Pentax 18-270 vs 18-135

Kiwi Ken · 02-12-2015, 03:46 PM

Originally posted by hcc

I cannot comment on the DA18-270mm vs the DA18-135mm, but I can add some argument on the older DA18-250mm vs the DA18-135mm.

I have the DA18-250mm and I can recommend it very strongly. The lens was manufactured by Tamron and rebadged Pentax. It can be purchased second-hand as the Tamron 18-250mm or Pentax DA18-250mm. The lens is very sturdy, well regarded by many Pentaxians and non-Pentaxians. The DA18-250mm is my most used lens on my K-7. The two weaknesses of the lens are low light (as any all-around lens) and zoom. creep. The latter can be very easily fixed: DA18-250mm zoom creep: a simple solution that works....

An alternative is DA18-135mm. I bought a DA18-135mm for my wife who has a K-01 and it is an interesting lens. The DA18-135mm is WR and it can be purchased new. The lens is very sturdy, slightly smaller than the DA18-250mm, but it lacks some reach IMO compared to the DA18-250mm.

In terms of IQ, I feel that the differences are small. Let me put it simply: if I want great IQ, I go for my primes. Full stop.

To sum up: the DA18-135mm and DA18-150mm are excellent all-around lenses. I tend to prefer the DA18-250mm for the extra reach, but the DA18-135mm is now reasonably priced and it is WR.

Does the 18-250 have the same quiet AF found in the 18-270? I think it's called SDM for silent drive motor. Thanks.

Docrwm · 02-13-2015, 04:50 AM

Originally posted by Kiwi Ken

Does the 18-250 have the same quiet AF found in the 18-270? I think it's called SDM for silent drive motor. Thanks.

No, screw drive only. In these its a DC motor, SDM is in older designs.

Kiwi Ken · 02-14-2015, 09:10 AM

Which is quieter?

K57XR · 02-14-2015, 10:20 AM

Originally posted by Kiwi Ken

Which is quieter?

DC Motor or SDM will be significantly quieter than screw drive AF. Maybe it was my copy but my old 18-250 seemed louder than the 18-55 kit.

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02-12-2015, 03:46 PM	#16
Kiwi Ken New Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Chilliwack BC Posts: 16	Originally posted by hcc I cannot comment on the DA18-270mm vs the DA18-135mm, but I can add some argument on the older DA18-250mm vs the DA18-135mm. I have the DA18-250mm and I can recommend it very strongly. The lens was manufactured by Tamron and rebadged Pentax. It can be purchased second-hand as the Tamron 18-250mm or Pentax DA18-250mm. The lens is very sturdy, well regarded by many Pentaxians and non-Pentaxians. The DA18-250mm is my most used lens on my K-7. The two weaknesses of the lens are low light (as any all-around lens) and zoom. creep. The latter can be very easily fixed: DA18-250mm zoom creep: a simple solution that works.... An alternative is DA18-135mm. I bought a DA18-135mm for my wife who has a K-01 and it is an interesting lens. The DA18-135mm is WR and it can be purchased new. The lens is very sturdy, slightly smaller than the DA18-250mm, but it lacks some reach IMO compared to the DA18-250mm. In terms of IQ, I feel that the differences are small. Let me put it simply: if I want great IQ, I go for my primes. Full stop. To sum up: the DA18-135mm and DA18-150mm are excellent all-around lenses. I tend to prefer the DA18-250mm for the extra reach, but the DA18-135mm is now reasonably priced and it is WR. Does the 18-250 have the same quiet AF found in the 18-270? I think it's called SDM for silent drive motor. Thanks.

02-13-2015, 04:50 AM	#17
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Kiwi Ken Does the 18-250 have the same quiet AF found in the 18-270? I think it's called SDM for silent drive motor. Thanks. No, screw drive only. In these its a DC motor, SDM is in older designs.

02-14-2015, 09:10 AM	#18
Kiwi Ken New Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Chilliwack BC Posts: 16	Which is quieter?

02-14-2015, 10:20 AM	#19
K57XR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830	Originally posted by Kiwi Ken Which is quieter? DC Motor or SDM will be significantly quieter than screw drive AF. Maybe it was my copy but my old 18-250 seemed louder than the 18-55 kit.