Originally posted by jeffdrew I based my general comment on long zoom range quality on the dozens of related reviews in the forum database and my past multi-decade use of several Pentax/Tamron/Sigma analog zooms that are now used on my K200d & K3II. I don’t use the 18~135 mm because I made other choices. I am NOT disparaging the overall wisdom of purchasing any lens because the decision and use are all subjective. For me, the newer Pentax technology and DA*/DFA lenses are great! If the output rocks your world, then it’s a good choice! :-)
You mean, you don't use an 18-135 because you didn't buy one, or you bought one and never choose it? trying to understand if you actually owned the lens and ditched it, or got turned off by the reviews and didn't buy it.
Sounds like you just didn't buy it. That's different type of knowledge. You know what people think about the lens. Who is the 18-135 good for? IMHO opinion, people who want excellent quality through the zoom range and who are really active and don't want to waste time with lens changes. People who want shots taken while enjoying other activities. It's probably the last lens built to the old Pentax standard "Lenses for the way people take pictures, not for the test charts." I can always carry my 21 ltd. 40 xs and 100 macro for special occasions, or my DA*60250 if I want edge to edge sharp across the telephoto range.. To me a zoom is what you use, when you don't have time for lens changes, or when the necessary field of view is changing as you shoot. My big disappointment with the K-1 is, there is no 18-135 equivalent with anywhere near the quality.
It is interesting to meet an older user with decades of use, who never bought into the Pentax design philosophy. Although I have to say, the new Pentax designed lenses are exceptional. But they cost a lot.
The 18-135 produces images as good as any lens, but it has a learning curve. You have to use it to it's strength. The 28 to 105 just seems good every where. But it's not as versatile and it cost twice as much. I like having both.
Last edited by normhead; 03-02-2018 at 07:55 AM.