Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
06-05-2021, 07:38 PM   #1
Senior Member




Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 105
Best Replacement for DA 18-135?

Hi All,

Looking for suggestions for a replacement for my DA 18-135 that decided to die last week (won't go into too much detail but some of the brass parts between the cylinders came apart and then a bunch of stuff got chewed up inside; fixing it isn't a fiscally viable option).

Anyway, I really liked the 18-135's range but I know Sigma and Tamron both have offerings in similar ranges. I could just pick up another 18-135, but wondering if something like the Sigma 18-200 HSM Contemporary might be a better option in terms of image quality? I do like that it has the zoom lock, as the fact that the 18-135 would constantly extend while carrying was annoying.

Curious for suggestions in terms of buying another 18-135 or if there are better options out there? Most of my shooting will be casual outdoors of kids and such, with some occasional landscapes.

Thanks!

06-05-2021, 08:22 PM   #2
Veteran Member
madbrain's Avatar

Join Date: May 2008
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,341
The Sigma 18-300 HSM contemporary is very good. Not sure about the 18-200 as I have never owned it. I think its advantage is that it is smaller and lighter.

Last edited by madbrain; 06-05-2021 at 09:00 PM.
06-05-2021, 09:16 PM - 2 Likes   #3
Des
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
Des's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Victoria Australia
Photos: Albums
Posts: 6,410
QuoteOriginally posted by Martowski Quote
Curious for suggestions in terms of buying another 18-135 or if there are better options out there? Most of my shooting will be casual outdoors of kids and such, with some occasional landscapes.
The 18-135 is still a good lens (see my review: https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-DA-18-135mm-F3.5-5.6-ED-...l?#review10268), but If mine died I would get this: HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I would trade the smaller focal range for better IQ and extra width.

If you want more telephoto reach, consider a two lens kit with the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Can't comment on the 18-200 options, but I'd be very surprised if the IQ is comparable with the PLM in their common range. The PLM is amazing for a consumer zoom and its AF is lightning fast.

Last edited by Des; 06-05-2021 at 09:31 PM.
06-05-2021, 09:21 PM - 2 Likes   #4
amateur dirt farmer
Loyal Site Supporter
pepperberry farm's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: probably out in a field somewhere...
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 41,257
unless I was unhappy with the images, I'd buy another DA 18-135mm

06-05-2021, 09:23 PM - 1 Like   #5
Administrator
Site Webmaster
Adam's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Arizona
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 51,584
QuoteOriginally posted by Martowski Quote
Hi All,

Looking for suggestions for a replacement for my DA 18-135 that decided to die last week (won't go into too much detail but some of the brass parts between the cylinders came apart and then a bunch of stuff got chewed up inside; fixing it isn't a fiscally viable option).

Anyway, I really liked the 18-135's range but I know Sigma and Tamron both have offerings in similar ranges. I could just pick up another 18-135, but wondering if something like the Sigma 18-200 HSM Contemporary might be a better option in terms of image quality? I do like that it has the zoom lock, as the fact that the 18-135 would constantly extend while carrying was annoying.

Curious for suggestions in terms of buying another 18-135 or if there are better options out there? Most of my shooting will be casual outdoors of kids and such, with some occasional landscapes.

Thanks!
I second the recommendation to upgrade to the 16-85mm, which is a nice step up (plus you'll probably get more enjoyment from the wider FoV). You might get more versatility with an 18-200mm (minus the weather sealing), but it won't outperform the 18-135mm in terms of image quality.

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)



PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:
06-05-2021, 09:53 PM - 1 Like   #6
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
UncleVanya's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2014
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 28,182
From the reviews and images I’ve seen, the 16-85 outperforms the 18-135 between 16-18 and 70-85. In the 18-70 range I’m not sure how much of an advantage there is for the 16-85. The 18-135 outperforms the 16-85 in the 86-135 range. So a realistic question to ask yourself is does wider or longer matter more to your walkabout photography? A second question is; does the weight and girth of the 16-85 bother you compared to the 18-135?

I only own the 18-135 of these two. I haven’t ever owned the 18-200/250/270/300 lenses out there. My own use has me paid the 18-135 with the 55-300 so if the edge qualities above 70 are a big concern I can switch lenses but I can also elect not to of the image doesn’t need it. Pairing the same lens with the 16-85 means potential for a few more lens changes but a wider angle option.

It really depends on your plans. Another way to go is to go with something like the 16-50 and the 55-300 or the 16-45 or 17-70 (any version).

Based on what you have asked I’m guessing the telephoto End of the range is important. To me that suggests getting the da 55-300 plm and any appropriate standard zoom.
06-05-2021, 10:08 PM   #7
Pentaxian




Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Oklahoma USA
Posts: 2,192
If you're willing to go with two lenses I would either do the 16-85 or Sigma 17-50, plus a longer lens. I have both and they each have pros and cons. I also have the 16-45 and don't find it useful in the post-6mp era.
The longer lens choice is problematic for me since the PLM is KAF4 and won't work properly (normally, whatever...) on my cameras, so that narrows the choice to an older 55-300, or the 50-135, both of which also have pros and cons vs. each other. Or a Tamron/Sigma 70-300. Overall the best-performing longer lens I've tried that works on my cameras is the 60-250, but you pay for it in size and weight.

06-05-2021, 10:20 PM - 1 Like   #8
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
jumbleview's Avatar

Join Date: May 2012
Location: Concord, CA
Posts: 1,066
I own 18-135 which I used with K5II. Later I used it less and less since buying 20-40 ltd. But recently I accrued used KP and 18-135 got second life. I really like images that tandem produces. And zoom range is very useful.

Last edited by jumbleview; 06-08-2021 at 05:11 PM.
06-05-2021, 11:23 PM   #9
Pentaxian




Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Sydney
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 909
Had a 18-135 which became badly de-centred after a serious knock. Replaced with a second hand one which was not only cheap but an outstanding copy. It's better than my first one ever was.
06-06-2021, 01:41 AM - 2 Likes   #10
Digitiser of Film
Loyal Site Supporter
BigMackCam's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North East of England
Posts: 20,575
It all depends on your optical and practical priorities.

The DA18-135's trump cards are its frame-wide performance at 18mm (a number of members here praise its use as a wide-angle lens) and weather resistance. Its biggest weakness is poor performance at the longer end, away from the frame centre, which is what led me to return my briefly-owned copy.

Though I'm loathe to recommend super-zoom lenses, if you're prepared to give up some border and corner performance at 18mm and weather resistance then the Sigma 18-300 is actually a pretty good option (I can't speak for the 18-200 version). It's fully useable throughout its focal length range, with the centre always quite sharp, even wide open, though it needs stopping down for acceptable border performance. It's surprisingly good at 300mm (in the centre, at least) which, coupled with near-silent AF, makes it a useful tool for birds and other wildlife. It's a lens of compromises, and has a few rendering quirks as you'd expect - but it's much better than, for example, the Pentax DA18-270 (given my experience of both) and nicer than any lens of its type ought to be...

I've almost sold mine twice, as I have other optically-better combos that cover the same broad focal length range... but I just can't bring myself to let it go. It's a handy lens to own, even if kept in reserve.

Last edited by BigMackCam; 06-06-2021 at 05:10 AM.
06-06-2021, 04:23 AM   #11
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter




Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Posts: 6,493
I just discovered the DA 18-135 mm ED WR zoom a month ago, after buying a MINT copy on eBay. Each photo session with this lens leaves me breathless, so much so the results are spectacular. I may have fallen on an "extraordinary" copy but pictures are always above any reproach. This is my 60th Pentax lens (30 medium-format, 30 K mount), so it takes something special to really "impress me much" (Shanya Twain's words) ... I only use f/11 on a K3, though. Avoid wide-open and you should love it.

31 mm

40 mm

18 mm

135 mm

31 mm

60 mm

Last edited by RICHARD L.; 06-06-2021 at 05:12 AM.
06-06-2021, 04:41 AM   #12
Pentaxian




Join Date: Apr 2016
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 1,027
I have to say that if my 18-135mm lens broke, I'd buy a replacement without hesitation. It's a great walkaround lens and I've no complaints about the images it produces - but that's always going to be personally subjective. I can't comment on the other lenses mentioned apart from the HD 55-300mm, which I also use.
06-06-2021, 06:28 AM   #13
Senior Member




Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 105
Original Poster
Thanks for all the great replies. I really did like the 18-135, it has been my go-to walk around lens for quite some time. Although admittedly the lack of zoom lock got carrying was somewhat annoying.

I'm pretty torn between it and the Sigma 18-200mm. The Pentax 16-85 would be great, but I think I want a little more focal length than 85mm.

Not exactly sure what I'll do here. Has anyone owned both, or even owned the Sigma 18-200? I'm looking specifically at the Contemporary model, not the older lenses.
06-06-2021, 06:37 AM - 1 Like   #14
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
ramseybuckeye's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Hampstead, NC
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 17,276
I have the 18-135 and it is a great lens, however since I got the combination of the DA 20-40 and DA 55-300 PLM I don’t use it. But that depends on your own usage. If you often zoom through the middle ranges that type of combo may not work for you. And as mentioned earlier the 16-85 should be a step up in IQ, but shorter. If the 18-135 did everything for you, buy it again. Personally I would not get the Sigma since it is not WR.
06-06-2021, 07:13 AM   #15
Pentaxian
AfterPentax Mark II's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,452
I own the 18-135 as well and it does a great job. I own the 16-85 as well. I noticed that I put the 18-135 on a camera most of the time and the 16-85 only for a specific reason. If I were you I buy one again. Not only is it a lens with WR, but it works well with any modern Pentax as you can use in camera correction. Those two items won't work with a Sigma. And the 18-135 is quite affordable nowadays.
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
da, k-mount, option, pentax lens, replacement, replacement for da, sigma, slr lens, suggestions, terms
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
18-135 replacement: DA* 16-50 and 50-135 dcpropilot Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 81 01-02-2015 12:22 AM
Misc DA 18-135 at 18 and 135 loco Post Your Photos! 17 01-18-2013 04:44 PM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:27 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top