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07-01-2017, 11:23 AM   #31
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I've had the DA* 50-135mm for a number of years and I have usually reserved it for when I need the speed or extra-high quality. For all around use it is most often my DA 18-135mm. I highly recommend buying the DA* 50-135mm new. I got mine from B&H. I've found them to be very good regarding any issues upon finding any defect in time for an exchange for another copy. I've been lucky so far- no issue yet with this lens. It should mate well with your Tamron 17-50mm for a fast-aperture pro-style combo. You will love the rendering quality of this Pentax lens! If you use a protective filter, I would suggest the newer Hoya HD3 UV filter, which appears to be in the best out there category. Not cheap!

Your Pentax K-5 IIs is a terrific camera. I've had mine for several years, bought new at a great end-of-model run price. I love it and it is still my high-quality workhorse. I've been pairing the DA* lens with my olde but goode Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8 EX DG with great results. Since I have recently added the KP to my arsenal, I have been pairing it with the DA 20-40mm Limited on that camera and I tell you- what a great quality package it makes.

I just checked B&H and find they are running a deal of $167 off the regular price for the DA* 50-135mm.

07-01-2017, 11:36 AM   #32
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Thank you!
07-01-2017, 11:47 AM - 1 Like   #33
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You are very welcome and please let us know how things are going. Also, when it comes time to get a macro lens, I have the Pentax D-FA100mm f/2.8 WR which is made nearly like a Limited, and its WR allows for worry-free macro shooting under drippy conditions. Optics are superb!
07-01-2017, 12:31 PM - 1 Like   #34
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The perfect kit that I return to over and over again: 16-50 and 50-135.

I don't know the fancy words, but for me it delivers on speed, versatility image quality. The silent and fast sdm is superb. I've tried other lenses but I always return to these two lenses.

Good luck with your search, if you miss, you can always sell it off and try again.

:-D

07-01-2017, 03:41 PM   #35
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You could consider the DA* 60-250, unless you really need f/2.8. I have the 50-135, and often find myself wishing for a bit more reach. I also have the 55-300, but I've been spoiled by the IQ of the DA*, so I'm saving up for the 60-250. I often wish I'd gotten it instead of the 50-135.
07-02-2017, 12:51 PM   #36
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The DA* 60-250mm f/4 is a great lens. And with a simple removal of a rear gasket it is perfectly usable on a full-frame body, film or DSLR. It is indeed worth considering instead of the DA* 50-135mm. I have considered getting this lens myself. Right now it is offered by B&H at over $280 off, so the price is not hugely different than the DA* 50-135mm. However, in my case I do value having the f/2.8 aperture, since I do a lot of low light shooting. It also makes for better depth of field control to make subjects stand out better from the background. At longer focal lengths than 135mm, the bigger lens's f/4 aperture will be adequate for that purpose.

Another difference is the size and weight for handling. Despite offering the fast f/2.8 aperture, this DA* lens is much lighter and smaller than other pro-style f/2.8 telephoto zoom lenses. At only 1-1/2 lb and just over 5" long, it handles very well indeed! In use, it is the equivalent of having the D-FA 70-200mm f/2.8 lens on a K-1! Just imagine the size and weight of that combo by comparison! The lens alone weighs nearly 4 lb, is around 60% longer and costs some$1,600 or more! It is in the tele range where the practical advantage goes to a high-quality APS-C setup. The DA* 60-250mm f/4 is not that large or as heavy, but is still considerably heavier than the DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 by about 13 oz additional, and around 1.3" longer. That would be a very noticeable difference.

The DA 55-300mm can hold to f/4.5 out to about 200mm. I and its IQ is pretty good so I have no problem putting it in use when I need to go beyond 135mm, or even using it instead of the DA* zoom lens altogether when I don't need the fast f/2.8 and/or not being finicky over that last notch of IQ excellence. In my case, I've wanted to avoid the size and weight of the FF 70-200mm f/2.8 setup. As a compromise for that quality f/2.8 setup, and still have the fast aperture when I need it, I did finally acquire the DA* 200mm f/2.8 as well, which is a marvelous lens and still under 2 lb. I also have a Tamron f/1.4 TC if needed, and I've also had the fine FA 300mm f/4.5 for years. This way, I don't have to deal with the extra size/weight situation, even when I want top quality.

Last edited by mikesbike; 07-02-2017 at 12:56 PM.
07-03-2017, 11:09 AM - 1 Like   #37
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I had to think long and hard to choose between the 50-135, 60-250, and tamron 70-200. Size and weight were part of my decision, as well as 2.8 for low light, being able to go a little wider, and the price difference between the to da*s. I realize I may wish for the 60-250 later, but right now I'm thinking the 50-135 would be meet most of my needs.

07-16-2017, 08:55 AM - 1 Like   #38
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My 50-135 arrived yesterday. I decided to buy from a forum member. Thank you, WPRESTO!!



---------- Post added 07-16-17 at 10:56 AM ----------

And thank you, everyone, for your responses and advice!

Last edited by TinaS; 07-16-2017 at 09:35 AM.
07-16-2017, 09:24 AM   #39
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QuoteOriginally posted by TinaS Quote
And thank you, everyone, for your responses and advice!
Everyone here always happy to get folk to spend money, even your hubbies.
07-16-2017, 09:33 AM   #40
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kerrowdown Quote
Everyone here always happy to get folk to spend money, even your hubbies.
lol True! Bunch of bad influences. But I love it when hubby encourages it!
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