| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM
Firstly, my review is based on a repaired and beaten up unit with a deep cut in the front element. I bought this used for next to nothing because the previous owner said it "had been used in a warzone" and had been repaired at least once. My lens also has a deep cut in the front element which the previous owner thought made the lens worthless.
Well the good news for me atleast, is that the cut does not show in up any of the pics I've taken, despite what the previous owner warned me about. I can happily say I got it for a bargain for 340€:eek:
Despite all the things that's been said about the slow and unreliable autofocus, this particular war hero has never had any problems. Focusing is fast, silent and reliable.
The bokeh is creamy wide open and center sharpness is nice all the way to 100mm, after which it starts to deteriorate. It's still very acceptable, but stopping down to f4-5.6 at 135mm is adviceable when possible.
The colors have a nice, balanced contrast and I usually don't have to fool around with the curves too much in post, a rare treat for me who's used to using "boring" A-series lenses.
I can't honestly think of anything wrong with this lens, in particular when taking in to account how ridiculously little I paid for it. If you end up with a good copy like I did I think it's well worth the $1000 asking price. It's a brilliant piece of kit.
Some examples:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/apaasi/8621917651/
http://www.flickr.com... |
