18-135mm lens being discontinued?

**realitarian** · 05-22-2015, 10:30 AM

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I wanted to buy this lens at some point and was looking on Amazon, the title on the listing for $369 said "Discontinued by manufacturer". I called Ricoh USA and they confirmed it was indeed being discontinued. It is going for about $297 on eBay now by some dealer who sells them unbundled from camera+kit lens combos. So snag these while you can if you still want it folks.

**boriscleto** · 05-22-2015, 10:34 AM

Probably to make way for a HD version. Though I wouldn't put much stock into anything you see on Amazon or hear from Ricoh USA.

tvdtvdtvd · 05-22-2015, 11:46 AM

Amazon sellers quite frequently report items to be discontinued when they are actually still in production.
I wouldn't take an Amazon listing as official word about the 18-135's availability.

Adam · 05-22-2015, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by realitarian

I wanted to buy this lens at some point and was looking on Amazon, the title on the listing for $369 said "Discontinued by manufacturer". I called Ricoh USA and they confirmed it was indeed being discontinued. It is going for about $297 on eBay now by some dealer who sells them unbundled from camera+kit lens combos. So snag these while you can if you still want it folks.

Yeah right!

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

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DeadJohn · 05-22-2015, 12:20 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Yeah right!

Thank you for adding to the conversation.

---------- Post added 05-22-15 at 03:23 PM ----------

Originally posted by realitarian

I wanted to buy this lens at some point and was looking on Amazon, the title on the listing for $369 said "Discontinued by manufacturer". I called Ricoh USA and they confirmed it was indeed being discontinued. It is going for about $297 on eBay now by some dealer who sells them unbundled from camera+kit lens combos. So snag these while you can if you still want it folks.

Amazon sellers often list things as discontinued when they are not. Lenses that said "discontinued" years ago are still available. It's a tactic to increase sales or the sellers are confused. I doubt that Ricoh USA would tell you this even if it was true.

**realitarian** · 05-22-2015, 12:47 PM

Thanks boriscleto, tvdtvdtvd and DeadJohn. Guess I fell for it then.

Also got this: Pentax SMC Da 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 Ed Al If DC WR Lens UV Cleaning Kit 002707517376 | eBay and then read bad reviews about the seller. I'll let this forum know how it goes.

6BQ5 · 05-22-2015, 12:53 PM

It would be a shame if the DA 18-135 were discontinued without a successor having HD coatings. Personally, I don't care for the coating one way or another but if they help keep this lens in production then I'm all for them. This lens is actually very, very good. At wide angles it is almost prime-like. Start zooming in and you can tell it's a zoom but the IQ is still plenty good for cropping and printing. It's the perfect travel zoom with a good usable range, WR sealing, and quick focusing.

**mattb123** · 05-22-2015, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by realitarian

Thanks boriscleto, tvdtvdtvd and DeadJohn. Guess I fell for it then.

Also got this: Pentax SMC Da 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 Ed Al If DC WR Lens UV Cleaning Kit 002707517376 | eBay and then read bad reviews about the seller. I'll let this forum know how it goes.

Their feedback is 98.7% positive which gives you pretty good odds, I think. Good price too.

Adam · 05-22-2015, 01:25 PM

Originally posted by DeadJohn

I doubt that Ricoh USA would tell you this even if it was true.

My thoughts exactly. Plus, how could it possibly be discontinued if it's available in kits with the latest DSLRs

Zygonyx · 05-22-2015, 01:31 PM - **1 Like**

Good buzz for a good lens

bass3587 · 05-22-2015, 04:51 PM

I really doubt they would discontinue such a versatile lens. I am finding myself reaching for this lens more and more. If HD coatings were to improve IQ that would be great but not necessary for me. Get one. You won't be sorry.

totsmuyco · 05-22-2015, 11:02 PM

It's a very very good lens. I think if it will be discontinued there will be a successor like the DA 55-300. Now we have the HD 55-300 WR.

shuttles12000 · 05-22-2015, 11:20 PM

Just because it's "discontinued" doesn't mean it's not being replaced.
Sigma routinely discontinued the 70-200 F2.8 Zoom, and then bring it back with new features. They just finished with version 3. Maybe version 4 will have weather sealing. Or maybe they are making it for Pentax, who just came out with one of their own... Just saying...

totsmuyco · 05-23-2015, 04:47 PM - **1 Like**

It would be great if Sigma would again make lenses for Pentax especially if they will be WR. That's one of the reasons I chose Pentax.

remark13 · 05-23-2015, 06:54 PM

I am hopeful that this thread is on spot with the "discontinued" bit ... recently bit the bullet for the 150- 500mm sigma, was sent one for a nikkon mount (I really did have pentax ordered -- stall tactic?) But have had order cancelled after waiting a month because it was back ordered, now to be told discontinued. Here's hoping, I don't have the funds for the pentax 150-450, was so looking forward to adding that range.

05-22-2015, 10:30 AM	#1
realitarian Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 221	18-135mm lens being discontinued? 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 wanted to buy this lens at some point and was looking on Amazon, the title on the listing for $369 said "Discontinued by manufacturer". I called Ricoh USA and they confirmed it was indeed being discontinued. It is going for about $297 on eBay now by some dealer who sells them unbundled from camera+kit lens combos. So snag these while you can if you still want it folks.

05-22-2015, 01:25 PM	#9
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by DeadJohn I doubt that Ricoh USA would tell you this even if it was true. My thoughts exactly. Plus, how could it possibly be discontinued if it's available in kits with the latest DSLRs 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:

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05-22-2015, 10:34 AM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Probably to make way for a HD version. Though I wouldn't put much stock into anything you see on Amazon or hear from Ricoh USA.

05-22-2015, 11:46 AM	#3
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	Amazon sellers quite frequently report items to be discontinued when they are actually still in production. I wouldn't take an Amazon listing as official word about the 18-135's availability.

05-22-2015, 12:08 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by realitarian I wanted to buy this lens at some point and was looking on Amazon, the title on the listing for $369 said "Discontinued by manufacturer". I called Ricoh USA and they confirmed it was indeed being discontinued. It is going for about $297 on eBay now by some dealer who sells them unbundled from camera+kit lens combos. So snag these while you can if you still want it folks. Yeah right! 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:

05-22-2015, 12:20 PM	#5
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834	Originally posted by Adam Yeah right! Thank you for adding to the conversation. ---------- Post added 05-22-15 at 03:23 PM ---------- Originally posted by realitarian I wanted to buy this lens at some point and was looking on Amazon, the title on the listing for $369 said "Discontinued by manufacturer". I called Ricoh USA and they confirmed it was indeed being discontinued. It is going for about $297 on eBay now by some dealer who sells them unbundled from camera+kit lens combos. So snag these while you can if you still want it folks. Amazon sellers often list things as discontinued when they are not. Lenses that said "discontinued" years ago are still available. It's a tactic to increase sales or the sellers are confused. I doubt that Ricoh USA would tell you this even if it was true.

05-22-2015, 12:47 PM	#6
realitarian Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 221 Original Poster	Thanks boriscleto, tvdtvdtvd and DeadJohn. Guess I fell for it then. Also got this: Pentax SMC Da 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 Ed Al If DC WR Lens UV Cleaning Kit 002707517376 \| eBay and then read bad reviews about the seller. I'll let this forum know how it goes.

05-22-2015, 12:53 PM	#7
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	It would be a shame if the DA 18-135 were discontinued without a successor having HD coatings. Personally, I don't care for the coating one way or another but if they help keep this lens in production then I'm all for them. This lens is actually very, very good. At wide angles it is almost prime-like. Start zooming in and you can tell it's a zoom but the IQ is still plenty good for cropping and printing. It's the perfect travel zoom with a good usable range, WR sealing, and quick focusing.

05-22-2015, 12:53 PM	#8
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	Originally posted by realitarian Thanks boriscleto, tvdtvdtvd and DeadJohn. Guess I fell for it then. Also got this: Pentax SMC Da 18 135mm F 3 5 5 6 Ed Al If DC WR Lens UV Cleaning Kit 002707517376 \| eBay and then read bad reviews about the seller. I'll let this forum know how it goes. Their feedback is 98.7% positive which gives you pretty good odds, I think. Good price too.

05-22-2015, 01:31 PM - 1 Like	#10
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,033	Good buzz for a good lens

05-22-2015, 04:51 PM	#11
bass3587 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 517	I really doubt they would discontinue such a versatile lens. I am finding myself reaching for this lens more and more. If HD coatings were to improve IQ that would be great but not necessary for me. Get one. You won't be sorry.

05-22-2015, 11:02 PM	#12
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	It's a very very good lens. I think if it will be discontinued there will be a successor like the DA 55-300. Now we have the HD 55-300 WR.

05-22-2015, 11:20 PM	#13
shuttles12000 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Hobart TAS Posts: 87	Just because it's "discontinued" doesn't mean it's not being replaced. Sigma routinely discontinued the 70-200 F2.8 Zoom, and then bring it back with new features. They just finished with version 3. Maybe version 4 will have weather sealing. Or maybe they are making it for Pentax, who just came out with one of their own... Just saying...

05-23-2015, 04:47 PM - 1 Like	#14
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	It would be great if Sigma would again make lenses for Pentax especially if they will be WR. That's one of the reasons I chose Pentax.

05-23-2015, 06:54 PM	#15
remark13 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 87	I am hopeful that this thread is on spot with the "discontinued" bit ... recently bit the bullet for the 150- 500mm sigma, was sent one for a nikkon mount (I really did have pentax ordered -- stall tactic?) But have had order cancelled after waiting a month because it was back ordered, now to be told discontinued. Here's hoping, I don't have the funds for the pentax 150-450, was so looking forward to adding that range.