[stpistd]

Is the Pentax SMC DA 18-135 lens compatible with the *istD? The Pentax USA web site says no as it is SDM only and is not compatible with older DSLR's. But I'm getting feed back from others saying it does. I tried a search on the Pentax forum but couldn't find any information. Which it right?

Thank you,
Steve-Seattle

[elliott]

It will work if you are willing to focus manually. You need a K10D/K100D Super or newer to use the new focus system.

[Julie]

From the lens review database:

"Note: this lens uses the KAF3 mount. Autofocus will only work on SDM-enabled bodies: the Pentax K-5, K-r, K-7, K-x, K-m, K20D, K200D, K100D Super and K10D (w/ 1.30 firmware or higher)."

SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

[stpistd]

Julie & Elliott or anyone,
So if I should decide to get a K-30 or K-5 (or rumored replacement) can I assume that all the lenses I now use with my *istD will only manually focus on the new camera? I'm sorry to be such a dummy but it's still kind of foreign to an old guy like me.


Thank you, Steve-Seattle

[elliott]

The K-30, K-5 and probably every Pentax body to be released in the foreseeable future will have the screw drive auto focus too, along with the more modern system. Every Pentax auto focus lens will focus normally on them, they just added SDM support to the new bodies, they never removed the screw drive.

There is one exception to the rule though, the first ever Pentax auto focus K mount lens will not auto focus on anything but the Pentax ME-F body, but it is so rare you'll likely never see one. It is easily identified because of the odd shape, due to the 4 AAA batteries it uses to power the focus motor.