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09-15-2012, 11:53 AM   #1
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Is the DA 18-135 really that bad?

Pentax SMC-DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] WR - Review / Lens Test - Sample Images & Verdict
"Just to mention again - we couldn't believe the rather poor performance so we asked the local Pentax service in Hamburg/Germany for an assessment of the situation. Result: the lens is within factory specifications"

After a look at this I would like to hear what any owners have say about the 18-135 because it was the lens I was waiting for. I thought because of its focal range it would have way better optical quality than a 18-250. Is anyone here having better experiences with the 18-135?

Thanks

Richard

09-15-2012, 11:59 AM   #2
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There have been threads on this very question in the past.
09-15-2012, 12:03 PM   #3
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I don't know, would you consider this bad




Taken with 18-135. I am perfectly happy with mine, even used it on a recent hike in rain.
09-15-2012, 12:05 PM   #4
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And you didn't have to stop it down for that pic!

09-15-2012, 12:07 PM   #5
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It has been out for ages now, there are loads of pictures taken with it in the lens section.
09-15-2012, 12:08 PM   #6
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It depends on what you want it for.

Prime sharpness? No. Pro zoom sharpness? No.

Weathersealed, good zoom range, great color rendering, and generally fun to use?
09-15-2012, 01:06 PM   #7
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https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/175026-da-18-1...treatment.html

FYI, I ended up not getting that lens (long story) but I say get it...and DxO
DxO really improves the performance of any lens it supports with one of its modules, one of which is the 18-135mm. It really makes a mediocre lens sing

09-15-2012, 01:11 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by cali92rs Quote
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/175026-da-18-1...treatment.html

FYI, I ended up not getting that lens (long story) but I say get it...and DxO
DxO really improves the performance of any lens it supports with one of its modules, one of which is the 18-135mm. It really makes a mediocre lens sing
Never heard of DxO treatment before. Is this hardware or software component ?
09-15-2012, 01:15 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by StDevious Quote
Never heard of DxO treatment before. Is this hardware or software component ?
DxO Optics is a software package, a Raw converter. THey are known for having specific lens/camera modules that automatically corrects for distortion and lens flaws. It also has wonderful noise reduction.
It's a product I highly recommend, especially since they are really adding a lot of 3rd party lens modules.
But for the purpose of this thread, yes the 18-135 IS supported
09-15-2012, 01:15 PM   #10
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Once upon a time I said Yes. Now I say 'some times' as poor copies (or poor matches to a single body) are out there, like with any lens.

My first copy did not sit well with my K-7, and I was quite disappointed. It's versatile, weather resistant and really quiet, but IQ was poor after 70mm. The copy I have now with my K-5 works very well, far better than the first. You'll do better with primes, this is not a miracle lens - but it can do very nice work.
09-15-2012, 01:27 PM   #11
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My copy is absolutely fantastic, even after nearly 2 years.
09-15-2012, 01:31 PM   #12
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You can do a search on this forum regarding the 18-135. My sense is that many of those who badmouth the lens don't own the lens. Many owners of the lens (including me) are very pleased with the lens.

Also, here's a link to images posted on flickr: Flickriver: Searching for most recent photos matching 'da 18-135'
09-15-2012, 01:35 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by cali92rs Quote
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/175026-da-18-1...treatment.html

FYI, I ended up not getting that lens (long story) but I say get it...and DxO
DxO really improves the performance of any lens it supports with one of its modules, one of which is the 18-135mm. It really makes a mediocre lens sing
I completely agree with you. I purchased DxO after seeing the sample in the thread you linked to.

I have found that DxO isn't needed for every 18-135 shot, but when it is needed, it is indispensable.

The program really gets the most out of a camera/lens combination.

Only downside to the program is that it is painfully slow (but maybe I need to replace my 3 1/2 year old computer!)
09-15-2012, 01:48 PM   #14
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I have over 60 DA 18-135 photos posted...

There are a few where the lens softness might be noticeable, the the excellent center sharpness, means that in 95 % of your shots it's not going to be an issue. And as far as I know, no one has ever complained about it's center sharpness.

I posted 4 taken with this lens yesterday...



According to photozone this lens has the edge sharpness of the bottom of a coke bottle. Through some magic of technology, I manage to take picture after picture where that doesn't seem to make any difference to the IQ of the image. So who are you going to trust, some test guy or your images?
09-15-2012, 02:01 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by cali92rs Quote
DxO Optics is a software package, a Raw converter. THey are known for having specific lens/camera modules that automatically corrects for distortion and lens flaws. It also has wonderful noise reduction.
It's a product I highly recommend, especially since they are really adding a lot of 3rd party lens modules.
But for the purpose of this thread, yes the 18-135 IS supported
So what you are saying is for $169 I get a lot better RAW converter than Adobe ACR 7 in Photoshop CS6 ? Is it great for other lenses too (FA 50, Tamron 17-50 etc.) ?
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