Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR Review
The Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR ($476.95) is a compact, long range zoom with a weather-sealed design to match the Pentax SLR lineup. It's price isn't bad, especially when you consider its build quality, but image quality drops off significantly as you zoom, delivering soft results at 70mm and beyond. Coupled with the distortion that's typical of this type of lens, we don't recommend buying it, which is a shame as there aren't any third-party alternatives available with an all-weather design. The Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM ($399.00 at Amazon) is a fair-weather lens, but one that delivers a longer zoom range and better optical performance, all for less money.
Design
The 18-135mm ($399.95 at Amazon) is a sturdy, compact zoom. It measures 3.0 by 2.9 inches (HD) when set to the 18mm position and weighs about 14.3 ounces. It's finished in black, with a green accent ring, and its barrel is a mix of metal and polycarbonate elements. A reversible lens ho...
The Pentax SMC DA 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 ED AL (IF) DC WR lens features an all-weather design and delivers on its promise of a long zoom range, but its image quality is disappointing.
7.5x zoom range; All-weather design; Compact and light
Soft edges and weak telephoto performance; Noticeable distortion