Pentax 18-55mm WR Kit Lens Review

An in-depth review of the weather-sealed Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens

By PF Staff in Review Announcements on Mar 31, 2014

The 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens is by far the most common zoom lens seen on DSLRs today, and also one of the most cost-effective lens choices available on the new lens market.  Currently, Pentax has a number of different versions of this lens, including the DA L 18-55mm with a plastic mount (~$50), the weather-sealed DA L 18-55mm WR with a plastic mount (~$80), and the premium weather-sealed DA 18-55mm WR with a metal lens mount and full-time manual focus override ($199).  All these of these share the same optical formula and lens coatings.  While the lenses are typically bundled with new DSLRs, the latter of the three is also available for purchase separately.

In our latest in-depth review, we'll be taking a close look at the optical performance of the SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR.  Despite being the cheapest zoom lens in Pentax's current lineup, this lens actually packs a punch for everyday shooting, and we find it to be a good alternative to older consumer zooms such as those in the Pentax F and FA lens series.

Click here to continue to the Pentax 18-55mm WR kit lens review