About Us
The Professional's Source Since 1973
  • Help
  • 212.444.6615
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
My Cart
Video Chat with a Photography Expert - Live
Home

Pentax smc PENTAX-DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Lens

BH #PE50135DA • MFR #21660
139 reviews
Print
Pentax smc PENTAX-DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Lens
Key Features
  • K Mount Lens/APS-C Format
  • 76.5-207mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • Three Extra-Low Dispersion Elements
The smc PENTAX-DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Lens from Pentax is a telephoto zoom designed for APS-C-format K mount DSLRs, where it will provide a 76.5-207mm equivalent focal length range. Three extra-low dispersion elements are incorporated within the optical design, which help to reduce chromatic aberrations and improve clarity and sharpness. Benefitting handling, the constant f/2.8 maximum aperture ensures consistent performance throughout the zoom range and also enables working with shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques. This lens also features an SDM autofocus motor that provides quick, near silent focusing performance and a Quick Shift Focus System for instantly switching between manual and autofocus operation.
No Longer Available
Used from$449.95
Ask an Expert
212.444.6615

Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Overview

The smc PENTAX-DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Lens from Pentax is a telephoto zoom designed for APS-C-format K mount DSLRs, where it will provide a 76.5-207mm equivalent focal length range. Three extra-low dispersion elements are incorporated within the optical design, which help to reduce chromatic aberrations and improve clarity and sharpness. Benefitting handling, the constant f/2.8 maximum aperture ensures consistent performance throughout the zoom range and also enables working with shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques. This lens also features an SDM autofocus motor that provides quick, near silent focusing performance and a Quick Shift Focus System for instantly switching between manual and autofocus operation.

This lens is treated with an smc coating for maintained light transmission, high contrast, and color-neutral imagery. Additionally, an SP (Super Protective) coating has also been applied to the front surface of the lens to repel oils and water, and the lens' design itself is also weather-resistant to better support working in trying conditions.

This telephoto zoom is designed for use with K mount APS-C DSLR cameras where it will provide a 76.5-207mm equivalent focal length range.
Incorporates three extra-low dispersion elements to compensate for chromatic aberrations and distortions.
DA*-series lenses feature tightly sealed, weather-resistant and dust-resistant construction that enhance durability for use in rain or dusty conditions.
The Supersonic Drive Motor (SDM) helps to achieve fast, precise, and smooth focusing performance to benefit working with a variety of subject types.
Quick-Shift Focus System allows to instantly switch the focus mode from AF to manual with a slight twist of the focus ring.
SP (Super Protective) coating has been applied to the front surface of the lens to offer excellent water- and oil-repellent performance.
Nine-blade diaphragm helps to produce smooth out-of-focus highlights when using shallow depth of field techniques

Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Specs

Focal Length
50 to 135mm (35mm Equivalent: 76.5 to 207mm)
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Lens Format Coverage
APS-C
Angle of View
31.5° to 11.9°
Minimum Focus Distance
3.28' / 1 m
Maximum Magnification
0.17x
Optical Design
18 Elements in 14 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
9
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
67 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
3.01 x 5.35" / 76.5 x 136 mm
Length at Maximum Extension
5.36" / 136.2 mm
Weight
1.51 lb / 685 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.415 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.4 x 6.4 x 4.8"

Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM Reviews

An ancient, but fantastic lens; I say even on full frame!

By Andrew
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-08-17

This was my first pro 2.8 lens 12 years ago, and it's a lens that has maintained my respect for it the older it gets. I've made hundreds of magical images with this lens on my K10, K7, K5, and then K1. Yeah, the K1. This lens handles 36MP with ease! I've used it through countless wet rainy shoots. One time 8 years ago I slipped and submerged my K10 with it attached! The lens/body didn't mind any of it. Pentax makes such well-built and reliable stuff, and I'm baffled at their lack of popularity.

VERY DISAPPOINTING LENS

By Jose Manuel
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2017-01-09

I purchased the lens before 2012 in B&H. During the first 12 months the lens worked properly, but beyond this time it started to faile the auto focus. I spent in vain 172 through Reflecta, Pentax distributor in Spain since they returned the camera with the same problem. After a phone discussion with Reflecta that pointed out that the lense worked fine, they acepted to return the lens again to be sent from Barcelona to Ricoh Pentax Europe Head Quarters in France. after 3 or 4 months, I received again the lens and surprisinlgy IT DIDN'T WORK. So, I'm using the lens in manual mode. This has been the worse photography investment of my life. A real swindle from Pentax.

shakey start, strong finish

By oldugly
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-04-20

The first use of this lens was a early morning balloon launch I was ready to return it and give up on Pentax lens. After rechecking the fine focus(it was ok} I took some zoo pictures with my grand-daughter, and some low light photos indoor and some moonlight photos outside that are excellent. This lens does not seem to like the AF.C mode on my K3, and seems to work best in manual and Av modes. As my main use will be low light and night photography this works well for me.

Purchased to replace damaged lens.

By Anonymous
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-04-17

This is my second Pentax DA 50-135mm Pentax lens. I purchased it because I loved the first one so well. The first one was destroyed when the retaining clip on my dual camera harness failed and the my K3 with the 50-135mm lens attached took a tumble to the floor. It landed on the lens hood, which snapped off destroying the threads not only on the hood but the lens as well. Something inside was damaged during the fall as well and the lens could no longer focus in either auto or manual mode. I purchased the original because it was becoming increasingly difficult to control the weight of my Sigma 70-200mm lens. I do not shoot with a monopod as I need the ability to change camera/lenses on a moments notice when covering sports, dances, concerts, etc. By using a dual camera strap I can carry 2 cameras and have a much wider lens range. Depending on lenses used, this can range in various combinations from 10mm to 300mm. This Pentax lens was a great replacement for the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 I had been using. I purchased it to shoot indoor sports and other events. Though not as fast focusing as the Sigma, this Pentax's focus system is very accurate and its lighter weight make it ideal for me. No matter how fast a focusing system, if you can't maneuver the lens into position and stabilize it to capture the sports image in a timely manner, focusing speed is third on the list of my priorities. For me, the Pentax 50-135mm lens is lighter, easier to maneuver, and easier to stabilize than the Sigma. The Pentax's focusing is just about as fast and is more accurate than the Sigma.

Great purchase

By Patrick
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-04-05

I have taken pictures that I normally would have had to have used a tripod.

After 41 years of Pentax use, this is my absolute favorite

By volosong
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2016-03-01

I've been a Pentax user, exclusively, since 1976. I own a lot of Pentax lenses, and a few third-party K-mount lenses. Of all of them, including the legendary FA Limiteds and the A50 1:1.2, the DA* 50-135 is my absolute favorite lens. The best pictures I have taken have been with this lens.However! The SDM auto-focus quit...twice! I paid to have it fixed the first time. Several years later, it quit again. No more. It is having a firmware hack installed which will disable the SDM and autofocus with the screw drive only. It has been said that the screew drive on this paricular lens is just as fast, if not slightly faster, than SDM. Just a little more noise. I can live with that to be able to use one of the best lenses Pentax has ever made in this focal length.

Very useful lens

By Rodney
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-08-17

I tried the 70-200mm f2.8. Nice lens but way too heavy to carry about. So I went with the 200mm f2.8 AND the 50-135 f2.8. It's a very useful zoom range (equal to 70-200 on crop sensor), good sharpness all round for a zoom, f2.8 all the way, internal focusing, internal zooming, reasonably light weight. What's not to like? It will always be in my bag.

Love this lens

By Russell
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-05-28

Amazing sharpness. Feels solid and well built. Snappy autofocus.

See any errors on this page? Let us know

question

I have Pentax K-1 camera. Can I use this lens on mu Pentax?
Asked by: adam
yes you can use it with the K1. I do it all the time however your K1 will operate as a crop sensor camera. other than that it will be fine.
Answered by: Lawrence M.
Date published: 2020-04-09

question

Will it work on Canon 5D with K to EF mount adapter?
Asked by: Raquel C.
B&H does not carry an adapter that would enable one to mount a K-mount lens onto a Canon EOS body, nor am I aware of one on the market. That being said, even if you were able to find an adapter, this lens is designed for APS-C size sensors, so its image circle wouldnt cover the 5Ds entire sensor. You would also likely lose all auto functions.
Answered by: Christina S.
Date published: 2019-09-28

question

is f/2.8 available through out all zoom positions?
Asked by: Anonymous
Yes, it is.
Answered by: NAVEEN N.
Date published: 2019-07-09
  • y_2023, m_4, d_25, h_22CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.35
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_3
  • loc_en_US, sid_485184, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo