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01-16-2016, 04:57 PM - 1 Like   #1
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My new SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm came today!

I would have typed the full name, but there wasn't enough room to put "SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F 3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR!

All I'm able to say at this point is WOW! I'm totally speechless! I've never owned a lens of this caliber before, but through a very diligent search through the Craig's List ads, I found this one, attached to a LIKE NEW K-50 (2,340 SA) in Portland, Oregon for what I considered "peanuts."


I've only taken a few test shots with it so far and I'm absolutely blown away at the sharpness and brilliance of the images. And the DC motor focusing is absolutely noiseless.


I've been making do with lenses that are far down the line, compared to this magnificent piece of workmanship. I feel like I've got the Royal Crown Jewels in my hands!


Through another Craig's List ad, I acquired a SMC Pentax-DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) about three weeks ago, but I haven't had time to give it a fair test drive.


I'm like a kid at Christmas time! Probably won't sleep a wink tonight!

01-16-2016, 05:19 PM   #2
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I also have both; the 18-250 for many years now, when I still had an *istDL, and the 18-135 bought late in 2015 to give me a wet weather option. If I need ultimate flexibility and the sun is shining, or I am indoors and can use flash & not worry about the weather, I always take the 18-250. When I need to be out in inclement awfulness, that's when I reach for the 18-135. When I know I will have time to think about my shots or know I can manoeuvre for the best angle and field of view, THAT is when I reach for one of my numerous primes.
01-16-2016, 05:39 PM   #3
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Congrats Dewman, I know you have worked your way through a lot of old glass. I did the same early on and it was great fun and a good learning experience. But that first modern lens is also a lot of fun. The 18-135 is a great lens, I'm sure you will enjoy it.
01-16-2016, 05:52 PM   #4
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You deserve it
Have fun!

01-16-2016, 06:03 PM   #5
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Have fun!
01-16-2016, 06:11 PM   #6
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Congrats for the 2 lenses (DA18-135mm and DA18-250mm).

I have both and they are both very good as all-around lenses. I tend to use more the DA18-250mm because of the extra reach. But I like also to use the DA18-135mm (very quiet) and my wife uses the DA18-135mm almost all other times. She loves it (much more than the DA18-250mm).

In terms of IQ, frankly, I do not see much differences between the 2 lenses. There is a lesser drop of IQ across the range of the DA 18-135mm, but the DA18-250mm performs almost as well across the same range [18-135mm]. At 250mm, the DA18-250mm IQ drops, and this is well known. (If I want IQ at that range, I uses my FA*300mm f4.5,)
01-16-2016, 06:22 PM   #7
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I have had a 18-135 for a couple of years now and share your sentiments. The sharpness is excellent.

01-16-2016, 06:37 PM   #8
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Congrats on the 18-135. It's on my list.
01-16-2016, 06:49 PM   #9
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Second hand with a K-50 sounds like a great way to get a lens. My 18-135 is always on my camera. I May have other lenses in the bag, but most of the time, it's on the camera.
01-16-2016, 10:15 PM   #10
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I purchased the DA 18-135mm lens after I already owned better lenses (Sigma 17-50 f2.8 and DA star 50-135mm f2.8). Will admit that the 18-135mm gets most all of the use.

This is because of convenience. Its smaller, lighter and covers that whole range as a single lens solution for those times when I want to take the camera along on family activities. I hated to spend the excess money, but it has definitely proven its worth in WR and convenience for general use purposes. For general purposes such as family activities or vacation the pictures from it are very good to excellent with crisp contrast and color. For this type of usage the typical complaints of relative edge softness don't cause me any grief.
01-17-2016, 03:44 AM   #11
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The 18-135 is a seriously useful lens that can be a real work-horse for many photographers. Enjoy its possibilities.
01-17-2016, 03:53 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by jatrax Quote
Congrats Dewman, I know you have worked your way through a lot of old glass. I did the same early on and it was great fun and a good learning experience. But that first modern lens is also a lot of fun. The 18-135 is a great lens, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Yes, I've certainly "made do" with a lot of old glass.... some of it pretty good, some of it what I'd consider great.... and of course some that didn't serve as a good paperweight. But, as you said, it was a good learning experience overall. I can't wait till tomorrow. We're finally supposed to get a little sunshine... maybe!

---------- Post added 01-17-16 at 04:00 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by normhead Quote
Second hand with a K-50 sounds like a great way to get a lens. My 18-135 is always on my camera. I May have other lenses in the bag, but most of the time, it's on the camera.

Yep, Norm.... it was quite a bargain. Both camera and lens in original boxes, complete with owners manual, two batteries, USB cables and a set of ND filters and a high end polarizing filter..... for $300.00! To say I was thrilled was a gross understatement! They will be in good hands and are already prized possessions of mine. I already had a K-50 body that I bought new and really like it, but to have a second one with less than 3,000 SA's is a real bonus. I feel like a very lucky man! Now, to pray for some sunshine!
01-17-2016, 04:22 AM   #13
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The 18-135 may be the best all-in-one lense there is. Small, light, well finished, WR and nice constrasty pictures !

Well done man and enjoy
01-17-2016, 04:48 AM   #14
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Heh, so you got yourself a cheap 18-135 and a free K-50, batteries and filters? Not bad at all!

I prefer shooting primes when I can, but whenever I need convenience I reach for the 18-135. Excellent centre sharpness all the way to 135mm, quick to focus, small and light for what it is, wr... I often label it "the perfect travel lens".

Enjoy your new lens
01-17-2016, 05:01 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by luftfluss Quote
Congrats on the 18-135. It's on my list.

I'll give it a workout and report back to you. From the few test shots I took from the front porch, I think it's going to be a real winner! I'd suggest keeping it "on your list!"
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