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Pentax DA 18-135mm — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Camera LensesPentax DA 18-135mm

Pentax DA 18-135mm — image 1

Pentax

Pentax DA 18-135mm

$476.95

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21977BlackOne Size One Year

Expert Review Analysis

The Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR is a compact, weather‑resistant 7.5× zoom lens for APS‑C K‑mount DSLRs, offering a versatile focal range from wide‑angle to telephoto. It combines quiet SDM autofocus, Quick‑Shift manual focus, and high‑quality coatings for everyday shooting.

✓ Best for: Everyday photographers, travel shooters, hobbyists, and outdoor enthusiasts who value a single, lightweight lens covering wide‑angle to telephoto focal lengths and need weather resistance for varied conditions.✗ Not ideal for: Professional photographers or serious enthusiasts who require a constant fast aperture for low‑light, sports, wildlife, or creative shallow‑depth‑of‑field work.

Pros

✓7.5× zoom range (18‑135mm) provides versatile coverage from wide‑angle landscapes to telephoto sports shots
✓Compact and lightweight design (405g) makes it easy to carry for travel and daily use
✓Simple drip‑proof construction adds weather resistance for shooting in rain or fog

Price History

Current

$476.95

Average

$387.33

Lowest

$139.99

Highest

$476.95

Price trend (90d):+20.2%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#1,569Best#114Worst#1,600 -630

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Camera

Focal Length18-135mm (27.5-207mm 35mm equivalent)

Maximum Aperturef/3.5-5.6

Zoom Ratio7.5x

Extended Zoom Range75X

Angle of View (Diagonal)76° to 11.9°

Design

Height73mm mm

Width73mm mm

Length76mm mm

Diameter73mm mm

Lens Construction13 elements in 11 groups

Features

Autofocus SystemSDM (Supersonic Drive Motor)

Quick-Shift FocusSeamless transition from AF to MF without switching

CoatingSuper Multi-Coating (smc)

SP CoatingSuper Protective fluoride coating for water/oil repellency

Weather ResistanceSimple drip‑proof construction

General

BrandPentax

Model21977

WarrantyOne Year

Weight405g g

Filter Size62mm mm

Autofocus

Autofocus SystemSDM supersonic drive motor with Quick‑Shift manual focus

Coating

Lens CoatingSuper Multi‑Coating (smc) and Super Protective (SP) fluoride coating

Weather Resistance

ConstructionSimple drip‑proof design for rain and fog protection

Optical Elements

Special Elements1 ED glass, 1 hybrid aspherical (AL), 1 glass‑mold aspherical element

Image Circle

Sensor CoverageOptimized for 23.5 mm × 15.7 mm APS‑C sensor

Dimensions & Weight

Height2.87401 inches

Width2.87401 inches

Depth2.99212 inches

Weight0.8928721611 pounds

Research Sources

bhphotovideo.com

officedepot.com

pentaxforums.com

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User Reviews

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4.5

(266 reviews)

✓SDM supersonic drive motor delivers quiet and efficient autofocus performance

✓Quick‑Shift focus system allows seamless transition from autofocus to manual focus without switching

✓Super Multi‑Coating (smc) and Super Protective (SP) fluoride coating improve contrast and resist fingerprints

Cons

✗Variable maximum aperture shrinks from f/3.5 at 18mm to f/5.6 at 135mm, limiting low‑light capability and depth‑of‑field control
✗Narrower aperture at the telephoto end reduces ability to achieve creamy bokeh compared to constant‑aperture lenses
✗Optical performance, while solid for its class, falls short of premium DA‑Star lenses with constant f/2.8 apertures
✗Professional users may find the lens insufficient for demanding sports or wildlife work that requires faster, constant apertures

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Praised as a practical all‑in‑one solution offering strong optical performance for its zoom range and price point
✓7.5× zoom versatility highlighted as ideal for covering diverse photographic situations without changing lenses
✓SDM autofocus noted for its quiet operation, essential for capturing fleeting moments without distraction

Criticized by Experts

✗Variable aperture identified as a trade‑off compared to premium alternatives offering constant f/4 or f/2.8 apertures
✗Reviewers recommend DA‑Star f/2.8 lenses for professionals needing consistent aperture performance despite added weight

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Reliable autofocus performance suitable for everyday shooting scenarios
✓Convenient 7.5× zoom eliminates the need for frequent lens changes during a shoot
✓Compact and lightweight body appreciated by photographers who prioritize portability
✓Weather‑sealed construction valued for shooting in challenging weather conditions

Users Complain About

✗Variable aperture (f/3.5‑5.6) limits low‑light performance and shallow depth‑of‑field capabilities
✗Narrower aperture at the telephoto end restricts creative control for bokeh effects

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers consider the Pentax 18‑135mm a solid, versatile workhorse that balances size, price, and image quality. They commend its quiet SDM autofocus and broad focal range, but note the variable aperture as a compromise that makes it less suitable for low‑light or high‑creative‑control applications where constant fast apertures are preferred.

What Users Say

Everyday users praise the lens for its reliable autofocus, compact form factor, and weather‑resistant build, finding it ideal for travel and general photography. The most common criticism from consumers mirrors the experts: the variable aperture reduces low‑light performance and limits bokeh at the telephoto end.

Common Complaints

Variable aperture that narrows to f/5.6 at the telephoto end, limiting low‑light capability and bokeh; perceived lower optical performance compared to constant‑aperture DA‑Star lenses.

How It Compares

vs. 16-50mm f/2.8 DA-Star + 50-135mm f/2.8 DA-Star Combination

Advantages

✓Provides a constant f/2.8 aperture across both focal ranges for superior low‑light performance and shallow depth‑of‑field control
✓Professional‑grade optical quality from the DA‑Star lineup

Disadvantages

✗Requires swapping two separate lenses, adding weight and slowing workflow
✗Higher overall cost and bulk compared to a single 18‑135mm lens

Choose the DA‑Star combo if you need consistent fast apertures and top‑tier image quality; stick with the 18‑135mm for lighter, all‑in‑one convenience.

vs. 17-70mm f/4 Alternative

Advantages

✓Constant f/4 aperture offers more consistent exposure and depth‑of‑field than the variable f/3.5‑5.6 of the 18‑135mm
✓Simpler focal range may be easier to handle for some users

Disadvantages

✗Different focal length coverage does not reach the 207mm telephoto equivalent of the 18‑135mm
✗Potentially different optical characteristics and may lack the same weather‑sealed construction

The 17‑70mm f/4 is suitable for photographers who prioritize a constant aperture over maximum telephoto reach; the 18‑135mm remains the better choice for those needing broader zoom versatility.

Rating Trend

Rating4.4/ 5Reviews268+7 reviews -0.10