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The Pentax SMC DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR is a standard lens for APS-C, manufactured from 2009. The focus is done by In-camera AF motor, it does not have image stabilization. The average price, when it has been added to the JuzaPhoto database, is 194 €;
37 users have given it an average vote of 8.8 out of 10.
MOUNT
This lens is available with the following mounts:
Pentax: this lens is compatible with reflex APS-C Pentax.
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The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.
Pros:Lightweight, weather resistant, solid construction to be an optical kit, optical design that can reserve surprises if you have a good specimen
Cons:I've had 5 examples of 18-55 with the same optical scheme (3 DA-L and 2 WR) and they suffer from a great variability in optical quality, but after all they are optics "so much per kilo", you can't expect much
Opinion:I have reported in the pros and cons what I think of this great little lens that does not shine for resolution and perfection of the edges, but that winks at those who, with some tricks, need to take the photo home with a lens that does not clutter, does not weigh, is WR, is robust and is equipped with a lens hood as standard. Also, in my opinion, the WR lenses are the most beautiful line (aesthetically speaking) produced by Pentax. Compared to the first series DA (which I also own), the later 18-55 have an improved optical design, which is especially visible at "tele" focal lengths and wide aperture. However, the best results are obtained by diaphragmizing a little, which also mitigates the variability from specimen to specimen. The best performance, as you can expect, is obtained around 35mm, where in my opinion even the blur improves, in addition to the general performance. At the end of the day, it's a lens with which almost everything is done, especially for those who are starting out. The 18-55 doesn't have "extreme" focal lengths and it's not particularly bright so I think it's designed above all to orient the photographer towards new purchases, but this doesn't mean that you forget it at the bottom of the bag: it can always come in handy because it's "easy", light and in the case in question it's also WR. Finally, coupled with the (conscious) use of an external flash can solve many difficult situations.
Pros:Compact, tropicalized, lightweight, value for money, flare resistance
Cons:In the 'poor' plastic version it does not have the distance scale, dark
Opinion:Superior level kit lens compared to the competition, even if it is made entirely of plastic. Fast and accurate AF but quite noisy. To start photographing is a great lens, the focusing distance of 25 cm allows you to experiment. The tropicalization allows you to shoot in any weather without paturnia. Acceptable sharpness along the entire range of focal lengths, I photographed everything (even starry skies) with great satisfaction. The greatest limitation is given by the low brightness and the loss of sharpness at 55 mm. Some AC in situations of high contrast but nothing dramatic. If it were even just a fixed f 4 it would be a must have for compactness and focal lengths. Rating 8 full and with value for money (the all-plastic version, optically identical to the other costs 100 euros) is absolutely unbeatable.
Pros:Construction, tropicalization, metal bayonet, value for money, focal range
Cons:...
Opinion:Bought for my daughter at the first photographic experiences, but before putting it in her hand I tested it and evaluated it personally, although not in a maniacal way. The construction quality of this zoom suitable for general use immediately comes to the fore. as soon as you take it in your hand you immediately perceive a certain robustness and general ness of the lens that, has no games or weaknesses in general. The metal bayonet also gives the idea of greater stability to the plug on the camera and longer life. Seals do their duty by protecting it from moisture, even high, dust and various infiltrations once mounted on the machine. Construction and finishes make it really pleasant both to the eye and to the touch.... almost wanted to keep it to me. The zoom ring is well sized, has no strange games and offers pleasant resistance. Maybe a little tight and light in adjusting the focus ring but, considering the wide use of autofocus, it's also fine. The optical yield is very valid at all focal lengths, obviously also considering the price, with a decent resistance to flare. In the class of this type of optics is fine.... if you are looking for fast and ultra-defined optics, you need to go to other types of optics. Overall I consider it as an excellent first lens that, coupled with equally tropicalized machine bodies, will allow you to photograph in any climatic situation... for sure the photographer will be the first to give in to the weather and not the body machine and lens system.
Pros:Value for money, tropicalization, compact and light
Cons:Nothing given the cost
Opinion:It is distinguished by the lightness that allows you to transport it easily, despite this the construction quality is very good: the rings are very sliding and precise. A point in favor for tropicalization that allows you to shoot even in adverse weather conditions (tested during a copious snowfall and despite being wet they have not suffered consequences neither he nor the machine). Good sharpness especially for diaphragm values greater than 5-6 while losing a little on the sides at the extreme focal points. Not too bright but in critical situations you can easily compensate by raising the iso. In my opinion perfect to start with, it combines ease of transport with a multiplicity of uses to which it lends itself (portraiture, landscaping, etc...).
Cons:It has its obvious limitations that must be compared to the price
Opinion:I do not go down to the technical specific because you can find all sorts of reviews about it. I say that he gave me shots that I still like a lot years later. I remember all its limitations such as open diaphragms sharpness and plastic construction (which makes it light) tropicalization not too effective in my opinion, especially against dust. To start a great companion, a lens that on the go you can mistreat without remorse thanks to the low price of optics.
The sample photos are selected automatically between all photos posted by JuzaPhoto members, using the camera and the lens selected in the techs. If you find evident errors (e.g. photos taken with cameras and lenses that are not available yet), you can contribute to improve the page by sending a private message to the user that has entered incorrect values in the photo caption.