18-135mm lens justification

bass3587 · 07-07-2013, 12:13 PM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

I hope no one confused my little review as being a negative one on the lens. On the contrary I'll keep mine as it does have it uses as any other tool has. You have to use the right tool for the right job! If I'm on a paid gig then the Primes and my Tamron 70-200 2.8 will come out.

Docrwm · 07-07-2013, 12:33 PM

Originally posted by bass3587

I hope no one confused my little review as being a negative one on the lens. On the contrary I'll keep mine as it does have it uses as any other tool has. You have to use the right tool for the right job! If I'm on a paid gig then the Primes and my Tamron 70-200 2.8 will come out.

As will mine, unless it is raining and I have no cover.....

Nick Vage · 07-07-2013, 01:26 PM

Thanks to all for your time in posting.

I am an amateur with the intention of possibly progressing to paid work and think that maybe this would be a very good starting point.

If this lens is going to be better than my kit lens and give me a wider aperture with a nice range up to 135mm I'm thinking this might be a good idea. I did consider the 18-250 or 18-270 but I have a 70-300 which I wouldn't want to make redundant.

Many thanks for all your comments, I would welcome any further comments now you know my experience and intentions.

Thanks again.

Nick

Nick Vage · 07-08-2013, 10:09 AM

Having looked further I have come across these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamron-18-200mm-3-5-6-3-Aspherical-Pentax/dp/B0007XD...I2XSKBW8A458EL

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM Lens for Pentax: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

Does anyone know if these would be better purchases than the Pentax 18-135mm, any opinions would be gratefully received.

Many thanks.

lister6520 · 07-08-2013, 11:29 AM

I have the Tamron 18-250 and the Pentax 18-135 WR. The Pentax lens seems to give somewhat better results, which was not what I had expected. The 18-135 has become my take everywhere lens but I do sometimes miss the extra reach of the Tamron.

Apart from the slightly better image quality the Pentax lens has much faster and seemingly more precise focus and also has better build quality and feel.

Incidentally the current Pentax 18-250 zoom is in fact a re-badged Tamron 18-250 wit apparently some minor modifications.

If I am not mistaken the Tamron 18-200 you mention is an older version of the 18-250.

VoiceOfReason · 07-08-2013, 11:32 AM

Looking at the reviews I would say no on the Tamron, but maybe yes on the Sigma. Of course if you plan to get a newer body that is WR in the future I would go for the 18-135.

Azorian · 07-25-2013, 03:44 PM

So have you made a decision? I'm also looking into this lens after my last trip.

hnikesch · 07-26-2013, 04:39 AM

I had to make the same decision and chose the Pentax 18-135, turned out to be a good choice as the IQ is quite good. I also have the DAL 55-300 zoom but use the 18-135 more. I ended up getting a K30 so the WR lens was the right choice for me.

Hans

Mr Spocko · 07-28-2013, 12:46 PM

I tried 2 copies of the Pentax 18-135mm and to be honest I wasn't overly impressed, not great tele wise (needs stopping right down) lots of CA problems too. I have used the Canon and Sony 18-135mm's, the Sony is a real sleeper lens it absolutely wipes the floor with the Pentax one in a big way I was very surprised. Tack sharp across the focal range stop down a little 135mm end and it's far better than the Pentax which isn't really usable at f5.6, the Canon is also quite good (STM version) though the Sony has the best optics I've used on a moderate superzoom so far.

I can't recommend the Pentax lens sorry it's just not that good, maybe I got bad copies, WR is nice for sure but optically it's mediocre.

Azorian · 07-29-2013, 04:27 PM

Originally posted by Mr Spocko

I tried 2 copies of the Pentax 18-135mm and to be honest I wasn't overly impressed, not great tele wise (needs stopping right down) lots of CA problems too. I have used the Canon and Sony 18-135mm's, the Sony is a real sleeper lens it absolutely wipes the floor with the Pentax one in a big way I was very surprised. Tack sharp across the focal range stop down a little 135mm end and it's far better than the Pentax which isn't really usable at f5.6, the Canon is also quite good (STM version) though the Sony has the best optics I've used on a moderate superzoom so far.

I can't recommend the Pentax lens sorry it's just not that good, maybe I got bad copies, WR is nice for sure but optically it's mediocre.

Can you use a Canon 18-135mm on the K-r? Is there a mount that will allow it?

One reason I'm considering the Pentex version is a friend of mine has the Canon lens and loves it.

VoiceOfReason · 07-29-2013, 05:57 PM

My Pentax version is great. I am not aware of an adapter to use a Canon lens on a Pentax camera.

Azorian · 07-30-2013, 11:11 AM

Originally posted by VoiceOfReason

My Pentax version is great. I am not aware of an adapter to use a Canon lens on a Pentax camera.

I was confused why the canon 18-135mm was being compared to the Pentax version.

Docrwm · 07-30-2013, 11:15 AM

Originally posted by Azorian

I was confused why the canon 18-135mm was being compared to the Pentax version.

You always get folks that drift off topic or tell you how something else is better. We all own Pentax gear here (well nearly all) and so the 18-135 from Cannon is irrelevant.

**ramseybuckeye** · 07-31-2013, 07:23 PM

I got my 18-135 about a year ago and it is excellent. If you read the comments and reviews and look at when the lens was purchased, something may have happened in the manufacture of this lens in a positive way at some point. Earlier copies apparently had worse IQ than the more recent copies. This is just a theory on my part, but often in manufacturing that does happen where it takes a while to get the unexpected kinks out of processes, and some parts are replaced by different versions, and suppliers are changed because of poor quality. Often as a product line reaches maturity the tolerances can be tightened.

**JimJohnson** · 08-01-2013, 10:23 AM

If you are interested in the 18-135 WR lens, there is a GREAT thread-
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/179869-da-18-1...at-can-do.html
Settle in for an afternoon of viewing delight.

Also, as this is one of the kit lens for the K-30, you will find many wonderful images from this lens over in that sub-forum too. To be blunt, I have replaced both my 18-55 and 50-200 with the 18-135 WR and don't regret it for a moment.

07-07-2013, 01:26 PM	#18
Nick Vage New Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Still thinking.... Thanks to all for your time in posting. I am an amateur with the intention of possibly progressing to paid work and think that maybe this would be a very good starting point. If this lens is going to be better than my kit lens and give me a wider aperture with a nice range up to 135mm I'm thinking this might be a good idea. I did consider the 18-250 or 18-270 but I have a 70-300 which I wouldn't want to make redundant. Many thanks for all your comments, I would welcome any further comments now you know my experience and intentions. Thanks again. Nick

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K-30 WR body + spare battery + 18-135mm WR lens + 18-55mm WR lens = £738	jido	Pentax Price Watch	4	01-16-2013 04:36 AM
pentax 18-135mm wr lens vs sigma 18-125mm dc os hsm lens	atg	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	5	12-14-2012 08:24 AM
pentax 18-135mm wr vs sigma 18-125mm DC os hsm lens	atg	Welcomes and Introductions	2	12-13-2012 07:55 PM
Buying a K5 - but with 18-135mm lens kit? Or an 18-55 + 50-200mm lens kit?	robinfaz	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	12	06-04-2012 01:44 PM
18-135mm vs 18-55mm WR kit lens	incidentflux	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	5	01-04-2012 10:12 AM

07-07-2013, 12:13 PM	#16
bass3587 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 517	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I hope no one confused my little review as being a negative one on the lens. On the contrary I'll keep mine as it does have it uses as any other tool has. You have to use the right tool for the right job! If I'm on a paid gig then the Primes and my Tamron 70-200 2.8 will come out.

07-07-2013, 12:33 PM	#17
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by bass3587 I hope no one confused my little review as being a negative one on the lens. On the contrary I'll keep mine as it does have it uses as any other tool has. You have to use the right tool for the right job! If I'm on a paid gig then the Primes and my Tamron 70-200 2.8 will come out. As will mine, unless it is raining and I have no cover.....

07-08-2013, 10:09 AM	#19
Nick Vage New Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Having looked further I have come across these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamron-18-200mm-3-5-6-3-Aspherical-Pentax/dp/B0007XD...I2XSKBW8A458EL Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM Lens for Pentax: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo Does anyone know if these would be better purchases than the Pentax 18-135mm, any opinions would be gratefully received. Many thanks.

07-08-2013, 11:29 AM	#20
lister6520 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 733	I have the Tamron 18-250 and the Pentax 18-135 WR. The Pentax lens seems to give somewhat better results, which was not what I had expected. The 18-135 has become my take everywhere lens but I do sometimes miss the extra reach of the Tamron. Apart from the slightly better image quality the Pentax lens has much faster and seemingly more precise focus and also has better build quality and feel. Incidentally the current Pentax 18-250 zoom is in fact a re-badged Tamron 18-250 wit apparently some minor modifications. If I am not mistaken the Tamron 18-200 you mention is an older version of the 18-250.

07-08-2013, 11:32 AM	#21
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Looking at the reviews I would say no on the Tamron, but maybe yes on the Sigma. Of course if you plan to get a newer body that is WR in the future I would go for the 18-135.

07-25-2013, 03:44 PM	#22
Azorian New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 20	So have you made a decision? I'm also looking into this lens after my last trip.

07-26-2013, 04:39 AM	#23
hnikesch Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,316	I had to make the same decision and chose the Pentax 18-135, turned out to be a good choice as the IQ is quite good. I also have the DAL 55-300 zoom but use the 18-135 more. I ended up getting a K30 so the WR lens was the right choice for me. Hans

07-28-2013, 12:46 PM	#24
Mr Spocko Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 254	I tried 2 copies of the Pentax 18-135mm and to be honest I wasn't overly impressed, not great tele wise (needs stopping right down) lots of CA problems too. I have used the Canon and Sony 18-135mm's, the Sony is a real sleeper lens it absolutely wipes the floor with the Pentax one in a big way I was very surprised. Tack sharp across the focal range stop down a little 135mm end and it's far better than the Pentax which isn't really usable at f5.6, the Canon is also quite good (STM version) though the Sony has the best optics I've used on a moderate superzoom so far. I can't recommend the Pentax lens sorry it's just not that good, maybe I got bad copies, WR is nice for sure but optically it's mediocre.

07-29-2013, 04:27 PM	#25
Azorian New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 20	Originally posted by Mr Spocko I tried 2 copies of the Pentax 18-135mm and to be honest I wasn't overly impressed, not great tele wise (needs stopping right down) lots of CA problems too. I have used the Canon and Sony 18-135mm's, the Sony is a real sleeper lens it absolutely wipes the floor with the Pentax one in a big way I was very surprised. Tack sharp across the focal range stop down a little 135mm end and it's far better than the Pentax which isn't really usable at f5.6, the Canon is also quite good (STM version) though the Sony has the best optics I've used on a moderate superzoom so far. I can't recommend the Pentax lens sorry it's just not that good, maybe I got bad copies, WR is nice for sure but optically it's mediocre. Can you use a Canon 18-135mm on the K-r? Is there a mount that will allow it? One reason I'm considering the Pentex version is a friend of mine has the Canon lens and loves it.

07-29-2013, 05:57 PM	#26
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	My Pentax version is great. I am not aware of an adapter to use a Canon lens on a Pentax camera.

07-30-2013, 11:11 AM	#27
Azorian New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 20	Originally posted by VoiceOfReason My Pentax version is great. I am not aware of an adapter to use a Canon lens on a Pentax camera. I was confused why the canon 18-135mm was being compared to the Pentax version.

07-30-2013, 11:15 AM	#28
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Azorian I was confused why the canon 18-135mm was being compared to the Pentax version. You always get folks that drift off topic or tell you how something else is better. We all own Pentax gear here (well nearly all) and so the 18-135 from Cannon is irrelevant.

07-31-2013, 07:23 PM	#29
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,294	I got my 18-135 about a year ago and it is excellent. If you read the comments and reviews and look at when the lens was purchased, something may have happened in the manufacture of this lens in a positive way at some point. Earlier copies apparently had worse IQ than the more recent copies. This is just a theory on my part, but often in manufacturing that does happen where it takes a while to get the unexpected kinks out of processes, and some parts are replaced by different versions, and suppliers are changed because of poor quality. Often as a product line reaches maturity the tolerances can be tightened.

08-01-2013, 10:23 AM	#30
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,774	If you are interested in the 18-135 WR lens, there is a GREAT thread- https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/179869-da-18-1...at-can-do.html Settle in for an afternoon of viewing delight. Also, as this is one of the kit lens for the K-30, you will find many wonderful images from this lens over in that sub-forum too. To be blunt, I have replaced both my 18-55 and 50-200 with the 18-135 WR and don't regret it for a moment.