The Pentax smc P-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL is designed for use exclusively with digital SLR cameras. This lens is the perfect complement to a digital Pentax SLR camera, providing the popular range of angle-of-view which is most associated with a standard zoom lens today. It provides an angle-of-view equivalent to a 27.5mm-84mm lens in the 35mm format.
The aspherical optical elements in this new lens contribute to a reduction in size and weight of the lens and offers more effective compensation of unwanted aberrations.
Like all Pentax lenses, this lens is treated with smc coating for maximum light transmission, sharp definition, and high contrast images.
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| f/Stop Range | 3.5-38 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 10" (25 cm) |
| Magnification | 1:3 |
| Angle of View | 76° - 29° |
| Groups/Elements | 9/12 |
| Length | 2.7" (68mm) |
| Maximum Diameter | 2.7" (68mm) |
| Weight | 7.9 oz (225 g) |
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Autofocus Lens:
This is a great starter lens. It performs nicely for the beginning to intermediate photographer. I have used for shooting pictures of waterfalls and wildlife that is up close with great results. Sharp focus and great depth of field.
Pros
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Autofocus Lens:
I got this lens with the K10d kit and used it exclusively for ~6 months. It's a great starter lens, light, solid, reasonably good performance. Of course it's not comparable to many higher end lenses, but you get a decent value for [$].If you get this lens as part of a kit for $50-100 then I think you've done well. If you're buying the body and lens separately, I might consider dropping a few more bucks for something a little nicer like the Sigma 28-70.
Pros
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Autofocus Lens:
Sharp, clear & defined images, lightweight... but don't go under 24 mm, the vignetting is too strong.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Autofocus Lens:
Good lens for general use but vignettes and barrel distorts at 18mm. I shoot mostly landscapes so for me the barreling at wide angle is annoying. I have the 16-50mm f2.8 and that lens is much better but at 7 times the cost and much heavier. Good, light and cheap all around “kit lens”
Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Autofocus Lens:
This is the lens that comes with the Pentax K10D kit. I had read several reviews criticizing this lens- but after using it- I believe much of the criticism comes from people who believe in the expensive is always better philosophy. It used to be like that with 35mm photography- but with digital- almost any lens problem can be corrected in Photoshop.This lens does everything I ask it to do- and have gotten some really spectacular photos with it. I have not noticed any problems with this lens that couldn't be corrected in Photoshop- namely the slight vignetting at 18mm- which was easy to fix.
Expertise: Semi-Professional
Items I Recommend: Pentax K10D camera
Comments about Pentax SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Autofocus Lens:
My specimen is superb at 20mm and longer, nicely sharp, high contrast. 18mm is nice but slight vignetting may require a little tweaking in photoshop on bright images- however, I've not had to do it yet. Excellent build quality includes metal camera mount and great price. Certainly one of the better kit lenses available.
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