| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM
Overall: 10/10
A class act
Usefulness: 10
The APSC equivalent of the classic 70-200. Everyone should have one. great for candids, gigs, portraits....
Sharpness: 9
Wide open, it tails off in sharpness as you approach 135mm but overall its very sharp at F5.6 at all focal lengths. It really shines from 50 - 100mm. There are very few compromises here.
Colour/Contrast: 10
What really gets me about this lens every time is the quite exceptional colour and contrast. Stopped down a bit its hard to separate from a top ranking prime lens like the 77LTD, and even wide open its not too bad.
Bokeh: 9
The bokeh is exceptional for a zoom. Really nothing to choose between it and many primes in the same range.
Handling: 9
The focus ring is enormous - much larger than the zoom ring which is close to the body. Not really an issue but I sometimes grabbed the focus ring instead of the zoom when I first got it. However despite the size and weight it only needs 67mm filters and is well balanced with the C of G well towards the rear of the lens. A tripod collar is not really necessary.
Build Quality: 10
Excellent. Smooth and with very tight tolerances. Internal zoom.
CAs and Flare: 8.5
There is a bit of CA as reported but although its noticeable at the extreme focal lengths its not that bright and not an issue most of the time. Flare is minimal.
Distortion: 10
Not an issue at any focal length.
AF speed: 9
AF without USM is quite OK, but a little sluggish is low light. With USM... |
