Zoom Lens suggestion for Travel

woodworm · 01-09-2019, 12:24 PM

I've had both the Sigma 17-70 (mark 1 f2.8 - f4.5) and now the Pentax 16-85 and had great images (to me) with both of them. I like the silent focus, WR and extra range of the Pentax, but feel the IQ of the Sigma superior, especially the colours.

However there is very little in it so and would happily recommend either.

AntonioS · 02-25-2019, 07:24 PM

Hi, I found a 18-135 here in my city, I'll give it a try =)

Jonathan Mac · 02-26-2019, 02:25 AM - **1 Like**

The 16-85mm has wonderful image quality, reputedly much better than the 18-135mm, but I've never tried it with pseudo macro. Of my photos with it, this is the closest focus I can find with this lens.

IMG_6813a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

It has a decent range, excellent IQ, exposure is very accurate, and is WR so it's great for when there's plenty of light. If you don't need WR or such a focal range then I recommend the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8, which is about the same size.

AntonioS · 02-26-2019, 07:27 PM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

The 16-85mm has wonderful image quality, reputedly much better than the 18-135mm, but I've never tried it with pseudo macro. Of my photos with it, this is the closest focus I can find with this lens.

IMG_6813a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

It has a decent range, excellent IQ, exposure is very accurate, and is WR so it's great for when there's plenty of light. If you don't need WR or such a focal range then I recommend the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8, which is about the same size.

Yes but for $100 the 18-135 worth the risk =)

I have a frieng going to the US maybe in July. I'll ask him to bring me the 16-85 or the Sigma 17-50. I gave up on the Sigma 17-70.

I just remembered I still have my Leica Vario Elmar R Makro 35-70 F4 with a Leitax K custom mount and a manual focus screen for the K3

AntonioS · 03-23-2019, 07:57 AM - **2 Likes**

Okay, let's talk about the 18-135 I got from $100 used.

The image quality *can* be very good if you use it properly. This lens is quite soft at the edges if used wide open and there is some very visible CA, as expected in this price range.
But it can deliver very sharp results if used in f7 to f8 aperture range and that's precisely what the Program-MTF does.

Of course half of the problems vanishes when you don't stare to the images at 1:1 magnification. Even in 210x150 mm prints the image looks very good when properly processed.

I shoot in raw and the post processing is always done using DxO Photolab. The optical module for the K5-II/K3-II and the 18-135 lens works wonderfully: It removes 100% of the CA and does a fantastic job on the edges sharpness.

The 18-135 may not be the most fantastic lens but for $100 it was a fantastic buy, specially when used along with DxO Photolab.

**aslyfox** · 03-23-2019, 09:14 AM

Originally posted by AntonioS

Okay, let's talk about the 18-135 I got from $100 used. . . . .The 18-135 may not be the most fantastic lens but for $100 it was a fantastic buy, specially when used along with DxO Photolab.

I know the feeling

took a chance on a mirror lens for the same reason: Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 500mm f/8 Mirror ( 55BB ) on Ebay for $70.00

for the price it was worth the problems and limitations of a mirror lens

some times low cost is worth the risk

___________________

Originally posted by AntonioS

. . . I have a frieng going to the US maybe in July. I'll ask him to bring me the 16-85 or the Sigma 17-50. . . .

keep an eye on the forum's market place ( buy/sell )

you can sort it by country

The Pentax Marketplace | Buy & Sell Pentax Cameras and Lenses (United States) - PentaxForums.com

perhaps you can find a deal and have your friend get the lens when in the US

AntonioS · 03-23-2019, 11:59 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

I know the feeling

took a chance on a mirror lens for the same reason: Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 500mm f/8 Mirror ( 55BB ) on Ebay for $70.00

for the price it was worth the problems and limitations of a mirror lens

some times low cost is worth the risk

I borrowed one from a friend. Tricky lens... Critical focus and low contrast, but nothing that you can't fix in post processing.

This 18-135 was a good deal, but not my first choice.

Yesterday I got an old SMC Pentax-M 40-80 Macro. Interesting lens and very, very cheap.

**aslyfox** · 03-23-2019, 03:14 PM

Originally posted by AntonioS

I borrowed one from a friend. Tricky lens... Critical focus and low contrast, but nothing that you can't fix in post processing.

This 18-135 was a good deal, but not my first choice.

Yesterday I got an old SMC Pentax-M 40-80 Macro. Interesting lens and very, very cheap.

don't tell the price but does it qualify for this thread ?

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/32688-dcl-dirt-cheap-lens-club.htm

none of mine qualify

AntonioS · 03-23-2019, 03:51 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

don't tell the price but does it qualify for this thread ?

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/32688-dcl-dirt-cheap-lens-club.htm

none of mine qualify

Probably yes !!!

Mine costed me $20

Gary H Perth · 03-23-2019, 10:09 PM

Originally posted by AntonioS

I borrowed one from a friend. Tricky lens... Critical focus and low contrast, but nothing that you can't fix in post processing.

This 18-135 was a good deal, but not my first choice.

Yesterday I got an old SMC Pentax-M 40-80 Macro. Interesting lens and very, very cheap.

I have the 18-135mm as a my general purpose zoom, really quite good at about F8 and 400ISO. Mine was cheap in the local market, and I bought it in spite of having a new 16-85mm and the 55-300mm PLM. The 18-135 is easier to use than either of the newer lenses, since the 16-85 is noticeably heavier and the 55-300 is usually locked in "transport mode". The benefit of a good deal for a "not my first choice", and it pays off in convenience and a positive surprise.

I have an old M 40-80 macro that I always liked since I bought it about 1990, but yet to really test it on a digital body. It was really sharp for low-ISO slides so should be quite good on digital camera. The macro is a bit of a con though, but just think of it as a reasonably sharp closeup, which is roughly what many of the M series and Tamron SPs would offer. I will be testing mine over the next few weeks, let's compare our assessments, Antonio?

AntonioS · 03-24-2019, 07:31 AM

@Gary

Sure ! What I noticed on that 40-80 was the contrast loss at maximum aperture. My preliminary tests were done with my K5-II.
I bet this lens will do nicely with b&w film like the Tri-X. Too bad I don't have any k-mount film camera anymore.

AntonioS · 04-22-2019, 11:38 AM

Hi again !

I just received a Sigma 17-50 2.8 used from B&H and I did some preliminary tests. This lens is very sharp from what I could see.
I have the impression that my sample has maybe some degree of front focus, but I'll need to check this issue with LensAllign.

AntonioS · 04-28-2019, 12:47 PM

Update on the Sigma 17-50 2.8

After fighting a bit with LensAllign, I found that my lens needed a +6 (yes, plus six) fine AF correction, with my K5-II. Now it's much better.

Tomorrow I'll check it with the K3-II, I need to do this using good light.

------

Update:

I did the test using artificial light and fo some reason the calibration was horrible on a daylight test.
I repeated the process using daylight and now the correction is +1 and acceptable.

**mikesbike** · 04-28-2019, 01:40 PM

It will probably be fine with the K-3 II. I had some AF issues with my original K-5, which were not there with the K-5 IIs, and not there at all with the KP. So there are variations with different bodies when it comes to lens interactions.

I also have both the very useful Pentax DA 18-135mm lens as well as the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC, which I've found to be an excellent lens at a great price. It is very good even wide open, and even the edge performance jumps significantly with just a slight click to f/3.2 which is in league or even better than lenses costing much more. Each has its place depending on the needs at hand. When I need the faster aperture, I often pair the Sigma lens with my Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 for highest quality and for low light. For this much focal length range and f/2.8 aperture, the compactness plus quality are remarkable.

Jonathan Mac · 04-30-2019, 08:03 AM

Originally posted by AntonioS

Update on the Sigma 17-50 2.8

After fighting a bit with LensAllign, I found that my lens needed a +6 (yes, plus six) fine AF correction, with my K5-II. Now it's much better.

Tomorrow I'll check it with the K3-II, I need to do this using good light.

------

Update:

I did the test using artificial light and fo some reason the calibration was horrible on a daylight test.
I repeated the process using daylight and now the correction is +1 and acceptable.

The K5 had well-known problems in artificial light (especially tungsten) but I believe they were fixed on the mark II. That Sigma is a really great lens, I love mine.

03-23-2019, 09:14 AM	#51
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by AntonioS Okay, let's talk about the 18-135 I got from $100 used. . . . .The 18-135 may not be the most fantastic lens but for $100 it was a fantastic buy, specially when used along with DxO Photolab. I know the feeling took a chance on a mirror lens for the same reason: Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 500mm f/8 Mirror ( 55BB ) on Ebay for $70.00 for the price it was worth the problems and limitations of a mirror lens some times low cost is worth the risk ___________________ Originally posted by AntonioS . . . I have a frieng going to the US maybe in July. I'll ask him to bring me the 16-85 or the Sigma 17-50. . . . keep an eye on the forum's market place ( buy/sell ) you can sort it by country The Pentax Marketplace \| Buy & Sell Pentax Cameras and Lenses (United States) - PentaxForums.com perhaps you can find a deal and have your friend get the lens when in the US Last edited by aslyfox; 03-23-2019 at 09:21 AM.

04-28-2019, 12:47 PM	#58
AntonioS Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 113 Original Poster	Update on the Sigma 17-50 2.8 After fighting a bit with LensAllign, I found that my lens needed a +6 (yes, plus six) fine AF correction, with my K5-II. Now it's much better. Tomorrow I'll check it with the K3-II, I need to do this using good light. ------ Update: I did the test using artificial light and fo some reason the calibration was horrible on a daylight test. I repeated the process using daylight and now the correction is +1 and acceptable. Last edited by AntonioS; 04-30-2019 at 07:26 AM. Reason: Follow up

04-28-2019, 01:40 PM	#59
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,547	It will probably be fine with the K-3 II. I had some AF issues with my original K-5, which were not there with the K-5 IIs, and not there at all with the KP. So there are variations with different bodies when it comes to lens interactions. I also have both the very useful Pentax DA 18-135mm lens as well as the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC, which I've found to be an excellent lens at a great price. It is very good even wide open, and even the edge performance jumps significantly with just a slight click to f/3.2 which is in league or even better than lenses costing much more. Each has its place depending on the needs at hand. When I need the faster aperture, I often pair the Sigma lens with my Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 for highest quality and for low light. For this much focal length range and f/2.8 aperture, the compactness plus quality are remarkable. Last edited by mikesbike; 04-28-2019 at 01:46 PM.

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01-09-2019, 12:24 PM	#46
woodworm Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: North Wales Posts: 266	I've had both the Sigma 17-70 (mark 1 f2.8 - f4.5) and now the Pentax 16-85 and had great images (to me) with both of them. I like the silent focus, WR and extra range of the Pentax, but feel the IQ of the Sigma superior, especially the colours. However there is very little in it so and would happily recommend either.

02-25-2019, 07:24 PM	#47
AntonioS Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 113 Original Poster	Hi, I found a 18-135 here in my city, I'll give it a try =)

02-26-2019, 02:25 AM - 1 Like	#48
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,887	The 16-85mm has wonderful image quality, reputedly much better than the 18-135mm, but I've never tried it with pseudo macro. Of my photos with it, this is the closest focus I can find with this lens. IMG_6813a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr It has a decent range, excellent IQ, exposure is very accurate, and is WR so it's great for when there's plenty of light. If you don't need WR or such a focal range then I recommend the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8, which is about the same size.

02-26-2019, 07:27 PM	#49
AntonioS Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 113 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac The 16-85mm has wonderful image quality, reputedly much better than the 18-135mm, but I've never tried it with pseudo macro. Of my photos with it, this is the closest focus I can find with this lens. IMG_6813a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr It has a decent range, excellent IQ, exposure is very accurate, and is WR so it's great for when there's plenty of light. If you don't need WR or such a focal range then I recommend the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8, which is about the same size. Yes but for $100 the 18-135 worth the risk =) I have a frieng going to the US maybe in July. I'll ask him to bring me the 16-85 or the Sigma 17-50. I gave up on the Sigma 17-70. I just remembered I still have my Leica Vario Elmar R Makro 35-70 F4 with a Leitax K custom mount and a manual focus screen for the K3

03-23-2019, 07:57 AM - 2 Likes	#50
AntonioS Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 113 Original Poster	Okay, let's talk about the 18-135 I got from $100 used. The image quality can be very good if you use it properly. This lens is quite soft at the edges if used wide open and there is some very visible CA, as expected in this price range. But it can deliver very sharp results if used in f7 to f8 aperture range and that's precisely what the Program-MTF does. Of course half of the problems vanishes when you don't stare to the images at 1:1 magnification. Even in 210x150 mm prints the image looks very good when properly processed. I shoot in raw and the post processing is always done using DxO Photolab. The optical module for the K5-II/K3-II and the 18-135 lens works wonderfully: It removes 100% of the CA and does a fantastic job on the edges sharpness. The 18-135 may not be the most fantastic lens but for $100 it was a fantastic buy, specially when used along with DxO Photolab.

03-23-2019, 11:59 AM	#52
AntonioS Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 113 Original Poster	Originally posted by aslyfox I know the feeling took a chance on a mirror lens for the same reason: Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 500mm f/8 Mirror ( 55BB ) on Ebay for $70.00 for the price it was worth the problems and limitations of a mirror lens some times low cost is worth the risk I borrowed one from a friend. Tricky lens... Critical focus and low contrast, but nothing that you can't fix in post processing. This 18-135 was a good deal, but not my first choice. Yesterday I got an old SMC Pentax-M 40-80 Macro. Interesting lens and very, very cheap.

03-23-2019, 03:14 PM	#53
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by AntonioS I borrowed one from a friend. Tricky lens... Critical focus and low contrast, but nothing that you can't fix in post processing. This 18-135 was a good deal, but not my first choice. Yesterday I got an old SMC Pentax-M 40-80 Macro. Interesting lens and very, very cheap. don't tell the price but does it qualify for this thread ? https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/32688-dcl-dirt-cheap-lens-club.htm none of mine qualify

03-23-2019, 03:51 PM	#54
AntonioS Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 113 Original Poster	Originally posted by aslyfox don't tell the price but does it qualify for this thread ? https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/32688-dcl-dirt-cheap-lens-club.htm none of mine qualify Probably yes !!! Mine costed me $20

03-23-2019, 10:09 PM	#55
Gary H Perth Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Floreat Posts: 623	Originally posted by AntonioS I borrowed one from a friend. Tricky lens... Critical focus and low contrast, but nothing that you can't fix in post processing. This 18-135 was a good deal, but not my first choice. Yesterday I got an old SMC Pentax-M 40-80 Macro. Interesting lens and very, very cheap. I have the 18-135mm as a my general purpose zoom, really quite good at about F8 and 400ISO. Mine was cheap in the local market, and I bought it in spite of having a new 16-85mm and the 55-300mm PLM. The 18-135 is easier to use than either of the newer lenses, since the 16-85 is noticeably heavier and the 55-300 is usually locked in "transport mode". The benefit of a good deal for a "not my first choice", and it pays off in convenience and a positive surprise. I have an old M 40-80 macro that I always liked since I bought it about 1990, but yet to really test it on a digital body. It was really sharp for low-ISO slides so should be quite good on digital camera. The macro is a bit of a con though, but just think of it as a reasonably sharp closeup, which is roughly what many of the M series and Tamron SPs would offer. I will be testing mine over the next few weeks, let's compare our assessments, Antonio?

03-24-2019, 07:31 AM	#56
AntonioS Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 113 Original Poster	@Gary Sure ! What I noticed on that 40-80 was the contrast loss at maximum aperture. My preliminary tests were done with my K5-II. I bet this lens will do nicely with b&w film like the Tri-X. Too bad I don't have any k-mount film camera anymore.

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04-22-2019, 11:38 AM	#57
AntonioS Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Rio de Janeiro Photos: Albums Posts: 113 Original Poster	Hi again ! I just received a Sigma 17-50 2.8 used from B&H and I did some preliminary tests. This lens is very sharp from what I could see. I have the impression that my sample has maybe some degree of front focus, but I'll need to check this issue with LensAllign.

04-30-2019, 08:03 AM	#60
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,887	Originally posted by AntonioS Update on the Sigma 17-50 2.8 After fighting a bit with LensAllign, I found that my lens needed a +6 (yes, plus six) fine AF correction, with my K5-II. Now it's much better. Tomorrow I'll check it with the K3-II, I need to do this using good light. ------ Update: I did the test using artificial light and fo some reason the calibration was horrible on a daylight test. I repeated the process using daylight and now the correction is +1 and acceptable. The K5 had well-known problems in artificial light (especially tungsten) but I believe they were fixed on the mark II. That Sigma is a really great lens, I love mine.