Is Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens a good travel lens for K-5?

kypfer · 11-17-2021, 03:25 PM

I'll agree with many of the other posters here, for a jack-of-all-trades single lens, one with an 18mm or thereabouts wide end would probably be more suitable than a 28-105mm.
Personally, my grab-it-and-go rig is currently my K-5 with a Tamron 18-200mm, which covers most bases.
I've got longer, wider and heavier, but for an all-purpose combination this suits me fine

surfar · 11-17-2021, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by loyalt

I am going to give my daughter my K-5 before she leaves to study/do service work abroad and want to get a good lens (that I can afford) to go with it. (I already have the 24-70mm, f2.8 in my bag, but can't afford that for her) Will the Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens work well on the K-5? I am getting a newer body for my professional photo jobs, so want to give the well-loved K-5 to her while it has good life and she can learn on it.

I use the 28-105 on FF and crop, its an excellent choice.

I'd also suggest adding a used DA 16-45F4 for the wide end,its not WR but IF,your daughter progresses to the K-1,then this lens covers FF from 24mm at certain apertures.

**pentageek** · 11-17-2021, 03:53 PM - **1 Like**

I would go with 16-85 if it is within budget. It's great lens, heavy, but very capable. Plus, if your daughter needs wide angle, it adds extra 2mm compared to 18-135.

AfterPentax Mark II · 11-17-2021, 04:16 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by loyalt

Thank you, Bad Boy. I agree about the f2.8, but knowing her, she would probably get a K-1 someday, so thinking for the future, as well. I just am wondering if this lens works well on the K-5. Thank you!

With the 18-135 you are thinking about the future as well. If she ever buys or gets a K-1 it is usable on that one as well, but the future might also be a K-3 Mark III or another APS-C follow up. Depends on the development of a new DSLR by Ricoh/Pentax. And I think the lens is very good to learn using the K-5 which is after all an APS-C camera and the 18-135 fits the camera possibilities of the camera very well.

Paul the Sunman · 11-17-2021, 04:28 PM - **2 Likes**

The 18-135 is a better bet for APS-C, as a one-lens solution. An even better two-lens kit for travel is the DA 16-85 + 55-300 (non-PLM for K5). The 16mm at the wide end is very useful for architecture, and a long lens never goes amiss. For a third (faster) lens, for night shots, the DA 40 Limited takes up no space at all.

Bubblepop · 11-17-2021, 05:17 PM

I used to use the 18-135 as my main travel lens but replaced it with the 28-105 and consider it an upgrade. Often on roadtrips and such I take only the 28-105 but it depends on what you prefer to photograph. I'm sure your daughter would be quite happy with whichever you choose.

**RobA_Oz** · 11-17-2021, 06:08 PM

The above covers everything I would have said, having experience with both the DFA28-105 and the DA18-135 (among others). For the K-5, though, my preference would be for the 18-135, as you get a lens that works well at both ends and offers wider and longer fields of view than the 28-105.

When extra baggage isn’t a problem, I’d prefer the combination of the DA*16-50 and DA*50-135 (both F2.8 constant), but for ease of travel and convenience (no changing lenses) the DA18-135 was often more than good enough. Add the Topaz AI programs into the mix for higher ISO shots and general all-round sharpening, and there’s a definite advantage to travelling light, but that depends on whether she’s skilled at PP work.

**mikesbike** · 11-17-2021, 09:04 PM

The DFA 28-105 is very useful on my K-1 II, but I would not consider using it on my K-5, K-S2, or KP, as it would offer no wide angle whatsoever on APS-C bodies. It would be too hamstrung for an all-around travel lens, or walk-around lens. The DA 18-135mm is a far better choice. I have both. Both also have WR construction and DC AF. The DA 18-135mm matches well with the K-5 body, and offers quiet, fast, and accurate AF on this camera, better than most other lenses do on this body- even some also having DC AF.

**Papa_Joe** · 11-18-2021, 12:42 AM - **1 Like**

Concerning the 28-105 on APS-C and the more suitable options everything has been said with good reason.

I just want to add, that the additional lense one should select, depends on the subjects and styles of each individual photographer. Thus, although the suggested 55-300 PLM is a very good addition to a walk around zoom on APS-C it will not suit every one. For example, the Sigma 10-20 serves me much better in addition to my 18-135.

I thus recommend to stay with a single versatile lens in the range from 16/18 to 70/85/135 and buy the next lens after some time when one has a strong feeling where there is a lack of focal range.

**pres589** · 11-18-2021, 05:36 AM

The 55-300 PLM is not at all a good suggestion in this case as it won't function properly on the K-5 which was mentioned in the first post in this thread.

**UncleVanya** · 11-18-2021, 05:43 AM

Summary:

Question: Is the 28-105 a good travel lens for k-5?

Answer: Maybe. Consensus is that the lens is lacking on the wide end, it is bulkier and heavier than some APSC only alternatives, but image quality is good and the lens functions correctly on the k-5.

So depending on what the angle of view requirements are for the user it could work or it could be very constraining.

normhead · 11-18-2021, 06:50 AM - **1 Like**

We own the 18-135, 16-85, Tamron 17-50, and DFA 28-105.
We generally use one of those lenses when we go out along with the DA 55-300 PLM.

Personally I like the 18-135.
My wife likes the 28-105 or Tamron 17-50 on her K-5.

Neither of us particularly like the 16-85, there's nothing wrong with it the we can put a finger on... just personal preference.
If you have a K-1 coming the 28-105 is a no brainer.
If you don't, The 18-135 and DA 55-300 is my personal favourite travel kit.
If you do get the DFA 28-105 an 18-55 (or the travel ready 18-50) might be in order for wider, (I usually throw my 21ltd. in the bag just in case) an a 50-200 might be in order for longer. The DFA 28-105 can be a bit long for a walk around on APS-c.

---------- Post added 11-18-21 at 08:58 AM ----------

Originally posted by kypfer

Personally, my grab-it-and-go rig is currently my K-5 with a Tamron 18-200mm, which covers most bases.
I've got longer, wider and heavier, but for an all-purpose combination this suits me fine

We had a Sigma 18-250, and it was quite good as a travel lens.

---------- Post added 11-18-21 at 09:01 AM ----------

Originally posted by pres589

The 55-300 PLM is not at all a good suggestion in this case as it won't function properly on the K-5 which was mentioned in the first post in this thread.

And yet T uses it all the time on her K-5. It's her favourite telephoto. Something doesn't compute here. I've checked her exif, everything says the lens is working properly. It's only people who haven't tried the combo that have an issue. Too much book learning in my opinion. I mention this every time this criticism is raised, and yet, those who don't own the combo continue to chirp.

**pres589** · 11-18-2021, 08:34 AM

I haven't used it because to do so I would need to buy it. And the company that made both the lens and the body say it isn't supported. How it's working in your wife's example is a nice surprise that I personally wouldn't bank on. In any case, the mk1 DA 55-300 wasn't a slouch in the optics department, there are a lot of variants for sale used, and I would still recommend going that way in the given case as the saving would be pretty substantial vs. buying a 55-300 PLM *IF* that's actually what someone wants. I'd rather have a fast 50 as a second lens next to the 18-135 myself.

**acoufap** · 11-18-2021, 08:54 AM

Two or was it three years ago I asked a guy from Ricoh if I should take the KP with DA18-135 and DA*11-18 on a trip to Berlin or the DFA28-105 and DA*11-18. He would definitely go with the second couple he said. I followed his advice. Since I brought home very nice images I'd definitely do it again. My decision depends on the overall choices. Years ago I'd have taken my K-5 with DA15 and DA18-135. Most of the time I also was very happy using this set.

steephill · 11-18-2021, 10:41 AM

Originally posted by normhead

And yet T uses it all the time on her K-5. It's her favourite telephoto. Something doesn't compute here. I've checked her exif, everything says the lens is working properly. It's only people who haven't tried the combo that have an issue. Too much book learning in my opinion. I mention this every time this criticism is raised, and yet, those who don't own the combo continue to chirp.

So does everybody else get it wrong? For example Pentax K-5 and HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE - Compatibility | PentaxForums.com The official Ricoh site says the same thing:-
USAGE NOTE:
This lens features a KAF4 lens mount compatible with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system. Cameras compatible with this system are K-1 Mark II, KP, K-70, K-1, K-3 II, K-3, K-S2, K-S1 and K-50. For K-1, K-3 II, K-3, K-S2, K-S1 and K-50, the camera’s firmware must be upgraded to the latest version. If this lens is mounted on a camera without proper firmware upgrade, its diaphragm control mechanism becomes inactive, making it impossible to obtain correct exposure.

11-17-2021, 04:28 PM - 2 Likes	#20
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846	The 18-135 is a better bet for APS-C, as a one-lens solution. An even better two-lens kit for travel is the DA 16-85 + 55-300 (non-PLM for K5). The 16mm at the wide end is very useful for architecture, and a long lens never goes amiss. For a third (faster) lens, for night shots, the DA 40 Limited takes up no space at all. Last edited by Paul the Sunman; 11-17-2021 at 07:36 PM.

11-18-2021, 06:50 AM - 1 Like	#27
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	We own the 18-135, 16-85, Tamron 17-50, and DFA 28-105. We generally use one of those lenses when we go out along with the DA 55-300 PLM. Personally I like the 18-135. My wife likes the 28-105 or Tamron 17-50 on her K-5. Neither of us particularly like the 16-85, there's nothing wrong with it the we can put a finger on... just personal preference. If you have a K-1 coming the 28-105 is a no brainer. If you don't, The 18-135 and DA 55-300 is my personal favourite travel kit. If you do get the DFA 28-105 an 18-55 (or the travel ready 18-50) might be in order for wider, (I usually throw my 21ltd. in the bag just in case) an a 50-200 might be in order for longer. The DFA 28-105 can be a bit long for a walk around on APS-c. ---------- Post added 11-18-21 at 08:58 AM ---------- Originally posted by kypfer Personally, my grab-it-and-go rig is currently my K-5 with a Tamron 18-200mm, which covers most bases. I've got longer, wider and heavier, but for an all-purpose combination this suits me fine We had a Sigma 18-250, and it was quite good as a travel lens. ---------- Post added 11-18-21 at 09:01 AM ---------- Originally posted by pres589 The 55-300 PLM is not at all a good suggestion in this case as it won't function properly on the K-5 which was mentioned in the first post in this thread. And yet T uses it all the time on her K-5. It's her favourite telephoto. Something doesn't compute here. I've checked her exif, everything says the lens is working properly. It's only people who haven't tried the combo that have an issue. Too much book learning in my opinion. I mention this every time this criticism is raised, and yet, those who don't own the combo continue to chirp. Last edited by normhead; 11-18-2021 at 06:55 AM.

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11-17-2021, 03:25 PM	#16
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,595	I'll agree with many of the other posters here, for a jack-of-all-trades single lens, one with an 18mm or thereabouts wide end would probably be more suitable than a 28-105mm. Personally, my grab-it-and-go rig is currently my K-5 with a Tamron 18-200mm, which covers most bases. I've got longer, wider and heavier, but for an all-purpose combination this suits me fine

11-17-2021, 03:47 PM	#17
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,142	Originally posted by loyalt I am going to give my daughter my K-5 before she leaves to study/do service work abroad and want to get a good lens (that I can afford) to go with it. (I already have the 24-70mm, f2.8 in my bag, but can't afford that for her) Will the Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens work well on the K-5? I am getting a newer body for my professional photo jobs, so want to give the well-loved K-5 to her while it has good life and she can learn on it. I use the 28-105 on FF and crop, its an excellent choice. I'd also suggest adding a used DA 16-45F4 for the wide end,its not WR but IF,your daughter progresses to the K-1,then this lens covers FF from 24mm at certain apertures.

11-17-2021, 03:53 PM - 1 Like	#18
pentageek Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 420	I would go with 16-85 if it is within budget. It's great lens, heavy, but very capable. Plus, if your daughter needs wide angle, it adds extra 2mm compared to 18-135.

11-17-2021, 04:16 PM - 1 Like	#19
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,465	Originally posted by loyalt Thank you, Bad Boy. I agree about the f2.8, but knowing her, she would probably get a K-1 someday, so thinking for the future, as well. I just am wondering if this lens works well on the K-5. Thank you! With the 18-135 you are thinking about the future as well. If she ever buys or gets a K-1 it is usable on that one as well, but the future might also be a K-3 Mark III or another APS-C follow up. Depends on the development of a new DSLR by Ricoh/Pentax. And I think the lens is very good to learn using the K-5 which is after all an APS-C camera and the 18-135 fits the camera possibilities of the camera very well.

11-17-2021, 05:17 PM	#21
Bubblepop New Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 18	I used to use the 18-135 as my main travel lens but replaced it with the 28-105 and consider it an upgrade. Often on roadtrips and such I take only the 28-105 but it depends on what you prefer to photograph. I'm sure your daughter would be quite happy with whichever you choose.

11-17-2021, 06:08 PM	#22
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,200	The above covers everything I would have said, having experience with both the DFA28-105 and the DA18-135 (among others). For the K-5, though, my preference would be for the 18-135, as you get a lens that works well at both ends and offers wider and longer fields of view than the 28-105. When extra baggage isn’t a problem, I’d prefer the combination of the DA16-50 and DA50-135 (both F2.8 constant), but for ease of travel and convenience (no changing lenses) the DA18-135 was often more than good enough. Add the Topaz AI programs into the mix for higher ISO shots and general all-round sharpening, and there’s a definite advantage to travelling light, but that depends on whether she’s skilled at PP work.

11-17-2021, 09:04 PM	#23
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	The DFA 28-105 is very useful on my K-1 II, but I would not consider using it on my K-5, K-S2, or KP, as it would offer no wide angle whatsoever on APS-C bodies. It would be too hamstrung for an all-around travel lens, or walk-around lens. The DA 18-135mm is a far better choice. I have both. Both also have WR construction and DC AF. The DA 18-135mm matches well with the K-5 body, and offers quiet, fast, and accurate AF on this camera, better than most other lenses do on this body- even some also having DC AF.

11-18-2021, 12:42 AM - 1 Like	#24
Papa_Joe Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: SW Bavaria Posts: 562	Concerning the 28-105 on APS-C and the more suitable options everything has been said with good reason. I just want to add, that the additional lense one should select, depends on the subjects and styles of each individual photographer. Thus, although the suggested 55-300 PLM is a very good addition to a walk around zoom on APS-C it will not suit every one. For example, the Sigma 10-20 serves me much better in addition to my 18-135. I thus recommend to stay with a single versatile lens in the range from 16/18 to 70/85/135 and buy the next lens after some time when one has a strong feeling where there is a lack of focal range.

11-18-2021, 05:36 AM	#25
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	The 55-300 PLM is not at all a good suggestion in this case as it won't function properly on the K-5 which was mentioned in the first post in this thread.

11-18-2021, 05:43 AM	#26
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,445	Summary: Question: Is the 28-105 a good travel lens for k-5? Answer: Maybe. Consensus is that the lens is lacking on the wide end, it is bulkier and heavier than some APSC only alternatives, but image quality is good and the lens functions correctly on the k-5. So depending on what the angle of view requirements are for the user it could work or it could be very constraining.

11-18-2021, 08:34 AM	#28
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,533	I haven't used it because to do so I would need to buy it. And the company that made both the lens and the body say it isn't supported. How it's working in your wife's example is a nice surprise that I personally wouldn't bank on. In any case, the mk1 DA 55-300 wasn't a slouch in the optics department, there are a lot of variants for sale used, and I would still recommend going that way in the given case as the saving would be pretty substantial vs. buying a 55-300 PLM IF that's actually what someone wants. I'd rather have a fast 50 as a second lens next to the 18-135 myself.

11-18-2021, 08:54 AM	#29
acoufap Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Munich, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,190	Two or was it three years ago I asked a guy from Ricoh if I should take the KP with DA18-135 and DA11-18 on a trip to Berlin or the DFA28-105 and DA11-18. He would definitely go with the second couple he said. I followed his advice. Since I brought home very nice images I'd definitely do it again. My decision depends on the overall choices. Years ago I'd have taken my K-5 with DA15 and DA18-135. Most of the time I also was very happy using this set.

11-18-2021, 10:41 AM	#30
steephill Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 588	Originally posted by normhead And yet T uses it all the time on her K-5. It's her favourite telephoto. Something doesn't compute here. I've checked her exif, everything says the lens is working properly. It's only people who haven't tried the combo that have an issue. Too much book learning in my opinion. I mention this every time this criticism is raised, and yet, those who don't own the combo continue to chirp. So does everybody else get it wrong? For example Pentax K-5 and HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE - Compatibility \| PentaxForums.com The official Ricoh site says the same thing:- USAGE NOTE: This lens features a KAF4 lens mount compatible with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system. Cameras compatible with this system are K-1 Mark II, KP, K-70, K-1, K-3 II, K-3, K-S2, K-S1 and K-50. For K-1, K-3 II, K-3, K-S2, K-S1 and K-50, the camera’s firmware must be upgraded to the latest version. If this lens is mounted on a camera without proper firmware upgrade, its diaphragm control mechanism becomes inactive, making it impossible to obtain correct exposure.