[Tbear]

Can anyone in the know enlighten us on this?

[OniFactor]

i didn't know there were 2 versions?

[Arpe]

All I've seen so far is that the new one has improved resolution to match the new sensors in the new cameras, and better chromatic aberration control I recall.

[Ivan Glisin]

They are optically different!!!

18-55: 12 elements in 9 groups
18-55 II: 11 elements in 8 groups

Also, I believe that 18-55 has one aspherical element, while based on the small diagram in the new catalog (and in Japanese) apparently two elements are marked with some comments, so I presume there are two aspherical elements (since there is no "ED" on the new lens I don't think it could be AL + ED).

I can't wait to see the test results! I sold my DA 18-55 due to vignetting and poor corner sharpness in 18-22mm range and replaced it with FA 20-35, but I may get DA 18-55 II if Pentax cancels DA 17-70 and if DA 18-55 II proves to be comparable to FA 20-35 @ 20mm.

(Just posted the same on DPR.)

[codiac2600]

They are optically different!!!

18-55: 12 elements in 9 groups
18-55 II: 11 elements in 8 groups

Also, I believe that 18-55 has one aspherical element, while based on the small diagram in the new catalog (and in Japanese) apparently two elements are marked with some comments, so I presume there are two aspherical elements (since there is no "ED" on the new lens I don't think it could be AL + ED).

I can't wait to see the test results! I sold my DA 18-55 due to vignetting and poor corner sharpness in 18-22mm range and replaced it with FA 20-35, but I may get DA 18-55 II if Pentax cancels DA 17-70 and if DA 18-55 II proves to be comparable to FA 20-35 @ 20mm.

(Just posted the same on DPR.)

17-70 is still on the way

[heatherslightbox]

Taken from pentaximaging.com:

"smc PENTAX DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II will ship as a kit lens with PENTAX K200D in March 2008 (value $199.95)"

I wonder if they'll eventually sell it separately. I'm not really interested in the K200, but if the 18-55II is that much better than the original, then I might be interested in getting it for my DS, and eventually, K10.

Heather

[Ivan Glisin]

From Pentax web site:

Improved resolution to match with high resolution sensors
PENTAX SP coating protects the exposed lens elements
Aspherical elements compensate for spherical aberration

"Specifications" section:
Pentax Imaging: smc P-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II - DA - Zoom - Digital & 35mm - Lenses - Cameras by Pentax

[Ivan Glisin]

17-70 is still on the way

Thanks for the info.
Any idea about the availability date (month, season, year...)?
Constant aperture?

[clawhammer]

The SP coating seems to feature prominently on both this lens and the 55-300. I wonder if they have a cheaper way of adding it now that they are part of Hoya?

[blende8]

Here's the optical formula for both lenses.
They have different front groups, both feature an AL element.
Not sure what the yellow element means.

[gnaztee]

17-70 is still on the way

I really, really want this lens to be SDM, sealed and a replacement for my DA 16-45 and Tamron 28-75. Love both lenses, but a lot to travel with, and I don't really need the 2.8 on the Tammy for my shooting interests. Any chance it will be SDM and sealed?

[budkid]

i was going to ask the same question...

[calicojack]

Here's the optical formula for both lenses.
They have different front groups, both feature an AL element.
Not sure what the yellow element means.

so, the old lens is sharp and the new lens is soft focus?



(couldn't resist)

[Cambo]

on a tripod with a Pentax SMC Polarizer that I got 10 years ago for less than $10.00:





Light as a feather, sharp sharp sharp at f8, and I got mine for $169.00 Cdn!

Best new deal on an amazing lens I've ever seen.

Cheers,
Cameron

[jdg]

how about the DA L 18-55 vs the DA 18-55 II?