* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Pentax 50-135mm f/2.8 SMC PENTAX-DA* ED IF SDM Autofocus APS-C Lens for K-Mount {67}
-
$414.00
Select Payment Method
-
KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
-
All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
-
Standard accessories included
Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8: the APS-C portrait telephoto built to last
The DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 sits at the top of Pentax's APS-C lens lineup, carrying the Star designation that signals the brand's highest optical and build standards. On a Pentax APS-C body, the 50-135mm range translates to roughly 77-207mm equivalent, putting it squarely in portrait and short telephoto territory. The constant f/2.8 aperture holds across that entire range, which matters when light drops or when you need consistent depth of field control from one end to the other.
ED glass addresses chromatic aberration where it tends to hurt most, in high-contrast telephoto shots where color fringing along edges can soften an otherwise clean frame. Internal Focusing keeps the front element stationary during autofocus, so the barrel length stays fixed and any polarizing or graduated filter you've threaded onto the 67mm front doesn't rotate during a shot. The SDM Supersonic Drive Motor runs the AF quietly and with reasonable speed, an asset in situations where noise draws attention or where subject motion demands a quick lock.
For Pentax KAF2 mount shooters who need a serious workhorse in the mid-telephoto range, this lens represents the system's own answer than an afterthought from a third party.
Who It's For
Portrait photographers shooting on Pentax APS-C bodies get an effective 207mm-equivalent upper reach with a constant f/2.8 aperture that separates subjects cleanly from backgrounds. Event and wedding photographers benefit from the SDM's quiet focus drive, which avoids disrupting quiet moments during ceremonies. Sports and outdoor photographers working under variable light rely on that fixed maximum aperture staying consistent through the zoom range. Landscape photographers using polarizers will appreciate Internal Focusing keeping the 67mm filter thread stationary throughout the focus cycle.
Key Features
- Constant f/2.8 aperture across entire 50-135mm focal range
- ED glass elements reduce chromatic aberration in high-contrast shots
- Internal Focusing keeps barrel fixed during autofocus cycles
- SDM Supersonic Drive Motor delivers quiet, responsive AF
- 67mm filter thread accepts standard polarizers and ND filters
- Pentax DA* series designation signals top-tier optical quality
FAQ
- What's the field of view on a Pentax APS-C body?
- 50-135mm becomes 77-207mm equivalent on the 1.5x crop, placing it solidly in portrait and short telephoto range. That 135mm end gives you real compression for subject separation without the bulk of a longer lens.
- Does the aperture stay at f/2.8 across the entire zoom range?
- Yes. The constant f/2.8 aperture holds from 50mm to 135mm, so you get consistent depth of field control and light transmission whether you're zoomed tight or wide within the range.
- What does Internal Focusing actually do for you?
- The front element stays put during focus shifts, so the barrel doesn't extend and any filter you've threaded on won't rotate mid-shot. That matters if you're using a polarizer or graduated ND.
- How fast is the SDM autofocus?
- SDM is reasonably quick and runs quietly, which counts in situations where noise matters or subjects move suddenly. It's not the fastest motor Pentax makes, but it's reliable and predictable.
- What does ED glass do in a telephoto lens?
- ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass minimizes chromatic aberration - that color fringing that shows up in high-contrast edges when you're shooting at distance. In telephoto work, clean contrast and crisp edges make the difference between a sharp frame and a soft one.
- What's the filter thread size?
- 67mm. That's wide enough that you'll have good selection in polarizers and ND filters without breaking the bank on specialty glass sizes.
- Is this lens built for durability?
- The DA* designation means it meets Pentax's highest optical and mechanical standards. This isn't a consumer-grade lens - it's engineered to hold up to regular professional use.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Pentax KAF2 |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Pentax |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 67mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Pentax KAF2 (SMC-DA, SMC-DFA) |
| Lens Type | Telephoto / Long |
| Max Focal Length | 135mm |
| Min Focal Length | 50mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
