Lens to replace M 135/3.5 (K135/M150/...)?

Piotrek K · 09-09-2015, 02:07 PM

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I'm looking for little better lens than my SMC M 135/3.5 (this is lovely lens that I will keep definitely). By "better" I mean sharper/lower abberations/more contrasty and evetually longer FL (I want use it with my Pentax Q also, so 150 mm will be significant upgrade). I have 135 mm lens with better bokeh and also do not need faster

I'm considering SMC (K) 135/3.5 (is it really sharper then M version?), M 150/3.5 (is it at least equal quality wise?) and SMC M 75-150/4.

Please share any personal experience comparing one of these with M 135.

Na Horuk · 09-09-2015, 02:16 PM

Did you consider the Samyang 135mm? It comes in K-mount and has A-mode on aperture ring. By all reviews it seems like a stunning lens. Not as cheap as some other Samyang lenses, though

**pepperberry farm** · 09-09-2015, 02:23 PM

how much longer of a focal length are you looking for? you mention 150mm, but I have an A 200mm f4 that is amazingly sharp.....

**UncleVanya** · 09-09-2015, 02:36 PM

A couple of people are using single touch zooms in the Single In challenge right now. I think they are both using the A70-210 which is a great lens but both of them are having some issues with trying to nail focus and zoom at the same time - the fact that one ring controls both (which is also true of the M zoom you mentioned) has made this more difficult. On the Q I imagine that would be even more complicated. Additionally some people say you are better off with C lenses than K due to the optimization for smaller optical circle. Just a thought. I have an 80-200M f/4.5 series I would sell for a pretty inexpensive price but you face the same thing as with the 75-150 - single push/pull zoom & focus. I also have a Takumar Bayonet f/2.5 but I doubt that it would be sharper than the f/3.5 SMC lens.

Adam · 09-09-2015, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Did you consider the Samyang 135mm? It comes in K-mount and has A-mode on aperture ring. By all reviews it seems like a stunning lens. Not as cheap as some other Samyang lenses, though

This, if you're looking for a big upgrade.

Piotrek K · 09-09-2015, 03:22 PM

Thanks for all replies so far. I look for relatively small lens and small upgrade in quality would be enough (for a fair price). For 200-300 range I have Tamron SP 60-300 which is great, but bulky. Tad better 135 mm lens is ok, good 150 mm even better (150 mm is for me handholding limit with the Q). I do not intend to buy K 135/2.5 or the new Samyang. Of course I want to use it on my DSLR also.

**Kerrowdown** · 09-09-2015, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by Piotrek K

Lens to replace M 135/3.5 (K135/M150/...)?

Hows about SMC Pentax-A* 135mm F1.8, IMHO you'll find none finer than this.

ChristianRock · 09-09-2015, 06:04 PM

It will be find a small lens sharper than the 135 3.5. I had the SMC-A 135 2.8 but maybe I had a bad copy, I sold it because I thought the SMC-A 70-210 was a better lens. But it's quite bigger. The Vivitar Series 1 70-210 is also very good but it's even heavier.

I now also have a cheap 32 dollar Takumar Bayonet 135 2.8 for when I don't want to carry the zoom.

**Lowell Goudge** · 09-09-2015, 06:27 PM

The lens I use the most on my Q is a series 1 70-210/3.5 version 1

I find better control of ca than the tell lenses from Pentax I the K/M range primes

Sandy Hancock · 09-09-2015, 07:07 PM

The best telephoto lens I have used adapted on the Q/Q7 is the DA*300/4.0 - by a long margin. That might be more lens than you are looking for, but for wide-open sharpness and chromatic aberration control I have found nothing better.

**monochrome** · 09-09-2015, 08:30 PM

Two things

the K135/3.5 has received pretty darned good reviews in the Q sample threads and it's at least $100 less expensive than the 2.5
barondla has discovered, especially around 100 - 150, that tricking the Q/Q7 by entering the next step up in FL for the SR helps increase sharpness dramatically.

Jonathan Mac · 09-09-2015, 10:08 PM

The M 75-150mm is much, much better than the 135/3.5. It's the best lens around the 135mm focal length that I've ever used. It's also reasonable common and quite cheap.

Piotrek K · 09-10-2015, 12:42 AM

Thanks for all the replies! I would rather stick to SMC K-mount lenses and smaller lenses. That's why I'm considering M 75-150, K135/3.5 and M 150, not 2.5 or 1.8 variants. I do not plan to spend much money, so I also do not expect much better quality compared to my M 135. M 135/3.5 is great - handy and really good lens. Just tad longer/better quality but still easy to pack and handhold lens would be perfect for me.

beachboy2 · 09-10-2015, 05:55 AM

I have the Pentax M 135mm/3.5 but prefer to use a Super-Takumar 135mm/3.5. I don't know if it's any better but it is beautiful- a work of art!
cheers
bb2

**UncleVanya** · 09-10-2015, 10:16 AM

RARE Clean Super Takumar 150mm F4 Camera Lens Pentax SMC Multi Coated M42 1 4 | eBay

Pentax Super Takumar 150mm F4 Manual Focus Screw Mount Lens 18674 | eBay

The M75-150 is considerably heavier than the SuperTakumar 150. (465g vs. 324g)
Your current M135 f/3.5 is a bit lighter (270g) and the K135 f/2.5 is heavier (500g) but not much heavier than the M75-150.

NOTE: I am not affiliated with these sales. Just passing along what I see.

09-09-2015, 02:07 PM	#1
Piotrek K Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,384	Lens to replace M 135/3.5 (K135/M150/...)? Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I'm looking for little better lens than my SMC M 135/3.5 (this is lovely lens that I will keep definitely). By "better" I mean sharper/lower abberations/more contrasty and evetually longer FL (I want use it with my Pentax Q also, so 150 mm will be significant upgrade). I have 135 mm lens with better bokeh and also do not need faster I'm considering SMC (K) 135/3.5 (is it really sharper then M version?), M 150/3.5 (is it at least equal quality wise?) and SMC M 75-150/4. Please share any personal experience comparing one of these with M 135.

09-09-2015, 02:49 PM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by Na Horuk Did you consider the Samyang 135mm? It comes in K-mount and has A-mode on aperture ring. By all reviews it seems like a stunning lens. Not as cheap as some other Samyang lenses, though This, if you're looking for a big upgrade. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

09-09-2015, 08:30 PM	#11
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Two things the K135/3.5 has received pretty darned good reviews in the Q sample threads and it's at least $100 less expensive than the 2.5 barondla has discovered, especially around 100 - 150, that tricking the Q/Q7 by entering the next step up in FL for the SR helps increase sharpness dramatically.

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09-09-2015, 02:16 PM	#2
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Did you consider the Samyang 135mm? It comes in K-mount and has A-mode on aperture ring. By all reviews it seems like a stunning lens. Not as cheap as some other Samyang lenses, though

09-09-2015, 02:23 PM	#3
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,766	how much longer of a focal length are you looking for? you mention 150mm, but I have an A 200mm f4 that is amazingly sharp.....

09-09-2015, 02:36 PM	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	A couple of people are using single touch zooms in the Single In challenge right now. I think they are both using the A70-210 which is a great lens but both of them are having some issues with trying to nail focus and zoom at the same time - the fact that one ring controls both (which is also true of the M zoom you mentioned) has made this more difficult. On the Q I imagine that would be even more complicated. Additionally some people say you are better off with C lenses than K due to the optimization for smaller optical circle. Just a thought. I have an 80-200M f/4.5 series I would sell for a pretty inexpensive price but you face the same thing as with the 75-150 - single push/pull zoom & focus. I also have a Takumar Bayonet f/2.5 but I doubt that it would be sharper than the f/3.5 SMC lens.

09-09-2015, 03:22 PM	#6
Piotrek K Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,384 Original Poster	Thanks for all replies so far. I look for relatively small lens and small upgrade in quality would be enough (for a fair price). For 200-300 range I have Tamron SP 60-300 which is great, but bulky. Tad better 135 mm lens is ok, good 150 mm even better (150 mm is for me handholding limit with the Q). I do not intend to buy K 135/2.5 or the new Samyang. Of course I want to use it on my DSLR also.

09-09-2015, 03:44 PM	#7
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	Originally posted by Piotrek K Lens to replace M 135/3.5 (K135/M150/...)? Hows about SMC Pentax-A* 135mm F1.8, IMHO you'll find none finer than this.

09-09-2015, 06:04 PM	#8
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,912	It will be find a small lens sharper than the 135 3.5. I had the SMC-A 135 2.8 but maybe I had a bad copy, I sold it because I thought the SMC-A 70-210 was a better lens. But it's quite bigger. The Vivitar Series 1 70-210 is also very good but it's even heavier. I now also have a cheap 32 dollar Takumar Bayonet 135 2.8 for when I don't want to carry the zoom.

09-09-2015, 06:27 PM	#9
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	The lens I use the most on my Q is a series 1 70-210/3.5 version 1 I find better control of ca than the tell lenses from Pentax I the K/M range primes

09-09-2015, 07:07 PM	#10
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	The best telephoto lens I have used adapted on the Q/Q7 is the DA*300/4.0 - by a long margin. That might be more lens than you are looking for, but for wide-open sharpness and chromatic aberration control I have found nothing better.

09-09-2015, 10:08 PM	#12
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,911	The M 75-150mm is much, much better than the 135/3.5. It's the best lens around the 135mm focal length that I've ever used. It's also reasonable common and quite cheap.

09-10-2015, 12:42 AM	#13
Piotrek K Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,384 Original Poster	Thanks for all the replies! I would rather stick to SMC K-mount lenses and smaller lenses. That's why I'm considering M 75-150, K135/3.5 and M 150, not 2.5 or 1.8 variants. I do not plan to spend much money, so I also do not expect much better quality compared to my M 135. M 135/3.5 is great - handy and really good lens. Just tad longer/better quality but still easy to pack and handhold lens would be perfect for me.

09-10-2015, 05:55 AM	#14
beachboy2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 222	I have the Pentax M 135mm/3.5 but prefer to use a Super-Takumar 135mm/3.5. I don't know if it's any better but it is beautiful- a work of art! cheers bb2

09-10-2015, 10:16 AM	#15
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	RARE Clean Super Takumar 150mm F4 Camera Lens Pentax SMC Multi Coated M42 1 4 \| eBay Pentax Super Takumar 150mm F4 Manual Focus Screw Mount Lens 18674 \| eBay The M75-150 is considerably heavier than the SuperTakumar 150. (465g vs. 324g) Your current M135 f/3.5 is a bit lighter (270g) and the K135 f/2.5 is heavier (500g) but not much heavier than the M75-150. NOTE: I am not affiliated with these sales. Just passing along what I see.