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SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR Review RSS Feed

SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

Sharpness 
 8.1
Aberrations 
 7.7
Bokeh 
 8.0
Autofocus 
 9.3
Handling 
 9.4
Value 
 8.6
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
92% of reviewers $400.73 8.52
SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
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SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
supersize
SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
supersize

Description:
The SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR is a new prosumer walkaround lens from Pentax. The lens currently has an MSRP of $499.95.

This lens covers a wide zoom range and features Pentax's latest lens technology, including the Quick-Shift focus system, SP (Super Protect) coating, and a DC motor for the SDM focusing system. When this lens auto-focuses, the external focusing ring does not move, allowing for comfortable holding and fine manual adjustment on the fly as well as for excellent AF speed. The lens also features an aspherical element, internal focusing, and extra-low dispersion element, and weather sealing to compliment the weather sealing of the K-5. The aperture blades are rounded to help render a very smooth bokeh. Finally, the lens hood also features a filter window for easy use of CPL filters.

Note: this lens uses the KAF3 mount. Autofocus will only work on SDM-enabled bodies: The K100D Super and K10D (w/ 1.30 firmware or higher) and newer.

SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Image Format
APS-C
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Aperture Ring
No
Diaphragm
Automatic, 7 blades (rounded)
Optics
13 elements, 11 groups
Mount Variant
KAF3
Check camera compatibility
Max. Aperture
F3.5-5.6
Min. Aperture
F22-38
Focusing
AF (in-lens motor)
DC
Quick-shift
Yes
Min. Focus
40 cm
Max. Magnification
0.24x
Filter Size
62 mm
Internal Focus
Yes
Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.)

APS-C: 76-11.9 ° / 67-10 °
Hood
PH-RBC 62 mm
Case
S80-120 (option)
Lens Cap
O-LC62
Coating
SMC,SP
Weather Sealing
Yes
Other Features
Diam x Length
73 x 76 mm (2.9 x 3.0 in.)
Weight
405 g (14.3 oz.)
Production Years
2010 to present (in production)
Pricing
$396 USD current price
$530 USD at launch
Engraved Name
smc PENTAX-DA 1:3.5-5.6 18-135mm ED AL [IF] DC WR
Product Code
21977
Reviews
User reviews
In-depth review
Unofficial Full-Frame Compatibility Tests by Pentax Forums
☆☆☆ No coverage at any setting
Show details
Notes
Two aspherical elements, one ED element.
No autofocus on older bodies (*istD series, K100D, K110D, and film).

Features:
Supersonic AutofocusQuick ShiftWeather SealedInternal FocusingAutomatic ApertureAPS-C Digital Only
Purchase: Buy the SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
In-Depth Review: Read our SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR in-depth review!
Sample Photos: View Sample Photos
Price History:



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Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: December, 2009
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Posts: 2,437

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: February 5, 2014 Recommended | Price: $318.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Relatively small, very good centre sharpness. Good AF, WR, build, and focal range
Cons: Corners 85 - 135, Corner CA at wider angles
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 7    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-5   

I have a number of zooms, including the original Sigma 17-70 and a Pentax 18-55. This lens even beats both in most ways (including overall sharpness).

The real strengths are the relatively compact size (versus flexibility and performance), excellent auto focus and Weather Resistance. I'm not worried about taking this lens anywhere.

Yes the lens does suffer with soft corners at the long focal lengths but IMO the lens is still very usable and i have had some good usable results at 135mm (which I would have missed out on with the 17-70). Also 135 works pretty well with close focus shots.

I did some detail tripod test shots (uniform fences etc) against my Sigma 17-70 and this lens stacks up very well. Often sharper at same focal lengths and aperture settings (even frame edges over most of the range) but of course the Pentax reaches further.

Distortion is significant at 18mm but not much difference to other zooms and the K-5 does a good job correcting with distortion correction turned on.

I don't really agree with Klaus's final conclusions on Photozone (see: http://www.photozone.de/pentax/597-pentax_18135_3556), although I can't fault his technical measurements and methods which I have a great deal of respect for.
If you compare the results for this lens to other offers like Nikons http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/634-nikkor181053556vr , I think the Pentax actually stacks up pretty well. Its much more compact, has WR, better build, more reach and generally better centre sharpness.

I got this lens for the WR and I'm surprised to say much more impressed than I thought I would be.

Sample photos:
60mm f6.7: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/12021282873/
31mm f8: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/12021352614/
31mm f11: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwi_jono/12021300923/
   
New Member

Registered: June, 2011
Location: Pavia- Italy
Posts: 1
Review Date: February 2, 2014 Recommended | Price: $250.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: escursione focale-autofocus silenzioso- wr- definizione focali intermedie
Cons: alle focali estreme bordi non nitidi
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 8    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K5II   

Come gia espresso, ottima definizione alle focali da 24 mm a 115 mm circa. molto buona alle altre focali però non ai bordi
Autofocus molto rapido e stupendo per silenziosità
molto belli i colori (Pentax)
   
Veteran Member

Registered: November, 2013
Location: Sydney, NSW
Posts: 968
Review Date: February 2, 2014 Recommended | Price: $400.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Happy with everything
Cons: wide open and shut right down it's not as sharp, but that's expected with any lens
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 7    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K-30   

Am really happy with this lens. Have produced some great shots - macros, landscapes and everything in between. It's a great beginner's and all rounder lens. Definitely recommended.
   
Senior Member

Registered: May, 2012
Location: Mission, B.C.
Posts: 166
Review Date: February 1, 2014 Recommended | Price: $200.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Colours, good IQ, contrast, pretty sharp up to about 80-100mm, WR!!!, quiet autofocus,
Cons: 135mm isn't great, extends when zooming, focus ring behind zoom ring,
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 8    Value: 7    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K5II   

I picked this lens up along with a K5II, as I figured I needed a WR lens to take advantage of the sealing on the K5II. I live in a pretty wet climate, so I was really excited to finally be able to go out and shoot in the rain.

The first thing I noticed is that the lens extends when you zoom. I'm sure it's fine, but it makes me a bit paranoid about water getting sucked inside the lens if you're changing focal lengths in the rain. Another little thing I didn't like about the lens is the placement of the focus ring. It's actually fairly convenient, as it's nice and close if you support the camera with both hands on the body (the lens is pretty light), but it took me a while to stop reaching for the front of the lens. Also, the zoom ring is a bit stiff (probably due to the seals), but not unpleasantly so.

The AF is very quiet, it sounds like more of a slight whir, and now I've become extremely conscious of how loud the AF is on my other lenses.

I was pleasantly surprised by the IQ of this lens. After reading several reviews online, I was quite apprehensive about my new purchase, but now that I've actually used the lens, my doubts have been put to rest. The extreme ends (18 and 135mm) aren't wonderful, especially 135, but from about 21mm to 80mm looks pretty good to me, even wide open (though results improve if you stop down a bit). I don't know if mine is a newer lens, and they've fixed some QC issues they may have had before, or if I just managed to get one of those rare, exceptionally well put together lenses, but the overall IQ of the lens is pretty close to the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (Tammy is sharper, Pentax has much better colours).

Overall, especially for the absolutely fantastic price I paid, this is a solid, versatile, lens that performs well if you treat it right. I probably wouldn't love it so much if I paid $500 for it, but this lens is much better than a lot of people have made it out to be.
   
Senior Member

Registered: December, 2012
Location: Vancouver Island, BC
Posts: 238
Review Date: January 6, 2014 Recommended | Price: $315.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Great general purpose lens, WR!
Cons: not a superfast lens
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: k5, k20D   

Been looking at this lens for awhile - purchased it knowing I was planning on a K5 in the near future (which I now have as well)
Wanted a general purpose WR lens to put on my K5 for general walkaround photography (say vacation time).
This is my first WR lens, my other lenses are mainly primes, and an older F 35-105 zoom.
I've taken it on a few hikes - great in the wet west coast winter drizzle. Nice having a lens which will handle a variety of tasks and not require lens changes every time a new subject is found.
I've found the lens to be very sharp, great autofocus, and great to use. For what I paid for a lightly used copy I found it to be excellent value.
It's never going to replace my prime limited lenses in situations where they excel, but this lens will likely be found on my K5 by default a lot of the time.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: June, 2013
Location: Nevada, USA
Posts: 3,348

6 users found this helpful
Review Date: January 1, 2014 Recommended | Price: $350.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Solid construction, sharp, fast internal AF, quick shift, weather resistance
Cons: Heavy, no aperture ring, could use more vivid colors and deeper contrast
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 5    Bokeh: 7    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 8    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K-30   

I got this lens as a Christmas present in 2013 so I am guessing at the price paid. All I know is that it was bought off of eBay and it came in minty new condition, complete with all papers.

I'm a big fan of the older F, FA-J, and FA lenses. This is my first APS specific DA lens after the kit lenses that came with my K-30.

Pros:
I find this lens to be very sharp almost across the entire zoom range. It was very surprising for me to read a number of reviews here that complained about soft and blurry images. Without seeing too many details or sample shots I would guess those reviewers may have had front/back focus issues when using the OVF or may have been using extremely small or large aperture settings. There is plenty of test data that shows excellent sharpness starting at around f/5.6 and going on to f/8. Smaller aperture settings will give additional depth of field which increases perceived sharpness. I've used f/11 at full zoom for close-ups and subject isolation with good results. When in doubt you can confirm your focus issues by using LiveView. There are no front/back focus issues in that mode.

The focusing is quick and accurate. I have not had any issues with hunting. Quick shift is nice. Manual operation works well too.

This is very solid lens with a metal mounting surface and seals. Unlike older F, FA-J, and FA lenses which are fair weather designs this lens looks tough. I wouldn't beat it up on purpose but I would not hesitate to take it almost anywhere.

Exposure readings come out very balanced. I rarely find myself needing to add/subtract some compensation.

Neutral:
I found the colors to be even and neutral. This can be OK if you're willing to do some post processing or have the in-camera JPG engine boost the colors.

Ditto for contrast. Not bad but not great either.

Cons:
A solid construction is not without a trade off and in this case it is weight. Wow, this lens feels heavy!

In some cases I can see some color shift and aberrations but you need to pixel peep to see it. Green fringing is what I see most on contrasty edges. It's not tragic but it's there.

I really wish there was an aperture ring. Sure, my K-30 can control the aperture settings electronically and I think the days of aperture rings are long gone and behind us in the day of APS cameras. It's just my preference.

Conclusions:
At the very least, I think this lens is "very good" and "great". Use those adjectives as you will. I find the zoom range to be very versatile. It's wide enough for a landscape and tele enough for closeups. The tele is just tele enough before you would seriously need a tripod. Hand holding works well. The tough construction and heft of the lens gives a feeling of durability and adventure. Take this lens anywhere - even in the rain and dust. It's weather resistant, after all. But be careful! It's not weather proof. All of this makes it a good candidate as a vacation lens. It's the one lens you take when you travel and have to leave everything else behind.

Is the IQ there? Yes, but barely. I say barely because I know a lot of people outside this forum may be JPG-only shooters and do not do any post processing except for an occasional crop. They will need to heavily rely on the in-camera processing which will follow a generic algorithm. However, if you are a raw shooter then there is enough information and detail for your software of choice to enhance it. My older F, FA-J, and FA lenses have more vivid color rendition and better contrast from the start so there is less work needed in post processing. On the plus side, one thing you don't need to worry about is sharpness. It's there in spades and heaps. Adding some additional sharpness and edge detection in post processing can yield very crisp images. Just be careful not to over sharpen.

Here are some samples from my flickr account.


IMGP0606 by Never Off, on Flickr
This could be a little too over sharpened. I like the bokeh on the plants in the background.


IMGP0582 by Never Off, on Flickr
It took some post processing to extract these colors and to build up the contrast.


IMGP0728 by Never Off, on Flickr
There's a room in my home where the sunset light comes in and lights up some of my old stereo gear. The gear has shiny metal surfaces which light up in an almost garish contrast scheme. It's not hard to find a position where the scheme eases off though. At 100% view it's easy to see the brushed metal surfaces. I consider this to be an example of how sharp the lens can be.


IMGP0735 by Never Off, on Flickr
The Dark Knight gets lit up. There is little color in this statue so a B&W shot is appropriate. Taking the color away highlights the sharpness, especially at 100% views.
   
Pentaxian

Registered: August, 2011
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 4,847

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: December 8, 2013 Recommended | Price: $350.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Sharp, good colour, compact, quiet fast and accurate AF, WR
Cons: Purple fringing
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K5   

I don't own this lens, but tried out the one my son got as a kit with his K30 on my K5. I only shot about 25 images (RAW), but am really impressed. Plenty sharp enough, vibrant colours, perfectly acceptable bokeh, and no serious aberrations in the real-world shots I took (no brick walls). There was some PF in one shot (115mm, f8), but only well off-centre. EDIT: I have now seen PF quite commonly, but only toward the longer focal lengths, and only well off centre. The short end is very clean.

From what I've seen so far, this lens has been unfairly maligned. I would really like a WR walk-around zoom to complement my primes (DA 15, 40 and 70 Ltd) and SMC 55-300 zoom, but never seriously considered the 18-135 because of the reviews. Having seen what it can do, I am now rethinking. It comes at a good price as a kit with the K3 that I'm planning to buy in the new year, and is looking very tempting.

18mm, f7.1 (portrait cropped square but full width)


Both front and back bokeh look pretty decent in this 135mm, f6.3 shot.


UPDATE: I have my own copy of this lens now, and use it regularly on my K3. My opinion hasn't changed; a very nice lens for the price. Really quite sharp throughout the range, good vibrant colour, very handy walk-around range.

   
New Member

Registered: June, 2013
Posts: 4

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: November 12, 2013 Recommended | Price: $440.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Weather sealing, zoom range
Cons: dull in low light
Sharpness: 7    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K30   

In my opinion, this is a fairly good lens overall, considering the weather sealing and zoom range respectively to its price. Great for outdoors and severe conditions, tested in frost, pouring rain, all is OK :-)

Colour rendition is ok in good light conditions, pictures are a bit dull on dark days, but a bit of post processing, result is good.

Here is a few pictures :

Bird (Jpeg from the camera)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/101778035@N08/10828438463

Sunset (with PP)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/101778035@N08/10428293896

WR is good (some PP) :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/101778035@N08/9999746783

Places where WR is nice to have :
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tB_JOjdDlJDoxGxKkTVwg9MTjNZETYmyPJy0li...eat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lT0n2BBvIesQZl4hukesI9MTjNZETYmyPJy0li...eat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AnzfzI3JdXc5EvMtp4JMidMTjNZETYmyPJy0li...eat=directlink
   
Veteran Member

Registered: January, 2012
Location: Slovenia
Posts: 2,182

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: October 29, 2013 Recommended | Price: $650.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Zoom range; WR; build quality; relatively quick and silent AF; outstanding flare performance; very good MFD...
Cons: ...Which is let down by insane focus breathing; IQ from 70mm onwards, lack of fine sharpness
Sharpness: 7    Aberrations: 7    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 9    Value: 8    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-5 II   

I received this lens as part of a K-5II kit. Don't let the price confuse you: the lens retails for ~$800 by itself over here.
Disclaimer: I had to go through two other lenses to get this one; the first was just terrible in the corners through the whole range (defective, I assume), the second had bad corners at wide-angle, but better corners than this one at 135mm. I picked this one, since I value the wide end sharpness more.

This lens needs to be stopped down to f/8-11 to achieve the best results, although the 'MTF' program line is more than acceptable (from f/5 at 18mm to f/8 at 135mm). After 70mm sharpness drops quite a lot. The lens lacks fine sharpness (microcontrast), but since it reproduces colours and coarse contrast very well images appear sharp at normal viewing sizes.

Chromatic aberrations can be quite pronounced, especially at 18mm and 135mm. The bokeh is very smooth most of the time. This lens exhibits hardly any flare, ghosting or any other effects when light sources are in or near the frame. The minimum focus distance is around 40 cm at all focal lengths, which is very useful. However, there is extreme focus breathing: At 135mm and MFD, the focal length is actually around 80mm.

The lens in combination with a K-5 II is very well balanced, although the combo (1.1 kg) might feel heavy.
   
Senior Member

Registered: March, 2010
Location: Svealand
Posts: 172
Review Date: October 1, 2013 Recommended | Price: $595.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: compact, range, WR, silent and fast AF, versatile, bokeh
Cons: slow,
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K-5   

Great lens to have on the camera most of the time. When I want to travel light I bring this and my DA*55mm. I did in fact sell my 60-250mm and bought this instead because the 60-250mm mostly is to big and heavy for me and therefore spent to much time unused, The very compact 18-135mm is my most used lens nowdays, much because it's so versatile.
   
Senior Member

Registered: January, 2013
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 159

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: September 27, 2013 Recommended | Price: $380.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Fast AF, bokeh, WR
Cons: Soft at longer focal ranges
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-30   

I almost feel like I should write two reviews for this lens - one at "normal" zoom ranges and another at tele-zoom ranges. At normal zoom ranges (until 90mm or so) the lens is very sharp, however when pushed to zoom ranges (~90-135mm) the lens seems soft. So why do I give it a 9? This is the lens to take on trips or hikes when you know you'll be ready for almost any shot with this mounted on the camera - rain or shine. We know this isn't a limited prime nor does it purport to be. Why bust it's chops for not being sharp, when it's a general all-in-one zoom - optimized for sharpness across the range, making compromises when necessary. To keep it light and affordable, Pentax knew this going in. Keep it really sharp in normal ranges, give the longer range for flexibility, but you're going to lose some IQ.

Anyways, enough philosophizing, I love the feel of the lens - it feels really solid, the big, fat zoom ring is nice, although it can be confusing if you're focusing manually (but hey why would you need to with this lens' DC AF?). Aberrations are really well controlled and at it's a pretty good value, miles ahead of the kit lens in overall IQ. Would recommend any shooter have this in his/her bag - complemented with a nice prime for portraits or creative shots, you have the perfect travel kit!
   
New Member

Registered: May, 2013
Posts: 13
Review Date: September 14, 2013 Recommended | Price: $389.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Weather sealed, handles well, sharp stopped down, and color rendition
Cons: Soft wide open, af can be a bit slow
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 7    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K30   

I bought this lens to supplement my other lenses. I already had a number of primes and a couple zooms but found myself shooting more and more in harsh environments so I got this lens. Unfortunately I couldn't afford one of the da* lenses in this range but I'm very happy with the 18-135.

This lens is capable of rendering very good pictures in both color, sharpness, and contrast. Stopped down it is excellent. I've never regretted the purchase for one second. Autofocus is quiet and, for the most part, fast. My copy does exhibit some zoom creep but nothing that is truly problematic.

The weather sealing is fantastic! I've had this lens completely soaked because of a thunderstorm and it worked flawlessly on my k30. There was never any hint of moisture coming into the camera or lens. I've had this lens out in the rain several more times with zero problems. It is a great relief to not have to worry about the weather and to just take pictures.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: November, 2012
Posts: 963

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: July 12, 2013 Recommended | Rating: 9 

 
Pros:
Cons:
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 8    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K30   

I bought this lens as a kit with my K30.

My copy is really sharp in the centre. That sharpness highlights the somewhat soft edges. I understand that this is a compromise being a long zoom.

It provides very good contrasts, although OOF rendering is obviously inferior to a prime.

This is my lens when I can only pick up just one. It's quite good for outdoor travel, especially while towing (or being towed) by wife and daughter.

The WR, albeit I haven't tested it yet provides a second layer of assurance under harsh environment. Quite pricey, but I think that it's a must have because it provides very good (not great) IQ, long reach and peace of mind. And it's very compact too.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: July, 2008
Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
Posts: 3,948

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 12, 2013 Recommended | Price: $388.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Range weather sealing
Cons: Distortion, corners
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 5    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-30   

I give it a 9 but it's really an 8.5. It's a WR great FL lens that is compact, very fast to focus and weather sealed. Of course there are compromises.

First, this is a very versatile lens while staying relatively compact. You get great functionality out of this lens with its FL.

Second, it's weather sealing is a huge bonus to getting your shots whatever the weather. Pairs up nicely with the Pentax prosumer line of cameras.

Third, the DC motor is quiet, accurate, and above all, fast to autofocus.

Fourth, nice bokeh. Not high-end prime nice but pretty darn good. You cannot knock this lens for its bokeh.

Fifth, build quality is very, very good; a solid piece of glass a cut above the Canikon competition for sure.

Here is the catch with this lens. Wide open and fully zoomed it needs to be stopped down to avoid being too soft in the corners. That's the big compromise coming from all that versatility. This is a lens primarily aimed at outdoor use so available light outdoors is usually not much of a problem.

The distortion issue (the only really obvious aberration) is much easier to deal with by simply hitting Info on your camera and turning to the ON position the distortion correction option. This solves a great amount of the perceived distortion and I fully believe this lens is designed around that in-camera setting.

I believe this lens got a bad rap from sources who are purists in optical quality but not field and real world use of their gear. This is plain wrong as this lens delivers the goods at a great price for its ruggedness, size, and versatility.
   
New Member

Registered: March, 2010
Location: west berks, GB.
Posts: 3

6 users found this helpful
Review Date: June 7, 2013 Recommended | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Range, lightweight, focus speen, silent, WR, one lens choice.
Cons: None I have found.
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 8    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K5   

This lens has been up and down mountains with me for the last 18 months and I have had no problems.
The focusing is fast and silent. The range is just right for a large amount of my photography. I used to need at least two lenses and all the attendant problems of lens changing in often inclement weather. The WR means I have no worries about the weather and I get pictures I would miss previously.
The K5 and this lens are light enough to be carried in a holster attached to my rucksack hip belt, allowing quick access and grabbed shots as I travel. This is a big advantage when moving.
I find some of my other lenses have been unused since I have had this lens.

Very happy with this lens and very glad I bought it.

Update September 2013

I'm still very happy with this lens and it gets used a lot. Although it may not be the most optically perfect lens, it makes pictures just fine. The following few pics show what it can do.

Scotland February 2013

Lake district, England July 2013
Wales, September 2013.
Add Review of SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR Buy the SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR



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