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Ronald Oakes · 07-02-2018, 07:27 AM

Im in the process of getting my manual prime Lens kit down to a manageable number. (now 13)
Already own the SMC-A 135mm 2.8 and it seems like a solid lens optically from the light use Ive given it on FF and Aps-c.
However....Im missing the SMC-K 135mm 2.5 (have the K 135/3.5) and wonder just what I may be giving up in image Quality and Bokeh between the two ?
If I should decide to get the K135/2.5 I will be selling off my my K 135/3.5 as I will no longer need it.
I know both the 135mm lenses in 2.8 and 2.5 are close , but both fit into my strategy and present kit of "A" and "K" series lenses.
Decisions….Decisions.

**Mikesul** · 07-02-2018, 07:32 AM - **1 Like**

Are you collecting all of the 135s?

**boriscleto** · 07-02-2018, 07:35 AM

Originally posted by Mikesul

Are you collecting all of the 135s?

Look at his signature. Seems to be collecting Ks...

**Mikesul** · 07-02-2018, 07:41 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Look at his signature. Seems to be collecting Ks...

Thanks. I was too quick!

Ronald Oakes · 07-02-2018, 07:41 AM

Originally posted by Mikesul

Are you collecting all of the 135s?

No....just the A and K series.

---------- Post added 07-02-18 at 07:42 ----------

Originally posted by boriscleto

Look at his signature. Seems to be collecting Ks...

A's and K's only. Putting together two useable kits.

**Mikesul** · 07-02-2018, 07:42 AM

That makes more sense to me. Still a big goal!

Ronald Oakes · 07-02-2018, 07:46 AM

Originally posted by Mikesul

That makes more sense to me. Still a big goal!

Ive gone from 63 lenses....to 13 ! That's huge for me. Just Ironing out the last two choices.

**Mikesul** · 07-02-2018, 07:48 AM

Wow. That is real will power. Keep at it!

skierd · 07-02-2018, 07:50 AM

For the sake of collecting, sure it makes sense to get it. I’d almost always say the faster lens is the better lens to have (3.5 vs 2.5) if you plan to shoot them and only want to have one, especially at today’s prices.

**BROO** · 07-02-2018, 07:51 AM - **1 Like**

I could be persuaded to part with my mint 135 mm f2.5 K for the right price. Would you like a Takumar 135 mm f2.5 8 blade as well?

Ronald Oakes · 07-02-2018, 07:56 AM

Originally posted by BROO

I could be persuaded to part with my mint 135 mm f2.5 K for the right price. Would you like a Takumar 135 mm f2.5 8 blade as well?

I sold most of my Tak's. That included the coveted 135/2.5 that everyone wants !
The SMC-K 135/2.5 lenses aren't hard to find.....PM me with an offer.

**UncleVanya** · 07-02-2018, 07:56 AM - **1 Like**

I personally like the size of the K135 f/3.5 and wonder if the size difference would be worth keeping it vs. the 2.5. The 2.5 is supposedly the best of these that you list but I can't personally attest to it as I have never compared them. What you will end up doing is getting this, then you will decide you need to swap the A series out for the A* 135 f/1.8... LOL.

Ronald Oakes · 07-02-2018, 07:58 AM

Originally posted by skierd

For the sake of collecting, sure it makes sense to get it. I’d almost always say the faster lens is the better lens to have (3.5 vs 2.5) if you plan to shoot them and only want to have one, especially at today’s prices.

Yes....its obvious the f3.5 isn't going to keep up with either of the 2 others in many situations.

---------- Post added 07-02-18 at 08:00 ----------

Originally posted by UncleVanya

I personally like the size of the K135 f/3.5 and wonder if the size difference would be worth keeping it vs. the 2.5. The 2.5 is supposedly the best of these that you list but I can't personally attest to it as I have never compared them. What you will end up doing is getting this, then you will decide you need to swap the A series out for the A* 135 f/1.8... LOL.

Fortunately the * lenses ARENT in the picture.....they never will be.

---------- Post added 07-02-18 at 08:02 ----------

Originally posted by skierd

For the sake of collecting, sure it makes sense to get it. I’d almost always say the faster lens is the better lens to have (3.5 vs 2.5) if you plan to shoot them and only want to have one, especially at today’s prices.

The collecting and LBA are over. Once the A and K 50mm 1.2's went bye bye....the rest was easy.

**UncleVanya** · 07-02-2018, 08:03 AM - **1 Like**

The K 135 f/3.5 is a very good lens from all accounts. This review in particular praises it over the 50-135 and other lenses. Slower can lead to a better design with fewer corrections needed in the lens which can make it more natural. I'm not sure the 3.5 will be totally overshadowed by those.

SMC Pentax 135mm F3.5 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Ronald Oakes · 07-02-2018, 08:10 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The K 135 f/3.5 is a very good lens from all accounts. This review in particular praises it over the 50-135 and other lenses. Slower can lead to a better design with fewer corrections needed in the lens which can make it more natural. I'm not sure the 3.5 will be totally overshadowed by those.

SMC Pentax 135mm F3.5 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I know its a nice lens (135/3.5) , and Ive used mine extensively with good results. However , to me this is mainly a Portrait lens on FF and the faster aperture is more to my liking.
However.....if Im not going to see an equal/better rendering of the K 135/2.5 and sharpness to the A series 135mm 2.8......I will just pass on it.

07-02-2018, 07:27 AM	#1
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585	I have SMC-A 135/2.8 ... Should I buy SMC-K 135/2.5 ? Im in the process of getting my manual prime Lens kit down to a manageable number. (now 13) Already own the SMC-A 135mm 2.8 and it seems like a solid lens optically from the light use Ive given it on FF and Aps-c. However....Im missing the SMC-K 135mm 2.5 (have the K 135/3.5) and wonder just what I may be giving up in image Quality and Bokeh between the two ? If I should decide to get the K135/2.5 I will be selling off my my K 135/3.5 as I will no longer need it. I know both the 135mm lenses in 2.8 and 2.5 are close , but both fit into my strategy and present kit of "A" and "K" series lenses. Decisions….Decisions.

07-02-2018, 08:10 AM	#15
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya The K 135 f/3.5 is a very good lens from all accounts. This review in particular praises it over the 50-135 and other lenses. Slower can lead to a better design with fewer corrections needed in the lens which can make it more natural. I'm not sure the 3.5 will be totally overshadowed by those. SMC Pentax 135mm F3.5 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I know its a nice lens (135/3.5) , and Ive used mine extensively with good results. However , to me this is mainly a Portrait lens on FF and the faster aperture is more to my liking. However.....if Im not going to see an equal/better rendering of the K 135/2.5 and sharpness to the A series 135mm 2.8......I will just pass on it. Last edited by Ronald Oakes; 07-02-2018 at 08:30 AM.

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07-02-2018, 07:32 AM - 1 Like	#2
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Are you collecting all of the 135s?

07-02-2018, 07:35 AM	#3
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Originally posted by Mikesul Are you collecting all of the 135s? Look at his signature. Seems to be collecting Ks...

07-02-2018, 07:41 AM	#4
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by boriscleto Look at his signature. Seems to be collecting Ks... Thanks. I was too quick!

07-02-2018, 07:42 AM	#6
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	That makes more sense to me. Still a big goal!

07-02-2018, 07:46 AM	#7
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585 Original Poster	Originally posted by Mikesul That makes more sense to me. Still a big goal! Ive gone from 63 lenses....to 13 ! That's huge for me. Just Ironing out the last two choices.

07-02-2018, 07:48 AM	#8
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Wow. That is real will power. Keep at it!

07-02-2018, 07:50 AM	#9
skierd Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Fairbanks, AK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,472	For the sake of collecting, sure it makes sense to get it. I’d almost always say the faster lens is the better lens to have (3.5 vs 2.5) if you plan to shoot them and only want to have one, especially at today’s prices.

07-02-2018, 07:51 AM - 1 Like	#10
BROO Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 656	I could be persuaded to part with my mint 135 mm f2.5 K for the right price. Would you like a Takumar 135 mm f2.5 8 blade as well?

07-02-2018, 07:56 AM	#11
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585 Original Poster	Originally posted by BROO I could be persuaded to part with my mint 135 mm f2.5 K for the right price. Would you like a Takumar 135 mm f2.5 8 blade as well? I sold most of my Tak's. That included the coveted 135/2.5 that everyone wants ! The SMC-K 135/2.5 lenses aren't hard to find.....PM me with an offer.

07-02-2018, 07:56 AM - 1 Like	#12
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	I personally like the size of the K135 f/3.5 and wonder if the size difference would be worth keeping it vs. the 2.5. The 2.5 is supposedly the best of these that you list but I can't personally attest to it as I have never compared them. What you will end up doing is getting this, then you will decide you need to swap the A series out for the A* 135 f/1.8... LOL.

07-02-2018, 07:58 AM	#13
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,585 Original Poster	Originally posted by skierd For the sake of collecting, sure it makes sense to get it. I’d almost always say the faster lens is the better lens to have (3.5 vs 2.5) if you plan to shoot them and only want to have one, especially at today’s prices. Yes....its obvious the f3.5 isn't going to keep up with either of the 2 others in many situations. ---------- Post added 07-02-18 at 08:00 ---------- Originally posted by UncleVanya I personally like the size of the K135 f/3.5 and wonder if the size difference would be worth keeping it vs. the 2.5. The 2.5 is supposedly the best of these that you list but I can't personally attest to it as I have never compared them. What you will end up doing is getting this, then you will decide you need to swap the A series out for the A* 135 f/1.8... LOL. Fortunately the * lenses ARENT in the picture.....they never will be. ---------- Post added 07-02-18 at 08:02 ---------- Originally posted by skierd For the sake of collecting, sure it makes sense to get it. I’d almost always say the faster lens is the better lens to have (3.5 vs 2.5) if you plan to shoot them and only want to have one, especially at today’s prices. The collecting and LBA are over. Once the A and K 50mm 1.2's went bye bye....the rest was easy.

07-02-2018, 08:03 AM - 1 Like	#14
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	The K 135 f/3.5 is a very good lens from all accounts. This review in particular praises it over the 50-135 and other lenses. Slower can lead to a better design with fewer corrections needed in the lens which can make it more natural. I'm not sure the 3.5 will be totally overshadowed by those. SMC Pentax 135mm F3.5 Reviews - K Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I have SMC-A 135/2.8 ... Should I buy SMC-K 135/2.5 ?

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