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06-01-2011, 01:17 AM   #1
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Ordering my K-5 tonight... finally.

I've been hanging out to buy a K-5 for about 6 months now, and have only just reached the financial status of being able to afford it. I currently own a K-x, kit 18-55, sigma 70-300 and pentax 50mm 1.4 lenses.

But before I make the plunge, I need to finalize my lens choices.
I'm considering the Pentax 18-135 WR or the sigma 17-70 as my general walkaround lens. I simply can not make up my mind as to whether I value the WR sealing and longer range for a faster aperture.

Has anyone here got or used both and have any advice?
Cheers.

06-01-2011, 01:24 AM   #2
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I'd go 18-135. I actually switched to an 18-250 from a 17-70mm. I think the WR is a good investment together with the extended reach. My opinion is that the K5 is quite forgiving in low light by itself and PP can fix a lot
06-01-2011, 01:25 AM   #3
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Congrats on the decision!

I would go for the 18-135mm as well. It's an amazing lens, see our sample shots at the bottom of this page for a few examples of what it's capable of: Canon 7D vs. Pentax K-5: A Comparative Review

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06-01-2011, 01:30 AM   #4
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I'm thinking the 18-135 would be better for my travels as well, not to mention that its damn pretty. And yes, I'm getting it from B & H, so I'll do that. Cheers guys, appreciate the swift response.

06-01-2011, 01:56 AM   #5
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The K-5 with the 18-135 should make for an awesome combination IMHO. Both are a bit out of my range at the moment but that combo would make anyone salivate.

PS: no complaints as I just splurged on the Sigma 8-16mm which, on my K20D, seems to turn my definition of the word "wide" upside-down. I have to re-learn shooting I guess.
06-01-2011, 02:20 AM   #6
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I went from the K-x to the K-5 myself. I personally would suggest investing in lenses before going to the K-5, unless you have some specific compelling reasons to do otherwise. From an IQ perspective you'll get more this way.

Specifically, the DA*50-135 can't be beat in a Pentax zoom for overall IQ and versatility. I'd happily go back to a K-x if necessary, but don't want to give up my * and Ltd lenses - most of which I acquired while owning only the K-x (with a K200D as a backup).


However, the K-5 is a great camera and I wouldn't discourage getting it - it's just that the lenses will do more for your photography.

Seriously, the DA*50-135 and DA*16-50 (plus usually the DA10-17FE and DFA100WR) make up my essential kit - I'm covered for almost anything. When paired with these lenses, the K-x did nearly as good a job as the K-5.


However, the Pentax DA 18-135 looks like a very nice lens and would probably be my first choice if I really wanted only a single lens solution.
06-01-2011, 02:27 AM   #7
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@ DSims, I have considered the 16-50 and 50-135, in fact, I'm sure i'll acquire them both somewhere down the track. But for now, the portability of the 18-135 as compared to the two DA* lenses is what i'm looking for. I was heavily interested in the 50-135 after the rave reviews, but getting the 16-50 as well would really blow out my budget for now. Thanks for the advice though, it's exactly what i'm after.

06-01-2011, 02:35 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by newmikey Quote
PS: no complaints as I just splurged on the Sigma 8-16mm which, on my K20D, seems to turn my definition of the word "wide" upside-down. I have to re-learn shooting I guess.
I don't generally go for Sigma, but I think I could forget all my objections for that one! Good thing I already have the DA10-17FE instead (I realize an FE zoom is not the same thing, but it covers the wide end, and I can still get minimal distortion at 17mm).

But if I didn't already have that range covered ...
06-01-2011, 02:41 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by airmike08 Quote
@ DSims, I have considered the 16-50 and 50-135, in fact, I'm sure i'll acquire them both somewhere down the track. But for now, the portability of the 18-135 as compared to the two DA* lenses is what i'm looking for. I was heavily interested in the 50-135 after the rave reviews, but getting the 16-50 as well would really blow out my budget for now. Thanks for the advice though, it's exactly what i'm after.
Then I think you're making a good decision. The DA18-135 is not in the same league as the DA* lenses, but from what I've seen I'd say it's fully worth the price and should give you some very nice results. It's one of those lenses that I'm glad I don't really need, because otherwise I'd be quite interested in it.
06-01-2011, 02:52 AM   #10
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Congrats and good going with the 18-135.
It's a good general lens that I wish I had instead of my 18-55.
06-01-2011, 04:20 AM   #11
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I reckon the 18-135 is a useful lens for many but its optical performance is not without controversy.

Here's another relevant thread and a quote from the photozone.de review:
"Unfortunately the testing reality revealed a mediocre optical performance at best."
PZ confirmed that their review sample was within factory specs.

This is not to say that the lens is terrible and does not have its usage scenarios, but unfortunately it seems to be one or two steps down from the discontinued Pentax/Tamron 18-250.

Last edited by Class A; 06-01-2011 at 04:36 AM.
06-01-2011, 05:23 AM   #12
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I have the 18-250 Pentax and that's kept me happy for a couple of days so far. But, since I got that I'm now having real difficulty deciding between Sigma 10-20 and 8-16. I'm thinking 8-9mm is too wide, on the other hand....
06-01-2011, 05:42 AM   #13
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well i have kx, and goona buy k5 too
since i have 16-50 and 50-135
it would be perfect once i have k5
2 body 2 lens cover 90% of the useful focal length。
great!
06-01-2011, 06:37 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by airmike08 Quote
@ DSims, I have considered the 16-50 and 50-135, in fact, I'm sure i'll acquire them both somewhere down the track. But for now, the portability of the 18-135 as compared to the two DA* lenses is what i'm looking for. I was heavily interested in the 50-135 after the rave reviews, but getting the 16-50 as well would really blow out my budget for now. Thanks for the advice though, it's exactly what i'm after.
those two DA*'s are indeed a great combination. Meanwhile the HI-ISO of the K5 will bail you out of trouble with the slow lens.
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