Kit Lens Upgrade
Posted 31/12/2013 - 22:52 - Helpful Comment
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For me the 18-135 made a lot of sense as a decent quality and flexible WR option (my only WR lens). If I was choosing between the two 17-70s I'd personally go for the Sigma - by all accounts the new version of this lens is superb, and the old one was pretty good already (I had one and was very happy with it).
You might want to check out the test on the US Pentaxforums site, which concluded:
"We'll get straight to the point and say that if we were limited to having only one walkaround lens, this would be the one. While it does not offer quite as much reach as the Pentax 18-135mm, we prefer it for is versatility (faster aperture and macro capabilities) and improved image quality. If only it were weather-sealed, it would be the perfect lens! If this lens is indicative of the quality and performance of other lenses in Sigma's new lineup, then the Pentax community will surely be in for a treat. At $499 (MSRP), the Sigma 17-70mm is also a great value. It's $100 cheaper than the Pentax 17-70mm, and also better optically, which leaves very little room for discussion".
You might want to check out the test on the US Pentaxforums site, which concluded:
"We'll get straight to the point and say that if we were limited to having only one walkaround lens, this would be the one. While it does not offer quite as much reach as the Pentax 18-135mm, we prefer it for is versatility (faster aperture and macro capabilities) and improved image quality. If only it were weather-sealed, it would be the perfect lens! If this lens is indicative of the quality and performance of other lenses in Sigma's new lineup, then the Pentax community will surely be in for a treat. At $499 (MSRP), the Sigma 17-70mm is also a great value. It's $100 cheaper than the Pentax 17-70mm, and also better optically, which leaves very little room for discussion".
Posted 31/12/2013 - 23:02
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I was amazed by the macro capability of the Sigma, the whole feel of it completely blew away the old Sigma 18-200 I've had as a walkaround for the last four and a half years. The guy I was talking to has the Sigma on his Eos and says it's tack sharp and reproduces colours very well. I've seen shots taken on the 18-135 on the other Pentax Forum of railway subjects and was very impressed as I primarily do transport photography.
Cheers Paul
Pentax K5, DA 18-55 WR, DA 18-135 WR, DA 55-300 ED, DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited, A 50 f1.7, DA 50 f1.8
Samsung GX10, D-Xenon 18-55, SEF-36PZF Flash
Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6
Pentax K5, DA 18-55 WR, DA 18-135 WR, DA 55-300 ED, DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited, A 50 f1.7, DA 50 f1.8
Samsung GX10, D-Xenon 18-55, SEF-36PZF Flash
Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6
Posted 31/12/2013 - 23:27
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Thanks Bob, I wouldn't buy the 18-270, as for me, it's too much in one barrel, I've been there and done that in my film days with a Tokina 35-300 that ended up falling apart on me and was beyond economic repair. I haven't had the chance to try an 18-135 yet, but will be looking to do so before I make my decision on what to buy.
Cheers Paul
Pentax K5, DA 18-55 WR, DA 18-135 WR, DA 55-300 ED, DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited, A 50 f1.7, DA 50 f1.8
Samsung GX10, D-Xenon 18-55, SEF-36PZF Flash
Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6
Pentax K5, DA 18-55 WR, DA 18-135 WR, DA 55-300 ED, DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited, A 50 f1.7, DA 50 f1.8
Samsung GX10, D-Xenon 18-55, SEF-36PZF Flash
Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6
Posted 31/12/2013 - 23:43 - Helpful Comment
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18-135, compliments the WR on your k-5
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Pentax K-30, 55-300, 18-135, 35 2.4, 50 1.8, 12-24
Pentax Q, Q10, 01, 02, 04, 05, 06 & 07
(Pentax K-x 2011-2012)
Pentax K-30, 55-300, 18-135, 35 2.4, 50 1.8, 12-24
Pentax Q, Q10, 01, 02, 04, 05, 06 & 07
(Pentax K-x 2011-2012)
Posted 31/12/2013 - 23:55 - Helpful Comment
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I took the K5 and one lens (the 18-135) to Appleby Horse Fair this year
Here's the threads with images. There are a couple of images missing, but if you click on the the title underneath, it will take you to the picture in flickr
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/appleby-horse-fair--a-way-of-life-41781
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/appleby-horse-fair--people-41782
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/appleby--horses-and-action-41783
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/hot-shoeing-42000
Hope this is of some help in making a decision
Here's the threads with images. There are a couple of images missing, but if you click on the the title underneath, it will take you to the picture in flickr
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/appleby-horse-fair--a-way-of-life-41781
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/appleby-horse-fair--people-41782
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/appleby--horses-and-action-41783
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/hot-shoeing-42000
Hope this is of some help in making a decision
Posted 01/01/2014 - 00:14
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Oh my word Alan, those are quality shots. The contrast, and colour reproduction are what I'm getting from my existing DA lenses!
Cheers Paul
Pentax K5, DA 18-55 WR, DA 18-135 WR, DA 55-300 ED, DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited, A 50 f1.7, DA 50 f1.8
Samsung GX10, D-Xenon 18-55, SEF-36PZF Flash
Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6
Pentax K5, DA 18-55 WR, DA 18-135 WR, DA 55-300 ED, DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited, A 50 f1.7, DA 50 f1.8
Samsung GX10, D-Xenon 18-55, SEF-36PZF Flash
Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6
Posted 01/01/2014 - 00:56 - Helpful Comment
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PJMcKenna wrote:
The contrast, and colour reproduction are what I'm getting from my existing DA lenses!
Sounds like your current lens lineup is fine then.The contrast, and colour reproduction are what I'm getting from my existing DA lenses!
If you wish to expand, try to think whether you need more reach which will require a telephoto or if you are struggling to get everything in which means you'll need wider lens. It might not look much different numerically but the extra degree of the 17-70 compared to the 18-55 does make a difference and there's a little more reach too.
Whether to go for a Sigma or Pentax depends on what you read. I doubt many users would have both to give an independent comparison. To be honest, I doubt there is much difference in day to day use.
You really just need to decide wider or longer rather than 'better' as the 18-55 is not a bad lens by any means, especially when compared to similar offerings by other better known marques so maybe a lens offering quite a bit wider or longer rather than something similar might prove to be a more useful purchase.
John K
Posted 01/01/2014 - 01:10
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A lot's the need for a a bit more reach without having to change lenses, which can be a nuisance when photographing buses in particular, the 18-55 whilst good is a tad short in a quite a few locations.
Cheers Paul
Pentax K5, DA 18-55 WR, DA 18-135 WR, DA 55-300 ED, DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited, A 50 f1.7, DA 50 f1.8
Samsung GX10, D-Xenon 18-55, SEF-36PZF Flash
Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6
Pentax K5, DA 18-55 WR, DA 18-135 WR, DA 55-300 ED, DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited, A 50 f1.7, DA 50 f1.8
Samsung GX10, D-Xenon 18-55, SEF-36PZF Flash
Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6
Posted 01/01/2014 - 01:28
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The difference from 55 to 70 isn't really that great. It can be achieved by cropping even. The 18-250/270's aren't bad!
John K
Posted 01/01/2014 - 01:37
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I've done crops and have got some nice images from them. The thing that annoys me about the 18-270 is the price, it's a rebranded Tamron, that in Canikon mounts is £349 at my local Wilkinson's store, but effectively the same lens branded as Pentax in PKAF mount at £599 is extracting the Michael a bit. I like to buy from my local dealer because of the after sales aspect as it's close to my place of work and is handy for me.
Cheers Paul
Pentax K5, DA 18-55 WR, DA 18-135 WR, DA 55-300 ED, DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited, A 50 f1.7, DA 50 f1.8
Samsung GX10, D-Xenon 18-55, SEF-36PZF Flash
Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6
Pentax K5, DA 18-55 WR, DA 18-135 WR, DA 55-300 ED, DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited, A 50 f1.7, DA 50 f1.8
Samsung GX10, D-Xenon 18-55, SEF-36PZF Flash
Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6
Posted 01/01/2014 - 02:57
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PJMcKenna wrote:
A lot's the need for a a bit more reach without having to change lenses, which can be a nuisance when photographing buses in particular, the 18-55 whilst good is a tad short in a quite a few locations.
Then the 18-135 should be the obvious choice for you. Well-made compact zoom lens (and evidence of quality results shown above), and WR.A lot's the need for a a bit more reach without having to change lenses, which can be a nuisance when photographing buses in particular, the 18-55 whilst good is a tad short in a quite a few locations.
link for excellent service.
Happy New Year to All.
Philip
Posted 01/01/2014 - 11:43
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PJMcKenna wrote:
The thing that annoys me about the 18-270 is the price, it's a rebranded Tamron,
I know what you mean, but why not get a used one? I've got a used Pentax 18-250 which cost around £200 and I couldn't resist then getting a Tamron version, used but mint in box for not much more than half that. There are bargains to be found.
The thing that annoys me about the 18-270 is the price, it's a rebranded Tamron,
John K
Posted 01/01/2014 - 13:35
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I have both the Pentax 17-70 and the 18-135. Whilst the 18-135 is a great walk around/holiday lens I still prefer the 17-70, which gives more consistently good results for me than the 18-135 does. It isn't officially WR but mine has been through a lot of awful weather with absolutely no problems.
It is slower at focussing than the 18-135, since it is SDM not DC, but for most of what I photograph that is not a problem.
It is slower at focussing than the 18-135, since it is SDM not DC, but for most of what I photograph that is not a problem.
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47 posts
17 years
Nelson,
Lancashire,
England
Pentax DA 17-70 f4
Pentax DA 18-135 WR f3.5-5.6
Sigma DC 17-70 DC f2.8-4 Macro C
I've had demonstrations of the two 17-70s and liked the Pentax on the K5, please could fellow Pentaxians offer any input into which is considered best?
Pentax K5, DA 18-55 WR, DA 18-135 WR, DA 55-300 ED, DA 35 f2.8 Macro Limited, A 50 f1.7, DA 50 f1.8
Samsung GX10, D-Xenon 18-55, SEF-36PZF Flash
Sigma 10-20 EX DC f4-5.6