| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
I got this lens in kit with my K5ii, so indicated price is difference between price of K-5 ii body and this kit. Otherwise is this lens here very expensive, around $800.
I must say it is not my best lens. But it is my most used lens. I found it excelent for closeups and "near macro" shots.
IQ: Image quality is really great for 7,5x zoom. Indeed, it will be great even if it will be only 18-55:). Sharpness in center of frame is very good thru FL and even on wide open. If you stop down one to 5.6 or 8, it is really very sharp. Corners are bit soft, especially past 100mm to long end. On wide end it is not super performer, but which super zoom is. From 24mm to 75mm are sweetpoints. Don't be scared by some reviews (photozone), this lens has pronounced filed curvature, but this doesn't mean, that it is that soft as in that reviews. This lens has nice color redention (not on par with DA stars, but nice). And has really good bokeh on longer FL. Almost comparable with primes. Control of CA and PF aren't bad.
AF: This lens has absolutelly best AF that I have ever have on Pentax lens. Its very fast, accurate and almost silent. I wish to other my lenses have this type of AF. It has quick shift, but ring is not rotating during AF.
Handling and built: It's WR. Built is very good, its combination of quality plastic and metal (yes, one of barrel piece and zooming ring are metal, not plastic ). Everything is tight, no problem at all. Notice, that focusing ring is very narrow ... |
