Best alternative to DA/DAL 18-55/II under $400?

geekette · 04-17-2012, 12:37 PM

I really want something better than the 18-55 kit lens for when I get my K-5. [ For the 55-300mm focal range, I am going to satisfy this with a DA 55-300 for the time being. For 50-58mm I have several lovely manual fast 50's. I can use the DA 55-300 for the time being for when I need an autofocus 55mm for portraits and what not--f4 should suffice when autofocus is needed. I am going to wait on an autofocus fast 50 until the new one is release and reviewed.]

Anyways what is a good zoom lens for wide to 55mm or so, for under $400?

[I also need a recommendation for a fast 35mm prime (comparable to Nikon's f1.8 for $200).]

Last edited by geekette; 04-17-2012 at 12:50 PM.

Adam · 04-17-2012, 12:46 PM

If you're willing to exceed your budget by $74, here's the lens for you:

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF] AF016P-700 B&H

This thing was $414 last month, shame it went up...

See our review of it here: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

If that's too much, then here's a cheaper alternative:

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Pentax 861109 B&H
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Only $199 new! If you scroll down through the reviews a bit, there's one in which a member is much more satisfied with this than the kit lens.

Docrwm · 04-17-2012, 12:47 PM

I don't think you can go wrong with the DA35/2.4, it's the least expensive AF prime from Pentax currently, it's a solid performer, and it's got descent low light ability. Mine keeps creeping back onto my K-5 somehow......

**TER-OR** · 04-17-2012, 01:29 PM

I recently bought the DA18-135 used for about $300 - keep your eyes open (and set up a watchlist on the marketplace). I got that because I wanted a neighborhood walk-around lens and really wanted a weather resistant lens. So far, so goo - it's a bit tough close-up but I think that's my need to learn its minimum focus. It autofocuses really nicely on the K-5.

pxpaulx · 04-17-2012, 01:29 PM

No doubt that the 16-45mm doesn't get nearly enough love around here. It is a solid upgrade to the kit lens, and you should be able to find one in the marketplace used in great condition (depending on the owner of course!) for less than $250. If you can squeeze it the tamron is probably a better lens, well, faster anyway, though slightly less wide (every mm counts at the wide end! Don't worry about the 45-55 gap either, the 16-45 makes a great pairing with the 55-300).

Matchete · 04-17-2012, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by pxpaulx

No doubt that the 16-45mm doesn't get nearly enough love around here. It is a solid upgrade to the kit lens, and you should be able to find one in the marketplace used in great condition (depending on the owner of course!) for less than $250. If you can squeeze it the tamron is probably a better lens, well, faster anyway, though slightly less wide (every mm counts at the wide end! Don't worry about the 45-55 gap either, the 16-45 makes a great pairing with the 55-300).

I concur, I find my 16-45 much sharper than any of the 4 (!!!) copies of the Tamron 17-50 that I've tested, especially at the wide end.

L33tGreg · 04-17-2012, 01:43 PM

Tamron 17-50. If you can't break your budget, wait for it to come up on the marketplace (generally $325ish).

VisualDarkness · 04-17-2012, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by pxpaulx

No doubt that the 16-45mm doesn't get nearly enough love around here. It is a solid upgrade to the kit lens, and you should be able to find one in the marketplace used in great condition (depending on the owner of course!) for less than $250. If you can squeeze it the tamron is probably a better lens, well, faster anyway, though slightly less wide (every mm counts at the wide end! Don't worry about the 45-55 gap either, the 16-45 makes a great pairing with the 55-300).

As I've aid before, my brother got his almost glued on to his camera, amazing lens for the price! The distortion at the wide end looks really got for bringing a bit more "action" to the shots.

Jean Poitiers · 04-17-2012, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

I don't think you can go wrong with the DA35/2.4, it's the least expensive AF prime from Pentax currently, it's a solid performer, and it's got descent low light ability. Mine keeps creeping back onto my K-5 somehow......

Bonjour,

I'm a big fan of this lens ... and it's a fantastic "bang for the buck" ! Check out the PF users' reviews ...

I'm also awaiting the upcoming DA 50mm 1.8 ... hoping that it will be in same league as the DA 35mm f2.4.

Allez et bon courage, John le Frog

Gareth.Ig · 04-17-2012, 02:43 PM

Originally posted by pxpaulx

No doubt that the 16-45mm doesn't get nearly enough love around here. It is a solid upgrade to the kit lens, and you should be able to find one in the marketplace used in great condition (depending on the owner of course!) for less than $250. If you can squeeze it the tamron is probably a better lens, well, faster anyway, though slightly less wide (every mm counts at the wide end! Don't worry about the 45-55 gap either, the 16-45 makes a great pairing with the 55-300).

+1. Although I have replaced it with the DA*16-50, this is a fantastic lens. If you are not looking for something faster than f4 and not weather sealed, this should absolutely be at the top of your list.

geekette · 04-17-2012, 03:07 PM

Regarding the 16-45mm: at 16mm, wide open, it is at f4--what is it wide open at 45mm?

Gareth.Ig · 04-17-2012, 03:10 PM

Originally posted by geekette

Regarding the 16-45mm: at 16mm, wide open, it is at f4--what is it wide open at 45mm?

f4 across the full range.

RioRico · 04-17-2012, 03:11 PM

I just bought a Vivitar Series 1 (Cosina) 19-35/3.5-4.5 (MF) for US$35 shipped.
Two years ago I got an F35-70/3.5-4.5 for US$11 shipped; it's about $50 now.
Put them together, and the kit.lens can be replaced for pretty damn cheap.

Blue · 04-17-2012, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by pxpaulx

No doubt that the 16-45mm doesn't get nearly enough love around here. It is a solid upgrade to the kit lens, and you should be able to find one in the marketplace used in great condition (depending on the owner of course!) for less than $250. If you can squeeze it the tamron is probably a better lens, well, faster anyway, though slightly less wide (every mm counts at the wide end! Don't worry about the 45-55 gap either, the 16-45 makes a great pairing with the 55-300).

It is a great zoom optically. It has the typical DA zoom build. There are 2 things I personally don't like about the 16-45. It isn't IF and it is longest extension is on the 16mm end. This isn't a problem for a lot of people. However, I think it worth mentioning.

Blue · 04-17-2012, 04:15 PM

If you can get a good used copy, the DA 17-70/4 is a good option. It has the sdm which is a bonus and potential area of concern. It is also IF which helps keep the lens overall compact.

For under $70, a good copy of the F 35-70mm 3.5-4.5 can be picked up. It is a compact little lens with good performance. It only goes to 35mm is the down side.

04-17-2012, 12:37 PM	#1
geekette Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 528	Best alternative to DA/DAL 18-55/II under $400? I really want something better than the 18-55 kit lens for when I get my K-5. [ For the 55-300mm focal range, I am going to satisfy this with a DA 55-300 for the time being. For 50-58mm I have several lovely manual fast 50's. I can use the DA 55-300 for the time being for when I need an autofocus 55mm for portraits and what not--f4 should suffice when autofocus is needed. I am going to wait on an autofocus fast 50 until the new one is release and reviewed.] Anyways what is a good zoom lens for wide to 55mm or so, for under $400? [I also need a recommendation for a fast 35mm prime (comparable to Nikon's f1.8 for $200).] Last edited by geekette; 04-17-2012 at 12:50 PM.

04-17-2012, 12:46 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	If you're willing to exceed your budget by $74, here's the lens for you: Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF] AF016P-700 B&H This thing was $414 last month, shame it went up... See our review of it here: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com If that's too much, then here's a cheaper alternative: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Zoom For Pentax 861109 B&H Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Only $199 new! If you scroll down through the reviews a bit, there's one in which a member is much more satisfied with this than the kit lens. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

04-17-2012, 01:58 PM	#9
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	Agreed ... Originally posted by Docrwm I don't think you can go wrong with the DA35/2.4, it's the least expensive AF prime from Pentax currently, it's a solid performer, and it's got descent low light ability. Mine keeps creeping back onto my K-5 somehow...... *Bonjour,* I'm a big fan of this lens ... and it's a fantastic "bang for the buck" ! Check out the PF users' reviews ... I'm also awaiting the upcoming DA 50mm 1.8 ... hoping that it will be in same league as the DA 35mm f2.4. *Allez et bon courage, John le Frog*

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04-17-2012, 12:47 PM	#3
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	I don't think you can go wrong with the DA35/2.4, it's the least expensive AF prime from Pentax currently, it's a solid performer, and it's got descent low light ability. Mine keeps creeping back onto my K-5 somehow......

04-17-2012, 01:29 PM	#4
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	I recently bought the DA18-135 used for about $300 - keep your eyes open (and set up a watchlist on the marketplace). I got that because I wanted a neighborhood walk-around lens and really wanted a weather resistant lens. So far, so goo - it's a bit tough close-up but I think that's my need to learn its minimum focus. It autofocuses really nicely on the K-5.

04-17-2012, 01:29 PM	#5
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	No doubt that the 16-45mm doesn't get nearly enough love around here. It is a solid upgrade to the kit lens, and you should be able to find one in the marketplace used in great condition (depending on the owner of course!) for less than $250. If you can squeeze it the tamron is probably a better lens, well, faster anyway, though slightly less wide (every mm counts at the wide end! Don't worry about the 45-55 gap either, the 16-45 makes a great pairing with the 55-300).

04-17-2012, 01:34 PM	#6
Matchete Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 134	Originally posted by pxpaulx No doubt that the 16-45mm doesn't get nearly enough love around here. It is a solid upgrade to the kit lens, and you should be able to find one in the marketplace used in great condition (depending on the owner of course!) for less than $250. If you can squeeze it the tamron is probably a better lens, well, faster anyway, though slightly less wide (every mm counts at the wide end! Don't worry about the 45-55 gap either, the 16-45 makes a great pairing with the 55-300). I concur, I find my 16-45 much sharper than any of the 4 (!!!) copies of the Tamron 17-50 that I've tested, especially at the wide end.

04-17-2012, 01:43 PM	#7
L33tGreg Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charleston, SC Photos: Gallery Posts: 369	Tamron 17-50. If you can't break your budget, wait for it to come up on the marketplace (generally $325ish).

04-17-2012, 01:46 PM	#8
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Originally posted by pxpaulx No doubt that the 16-45mm doesn't get nearly enough love around here. It is a solid upgrade to the kit lens, and you should be able to find one in the marketplace used in great condition (depending on the owner of course!) for less than $250. If you can squeeze it the tamron is probably a better lens, well, faster anyway, though slightly less wide (every mm counts at the wide end! Don't worry about the 45-55 gap either, the 16-45 makes a great pairing with the 55-300). As I've aid before, my brother got his almost glued on to his camera, amazing lens for the price! The distortion at the wide end looks really got for bringing a bit more "action" to the shots.

04-17-2012, 02:43 PM	#10
Gareth.Ig Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cochrane, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 508	Originally posted by pxpaulx No doubt that the 16-45mm doesn't get nearly enough love around here. It is a solid upgrade to the kit lens, and you should be able to find one in the marketplace used in great condition (depending on the owner of course!) for less than $250. If you can squeeze it the tamron is probably a better lens, well, faster anyway, though slightly less wide (every mm counts at the wide end! Don't worry about the 45-55 gap either, the 16-45 makes a great pairing with the 55-300). +1. Although I have replaced it with the DA*16-50, this is a fantastic lens. If you are not looking for something faster than f4 and not weather sealed, this should absolutely be at the top of your list.

04-17-2012, 03:07 PM	#11
geekette Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 528 Original Poster	Regarding the 16-45mm: at 16mm, wide open, it is at f4--what is it wide open at 45mm?

04-17-2012, 03:10 PM	#12
Gareth.Ig Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cochrane, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 508	Originally posted by geekette Regarding the 16-45mm: at 16mm, wide open, it is at f4--what is it wide open at 45mm? f4 across the full range.

04-17-2012, 03:11 PM	#13
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	I just bought a Vivitar Series 1 (Cosina) 19-35/3.5-4.5 (MF) for US$35 shipped. Two years ago I got an F35-70/3.5-4.5 for US$11 shipped; it's about $50 now. Put them together, and the kit.lens can be replaced for pretty damn cheap.

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04-17-2012, 04:13 PM	#14
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by pxpaulx No doubt that the 16-45mm doesn't get nearly enough love around here. It is a solid upgrade to the kit lens, and you should be able to find one in the marketplace used in great condition (depending on the owner of course!) for less than $250. If you can squeeze it the tamron is probably a better lens, well, faster anyway, though slightly less wide (every mm counts at the wide end! Don't worry about the 45-55 gap either, the 16-45 makes a great pairing with the 55-300). It is a great zoom optically. It has the typical DA zoom build. There are 2 things I personally don't like about the 16-45. It isn't IF and it is longest extension is on the 16mm end. This isn't a problem for a lot of people. However, I think it worth mentioning.

04-17-2012, 04:15 PM	#15
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	If you can get a good used copy, the DA 17-70/4 is a good option. It has the sdm which is a bonus and potential area of concern. It is also IF which helps keep the lens overall compact. For under $70, a good copy of the F 35-70mm 3.5-4.5 can be picked up. It is a compact little lens with good performance. It only goes to 35mm is the down side.