Help to find a lens

theborg · 01-24-2015, 03:10 AM

Hi to everybody, I need to change my kit lens 18-55 with something best, I have a k3, my options are:

1) New 17-70 570€ (640$)
2) New 18-135 400€(450$)
3) New 16-85 680€ (762$)

What do you think is the best choice?

I need to improve my kit lens, I'm planning in future to buy prime lenses (FA 31mm FA 77mm and 100mm macro)

Last edited by theborg; 01-24-2015 at 03:16 AM.

shuttles12000 · 01-24-2015, 03:55 AM

I have both the 17-70 and the 18-135. I love the 17-70 for the IQ it gives me, but the SDM lets me down in the cold. The 18-135 has never failed me.
I am a fan of wider is better, and I think the 16-85 on specs sounds great, but of course as always, it will depend on what you prefer to shoot. Wider is more versatile, but so is lens speed. And the weather sealing can be a deal breaker too...
If you are looking towards primes, then read the reviews on the 35mm F2.4 and 50mm f1.8. They might be cheaper plastics, but they won't disgrace you and you can afford both with your budget

Hamiltom · 01-24-2015, 04:05 AM - **1 Like**

I have not tried the new 16-85, but I feel it is too expensive for what you get in performance.

The 17-70 is optically OK, but has major reliability issues. I can see this one being discontinued. It is also over priced.

That leaves the 18-135. It is actually a very nice, quiet lens. It focuses very fast and accurately on my K3. I only take it off if I need a specific feature like macro or need a wider angle.

I would choose the 18-135.

zzeitg · 01-24-2015, 04:20 AM

Speaking about your kit lens, which version is the 18-55? Some of them are not really so bad and there's not so big difference compared to 17-70 or even 18-135.

If I were in your shoes I'd rather buy DA* 16-50. And later on start with the primes as you have mentioned.

theborg · 01-24-2015, 04:30 AM

I have the 18-55 WR, Well the 16-50 is a superb lens but I think is a bit over budget...

robthebloke · 01-24-2015, 04:33 AM

21mm, 35mm macro, or 70mm da limited.

If you have to go zoom, then stick the 20-40 on the list. WR, better build quality, slightly bigger aperture, and DC motor.

Paul the Sunman · 01-24-2015, 04:35 AM - **1 Like**

The DA 18-135 is a big step up from the 18-55 and much more versatile. I find it covers 90% of the focal length range I need. If I add one lens to that kit, it's the DA15. I haven't tried the new 16-85. I think I'd miss the long end, and I cover the wide end with the 15. Expensive too (at the moment).

zzeitg · 01-24-2015, 04:53 AM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

The DA 18-135 is a big step up from the 18-55 and much more versatile.

Can't say a word against versatility. But probably IQ of this lens is not so good... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/263810-18-1...ernatives.html

Originally posted by theborg

I have the 18-55 WR, Well the 16-50 is a superb lens but I think is a bit over budget...

So what about a used one? If it's made approx. mid. 2012 or later there should not be any serious risk of SDM troubles anymore.

Paul the Sunman · 01-24-2015, 05:22 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by zzeitg

Can't say a word against versatility. But probably IQ of this lens is not so good... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/263810-18-1...ernatives.html

The 18-135 is far better than some reports would suggest. It is weakest at the long end where it has some softness and CA at the edges. The CA is easily corrected in pp and I can live with the softness because that 100-135 range is just a bonus.

But don't take my word for it. Check out the 60 pages of examples from PF members at https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/179869-da-1...at-can-do.html

Oldbayrunner · 01-24-2015, 05:25 AM

Try taking a look at the Sigma 17-70mm HSM DC well worth the price, it's quite, fast af and has great sharpness. That is my main walk around lens. The only thing its not WR but that's what I use my 18-55mm for.

theborg · 01-24-2015, 05:40 AM

Well I think that the choice will be between the 17-70 pentax (used at 325€), the 17-70 sigma (new 450€) or the 18-135 (new).

Maybe the pentax 17-70 is better for IQ but the 18-135 is more versatile. I own also a pentax K 35mm (f 3.5) and a pentax-M 50mm (f1.7).

Oldbayrunner · 01-24-2015, 06:10 AM

Review: Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary - Sharpness | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Driline · 01-24-2015, 06:35 AM

The 18-135 is a small step up from the kit lens. I'd wait for the new 16-85 or if you're in a hurry then get the 17-70.

**UncleVanya** · 01-24-2015, 07:32 AM

18-135... Size is right, good images come from this lens, used copies are cheaper than the other options mentioned, keeps WR that you have, and it preserves money for future lenses.

**lsimpkins** · 01-24-2015, 05:55 PM

Originally posted by theborg

Hi to everybody, I need to change my kit lens 18-55 with something best, I have a k3, my options are:

1) New 17-70 570€ (640$)
2) New 18-135 400€(450$)
3) New 16-85 680€ (762$)

What do you think is the best choice?

I need to improve my kit lens, I'm planning in future to buy prime lenses (FA 31mm FA 77mm and 100mm macro)

You might also consider the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8. I've only had mine for a month and so far it is a big improvement over my original version of the 18-55mm kit lens.

01-24-2015, 03:10 AM	#1
theborg Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 28	Help to find a lens Hi to everybody, I need to change my kit lens 18-55 with something best, I have a k3, my options are: 1) New 17-70 570€ (640$) 2) New 18-135 400€(450$) 3) New 16-85 680€ (762$) What do you think is the best choice? I need to improve my kit lens, I'm planning in future to buy prime lenses (FA 31mm FA 77mm and 100mm macro) Last edited by theborg; 01-24-2015 at 03:16 AM.

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01-24-2015, 03:55 AM	#2
shuttles12000 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Hobart TAS Posts: 87	I have both the 17-70 and the 18-135. I love the 17-70 for the IQ it gives me, but the SDM lets me down in the cold. The 18-135 has never failed me. I am a fan of wider is better, and I think the 16-85 on specs sounds great, but of course as always, it will depend on what you prefer to shoot. Wider is more versatile, but so is lens speed. And the weather sealing can be a deal breaker too... If you are looking towards primes, then read the reviews on the 35mm F2.4 and 50mm f1.8. They might be cheaper plastics, but they won't disgrace you and you can afford both with your budget

01-24-2015, 04:05 AM - 1 Like	#3
Hamiltom Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 100	I have not tried the new 16-85, but I feel it is too expensive for what you get in performance. The 17-70 is optically OK, but has major reliability issues. I can see this one being discontinued. It is also over priced. That leaves the 18-135. It is actually a very nice, quiet lens. It focuses very fast and accurately on my K3. I only take it off if I need a specific feature like macro or need a wider angle. I would choose the 18-135.

01-24-2015, 04:20 AM	#4
zzeitg Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: South Bohemia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,017	Speaking about your kit lens, which version is the 18-55? Some of them are not really so bad and there's not so big difference compared to 17-70 or even 18-135. If I were in your shoes I'd rather buy DA* 16-50. And later on start with the primes as you have mentioned.

01-24-2015, 04:30 AM	#5
theborg Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 28 Original Poster	I have the 18-55 WR, Well the 16-50 is a superb lens but I think is a bit over budget...

01-24-2015, 04:33 AM	#6
robthebloke Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 844	21mm, 35mm macro, or 70mm da limited. If you have to go zoom, then stick the 20-40 on the list. WR, better build quality, slightly bigger aperture, and DC motor.

01-24-2015, 04:35 AM - 1 Like	#7
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	The DA 18-135 is a big step up from the 18-55 and much more versatile. I find it covers 90% of the focal length range I need. If I add one lens to that kit, it's the DA15. I haven't tried the new 16-85. I think I'd miss the long end, and I cover the wide end with the 15. Expensive too (at the moment).

01-24-2015, 04:53 AM	#8
zzeitg Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: South Bohemia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,017	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman The DA 18-135 is a big step up from the 18-55 and much more versatile. Can't say a word against versatility. But probably IQ of this lens is not so good... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/263810-18-1...ernatives.html Originally posted by theborg I have the 18-55 WR, Well the 16-50 is a superb lens but I think is a bit over budget... So what about a used one? If it's made approx. mid. 2012 or later there should not be any serious risk of SDM troubles anymore.

01-24-2015, 05:22 AM - 1 Like	#9
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	Originally posted by zzeitg Can't say a word against versatility. But probably IQ of this lens is not so good... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/263810-18-1...ernatives.html The 18-135 is far better than some reports would suggest. It is weakest at the long end where it has some softness and CA at the edges. The CA is easily corrected in pp and I can live with the softness because that 100-135 range is just a bonus. But don't take my word for it. Check out the 60 pages of examples from PF members at https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/179869-da-1...at-can-do.html

01-24-2015, 05:25 AM	#10
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	Try taking a look at the Sigma 17-70mm HSM DC well worth the price, it's quite, fast af and has great sharpness. That is my main walk around lens. The only thing its not WR but that's what I use my 18-55mm for.

01-24-2015, 05:40 AM	#11
theborg Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 28 Original Poster	Well I think that the choice will be between the 17-70 pentax (used at 325€), the 17-70 sigma (new 450€) or the 18-135 (new). Maybe the pentax 17-70 is better for IQ but the 18-135 is more versatile. I own also a pentax K 35mm (f 3.5) and a pentax-M 50mm (f1.7).

01-24-2015, 06:10 AM	#12
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	Review: Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary - Sharpness \| PentaxForums.com Reviews

01-24-2015, 06:35 AM	#13
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	The 18-135 is a small step up from the kit lens. I'd wait for the new 16-85 or if you're in a hurry then get the 17-70.

01-24-2015, 07:32 AM	#14
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,404	18-135... Size is right, good images come from this lens, used copies are cheaper than the other options mentioned, keeps WR that you have, and it preserves money for future lenses.

01-24-2015, 05:55 PM	#15
lsimpkins Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: SE Pennsylvania Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 537	Originally posted by theborg Hi to everybody, I need to change my kit lens 18-55 with something best, I have a k3, my options are: 1) New 17-70 570€ (640$) 2) New 18-135 400€(450$) 3) New 16-85 680€ (762$) What do you think is the best choice? I need to improve my kit lens, I'm planning in future to buy prime lenses (FA 31mm FA 77mm and 100mm macro) You might also consider the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8. I've only had mine for a month and so far it is a big improvement over my original version of the 18-55mm kit lens.