Best Replacement for DA 18-135?

**AstroDave** · 06-06-2021, 08:12 AM

I'd go for another 18-135, too. My favorite walk-around lens on the K-3. Mine (5+ years old) does not seem to have any "creep" problem, and I walk around with it a lot (but typically not with the lens particularly hanging down).

MaineNative · 06-06-2021, 10:12 AM - **1 Like**

I have both the 18-135 and 16-85. I use both of them, but the 16-85 is noticeably larger and heavier (but not as heavy as the DFA 15-30).

I give the 16-85 an edge on image quality and it is a little wider for landscape shots. If I want the highest quality or think I might be taking some pictures to print at 16x20 inches, I use the 16-85. If I am just walking around or flying somewhere on vacation, I go with the 18-135 to save weight. My filters are also all 62 mm, so if I might want a filter, I use the 18-135. I don’t have any 72 mm filters for the 16-85. If my 18-135 died, I would buy another.

Martowski · 06-07-2021, 12:53 PM - **3 Likes**

Well, I ended up finding what looks like a good deal on a new 18-135 for around $250, so I pulled the trigger on that and will replace my defunct 18-135 with a new copy. I was really close to picking up the Sigma 18-200 contemporary instead, but the cost difference didn't seem to outweigh the benefits for a casual walk-around lens. And, I was happy before with my older 18-135.

Thanks!

**RICHARD L.** · 06-07-2021, 06:40 PM

**mikesbike** · 06-07-2021, 08:18 PM

Originally posted by Martowski

Well, I ended up finding what looks like a good deal on a new 18-135 for around $250, so I pulled the trigger on that and will replace my defunct 18-135 with a new copy. I was really close to picking up the Sigma 18-200 contemporary instead, but the cost difference didn't seem to outweigh the benefits for a casual walk-around lens. And, I was happy before with my older 18-135.

Thanks!

Wow, that is a great deal! So good, I hope there's no hidden hitch. I've found the DA 18-135mm to be everything Richard is showing it to be. Best of luck, and let us in on your results from it

Even if stopped down just one click, it will often perform very close to DA 16-85mm at least up through 70mm, and centrally beyond that. And if you need the shutter speed, it can keep to f/3.5-4.5 all the way up to 70mm. I also have the DA 20-40mm Ltd f/2.8-4 DC WR, which I mainly use for all-around when going as compact as possible with quality, and the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM mainly for low light/high action use. Other than that, my old DA 18-135mm is certainly the most versatile- and with quality plus WR!!

Martowski · 06-08-2021, 03:21 AM

The lens I found is supposed to be a new take off from a kit so hopefully should be good to go. I liked the one I've had for the past 6 years or so, it just decided to tear itself up from the inside unfortunately.

**mikesbike** · 06-08-2021, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by Martowski

The lens I found is supposed to be a new take off from a kit so hopefully should be good to go. I liked the one I've had for the past 6 years or so, it just decided to tear itself up from the inside unfortunately.

Looks like you may have found a great deal to offset your misfortune! You need some good luck to help negate your bad luck. I've had mine for over 10 years wth no problems, but then I have other alternative lenses I use depending on my need.

**cdd29** · 06-09-2021, 06:29 AM

I have a 18-135 on my K3ii that was my main rig until I gave it to my daughter (an upgrade from her old Canon). I have ordered another for my full spectrum K-01. Awesome lens.

**RICHARD L.** · 06-09-2021, 10:44 AM

06-07-2021, 06:40 PM	#19
RICHARD L. Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,581	Tonight's sunset with a DA 18-135 mm ED WR @ 28 mm FL and f/11.

06-09-2021, 10:44 AM	#24
RICHARD L. Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Quebec City, Quebec Posts: 6,581	Sunset always with the DA 18-135 mm ED WR : remarkable !

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06-06-2021, 08:12 AM	#16
AstroDave Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 1,637	I'd go for another 18-135, too. My favorite walk-around lens on the K-3. Mine (5+ years old) does not seem to have any "creep" problem, and I walk around with it a lot (but typically not with the lens particularly hanging down).

06-06-2021, 10:12 AM - 1 Like	#17
MaineNative Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Photos: Gallery Posts: 280	I have both the 18-135 and 16-85. I use both of them, but the 16-85 is noticeably larger and heavier (but not as heavy as the DFA 15-30). I give the 16-85 an edge on image quality and it is a little wider for landscape shots. If I want the highest quality or think I might be taking some pictures to print at 16x20 inches, I use the 16-85. If I am just walking around or flying somewhere on vacation, I go with the 18-135 to save weight. My filters are also all 62 mm, so if I might want a filter, I use the 18-135. I don’t have any 72 mm filters for the 16-85. If my 18-135 died, I would buy another.

06-07-2021, 12:53 PM - 3 Likes	#18
Martowski Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 105 Original Poster	Well, I ended up finding what looks like a good deal on a new 18-135 for around $250, so I pulled the trigger on that and will replace my defunct 18-135 with a new copy. I was really close to picking up the Sigma 18-200 contemporary instead, but the cost difference didn't seem to outweigh the benefits for a casual walk-around lens. And, I was happy before with my older 18-135. Thanks!

06-07-2021, 08:18 PM	#20
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	Originally posted by Martowski Well, I ended up finding what looks like a good deal on a new 18-135 for around $250, so I pulled the trigger on that and will replace my defunct 18-135 with a new copy. I was really close to picking up the Sigma 18-200 contemporary instead, but the cost difference didn't seem to outweigh the benefits for a casual walk-around lens. And, I was happy before with my older 18-135. Thanks! Wow, that is a great deal! So good, I hope there's no hidden hitch. I've found the DA 18-135mm to be everything Richard is showing it to be. Best of luck, and let us in on your results from it Even if stopped down just one click, it will often perform very close to DA 16-85mm at least up through 70mm, and centrally beyond that. And if you need the shutter speed, it can keep to f/3.5-4.5 all the way up to 70mm. I also have the DA 20-40mm Ltd f/2.8-4 DC WR, which I mainly use for all-around when going as compact as possible with quality, and the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM mainly for low light/high action use. Other than that, my old DA 18-135mm is certainly the most versatile- and with quality plus WR!!

06-08-2021, 03:21 AM	#21
Martowski Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 105 Original Poster	The lens I found is supposed to be a new take off from a kit so hopefully should be good to go. I liked the one I've had for the past 6 years or so, it just decided to tear itself up from the inside unfortunately.

06-08-2021, 04:13 PM	#22
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	Originally posted by Martowski The lens I found is supposed to be a new take off from a kit so hopefully should be good to go. I liked the one I've had for the past 6 years or so, it just decided to tear itself up from the inside unfortunately. Looks like you may have found a great deal to offset your misfortune! You need some good luck to help negate your bad luck. I've had mine for over 10 years wth no problems, but then I have other alternative lenses I use depending on my need.

06-09-2021, 06:29 AM	#23
cdd29 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 961	I have a 18-135 on my K3ii that was my main rig until I gave it to my daughter (an upgrade from her old Canon). I have ordered another for my full spectrum K-01. Awesome lens.