Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 Test Shots

2008-12-01
I tried out the DA* zoom and I really like the zoom. I can't let it go. It is harder to let go on the DA* zoom than my FA 31mm limited. I have been toying an idea to sell some of my expensive gear to make a dual system with Nikon with zooms in 12-24, 16-85, 55-200 with VR and a fast 50mm. I tried out the DA* zoom this long weekend in Monterey Bay, CA and have some initial test shots done with Pentax K20D

Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 and Pentax K20D


Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 and Pentax K20D

Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 and Pentax K20D


Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 and Pentax K20D

Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 and Pentax K20D

Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 and Pentax K20D


I kind of get used to loud noise of zooms as in DA 50-200 or Tamron 70-300 Di LD Macro. Once I try it out on the DA* zoom, I feel quite a difference in how good it is to shoot pictures with a quiet zoom. AF speed is similar to other zooms, maybe a bit faster but not by much. The one thing that I can whine about it is the lens cap as I find myself springing up the cap unexpectedly due to the shallow grip in front clipping the lens cap while the hood is on. The other complaint is on the heavier weight that don't seem to be well balanced until I mount the battery grip. With the grip on, the balance is better though heavier. But I prefer to use the grip with the DA* zoom. The 77mm limited is insanely good and I would say that the DA* zoom is the best zoom that I have used from Pentax. I can't let go either of the 77mm and DA* zoom. I rather cut loose on my FA 31mm f/1.8 limited than the two lens that I love instantly -- FA 77mm limited and the DA* 50-135. I need assessment for the FA 31mm f/1.8 limited, I like to hear on others' thoughts on that lens. While my "Lady Queen" performs extraordinary for me in low light and street shooting, I don't have the crazy attachment to the lens that I have established with the 77mm limited and the DA* zoom. I will push myself into more photo opportunity with the 31mm limited to further study my "Lady Queen." Some test shots with FA 31mm limited
I plan to keep both lens and find other candidates to trim instead


Impressions & Notes:
  • Probably the best AF zoom that I have used in Pentax
  • I know that this lens is very quiet in AF and I thought that noise from AF don't bother me as I get used to the AF motor noise from other consumer zooms. This lens has changed my mind about physical noise on AF
  • Pictures have prime quality in sharpness, color and bokeh
  • I love the range for portraits and candid shots
  • I don't quite like the lens in terms of size and weight. While there are other lens which are even heavier, I find the lens not well balanced until I mount my battery grip on.
  • The build quality of the zoom is outstanding
  • Zoom lens pick up a lot of details
  • If I can whine about another thing, I don't like the lens cap as the inner grip is so shallow and I tend to lose its grip in mounting the cap while the hood is on
  • The lens is expensive and heavy as compared to my past lens, but the IQ, build and quiet operation pays well above and beyond my normal whining about the lens
  • Though very quiet, the AF in this DA* zoom is not fast. It may be a touch faster than other zoom but not by much.

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