DA 18-135 for the 24-70 range

**Rondec** · 04-24-2013, 01:07 PM

I don't own the 18-135, but my dad got a K30 with the 18-135 (on my recommendation) and I am quite impressed with the lens. It is sharp stopped down, does nicely as a macro-ish lens for close ups and is really compact. The photozone numbers really don't tell the story with regard to its performance.

On the other hand, it certainly does not perform at the level of an f2.8 zoom and if you want that level, you would be better of with a Tamron 28-70 or 17-50...

Mr_Canuck · 04-24-2013, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by Driline

I'm doing the exact opposite. Trading off my 18-135 for the DA 21 in hopes of better overall IQ in that range of course

I hope I haven't made a mistake.

No, you haven't made a mistake if you also want the tiny form factor of the DA21. It is better. It's also a trade-off. Depends on your needs and interests. It's just not a blowout by any stretch, which speaks to the value of the 18-135. The flare treatment of the 21 and some other factors can also make it pretty special. Another thing not mentioned here is it has a very close focus distance. Not a macro but very much a close up lens.

normhead · 04-24-2013, 02:05 PM

Originally posted by Mr_Canuck

No, you haven't made a mistake if you also want the tiny form factor of the DA21. It is better. It's also a trade-off. Depends on your needs and interests. It's just not a blowout by any stretch, which speaks to the value of the 18-135. The flare treatment of the 21 and some other factors can also make it pretty special. Another thing not mentioned here is it has a very close focus distance. Not a macro but very much a close up lens.

With regards to that, if you're carrying the DA* 60-250 as your main lens (or any 70-200) , and you're looking for a couple of light compliments, having the 21 ltd or 40 XS on your K-01 is a great (just in case you see something wider) combo.

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04-24-2013, 01:07 PM	#16
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	I don't own the 18-135, but my dad got a K30 with the 18-135 (on my recommendation) and I am quite impressed with the lens. It is sharp stopped down, does nicely as a macro-ish lens for close ups and is really compact. The photozone numbers really don't tell the story with regard to its performance. On the other hand, it certainly does not perform at the level of an f2.8 zoom and if you want that level, you would be better of with a Tamron 28-70 or 17-50...

04-24-2013, 01:34 PM	#17
Mr_Canuck Guest	Originally posted by Driline I'm doing the exact opposite. Trading off my 18-135 for the DA 21 in hopes of better overall IQ in that range of course I hope I haven't made a mistake. No, you haven't made a mistake if you also want the tiny form factor of the DA21. It is better. It's also a trade-off. Depends on your needs and interests. It's just not a blowout by any stretch, which speaks to the value of the 18-135. The flare treatment of the 21 and some other factors can also make it pretty special. Another thing not mentioned here is it has a very close focus distance. Not a macro but very much a close up lens.

04-24-2013, 02:05 PM	#18
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by Mr_Canuck No, you haven't made a mistake if you also want the tiny form factor of the DA21. It is better. It's also a trade-off. Depends on your needs and interests. It's just not a blowout by any stretch, which speaks to the value of the 18-135. The flare treatment of the 21 and some other factors can also make it pretty special. Another thing not mentioned here is it has a very close focus distance. Not a macro but very much a close up lens. With regards to that, if you're carrying the DA* 60-250 as your main lens (or any 70-200) , and you're looking for a couple of light compliments, having the 21 ltd or 40 XS on your K-01 is a great (just in case you see something wider) combo.