Quick question on Pentax zoom lens

PentaxHero · 03-27-2014, 12:14 PM

I am new to Pentax. My first Pentax camera ever is the K-3 just obtained couple of weeks ago. On the 18-135 mm WR lens, in order to zoom in and out you have to do it manually with your hand? Sorry, come from Nikon D800 and 24-70 mm where it has automatic zoom and focus. Thanks.

Adam · 03-27-2014, 12:20 PM

Originally posted by PentaxHero

I am new to Pentax. My first Pentax camera ever is the K-3 just obtained couple of weeks ago. On the 18-135 mm WR lens, in order to zoom in and out you have to do it manually with your hand? Sorry, come from Nikon D800 and 24-70 mm where it has automatic zoom and focus. Thanks.

Yes, you have to manually operate the zoom. Since when does the Nikon 24-70mm offer power zoom?? I know the AF is powered by an in-lens motor, but not the zoom.

Giklab · 03-27-2014, 01:12 PM - **2 Likes**

If you mean that the 24-70 zoomed when pointed down, that's a bug, not a feature

DSims · 03-27-2014, 01:33 PM

Also, if it stops Auto Focusing, take care that you don't have the switch on the camera body turned to MF.

The DA18-135 is a nice all-around lens, but it won't give you the Image Quality of a Nikon 24-70. So you may want to consider upgrading lenses in the future. But the K-3 is certainly up to the task (of great IQ), and the 18-135 can be a more practical lens at times, with its longer zoom range and WR. Plus the whole setup costs less, so it's less to worry about.

tyrepeddler · 03-27-2014, 06:28 PM

No Nikon auto zooms
Wow

mickeyobe · 03-27-2014, 08:32 PM

I have tried auto zoom.
I do not like it.
It does not give the fine control that a manual zoom offers.
Mickey

abmj · 03-28-2014, 12:11 AM

Originally posted by mickeyobe

I have tried auto zoom.
I do not like it.
It does not give the fine control that a manual zoom offers...

This. Pros don't use auto zooms for a reason. I tried one on my old Sony NEX and hated it. No fine control. I switched it off.

**clackers** · 03-28-2014, 04:48 AM

Originally posted by abmj

This. Pros don't use auto zooms for a reason. I tried one on my old Sony NEX and hated it. No fine control. I switched it off.

Yeah, I've got that same 16-50 powered pancake zoom on my second gun, a NEX 3. Annoying feature - very P&S. I always manually adjust its length.

zekewhipper · 03-29-2014, 08:04 PM

I don't care for power-zooms for any kind of manual focusing that has to be done, but they are O.K. of ordinary picture taking as long as your AF can lock on target. My wife tried an old Minolta 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 xi power-zoom on her Sony A100 and actually like it.

03-27-2014, 12:14 PM	#1
PentaxHero New Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 6	Quick question on Pentax zoom lens I am new to Pentax. My first Pentax camera ever is the K-3 just obtained couple of weeks ago. On the 18-135 mm WR lens, in order to zoom in and out you have to do it manually with your hand? Sorry, come from Nikon D800 and 24-70 mm where it has automatic zoom and focus. Thanks.

03-27-2014, 12:20 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by PentaxHero I am new to Pentax. My first Pentax camera ever is the K-3 just obtained couple of weeks ago. On the 18-135 mm WR lens, in order to zoom in and out you have to do it manually with your hand? Sorry, come from Nikon D800 and 24-70 mm where it has automatic zoom and focus. Thanks. Yes, you have to manually operate the zoom. Since when does the Nikon 24-70mm offer power zoom?? I know the AF is powered by an in-lens motor, but not the zoom. 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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03-27-2014, 01:12 PM - 2 Likes	#3
Giklab Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,182	If you mean that the 24-70 zoomed when pointed down, that's a bug, not a feature

03-27-2014, 01:33 PM	#4
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Also, if it stops Auto Focusing, take care that you don't have the switch on the camera body turned to MF. The DA18-135 is a nice all-around lens, but it won't give you the Image Quality of a Nikon 24-70. So you may want to consider upgrading lenses in the future. But the K-3 is certainly up to the task (of great IQ), and the 18-135 can be a more practical lens at times, with its longer zoom range and WR. Plus the whole setup costs less, so it's less to worry about.

03-27-2014, 06:28 PM	#5
tyrepeddler Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Phoenix Az Posts: 88	No Nikon auto zooms Wow

03-27-2014, 08:32 PM	#6
mickeyobe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,759	I have tried auto zoom. I do not like it. It does not give the fine control that a manual zoom offers. Mickey

03-28-2014, 12:11 AM	#7
abmj Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Central California Posts: 600	Originally posted by mickeyobe I have tried auto zoom. I do not like it. It does not give the fine control that a manual zoom offers... This. Pros don't use auto zooms for a reason. I tried one on my old Sony NEX and hated it. No fine control. I switched it off.

03-28-2014, 04:48 AM	#8
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by abmj This. Pros don't use auto zooms for a reason. I tried one on my old Sony NEX and hated it. No fine control. I switched it off. Yeah, I've got that same 16-50 powered pancake zoom on my second gun, a NEX 3. Annoying feature - very P&S. I always manually adjust its length.

03-29-2014, 08:04 PM	#9
zekewhipper Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 307	I don't care for power-zooms for any kind of manual focusing that has to be done, but they are O.K. of ordinary picture taking as long as your AF can lock on target. My wife tried an old Minolta 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 xi power-zoom on her Sony A100 and actually like it.