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I used to own this lens, along with a K-7, and a K20D, until they fell victim to someone who felt that they deserved them more than I did. I will spare you all the details. All I will say is this: Protect your camera equipment! That being said, the lens was the best mid-range telephoto lens I have used in over 40 years of taking pictures, 35 of them with Pentax SLR cameras. I don't worry much about what a computer can see, but my eye can't. And all the things this lens could see were sharp to my eye. even at f2.8, which was what I used mostly, as I used it for low light situations. And considering the fact that this is a zoom, it needed very little light to do it, even without the benefit of the magnificent K-5. (How I wish I could have paired them up!) But, back to the lens. I was very impressed with the build quality, and the fact that the lens really IS sealed. It has no need of openings, because, if my memory serves me, it doesn't change size, like almost every other zoom lens out there. It has large, differently ribbed rubber focus and zoom rings with just the right resistance. As with all Pentax DA* lenses, I could switch from auto to manual focus by simply moving the focus ring. That is very handy. It also has a single switch to turn off auto focus until you want it back. All in all, I believe that this is the best mid-range telephoto zoom lens made for Pentax digital SLR cameras, period. The only drawback I can see, is that like all DA* lens Pentax makes, it is not compatible with full frame, or film cameras. If not for that, it would be the perfect mid-range lens. I can't wait until I can buy another one.Read full review
This lens has the perfect focal length for my purposes and to get one at great price made it even nicer. The lens is in perfect condition, SDM works very fast. Although it may not be the perfect walk around lens because of it's size but I don't mind that. There is some minor vignetting beyond 100 mm but nothing that concerns me at all. Some softness at f2.8 thru f4+, nothing unusual about that, but f5.6 onward it's very sharp, CA's seem to be well controlled but I generally avoid high contrast situations as much as possible. Overall I am very happy with this lens.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Sharpest zoom if have ever used--equally as good as both my FF zooms. I own four primes (14, 21, 35, 50) and you can't tell the difference in IQ. Incredible at f2.8 in low light at all focal lengths. I have used it for stage performances in low light and got fantastic results. The only thing I would change about it is for the focus to be faster like the new PLM on the HD Da 55-300. PLM focus speed with the incredible glass in the DA*50-135 would be the ultimate lens. I would without hesitation buy this lens again
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
-This Pentax SMC DA* 50-135mm f2.8 SDM lens is exceptionally sharp for a zoom. Even at the wide open apeture of f2.8 it's pretty good-better than I expected. -Closed down--the imaging is great, as sharp as or sharper than much more expensive Canon 0r Nikon lens. -On my K20D, the focussing is faster and much more quiet than non-SDM lenses. -Handles smoothly; feels and looks very well put together--should be able to take some abuse compared to other lenses. -I've taken it out in the rain (heavy downpour) with no worry. Just dried it off with a towel when I got back inside and kept on using it. -The only CONS I can think of is that it does not reach out to 150mm like the Sigma 50-150mm f2.8. -A bit heavy, but not objectionable. I also have the Pentax 16-50mm f2.8 SDM. Really like that one too. -There have been reports of SDM (focussing) problems after a while. These may have been early copies--SO FAR--mine are working great. I'll see. -Just use it extensively when you first get the lens and put it through it's paces to test it, while still under warranty (one year in USA, two in Canada) I take photographs to make some money as well as just because I enjoy it. This lens should fit in great for me.Read full review
Purchased this lens to replace a 70-200 f2.8 which I found to be heavy and difficult to handle. I use a K5 camera with grip, this lens is just perfect, balances beautifully with this camera and the 50-135 focal length is so much more useful than the previous lens. The IQ is simply fantastic and has that certain quality that make images really pop. Autofocus on the K5 is fast, virtually silent and very accurate. Believe all the good things you read about this lens it is built to a very high standard and a real pleasure to use. The colour rendering and contrast are a joy to behold.
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