Pentax SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

A very nice lens. Good image quality in my experience, at all focal lengths.

I bought the AL II version, separately (not as a kit). This review is based on my observations using a PENTAX *ist D --- your results may vary.

Image quality is quite good. Maybe a little vignetting (18mm F3.5), but really, its not that much. Some distortion, though, this is why I didn't give a 5/5.

This lens works fine with non-circular polarizer filters, AF is accurate and metering appears to be OK. Also, I sometimes employ a 0.55x filter-thread-screw-on converter... which makes 18mm into approx 9.70mm fish-eye. The results are suprisingly good, though vignetting is very pronounced.

Another fine product by PENTAX... heartily reccomend.

Some example photos (more are added when I can go shooting):
>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexd_images/tags/smcpentaxda1855mmf3556alii <<

• Relatively inexpensive.
• Very compact, lightweight. (Good for travel)
• 52mm filter threads. (Substantial savings with filters/accessories).
• Smooth-turning ring, with a very nice "feel".
• Great focal length range for most everyday shooting situations. (27mm-82.5mm equiv).
• 'Quick-Shift' focus system means no more fiddling with camera AF-mode switches. (Simply grab the focus ring to use MF).
• Pretty good image quality. Not just for the price, but pretty good overall.
• I don't have any probelems at all with vignetting. The AL II version seems to have resolved the vignetting issues in the original AL version of the lens.
• Very nice build quality and finish (quality smooth plastics).
• Handy "finishing touches". Examples are the small window in the lens hood, for aiding with PL-filter usage. The window can be closed by sliding in a plastic cover which comes included. Another welcome addition is the ribbed textures on the lens barrel---makes changing lenses easier. Thank you PENTAX! =)

• Quite pronounced barrel distortions at 18mm, and not until about 35mm do they start to subside somewhat. Keep in mind though, it isn't too bad unless you are a nitpicky architectural shooter. Distortions can be fixed using most image-editing programs (i.e. PhotoShop, GIMP, PaintShop Pro, etc.).
• Small maximum apertures (18mm = F3.5, 19mm = F4, then F4.5, 55mm is F5.6).
• Image quality in my opinon has room for improvement at 55mm. This lens is at is best around 35mm, but the wide/tele ends are a bit lacking at times.
• Edge and corner sharpness can be noticeably poor when shooting with aperture wide-open. Soft corners are even visible through the camera viewfinder if you look closely.... close down the aperture to around F9 if light conditions allow.

• Currently 5 other pentax-mount lenses.
• Panasonic DMC-FZ7K.

• Haven't contacted PENTAX with regard to this lens. However, I did contact them with other subjects and was 100% satisfied with the support received.

This lens came with the purchase of my Pentax *ist DS. Initially I did not make much of this lens as I was building up a collection of manual K lens. I was only going to use this in taking snap shots and travel pictures when carrying a bunch of my prime lenses are not practical.

So that's what I did. As time goes by, I notice that the picture quality of this lens is quite okay. I cannot compare it to some of my legendary primes but for most of the work it is very good.

For the price (in my case it came with the camera) it provides a very good value.

Compact size. Light weight.

Versatility of Zoom. Having a zoom ring.

Having a focus ring allows you to manual focus if desired.

Fully automatic with the Pentax *ist and K100D series bodies.

Use of 52mm filter is a good thing as most of my K lenses use 52mm.

Reversible bayonet style lens hood is really desirable.

Not convenient to use in manual mode. No aperture ring. (but then it is not meant to be used this way I guess)

Build quality is not like the old lenses. Plastic feel.

Many K manual lenses.

Not needed.