Originally posted by renix I head no good reviews about 18-135... but I don't tried it personally
In the 18-135 thread, 3,325 posts, almost 5k likes 539,000 views.
In the lens review section. 130 reviews, recommended by 92% of reviewers.
But you've never read a positive review? What have you been reading?
Must be the posts of 16-85 users. They tend to be a pretty virulent anti-18-135 bunch.
The ratio recommending the 18-135 is 92% to 8% not recommending. But that 8% contribute to every thread it would seem.
If I already had a 16-85 and wanted a back up I'd consider that the DC motor is excellent interns of speed and reliability and it's affordable second hand. I'd take it over any of the other suggested alternatives. It's a similar type of lens to the 16-85 with more range.
Before the K-1 it was my most used lens. I never had cause to switch. And I never saw enough in the 16-85 to make it worth switching. But 8% don't agree with me, so there's an 8% chance you won't be happy with your copy if you buy one.
It actually has a higher forum rating than the 16-85 for being recommended by forum reviewers, which has only 34 reviews and a 91% approval rating.
sigh
The incredible 10 year campaign against the 18-135 started by Photozone, where they rated the lens lower than many lenses that didn't test as well and carried on by certain forum members continues. If the lens suits your style and you get a good copy, it punches well above it's weight. And real world satisfaction numbers contradict the opinions of the nay sayers.
At least at this point we can safely say, critics of the 18-135 are small but vocal minority. Exactly why they are so persistent and adamant is unknown. It can't be rationally explained. Why do 8% constantly try to shout down 92%
At this point 10 years later, it's pretty safe to say 18-135 critics are out of touch with reality. The numbers don't support them. They know what they like, but their views aren't in alignment with the overwhelming majority of users.
Approx. 12 out of 130 users don't recommend the 18-135, and we hear from a couple of them every time the 18-135 is mentioned. Now it isn't even them. It's people who never owned the lens but have been influenced by them. Words fail me.
Just what is it they are trying to accomplish?