Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM Review

Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8ED [IF] SDM Handling and Features

The build quality of this lens is excellent, with high quality plastics used for the construction of much the lens barrel and the bayonet being constructed from metal. It sports a weather and dust resistant construction and isn't overly heavy for an optic with a constant f/2.8 aperture, weighing around 765g. As a result, it balances well with the Pentax K-5 IIs body used for testing.

The lens barrel doesn't extend, as focusing and zoom are performed internally and the filter thread does not rotate. This makes it perfect for use with polarising and graduated filters. A deep petal-shaped hood is supplied with the lens that attaches to the front of the lens via a bayonet fitting.



The manual focusing ring doesn't rotate during auto-focus and manual adjustments can be applied at any time. Manual focusing action is not as smooth as you may expect from a lens of this level and price, on the sample used for testing. Even so, there is enough damping to make applying manual focus adjustments easy. Auto focus is powered by a silent motor in the lens, which is quick to lock onto subjects. The minimum focus distance of one metre is fairly standard for a lens of this type.

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