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02-23-2020, 11:04 PM   #1
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16-45 or 18-135 wr for trip to Scotland

I am going on a trip to scotland in a few months. trying to pack light and just take my k5ii and 2 lenses. I love my 16-45 but it is not WR and the large front element seems to attract dust specks Outdoors. I am considering getting a used copy of a 18-135 WR. The consensus on the reviews seems to be that it is sharp at the center but not so much in the corners. How much an image quality would I be sacrificing going to this from the 16-45.

02-23-2020, 11:15 PM   #2
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Hi Tim, when I got my copy of the 18-135, I virtually stopped using my 16-45. The added reach and WR make it a great walk around lens. The 18-135 has excellent qualities too. Good luck with your choice, and don't forget to post some pix of your trip when you get back. ....
02-23-2020, 11:37 PM   #3
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Scotland is wet.
Enough said.
02-24-2020, 12:29 AM   #4
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In my opinion the 18-135 offers excellent performance from about 24mm or so out to about 75mm. Corners and all. Pairing it with an ultra-wide lens like the 10-17 FE, DA 15, or other options makes for a nice two-lens kit for travel. If you are set on only bringing two lenses, the other option would be to get something fast, like the FA 35 f2 or DA 50 1.8, etc. Third option would be a DA 15 and DA 50 and just pretend two small lenses equal a zoom in packing space so they shouldn't be counted individually.

02-24-2020, 12:33 AM - 1 Like   #5
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Some years ago, I cycled across the Scottish Highlands. It did occasionally stop raining, ... when it started hailing.

Take the WR.
02-24-2020, 01:55 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by pentaxian_tmb Quote
I am going on a trip to scotland in a few months. trying to pack light and just take my k5ii and 2 lenses. I love my 16-45 but it is not WR and the large front element seems to attract dust specks Outdoors. I am considering getting a used copy of a 18-135 WR. The consensus on the reviews seems to be that it is sharp at the center but not so much in the corners. How much an image quality would I be sacrificing going to this from the 16-45.
Well, you already have a 16-45 and are willing to buy a 18-135. Take them both would my first choice. Scotland has lot of good dry weather too. And take a good cleaning cloth for your 16-45. But, if you can afford it, buy a second hand 16-85, trade in your 16-45, and just take one lens with you. This would be my second choice.
02-24-2020, 04:44 AM - 1 Like   #7
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As a Scot, I'd say WR is a must. Get a 16-85mm instead of 18-135mm and you'll get better image quality and the 16mm width, so no need to take the 16-45.

As a second lens, from what I own, I'd have to say the 35mm Limited for even better image quality, shallower depth of field or low light ability, but this will depend on what you have. As a cheaper option the 35mm f/2.4 would be good and is very light indeed.

I used to be limited to the 18-55mm kit lens when I needed WR and I imagine the 18-135mm is better than that, but the 16-85mm has very impressive image quality across it's whole focal range, way, way better than the 18-55mm.

02-24-2020, 05:18 AM   #8
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sounds like a nice trip, hope to see some of the photos from it.

in order to answer the Op's question, the user reviews and in depth review under " lenses " above might be worth the time to read

________________________

the OP mentioned only wanting one camera body and two lenses, I can understand why

but kinda dangerous if the camera body goes down

a back up, or the ability to purchase a replacement in Scotland might become necessary

now, someone is going to mention $$$ and that is a legitimate concern

so consider the possibility of renting equipment
QuoteQuote:
Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent
Read more at: Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com

LensRental had no concerns about me taking a rental 20-40mm Limited out of the country

The " Limited " lenses don't take up much room but can create a desire to own one of more of them

Last edited by aslyfox; 02-24-2020 at 06:10 AM.
02-24-2020, 05:28 AM - 1 Like   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by pentaxian_tmb Quote
I am going on a trip to scotland in a few months. trying to pack light and just take my k5ii and 2 lenses. I love my 16-45 but it is not WR and the large front element seems to attract dust specks Outdoors. I am considering getting a used copy of a 18-135 WR. The consensus on the reviews seems to be that it is sharp at the center but not so much in the corners. How much an image quality would I be sacrificing going to this from the 16-45.
I went to Scotland in 2010 with a K200D and the 18-250mm. Today I would take my K-30, the 18-135mm and the 15mm Ltd. for indoor use: castles, cathedrals, museums etc. One very useful resource for my planning was a website called Undiscovered Scotland, which still exists, and which will probably be your best guide to sights to visit.
I only had a few days of rain, but enough wind to cost me a few ferry passages.
Happy trip.
AMH
02-24-2020, 05:58 AM   #10
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If you can justify the expense and the added weight, I'd recommend the 16-85 so you don't loose any capability for wide angle landscapes. Otherwise, do get the 18-135, you won't regret it.
02-24-2020, 06:45 AM   #11
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If your budget allows, the 16-85 is slightly superior. If not, get a used 18-135 and don’t think twice about it. Truly the corners aren’t that bad.
02-24-2020, 07:19 AM   #12
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Everyone is taking the humidity and the wide side into consideration, but Scotland is not only that! Depending where you are going of course, but for instance lovely coastline as well. So, also for the reach, leave your 16-45 at home......

Have a good trip and do some hiking! Cheers, Gerard

PS I second undiscovered Scotland

Last edited by FotoGekko; 02-24-2020 at 07:27 AM. Reason: addendum
02-24-2020, 07:25 AM   #13
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The corners on the 18-135 only start to lose resolution around 70-75 mm. In my opinion this is most often a non issue. There's an entire thread dedicated to the 18-135 that shows the kinds of photos it can make.

The 16-45 has a reputation for barrel issues (lens starts drooping) and the image quality isn't higher between 18-45 then the 18-135 as far as I can see.

What's the second lens? And what kinds of shots are you likely to concentrate most on? In your normal shooting is 18mm wide enough? Like some others here I often pair my DA 15 with the 18-135. However this doesn't address low light needs if any are expected.
02-24-2020, 07:41 AM   #14
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To answer some questions.

1. My other lenses are:

SMCP-DA 15mm F/4 ED AL;
HD DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED;
SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4;
smc PENTAX-FA 35mm F2;
SMC DA XS 40mm F/2.0-8.0 Pancake;


2. Plan on lots of landscapes; as well as architecture (both interior and exterior)


3. I do have a Ricoh GR I could bring as a backup body.


I don't travel oversees much and last time I went to Germany and found myself using the 15mm and 50mm almost exclusively. --but changing lenses is always a PITA.
02-24-2020, 07:58 AM - 2 Likes   #15
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When I was last in Scotland, I just used the 21 Ltd, which was nice and compact, as well as a great FL for me. I was cautious in the rain, and managed to mostly avoid it getting wet. No problems either.




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