[Klaus]

[quote name='Bjoern' timestamp='1298489346' post='6300']

Klaus



Is the Pentax 18-135 any better than the Sigma HSM 18-125 (3,8-5,6)? The Sigma is a bargain with arround 260 €. Not a bad lens at all in my opinion.



Regards

[/quote]





The data does not suggest this. The Tamron 18-270 is also superior.

[Klaus]

[quote name='Brightcolours' timestamp='1298459841' post='6295']

The king is dead (out of production).

[/quote]



Hey, it lives on my desk at least. ;-)

[thxbb12]

Klaus,



When do you plan on publishing the results of your test? ... ah the wait is not easy <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



Thanks!

[Klaus]

[quote name='thxbb12' timestamp='1298900419' post='6399']

Klaus,



When do you plan on publishing the results of your test? ... ah the wait is not easy <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



Thanks!

[/quote]



You've to wait till Tuesday or Wednesday, I'm afraid.

I'm currently busy with Skiing and outdoor-whirlpooling in the Dolomites. ;-)



Sorry ... couldn't resist ...

[thxbb12]

[quote name='Klaus' timestamp='1298905902' post='6400']

You've to wait till Tuesday or Wednesday, I'm afraid.

I'm currently busy with Skiing and outdoor-whirlpooling in the Dolomites. ;-)



Sorry ... couldn't resist ...

[/quote]





Eheh, saying that I don't envy you would be quite a lie as seating in front of my computer is not the most exciting thing in the world! ...But aren't you supposed to be out taking pictures instead of checking your messages? <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



Btw, did you take with your our K5 + 18-135 WR kit? It's a perfect combo for skiing/snowboard adventure for sure.



Enjoy your trip!

[Klaus]

[quote name='thxbb12' timestamp='1298907170' post='6401']

Eheh, saying that I don't envy you would be quite a lie as seating in front of my computer is not the most exciting thing in the world! ...But aren't you supposed to be out taking pictures instead of checking your messages? <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



Btw, did you take with your our K5 + 18-135 WR kit? It's a perfect combo for skiing/snowboard adventure for sure.



Enjoy your trip!

[/quote]



Oh well, message checking is part of my afternoon cake procedure. ;-)



But if you want something concrete - the 18-135 will get a ** optical rating. The long end performance spoils the game.

[thxbb12]

[quote name='Klaus' timestamp='1298907545' post='6402']

Oh well, message checking is part of my afternoon cake procedure. ;-)



But if you want something concrete - the 18-135 will get a ** optical rating. The long end performance spoils the game.

[/quote]



Ugh, ** is pretty bad <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

From the comments of the few users I read here and there, I was expecting something along the *** line.

Bummer <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



What I'm really hoping for from Pentax is something like a 16-70 2.8-4.5 WR with excellent IQ (price doesn't matter much as long as it's good). I guess I can keep dreaming!

To me the main reason for WR is more the dust protection. I keep getting dust in my zoom lenses and I find it really annoying (the Sigma 17-70 is a dust vaccum it seems!).

[Guest]

[quote name='thxbb12' timestamp='1298922501' post='6403']

What I'm really hoping for from Pentax is something like a 16-70 2.8-4.5 WR

[/quote]



I'd happily take one of those thank you.



That said the new 18-270mm PZD for the Pentax mount in either Tamron or licensed form would be very welcome as well.

[Klaus]

[quote name='CSpronken' timestamp='1299067166' post='6429']

I'd happily take one of those thank you.



That said the new 18-270mm PZD for the Pentax mount in either Tamron or licensed form would be very welcome as well.

[/quote]



Well, they have the 17-70mm and it's good. I strongly doubt that they will release another "prosumer" zoom lens.



16-45/4

16-50/2.8

17-70/4

18-55/3.5-5.6

18-135/3.5-5.6



Isn't that enough ? :-)

[thxbb12]

[quote name='Klaus' timestamp='1299073346' post='6440']

Well, they have the 17-70mm and it's good. I strongly doubt that they will release another "prosumer" zoom lens.



16-45/4

16-50/2.8

17-70/4

18-55/3.5-5.6

18-135/3.5-5.6



Isn't that enough ? :-)

[/quote]



They just didn't release the lens I'm interested in:



* 16-45: not long enough nor WR

* 16-50: a bit too short, soft at f/2.8 and soso up to f/4, plus the lens doesn't focus well on non-contrasty subjects

* 17-70: "only" starts at 17mm and not WR

* 18-55: only 18mm

* 18-135: only 18mm as well



A 16-70 WR (f/2.8-4.5 or constant f/4) would be ideal.



Zeiss made an excellent 18-60 f/3.5-4.5 in Sony mount and Nikon have the 16-85 f/3.5-5.6 (bit slow).

Both of these lenses are very good optically while not breaking the bank.

I believe Pentax could make a good 16-70 WR optically and to me it would be a nice differentatior.



Plus, I don't understand why they don't release more WR lenses. Afterall, they prone themselves for targeting outdoor photographers while they don't seem to release that many WR lenses (limiteds shouldn't be, but 12-24, 17-70 and 55-300 clearly come to mind).