding the glass -- so the 18-135 has a much bigger eyeball, glaring at your subject.

The 18-55 is half the weight than the 18-135.

The 18-55 also has a "macro" range on the focus scale which yields magnification around 1:3. Not real macro, but it certainly focuses closer than many other lenses which are marketed as macro lenses.

These are just my personal excuses for keeping my 18-55 around. None of these points should discourage a potential 18-135 buyer. As I said before, I use the 18-135 as my default lens. When mounted on the compact K-5 body, I want to quote Tony Montana: "Say hello to my little friend", ha ha.

Originally posted by JinDesu

It is considered very quick, mostly silent, and very reliable.

While the SDM motors in the DA* lenses motors are completely silent, I would still characterize the DC motor in the 18-135 as silent, for all intents and purposes. You can hear the motor, but your head is next to the camera. It's much quiter than the dust removal sound you get when you power up a K-5.

**LaurenOE** · 07-03-2012, 04:26 PM

I shoot with two bodies and one has the 12-24 on it at all times, and the other has the 18-135 on it at all times. So, I recommend the 18-135. It's a great lens that has been maligned for some corner unsharpness, but I rarely ever use the corners of any of my images due to cropping, so it never concerns me.

mcook · 07-03-2012, 05:12 PM

Oops! I did mean the K-5 and Pentax 18-55 for $1035 from B&H - Add $333 to that to substitute the Pentax 18-55 with the Pentax 18-135. Online B&H lists the price of the 18-135 as $529. When I called them it was actually showing up in their computers as $459. I like when that happens! You are all so wonderfully helpful. Thanks for the advice!

07-02-2012, 08:36 AM	#1
mcook Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 31	Pentax 18-55 or 18-135? Purchasing my first Pentax K-5 today...my question is this. I know there are better lens out there than the Pentax 18-55 WR or Pentax 18-135 WR but the idea of having one versatile water resistant lens seems wise and useful. I can purchase the camera and the Pentax 18-135 WR for $1035 from B & H, or for $333 dollars more I can get the K-5 with the Pentax 18-135WR. Is this lens worth the upgrade? I have read so many reviews good and bad on both lenses. I am open to any suggestions or recommendations even regarding an entirely different lens. I don't consider at this point that I have a certain niche or planned usage for this camera. I enjoy a variety of subjects. Landscapes, closeups, a few portraits, (no plans for wedding photography or much sports photography) I used to do a lot of creative black and white photography. Thanks for your advice!

07-02-2012, 08:46 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	I would recommend getting the 18-135mm. I have just about every premium Pentax lens in my collection, yet I haven't found any of them to be as versatile as this one. Unless I have room for more than one lens, the 18-135mm is what gets the job done for me! Don't forget this if you decide to shop at B&H: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-equipment-sale/97599-free-ma...opaz-labs.html Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

07-02-2012, 03:29 PM	#5
Tanzer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Perrineville, NJ Posts: 1,375	Unless I am out on a specific mission, the 18-135 is my default set up, even over my DA 15, DA 21, FA 31, and DA55 primes. Very good all around, quite sharp, at least where it matters. I sometimes will still use my 18-55, when I want something a little smaller/lighter, and I know for certain that I won't need longer than 55mm. But if I am not sure, it's the 18-135 I go with. Both lenses have great color. Last edited by Tanzer; 07-02-2012 at 03:31 PM. Reason: clarification*

07-03-2012, 05:12 PM	#15
mcook Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 31 Original Poster	Correction! Oops! I did mean the K-5 and Pentax 18-55 for $1035 from B&H - Add $333 to that to substitute the Pentax 18-55 with the Pentax 18-135. Online B&H lists the price of the 18-135 as $529. When I called them it was actually showing up in their computers as $459. I like when that happens! You are all so wonderfully helpful. Thanks for the advice!

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07-02-2012, 08:45 AM	#2
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	From what I saw in the 18-135WR review on this forum, the 18-135WR performs as well or better than the 18-55 in its own range in the centers, but not as well in the corners. That said, I want to get the 18-135WR over the kit lens. The 18-55 always felt very limiting on the long end when I walk around with it.

07-02-2012, 09:27 AM	#4
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	I find the 18-135 very useful as a one lens solution for family outings or possible inclement weather. I sold the18-55WR 50-200WR combo once I got this lens as it is much more convenient, and the IQ was slightly better than the others IMO for this type of use. If you want top IQ then you should be considering a series of primes instead.

07-03-2012, 02:23 AM	#6
StephenHampshire Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Winchester Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,523	The 18-135 is scarcely bigger than the 18-55 and so much more versatile. It also has the very good in lens focus motor. I was a little unsure about the IQ when I bought it, but it has been very reasonable in day to day use. I certainly did not regret selling my 18-250 to help fund the purchase.

07-03-2012, 11:09 AM	#7
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	18-135mm + DxO

07-03-2012, 12:07 PM	#8
K57XR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830	Originally posted by mcook Purchasing my first Pentax K-5...I can purchase the camera and the Pentax 18-135 WR for $1035 from B & H I'm assuming this was a typo and you meant the camera plus the 18-55mm?...or I will buy that kit today! Regardless, I too vote for the 18-135. Originally posted by StephenHampshire It also has the very good in lens focus motor. I thought the 18-135 was a screw drive AF?

07-03-2012, 12:14 PM - 1 Like	#9
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by K57XR I'm assuming this was a typo and you meant the camera plus the 18-55mm?...or I will buy that kit today! Regardless, I too vote for the 18-135. I thought the 18-135 was a screw drive AF? The 18-135 is the DC motor. It is the rear autofocus silent motor that Pentax uses, as opposed to the front AF silent motor SDM. It is considered very quick, mostly silent, and very reliable.

07-03-2012, 12:23 PM	#10
K57XR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830	Originally posted by JinDesu The 18-135 is the DC motor. It is the rear autofocus silent motor that Pentax uses, as opposed to the front AF silent motor SDM. It is considered very quick, mostly silent, and very reliable. I honestly didn't know that. Thanks for the Info! Originally posted by StephenHampshire I certainly did not regret selling my 18-250 to help fund the purchase. I am contemplating on selling my DA18-250 to fund the 18-135WR when I move to a K-5.

07-03-2012, 02:05 PM	#11
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by K57XR I am contemplating on selling my DA18-250 to fund the 18-135WR when I move to a K-5. I gave my 18-250 to my son once I got the 18-135. The 18-250 has great IQ but the 18-135 is smaller, silent, adds WR, and has no zoom creep. I have other options for longer than 135, so that may be your only consideration if you need the extra 115mm.

07-03-2012, 02:27 PM	#12
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by crewl1 I gave my 18-250 to my son once I got the 18-135. The 18-250 has great IQ but the 18-135 is smaller, silent, adds WR, and has no zoom creep. I gave my DA 18-250 to my wife, for all the reasons you mention, and because my 18-135 has slightly better IQ than my 18-250. Neither of us uses the 18-55 any more.

07-03-2012, 04:21 PM	#13
Tanzer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Perrineville, NJ Posts: 1,375	Originally posted by StephenHampshire The 18-135 is scarcely bigger than the 18-55 and so much more versatile. Agree that the 18-135 is only slightly bigger than the 18-55 when mounted, but when in use, at focal lengths greater than 18 mm, the zoom extends considerably, compared to the 18-55 which barely extends at all. The lens hood on the 18-135 is larger (as it should be), so that makes the whole kaboodle bigger too, when the hood is mounted (as it normally should be). The 18-135 is also noticeably bigger when looking directly into the front element, from your subject's point of view. The filter threads are 62 mm vs. 52 mm which doesn't sound like much, but the actual difference in the glass element is more than that due to differences in the trim bezel surrounding the glass -- so the 18-135 has a much bigger eyeball, glaring at your subject. The 18-55 is half the weight than the 18-135. The 18-55 also has a "macro" range on the focus scale which yields magnification around 1:3. Not real macro, but it certainly focuses closer than many other lenses which are marketed as macro lenses. These are just my personal excuses for keeping my 18-55 around. None of these points should discourage a potential 18-135 buyer. As I said before, I use the 18-135 as my default lens. When mounted on the compact K-5 body, I want to quote Tony Montana: "Say hello to my little friend", ha ha. Originally posted by JinDesu It is considered very quick, mostly silent, and very reliable. While the SDM motors in the DA* lenses motors are completely silent, I would still characterize the DC motor in the 18-135 as silent, for all intents and purposes. You can hear the motor, but your head is next to the camera. It's much quiter than the dust removal sound you get when you power up a K-5.

07-03-2012, 04:26 PM	#14
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	I shoot with two bodies and one has the 12-24 on it at all times, and the other has the 18-135 on it at all times. So, I recommend the 18-135. It's a great lens that has been maligned for some corner unsharpness, but I rarely ever use the corners of any of my images due to cropping, so it never concerns me.