PENTAX DA 18-135mm any good?

Would be interested to hear opinions.
Not particularly interested in web reviews, feel real life user experiences are more valid.
Davex.

I bought one to take with me to Spain along with the 55-300mm. Bit annoying having (what I thought were) better lenses but Ryanairs hand luggage weight restrictions are mean to say the least.

Since I bought it though I take it virtually everywhere I go unless I know for certain I will need something longer and have to say I am very impressed with it. Nice and light, compact, great walkabout length and excellent IQ.

Still say its too expensive compared to Canikons offerings but would buy another if I damaged it.

That's exactly what I'll be doing soon ! Same lenses, same place, same airline 10kg isn't it ?

Was there a problem then ? Were you not able to take them ??
.

The restriction is only just the suitcase and the bag you carry on to the airplane.
They don't weight your jacket for example so if you have your camera on a strap with the heaviest lens on it, they shouldn't check it.

I really want to see a direct comparison, i've the feeling the Pentax is better though in most aspects.

Strictly one item of cabin baggage per passenger (excluding infants) weighing up to 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm is permitted. (handbag, briefcase, laptop, shop purchases, camera etc.) must be carried in your 1 permitted piece of cabin baggage.

Ryanair even weigh you when you get off the plane and again on the return flight .. if you have put on weight they charge you extra.

They got that covered quite well...

That is why I hate low cost carriers. I had been spoilt having only travelled with major national carriers in the past and what a pleasant experience it is to fly with them. I have flown with low cost carriers a few times now and absolutely detest them. Sadly sometimes it is the only option nowadays.

Just been looking at that lens myself.
I've got a six year old Sigma 18-200 but IQ is fairly rubbish and not water sealed.

Just trying to plan a trip, so I want to bring just one lens to walk around with. Maybe add the nifty 50 in a jacket pocket for ultra-low light, but sadly the DA* 16-50 and 50-135 lenses are staying home.

I'm hoping the budget will allow a new lens. From what I've been reading, this sounds like a good one to have.

I could have done with the extra range of the 18-135 on holiday. It appeals, but I don't know which lens would go to buy it - the 17-70, which lives on the camera, or the 50-135* which collects dust most of the time? Couldn't get it in addition to those I'm afraid, and I'm not convinced the IQ is there compared to those two (certainly not to the 50-135 of course).

I have decided if I can't afford an airline with decent conditions I won't fly. I will never ever fly Ryanair .

Agreed, tried it once, never again. My favourite is Air France closely followed by KLM, However for Business class good old BA is unbeatable, unfortunately the airmiles are very mean compared with KLM and AF.

Davex.

Ryanair are fantastic... I'm quite willing to forego the extras you get on other airlines when the prices are hundreds of pounds less.... It's funny when people fly out to Spain for 20 quid and moan that the meal wasn't free etc.... lol

Indeed .. when I was living in Spain a return flight was cheaper than the taxi from the airport to the house.

It is not about extras, it is about basics like luggage. I has r had to put up a fight each time I want my camera equipment in the cabin as it is heavy. It cannot go in the hold as insurance would not cover it and it is fragile as well as valuable.

Gwyn I share your dilemma. I have too many lenses covering the same range and I cannot make up my mind which to sell.

I have the DA17-70 wwhich is a very nice lens with a useful range and fast enough on the K-5. I also have the DA18-250 which was my general purpose travel lens. I recently had an attack of LBA and bought the DA18-135 which is a nice lens and I like the silent fast focusing and its compact size and modest weight. But I think its IQ is not quite as good as the 17-70 and probably only slightly better than the DA18-250.

I will probably end up keeping all three.

Interesting comment, any examples?