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Pentax HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Lens

BH #PE111828HDDA • MFR #21230
 6 reviews
Pentax HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Lens
Key Features
  • K-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
  • 17-27.5mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • Two Aspherical Elements, Two ED Elements
Covering a versatile range of wide-angle focal lengths, the HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW from Pentax is a 17-27.5mm-equivalent zoom for APS-C-format cameras. The lens's wide design and bright f/2.8 maximum aperture make it particularly well-suited to astrophotography applications, as well as landscape and interior shooting. The optical design incorporates a series of aspherical and low dispersion elements, which help to control distortion and color fringing for improved sharpness and clarity, and an Aero Bright II Coating has been applied to benefit contrast and color accuracy. Additionally, a Super Protect Coating, along with a weather-sealed design, make this lens suitable for use in trying weather conditions.
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Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Overview

Covering a versatile range of wide-angle focal lengths, the HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW from Pentax is a 17-27.5mm-equivalent zoom for APS-C-format cameras. The lens's wide design and bright f/2.8 maximum aperture make it particularly well-suited to astrophotography applications, as well as landscape and interior shooting. The optical design incorporates a series of aspherical and low dispersion elements, which help to control distortion and color fringing for improved sharpness and clarity, and an Aero Bright II Coating has been applied to benefit contrast and color accuracy. Additionally, a Super Protect Coating, along with a weather-sealed design, make this lens suitable for use in trying weather conditions.

Wide-angle zoom is designed for APS-C-format Pentax K-mount cameras and offers a 17-27.5mm equivalent focal length range.
Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture suits working in difficult lighting conditions and offers consistent illumination throughout the zoom range.
Two aspherical elements, two extra-low dispersion elements, and one aspherical element made from extra-low dispersion glass are used to significantly reduce both spherical and chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range for improved sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy.
Aero Bright II Coating has been applied to individual elements to minimize ghosting and flare for greater contrast and color neutrality when working in strong lighting conditions.
SP (Super Protect) Coating has also been applied to the front element to guard against moisture and grease.
DC motor delivers quick and precise autofocus performance and an integrated Focus Clamp mechanism can be used to lock the focusing position in place to prevent accidental adjustments. A quick-shift focusing clutch mechanism also affords fast switching between autofocus and manual focus operation.
Weather-resistant construction incorporates 10 distinct seals about the lens body to prevent the intrusion of moisture or dust.
Dedicated space for wrapping an optional heating device around the lens to prevent freezing and condensation from accumulating when working in cold temperatures.
Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
UPC: 027075299733

Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Specs

Focal Length
11 to 18mm (35mm Equivalent: 17 to 27.5mm)
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Lens Format Coverage
APS-C
Angle of View
104° to 76°
Minimum Focus Distance
11.81" / 30 cm
Maximum Magnification
0.1x
Optical Design
16 Elements in 11 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
82 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
3.54 x 3.94" / 90 x 100 mm
Length at Maximum Extension
3.93" / 99.8 mm
Weight
1.55 lb / 704 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.275 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.8 x 6.4 x 5"

Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Reviews

Excellent image quality

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-13

This purchase was an upgrade from a Pentax DA 10-17mm fisheye lens. The image quality certainly lives up to the excellent reputation of the Pentax lenses. This is a fast lens at f/2.8 and the ability to mount filters on it is a welcome addition over the Pentax DA 10-17mm lens. I couldn't be happier!

comparison review

By Richard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-08

I already had a Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 lens but found that my photos were not as nice as I wanted. I compared it to my DA* 16-50 lens that was my go-to lens. Photos with the Sigma lacked a certain something. I expected the Pentax 11-18 to somehow be better. I tested these lenses on both my K5 and my K3, in jpeg and PEF, ISO 100. I tested at only 11 and 18 mm. I found the detail of the 10-20 to be excellent, perhaps in extreme magnification to be ever so slightly better, but both were excellent. The Sigma is half the price of the Pentax. However, the Pentax produced images that I found more satisfying, especially in colour rendition. If you are looking for the best value, the Sigma is it, but if you are looking at what will be more satisfying, as I was, then the Pentax wins due to better colour, a decidedly better made product, AW and an f value of 2.8. The Sigma did the job but the Pentax made me happy. Contrary to some statements of softness in the corners, I did not notice this. I also tested the 11-18 on my K3 vs. my K1 II with the 24-70 lens. I used 16 mm on the K3 and 24 on the K1 II. The detail in magnification with the 24-70 was slightly better, as is to be expected but neither was less than excellent. I do not regret getting the HD DA* 11-18 f 2.8 lens and expect neither will anyone else. The Sigma will be my back up lens. The 11-18 may become my go-to lens. It will certainly be used far more frequently than the Sigma was.

Great ultra wide lens!

By Rodney
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-09-13

Very sharp all the way across the frame and into the corner. Very well built and handles well and focus is fast enough and silent. It out performs the Sigma 10-20mm f2.8 which gets very soft towards the edges. The Sigma is a nice lens but the Pentax gets the star.

Wide angle goodness.

By Mike
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2019-03-11

The image quality is pretty impressive at the wide end fully open, however it is not perfect with some minimal distortion and some fringing. Stop it down step or two and it is in the limited territory. Focusing speed is about the same as the DA 20-40 LTD. Weight... not light but  this lens feels very good on my KP with the battery grip. After getting this lens the 15 ltd spends a lot of time being idle.

I Love This Lens!

By Laurena
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-05-18

This lens has given me the most beautiful images! Clear, sharp images from front to back. Truly a high-quality lens and my absolute new favorite. The only bummer was that my NiSi filter holder doesn't fit over the outside of the lens where the hood attaches. Which simply gives me the opportunity to try out some new circular filters.

comparison review update

By Richard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-18

After now using this lens for a while, I have made this my go-to lens on my K3 III. The Sigma was a very occasionally used alternate because my Pentax 16-50* produced far nicer photos. If you read my first lens review, you will note that the comparison was with the Sigma 10-20 f 4-5.6. This is a discontinued lens and was replaced by the Sigma 10-20 f 3.5. Imaging Resource compared both Sigmas and found the old model to actually be sharper so I expect that if comparing the new Sigma 10-20 to the Pentax 11-18, you will find the sharpness to be basically identical, or even that the Pentax could be slightly sharper.

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How will this lens behave on a FF body like the ...

How will this lens behave on a FF body like the K1?
Asked by: Richard
Yes. It will work from 14-18mm.
Answered by: Terry
Date published: 2022-05-19

Will this work with a K3 as well as the listed K3 ...

Will this work with a K3 as well as the listed K3 II, etc.?
Asked by: Laurena
Yes, the Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 ED DC AW lens is compatible with the Pentax K3 camera.
Answered by: Boyd
Date published: 2023-02-10

Can large filter holders be thread attached to ...

Can large filter holders be thread attached to the front of this lens?
Asked by: Robert
As long as the brand/model filter holder you own or are planning to purchase has 82mm adapter rings designed for use with the filter holder, then yes, you may attach a filter holder (with the 82mm adapter ring) to the filter threads on the front of the Pentax HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Lens.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2020-03-12
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