[Ilovemypentax]

I've read the reviews on this lens.

SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Sounds like AF may be an issue with sports and the AF motors burn out quick. Have they improved AF performance and the motor life since the lens first came out? I would be using on a K3.

Any other options in this focal length? I already have a longer zoom,

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Last edited by Ilovemypentax; 09-24-2014 at 02:18 PM.

[lithedreamer]

Do you need the extra diameter versus the 60-250mm? I've heard fewer complaints about the AF on that lens.

[Ilovemypentax]

Do you need the extra diameter versus the 60-250mm? I've heard fewer complaints about the AF on that lens.

Already have it. I need a smaller lens for some shoots.Yes, AF on it is great on the 60-250. I wonder if Pentax will be coming out with an updated version of the 50-135?Seems to be an older version lens maybe 7 -8 years old design?

[seventhdr]

New copies of the DA* 50-135mm f2.8 lens manufactured after the start of 2012 have an improved motor. Only problem is that you cannot guarantee to get one of those lenses even if purchased new. There are far fewer problems with the 50-135 than there were with the 16-50. I've had the 50-135 for six years now and not a problem.

This lens matches the field of view of the traditional 70-200mm lens on a 35mm full frame camera. It's light and versatile. I've found it works well at f2.8.

It's unlikely that Pentax will update this lens as their next major lens looks like it will be a 70-200mm f2.8 suitable for a 35mm full frame camera.

Regards

Chris

[johnmflores]

Purchased mine in 2008. Still going strong. A little slow to focus but performance seems to get better with every new body. 50-135 + K3 is usable for sports. If sports shooting put food on the table I might choose something, but for youth sports it's plenty good.

Here are some shots with the K-5:

Logan races for the ball by john m flores, on Flickr



And here's the K-3:

[lithedreamer]

#16. In the past year, numerous Limited lenses were re-launched with the Pentax HD coating. Do you have plans to update the DA* lineup as well?

Yeah, we do, step-by-step.

-From the Photokina interview this year.

They might switch to the more reliable DC motors, which the 18-135mm uses (pretty fast in my opinion). I'm not sure when my 50-135 was manufactured, but it comes with the lens manual from 2011 and has zero issues (though focusing can be a little slow in low light, that might just be my K-x).

[Ilovemypentax]

New copies of the DA* 50-135mm f2.8 lens manufactured after the start of 2012 have an improved motor. Only problem is that you cannot guarantee to get one of those lenses even if purchased new. There are far fewer problems with the 50-135 than there were with the 16-50. I've had the 50-135 for six years now and not a problem.

This lens matches the field of view of the traditional 70-200mm lens on a 35mm full frame camera. It's light and versatile. I've found it works well at f2.8.

It's unlikely that Pentax will update this lens as their next major lens looks like it will be a 70-200mm f2.8 suitable for a 35mm full frame camera.

Regards

Chris

Thanks. Too bad it can't be figured out what serial numbers have the problems.

[Rondec]

50-135 seems to do OK, at least mine has (purchased in 2008). Optically, it is great. Kind of a slow focuser. I think the thing that makes it "ok" at this point is the fact that you can convert it to screw drive if your SDM does fail. It is a very simple conversion and works well, if you don't mind a little noise with focus (I doubt most Pentaxians do).

[fwwidall]

It's a great lens. I've had mine for several years now and have had zero issues with it.

I use it quite a lot for sports, both indoor and outdoor, and am very happy with the results. It is a little short for soccer, but until I can find am inexpensive 50-600mm F2.8 I'm never going to find a perfect lens for that. I do sometimes find a little CA wide open, but that's totally gone by F4.

If you like to check out the images I've taken with it I have a thousand or so on Flickr !!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/fwwidall/tags/smcpentaxda50135mmf28edifsdm/

Fred.

[Ilovemypentax]

Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 is another lens I'm looking at. Does it come in as sharp as the 50-135? I read the reviews here at the lens database. Anyone try both of these lenses?

[drpower]

50-135mm was the best lens I had before I went to mirrorless. When I bought it I asked the dealer what the serial number was of the one they were sending me to make sure it was a late production copy.

[Rondec]

Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 is another lens I'm looking at. Does it come in as sharp as the 50-135? I read the reviews here at the lens database. Anyone try both of these lenses?

They are very different lenses. The 50-135 is an f2.8 zoom that is pretty sharp wide open and really sharp at f4. The 18-135 is a superzoom that tends to be a little weak in the corners in the 70-135 range, although has pretty good center sharpness. The 18-135 will focus faster than 50-135, but won't be as sharp.

[nicoprod]

I bought a early version of the 50-135 with a 7 yr Mack warranty. The motor started to squeak, Mack had the motor replaced by Pentax. No charge.
The 50-135 has stunning IQ and works well wide open on the K-3.

[Driline]

Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 is another lens I'm looking at. Does it come in as sharp as the 50-135? I read the reviews here at the lens database. Anyone try both of these lenses?

I've owned both lenses. The DA 18-135 is only marginally better than the kit lens. The DA*50-135 however is stunning. Very Sharp. No contest it's the better lens. I sold my 18-135 to fund the DA*50-135.

[Ilovemypentax]

Report back...


I finally picked up a the DA*50-135. Fast focus on K3, excellent sharpness, contrast and color. Beautiful lens for the $$. Very happy with it