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09-01-2011, 05:49 PM   #1
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WR Lenses

I am thinking about buying one of the lower cost WR lenses. One thing kind of bugs me though, and that is none of them appear to be very fast. I have a K20D so I'm not going to shoot ISO 3200 on a dreary day. I don't really see a lot written about these lenses. If you have these lenses, what kind of performance do you see in them? I'm not looking for a DA*, just can't swing that right now. I'm not sold on a weather resistant, it just might be kind of nice.

09-01-2011, 06:00 PM   #2
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The DA WRs are targeted more towards the beginners/travellers who want the WR but don't want the size/weight/cost of the higher end glass. You won't find anything WR, fast glass or not, from any other system without paying a premium for it.

I've used the DA 18-55 WR and have been impressed by it - it's been wet heavily by seaspray and rain without a hitch. Of course, I only ever shot at f/8-11 with it...
09-01-2011, 06:09 PM   #3
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I have the 18-55 WR. and I think that it's great. excellent image quality for the price and the "kit range". Sure Its not a great action lens on dull days.
I've had it out in light rain and had no ill effects, but then I have also had my siggy 18-50 in similar rain with no problems either (although I babied it alot more by wipeing rain off with a towel regularly and not zooming) The WR I just let it rain and kept shooting, only having to wipe spots off the front element.

I shoot with a K-7 and limit that to ISO800. Assuming you don't want to use a tripod, you'll have trouble if your trying to shoot action on dull days, low light stuff (Assuming you don't want to use a tripod) or just need the narrower DOF The "kit" WR lenses are great. I guess it would be a bit more limiting if you were shooting with the 55-200 WR at the long end hand held.
09-01-2011, 07:30 PM   #4
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The IQ of the 18-55 WR should be the same as your DA-L 18-55. I have the WR version, and while it isn't amazing, it is competent, especially stopped down. I wish there was something between the 18-55 Wr and the 16-50 DA*, but no such luck.

09-01-2011, 07:58 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Chaos_Realm Quote
I have the 18-55 WR. and I think that it's great. excellent image quality for the price and the "kit range".
Chaos_realm: Glad you like it - sure took it's time to get there, though ;-)

OP: Well - the 18-55WR would be no different than what you have, but having the WR is certainly nice. I only had mine for a short time, as I upgraded to a DA * 16-50mm. While I haven't used the WR capabilites extensively on either lens, it has been great to have WHEN you need it.

I personally think the 18-55 lens is very underrated. I took some great pictures with it, just like the DA 55-300mm lens I still own. I could see not being able to use higher ISO could present a problem in a rainy, gray day. However, all the times I used my WR/DA* lenses outside in rain, I used them with a tripod - late night and rain....

If I was you I would upgrade your 18-55mm AL II to the WR lens, just so you have the WR capability with ONE lens. Personally I would not trade the 55-300mm for the 50-200 WR.

Another option is the 17-70mm, which has seals, though not a full WR lens. Obviously there is the 18-135 lens, but you are also paying a LOT compared to the 18-55 WR. Until I got the DA* I compromised and had the 18-55WR as well as a 16-45mm. Oh well. LBA....
09-01-2011, 08:06 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Nick Siebers Quote
The IQ of the 18-55 WR should be the same as your DA-L 18-55. I have the WR version, and while it isn't amazing, it is competent, especially stopped down. I wish there was something between the 18-55 Wr and the 16-50 DA*, but no such luck.
a WR of the DA 17-70 would be great already alittle WR with the rear seal
09-01-2011, 08:49 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Tonto Quote
a WR of the DA 17-70 would be great already alittle WR with the rear seal
Here's hoping for a new kit lens to go with the K-5 replacement!

09-01-2011, 09:00 PM   #8
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I have the 16-50 DA* and it's an amazing lens, but I just also recently bought the 18-55WR and the 50-200WR because the DA* is heavier and expensive and I want a travel kit to complement my K5. This WR kit is pretty decent and I can take it around easily and I know that I can get it wet. I also have a K20D so I can use this kit on that camera. It's so cheap that it's worth it.

Here's a picture with the K20D + 18-55WR....lens and camera half submerged in the pool (no protection at all, just the camera and lens):


Last edited by CRPhoto; 09-01-2011 at 09:01 PM. Reason: Wrong link to image.
09-01-2011, 10:04 PM   #9
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Wow, your game! i always wondered if you could dip a WR lens under the surface of the water, I guess this is the answer!
09-01-2011, 10:38 PM   #10
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Seems a bit risky to me. The WR lenses and waetherprrof cameras are not designed to be immersed in water - especially salty or chlorinated water.

Still, it's good to know the gear can take it!
09-02-2011, 06:54 AM   #11
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I suggest you read the reviews of the lenses you are considering, in the lens database here.

As for me, I use the 18-55 WR when conditions warrant it, and never found it lacking. It's not my best lens optically, but it's the best lens to use when conditions are bad. If you use that lens in bad weather, chances are it will be during daytime, and even with a cloudy sky it's fast enough.
09-02-2011, 02:32 PM   #12
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Thanks for all the replies so far, good conversation.

QuoteOriginally posted by HenrikDK Quote
Personally I would not trade the 55-300mm for the 50-200 WR.
Not even an option!
09-02-2011, 02:55 PM   #13
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What I would really love would be WR versions of the DA 16-45 and 55-300. I would buy those in a heartbeat. Ah well.
09-02-2011, 04:08 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Spock Quote
Seems a bit risky to me. The WR lenses and waetherprrof cameras are not designed to be immersed in water - especially salty or chlorinated water.

Still, it's good to know the gear can take it!
Yes of course, but I was curious so I had to try it! After that test I really feel confident in the WR of the Pentax lens and bodies.
09-02-2011, 06:43 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by nick siebers Quote
the iq of the 18-55 wr should be the same as your da-l 18-55. I have the wr version, and while it isn't amazing, it is competent, especially stopped down. I wish there was something between the 18-55 wr and the 16-50 da*, but no such luck.
16-45?
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