Any word on the 18-135mm?

Hypocorism · 11-10-2010, 09:37 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Is it just me, or is the focusing ring behind the zoom ring on this lens? If that's the case, I'm sure it's been designed for high-speed AF with the K-5. Looking to see what this thing is capable of.

And since first sighting pics of it I thought I was the only one...

But, no, surely Pentax wouldn't bend convention that far. ?

It is really a consumer targeted G.P walkaround though, a segment not inclined to want to physically action anything but a zoom ring.
Plus Q.S is on tap for those who do.

(Pentax could even be sadistic and have changed rotation directions too

)

.R.

rawr · 11-10-2010, 09:48 PM

ozdean on dpreview has posted some pix of this lens in use on a K-x.

18-135 Test: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

It seems quite sharp.

deadwolfbones · 11-11-2010, 12:10 AM

The Nikon 18-135 has the same zoom/focus ring configuration...

Erik · 11-11-2010, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by rawr

ozdean on dpreview has posted some pix of this lens in use on a K-x.

18-135 Test: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

It seems quite sharp.

You only need to read to something like the second post in the thread to realize this is a joke, and the pictures were actually taken with the DA 100 macro.

gazonk · 11-11-2010, 01:46 AM

Yodobashi.com said (I think, don't read Japanese) Nov. 26th when I checked yesterday.

janneman · 11-11-2010, 02:43 AM

Originally posted by gazonk

Yodobashi.com said (I think, don't read Japanese) Nov. 26th when I checked yesterday.

That date was mentioned before, however I read somewhere that SRS in UK expects them next week and indeed AFAIK the dates of nov 15th and nov 20th have been floating around as well.
The 26th is a friday which seems a somewhat odd day of the week for a release
But err, I do not really care about release in Japan or whatever, what counts is the time by which I can lay my hands on this lens (with K-5)

paperbag846 · 11-16-2010, 09:51 AM

I think the 18-135 will be fast focusing, and that the DC design is responsible for the strange placement of the focusing ring.

Why would it be faster? Well, why would they produce the DC line? Pentax is clearly taking AF speed seriously (source: K-5), and they would not design an autofocus system that will make their lenses more expensive without some sort of benefit. The SDM is silent, I believe the DC will be fast.

Adam · 11-16-2010, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by paperbag846

Why would it be faster? Well, why would they produce the DC line? Pentax is clearly taking AF speed seriously (source: K-5), and they would not design an autofocus system that will make their lenses more expensive without some sort of benefit. The SDM is silent, I believe the DC will be fast.

I think you're right. Pentax wants to show that its new AF system is worthy. Also, I don't think there's anything wrong with the ring reversal, as how often do you focus manually on a lens like that? If the minor change will bring us significantly faster AF speed, I'm all for it!

I don't think you can badge the 18-135mm as a consumer lens, though. With nearly a $600 price tag, why would a consumer not just go for the 18-55 and 55-300 combo? I think that the new lens is targeted at K-5 users who want a convenient walkaround lens that also boasts good performance.

Hypocorism · 11-16-2010, 01:20 PM

Originally posted by Adam

I don't think you can badge the 18-135mm as a consumer lens, though. With nearly a $600 price tag, why would a consumer not just go for the 18-55 and 55-300 combo? I think that the new lens is targeted at K-5 users who want a convenient walkaround lens that also boasts good performance.

I agree. The fact that they've given it a raincoat too is good enough indication that it's up-market buyer targeted.

.R.

infoomatic · 11-16-2010, 01:22 PM

so, is the autofocus on the DC-driven lens faster than on SDM?

deadwolfbones · 11-16-2010, 03:01 PM

No one knows yet.

ogl · 11-17-2010, 01:38 AM

Originally posted by infoomatic

so, is the autofocus on the DC-driven lens faster than on SDM?

No. Falk Lumo tried DA18-135. Slower than DA18-55.

thibs · 11-17-2010, 02:54 AM

Originally posted by ogl

No. Falk Lumo tried DA18-135. Slower than DA18-55.

Which means nothing about DC vs SDM since 18-55 isn't SDM

Hypocorism · 11-17-2010, 02:57 AM

Originally posted by ogl

No. Falk Lumo tried DA18-135. Slower than DA18-55.

If the AF is slow then what's the selling point and justification for its existence then, and its stiff pricing of USD530+?

Starting to smell like its obviously just a Me Too™ zoom, because Canon had decided to make 18-135mm range the new walkabout standard alternative in the market -- after the 18-200/270 trend proved garbage.

It's also slow as a snail on valium at max 3.5 aperture - that's nothing to justify a high ticket expense, or warrant upgrade to.

And it won't be a killer in IQ, fairies just aren't real.
So isn't garbage still garbage? Or do I miss some obscure point on this?
Except for single lens owners, or WR phreaks, what does make this n00b from Pentax even worth buying?

.R.

janneman · 11-17-2010, 03:08 AM

Originally posted by Hypocorism

If the AF is slow then what's the selling point and justification for its existence then, and its stiff pricing of USD530+?

Starting to smell like its obviously just a Me Too™ zoom, because Canon had decided to make 18-135mm range the new walkabout standard alternative in the market -- after the 18-200/270 trend proved garbage.

There is nothing worong with the idea of having a kit lens of that range, far more useful than 18-55 and 55-200 or 55-300.

Originally posted by Hypocorism

It's also slow as a snail on valium at max 3.5 aperture - that's nothing to justify a high ticket expense, or warrant upgrade to.

Isn't garbage still garbage? Or do I miss some obscure point on this?
What does make this n00b from Pentax worth its place?

.R.

Slow or not, we are not quite sure yet.... IQ seems at least decent judging form the few samples we have seen and yes it is WR.... Maybge that adds a bit to slow speed but hey you can use it almost anytime anywhere. No use in a fast zoom that, depending on where you live, cannot use half of the time...

11-16-2010, 10:27 AM	#53
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by paperbag846 Why would it be faster? Well, why would they produce the DC line? Pentax is clearly taking AF speed seriously (source: K-5), and they would not design an autofocus system that will make their lenses more expensive without some sort of benefit. The SDM is silent, I believe the DC will be fast. I think you're right. Pentax wants to show that its new AF system is worthy. Also, I don't think there's anything wrong with the ring reversal, as how often do you focus manually on a lens like that? If the minor change will bring us significantly faster AF speed, I'm all for it! I don't think you can badge the 18-135mm as a consumer lens, though. With nearly a $600 price tag, why would a consumer not just go for the 18-55 and 55-300 combo? I think that the new lens is targeted at K-5 users who want a convenient walkaround lens that also boasts good performance. 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:

11-17-2010, 02:57 AM	#59
Hypocorism Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Melbourne .au Posts: 623	Originally posted by ogl No. Falk Lumo tried DA18-135. Slower than DA18-55. If the AF is slow then what's the selling point and justification for its existence then, and its stiff pricing of USD530+? Starting to smell like its obviously just a Me Too™ zoom, because Canon had decided to make 18-135mm range the new walkabout standard alternative in the market -- after the 18-200/270 trend proved garbage. It's also slow as a snail on valium at max 3.5 aperture - that's nothing to justify a high ticket expense, or warrant upgrade to. And it won't be a killer in IQ, fairies just aren't real. So isn't garbage still garbage? Or do I miss some obscure point on this? Except for single lens owners, or WR phreaks, what does make this n00b from Pentax even worth buying? .R. Last edited by Hypocorism; 11-17-2010 at 03:07 AM.

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11-10-2010, 09:37 PM	#46
Hypocorism Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Melbourne .au Posts: 623	Originally posted by Adam Is it just me, or is the focusing ring behind the zoom ring on this lens? If that's the case, I'm sure it's been designed for high-speed AF with the K-5. Looking to see what this thing is capable of. And since first sighting pics of it I thought I was the only one... But, no, surely Pentax wouldn't bend convention that far. ? It is really a consumer targeted G.P walkaround though, a segment not inclined to want to physically action anything but a zoom ring. Plus Q.S is on tap for those who do. (Pentax could even be sadistic and have changed rotation directions too ) .R.

11-10-2010, 09:48 PM	#47
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	ozdean on dpreview has posted some pix of this lens in use on a K-x. 18-135 Test: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review It seems quite sharp.

11-11-2010, 12:10 AM	#48
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	The Nikon 18-135 has the same zoom/focus ring configuration...

11-11-2010, 01:10 AM	#49
Erik Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Umeå, Sweden Posts: 755	Originally posted by rawr ozdean on dpreview has posted some pix of this lens in use on a K-x. 18-135 Test: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review It seems quite sharp. You only need to read to something like the second post in the thread to realize this is a joke, and the pictures were actually taken with the DA 100 macro.

11-11-2010, 01:46 AM	#50
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Yodobashi.com said (I think, don't read Japanese) Nov. 26th when I checked yesterday.

11-11-2010, 02:43 AM	#51
janneman Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 908	Originally posted by gazonk Yodobashi.com said (I think, don't read Japanese) Nov. 26th when I checked yesterday. That date was mentioned before, however I read somewhere that SRS in UK expects them next week and indeed AFAIK the dates of nov 15th and nov 20th have been floating around as well. The 26th is a friday which seems a somewhat odd day of the week for a release But err, I do not really care about release in Japan or whatever, what counts is the time by which I can lay my hands on this lens (with K-5)

11-16-2010, 09:51 AM	#52
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	I think the 18-135 will be fast focusing, and that the DC design is responsible for the strange placement of the focusing ring. Why would it be faster? Well, why would they produce the DC line? Pentax is clearly taking AF speed seriously (source: K-5), and they would not design an autofocus system that will make their lenses more expensive without some sort of benefit. The SDM is silent, I believe the DC will be fast.

11-16-2010, 01:20 PM	#54
Hypocorism Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Melbourne .au Posts: 623	Originally posted by Adam I don't think you can badge the 18-135mm as a consumer lens, though. With nearly a $600 price tag, why would a consumer not just go for the 18-55 and 55-300 combo? I think that the new lens is targeted at K-5 users who want a convenient walkaround lens that also boasts good performance. I agree. The fact that they've given it a raincoat too is good enough indication that it's up-market buyer targeted. .R.

11-16-2010, 01:22 PM	#55
infoomatic Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austria Photos: Gallery Posts: 255	so, is the autofocus on the DC-driven lens faster than on SDM?

11-16-2010, 03:01 PM	#56
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	No one knows yet.

11-17-2010, 01:38 AM	#57
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	Originally posted by infoomatic so, is the autofocus on the DC-driven lens faster than on SDM? No. Falk Lumo tried DA18-135. Slower than DA18-55.

11-17-2010, 02:54 AM	#58
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by ogl No. Falk Lumo tried DA18-135. Slower than DA18-55. Which means nothing about DC vs SDM since 18-55 isn't SDM

11-17-2010, 03:08 AM	#60
janneman Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 908	Originally posted by Hypocorism If the AF is slow then what's the selling point and justification for its existence then, and its stiff pricing of USD530+? Starting to smell like its obviously just a Me Too™ zoom, because Canon had decided to make 18-135mm range the new walkabout standard alternative in the market -- after the 18-200/270 trend proved garbage. There is nothing worong with the idea of having a kit lens of that range, far more useful than 18-55 and 55-200 or 55-300. Originally posted by Hypocorism It's also slow as a snail on valium at max 3.5 aperture - that's nothing to justify a high ticket expense, or warrant upgrade to. Isn't garbage still garbage? Or do I miss some obscure point on this? What does make this n00b from Pentax worth its place? .R. Slow or not, we are not quite sure yet.... IQ seems at least decent judging form the few samples we have seen and yes it is WR.... Maybge that adds a bit to slow speed but hey you can use it almost anytime anywhere. No use in a fast zoom that, depending on where you live, cannot use half of the time...