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I wasn't sure I'd like this lens from the mixed reviews, but after using mine for 3 weeks on my Pentax K-5 I'd say it's one of the best super zooms you can get for a Pentax DSLR.
Pros:
Weather resistant in rain, snow, etc.
Excellent color and contrast
Auto focus is very quick on my K-5 and quiet
Solid build, especially compared to other plastic extending zooms
Not a macro, but works surprising well for flower shots
Really smooth bokeh for closeups and telephoto
Reversible lens hood
Auto focus doesn't move the focus ring, but can be moved manually anytime for adjustments
Resistant to flare and ghosting
Cons:
Focus ring has no scale and can be moved past the "stops"
It's a varifocal zoom (zooming requires you to refocus a bit)
No aperture ring (unfortunately this is becoming a trend)
Manual focus ring is usable, but not ideal since it only turns 90 degrees (before reaching the soft stops)
Some chromatic aberrations (purple fringe) with high-contrast subjects (correctable with software, or in my K-5)
My copy shows slight visible barrel distortion from 18-24mm, good from 24mm-50mm, and slight pincushion from 50-135mm
Unfortunately this lens is not suited for serious video: where you usually want manual focus, zoom without losing focus, and the ability to rack aperture.
People also complain that the lens is soft -a common complaint with super zooms. The real question is, "is it sharp enough." That's very subjective. My copy looked good, but a bit disappointing when pixel peeping. I tested it and found it was front focusing slightly. Easy to correct on the Pentax K7 and K5. Now it's sharp in the center, and sharp enough in the corners.
So as a travel/walkabout lens I give it 5 stars.
As a serious video lens: 3 stars -you're better off with manual zooms and primes that give you much better control and selective focus.
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