[FozzFoster]

Hey there!
I shoot a little bit of everything, really. Enthusiast-level photographer here!
I would really like to get into UWA lenses where there is an interesting foreground subject with a beautiful vista in the background.

I've been saving for months (right now, I'm at about $700 CAD) for two new items:
1) DA* 11-18 f/2.8
2) K-3II replacement (if/ when)

However, a new opportunity has come up where I can acquire a like-new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 for only $240 CAD (lowest offer).
I already have the 18-50 and 55-300 PLM, so the focal ranges are covered - it would just be for the convenience of both not having to swap lenses as much, or not having to bring two lenses to start with during travel vacations.

I've heard so many good things about the 18-135mm that it sounds like it would be a well used addition to my kit below:

Pentax K-S2
Pentax DA L 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE
Sigma 24mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro
Pentax F 50mm f/1.7
Pentax D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR
Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

What do you think? Should I keep saving for the 11-18 and the K-3II replacement? Or buy the 18-135 and take longer to save for the others?
Or, any other suggestions or comments on my kit would also be appreciated!

Thanks!!

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Last edited by FozzFoster; 06-10-2018 at 06:49 AM.

[LensBeginner]

Hi,
a 18-135 would probably be useful, but it would not add to your kit the same way an UWA would to, at least if you like the genre.
If you don't feel like waiting for the 11-18, there still are alternatives available, like the two Sigmas 10-20mm, or the Sigma 8-16mm.
Irrespective of which UWA you chose, be sure to check for misallignments and decenterings, since it's a tricky focal length range.

Regarding the "K-3II replacement" (still only an idea at present), you don't say which camera you have.

Your kit covers about every necessity, bar ultra wide angle range, of course.

[FozzFoster]

you don't say which camera you have

Thanks LensBeginner!
I've added that I own a K-S2 right now. Pretty upset because only a few months after I bought my K-S2, the K-70 was released! Haha

I've considered other UWA lenses, but a main reason I went with Pentax was for WR and third party lenses don't offer WR.
Not like I don't own third party or non-WR equipment though, so I might be a good trade off and save a bunch of money!

[Kerrowdown]

What do you think?

Good glass is forever... bodies come and go.

Hope that helps.

[UncleVanya]

Grab a 12-24 and the 18-135. The 18-135 is really versatile and I think out shoots the 18-50 - but I haven't done a lot of direct comparison my opinion is based mainly on results which could be biased since I've had my 18-135 longer than the 18-50.

[LensBeginner]

Thanks LensBeginner!
I've added that I own a K-S2 right now. Pretty upset because only a few months after I bought my K-S2, the K-70 was released! Haha

I've considered other UWA lenses, but a main reason I went with Pentax was for WR and third party lenses don't offer WR.
Not like I don't own third party or non-WR equipment though, so I might be a good trade off and save a bunch of money!

Then the question becomes: do you absolutely need something right now?
If (or when) you do, there's no point in waiting. Also you could buy a used Sigma and resell it for a small loss - if any - when the new 11-18mm is launched.
UWAs are peculiar lenses, and they're not to everybody's taste... they can't be used everywhere and every time, but there's no substitute for them when the occasion is right.

As far as bodies are concerned, you already have a very capable one, so there's little need to invest in another one at least for the moment, in my opinion.

[UncleVanya]

I suggest the 12-24 because I expect the 11-18 to be very expensive, and a lot heavier.

[pepperberry farm]

Good glass is forever... bodies come and go.

Hope that helps.

life's truths show up in tiny phrases - this is a fact...

[Kerrowdown]

life's truths show up in tiny phrases - this is a fact...

I'm old enough now, to be a philosopher of life...

[LensBeginner]

Good glass is forever... bodies come and go.

Hope that helps.

...isn't apologia for LBA a criminal offence?

[Kerrowdown]

...isn't apologia for LBA a criminal offence?

That must come under International Law as opposed to true Scottish Highland Law, which still uses the Claymore in it's dispensing of justice. .

[pepperberry farm]

I've never apologized for my LBA...

[steve_k]

I own the 18-135 and the 16-85. The 16-85 has better IQ but I really love the range of the 18-135. I also own the Sigma 8-16 which I also like a lot. It is ideal for architecture and some landscapes. It can make a linen closet look like a master bedroom or enable you to get your toes into a shot :-). A very fun lens.

[Pentax Syntax]

Your lenses have a real size advantage over most anything else. The 2.8 wide angle zoom is going to a big beast. I think just adding the DA 15 for covering the wide angle should do the trick. The 16-85 would also be a great choice to complement the 55-300 PLM. Those two are my travel kit on the K-3.

[jimr-pdx]

I concur that the da / hd 15 fits nicely with your 24/50/100 primes. A 70 limited would also do that.. and off i go spending your savings