Which quiet focusing lens for K5

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DaveN
Posted 09/10/2011 - 12:06 Link
I am looking for a general purpose QUIET focusing lens for my second K5. It will be permanently attached to the body and be used in a variety of conditions and locations, none involving the extremes. It will also spend significant amount of time locked and unused between periods of use.
Discovering the joys of photography with Pentax
Edited by DaveN: 09/10/2011 - 12:08
ChrisA
Posted 09/10/2011 - 12:18 Link
The Pentax 18-135 and 17-70 are both very quiet.

Much quieter, in fact, than the little 'bzzt' the K-5 makes when you switch it on.

I've had these only for a few weeks in total, so I can't comment on how reliable they are if unused for a long time.

Obviously the 18-135 will be more 'general purpose' simply because of its greater reach, but careful of the edge sharpness.
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Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
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Gwyn
Posted 09/10/2011 - 13:13 Link
As Chris says both the 18-135 and the DA 17-70 are extremely quiet.
Since the 18-135 uses a DC motor rather than the "dreaded" SDM it should be reliable even when left unused for a considerable length of time.

Having said that I have never had a problem with any of my SDM lenses and a couple of them aren't used for months at a time.
DaveN
Posted 09/10/2011 - 14:38 Link
Hmmm, i did not consider the DA 17-70 because I thought the Sigma 17-70 is was a better alternative ( smaller/lighter/close focus)

I must say, I am leaning towards the 18-135 WR
Discovering the joys of photography with Pentax
johnriley
Posted 09/10/2011 - 14:49 Link
I would love to have an 18-135mm, but it will just have to be added to the list. The lens is virtually silent and one of the fastest focusing I have used.
Best regards, John
Gwyn
Posted 09/10/2011 - 15:25 Link
Much as I like mine I am considering selling it .
johnriley
Posted 09/10/2011 - 15:43 Link
That is just overt temptation Gwyn, a carrot dangling in mid air....I'll look forward to when you list it in Classified Ads!
Best regards, John
ChrisA
Posted 09/10/2011 - 15:46 Link
johnriley wrote:
That is just overt temptation Gwyn, a carrot dangling in mid air....I'll look forward to when you list it in Classified Ads!
Did you have to give your review copy back then? That's a bit mean!
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Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
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johnriley
Posted 09/10/2011 - 15:49 Link
Isn't it just....
Best regards, John
kingfisher
Posted 11/10/2011 - 07:14 Link
Gwyn wrote:
As Chris says both the 18-135 and the DA 17-70 are extremely quiet.
Since the 18-135 uses a DC motor rather than the "dreaded" SDM it should be reliable even when left unused for a considerable length of time.

Having said that I have never had a problem with any of my SDM lenses and a couple of them aren't used for months at a time.
I would be cautious with DA 18-135 as it has horrible reviews on photozone as well as user reviews on pentaxforums. And the dreaded SDM issues might be an overblown problem....anyway 17-70 looks to be a very decent lens
Dangermouse
Posted 11/10/2011 - 08:38 Link
I do think SDM has improved, as I don't seem to read as many horror stories as I used to. Didn't someone mention a professional's blog where he talked about Pentax changing the SDM motor design and fitting an upgraded one to any lens sent in for repair?
Matt

Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.

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