Pentax Zoom Super Wide Angle SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR
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.
- DA series specifically designed for digital cameras
- Quick-Shift Focus System allows for instant switch-over from AF to manual focus
- The aperture ring has been eliminated from this lens to simplify camera operations and improve appearance while aperture-setting operation is performed from the camera body
| 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) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
67%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- General purpose (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Sharp Focus
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
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
- Lightweight
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Back-Up
- General Use
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
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Sharp Focus
- Sharp in the focus area
Cons
- Vignetttes
Best Uses
- General Use
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.
- Recommended:
- 52 mm Circular polarizer
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
- Barrel distortion
Best Uses
- General Use
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.
Displaying reviews 1-6
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $8.06
- Price: $15.74
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $16.95
Care & Cleaning
- Price: $6.95
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $24.95
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- PH-RBA Lens Hood
- 1-Year Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
