Samyang 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC Lens for Pentax K Mount Review

The Samyang 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC is a fully manual telephoto prime designed for Pentax K-mount cameras. At $399, it offers an exceptionally fast aperture in a focal length prized for portraiture, event photography, and selective compression work. On APS-C bodies, the field of view stretches to around 200mm equivalent, making it a viable telephoto option for sports or wildlife on a budget.

Build quality centers on traditional manual controls: a tactile focus ring and a physical aperture ring with clickable stops from f/2.0 to f/22. Samyang includes one extra-low dispersion element to curb chromatic aberration and applies ultra multi-coating to suppress flare and ghosting. The nine-blade diaphragm rounds out to deliver smooth bokeh at wide apertures. The minimum focus distance of 2.6 feet is typical for this class, and the 77mm filter thread is a professional standard.

Without autofocus or electronic coupling, the lens demands patience and precision. Pentax shooters who enjoy manual operation and want a fast telephoto without spending four figures will find the specs compelling, though hands-on reviews will clarify real-world sharpness and coma control.