2006 kit lens vs 2012 lens

slip · 11-17-2012, 09:33 AM

could someone tell me if there are any differences between the 18-55 that came with my wife's K100 or is it the same?
I don't need a kit lens, but if it is cheap enough when it comes with the K5IIs it might be worth considering for her if the improvement make sense

thanks

randy

**Just1MoreDave** · 11-17-2012, 09:42 AM

The K100D came with the version 1 kit lens. The version 2 lens was released with one of the higher-megapixel bodies, I think K20D.

vonBaloney · 11-17-2012, 09:53 AM

If you get a new weather-sealed version, that's an improvement. If you get a DAL version, those have a plastic mount and some people don't like that. As far as IQ, some people prefer the newer and some the older. Lateral move, I think. I wouldn't bother with it except for the weather-sealing if you want that...

**ismaelg** · 11-17-2012, 09:58 AM

The 18-55 lens comes in 4 different versions:

The original version was the kit lens until 2008

The AL II version came out when the K20 was released and it is supposedly improved.
However, I own both versions and I find my original version a tad better than the AL-II, but that could be just copy variations.

Then there is the weather sealed version or "WR" which is essentially the AL-II with weather sealing protection.

The last version is the DA-L which has plastic instead of metal mount, no quick shift focusing and it was the kit lens in entry level models like Kx, Kr and others.

They should all be similar in performance since the design is basically the same. I find the lens to be very competent despite its low price.

Thanks,

Jean Poitiers · 11-17-2012, 09:58 AM

The K-5 kit lens - 18-55 WR - is better than the kit lens that came with my K110D - 18-55 AL 1 ... IMHO. J

Docrwm · 11-17-2012, 10:14 AM

The optical design is different between the Ver I model you have and the other three models (Ver II, WR, and DAL) which all share the same optical formula. There is some discussion that the WR version has slightly different coatings but I can't find anything that is definitive on that issue. As noted, the DAL has a plastic mount (no reports of failure of those BTW) and no quick shift. I've owned all 3 of the later (no Ver I) and have kept the WR model because of its utility in poor weather over the other 2. Otherwise they were nearly identical, any differences reported in optical properties are copy variations IMHO.

snake · 11-17-2012, 10:57 AM

On a semi-related note, is anyone baffled by how the K-30 is marketed with the WR feature, pics, etc., but they sell them without the WR version of the kit zoom?

Jean Poitiers · 11-17-2012, 11:02 AM

Originally posted by snake

On a semi-related note, is anyone baffled by how the K-30 is marketed with the WR feature, pics, etc., but they sell them without the WR version of the kit zoom?

You are not alone ... J

Adam · 11-17-2012, 11:22 AM

Optically, there are two variants.

The original DA 18-55:
SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL

Then the DA 18-55 II, DA L 18-55, and DA 18-55mm WR came out, all featuring improved resolution, according to Pentax. Optically, these three lenses are identical:
SMC Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL
SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II
SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR

Giklab · 11-17-2012, 12:42 PM

On a separate topic, I think the K-5IIs doesn't come in a kit with any lens, so...

Alizarine · 11-19-2012, 01:20 AM

Originally posted by Giklab

On a separate topic, I think the K-5IIs doesn't come in a kit with any lens, so...

Not sure about the IIs, but the K-5 II comes with the 18-135 kit here in Manila. So my guess is once the IIs arrives here perhaps it will only come with the 18-135 option aside from body-only

Giklab · 11-19-2012, 07:00 AM

Ah yes:
Pentax K-5 II / IIs Review - What's in the Box - PentaxForums.com

123jippo · 11-20-2012, 03:13 AM

There is not much differencies in different 18-55 versions performance but newest model is WR and that is good. Anyway I would recomend to look 18-135WR kit instead cos thats more usefull than 18-55WR. Then get one of those f2.8 normal zooms if needed also.

Alizarine · 11-20-2012, 03:37 AM

Originally posted by 123jippo

18-135WR kit instead cos thats more usefull than 18-55WR

The range is a lot better yes, IQ am not sure how much better, but it also costs way more.... in defense of the 18-135 however, it comes at best value when bought as a kit with the body.

wombat2go · 11-20-2012, 07:19 AM

Comparing the original (mine is 2004) 15~55mm kit lens with a Vivitar 28 mm 1:2.0 MC Close Focus Wide angle

Both these shots are camera jpg, tripod, with the ist ds on camera flash, at about 4 feet distance
both f/11, focussed manually with focus confirmation
The 18~55 was on 18mm
https://www.box.com/s/tq9vac2og2915qs3njr3

The Vivitar CF WA
https://www.box.com/s/p66hztyz3ymlqes7d785

So it is certainly worth while to have a CF WA for this kind of shot

However , the DA kit lens still does a good job outdoors on long shots
(repost), this is the 18~55mm at f/16 and 18 mm
https://www.box.com/s/b22e5f8ee40b57fa24d2

11-17-2012, 09:33 AM	#1
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535	2006 kit lens vs 2012 lens could someone tell me if there are any differences between the 18-55 that came with my wife's K100 or is it the same? I don't need a kit lens, but if it is cheap enough when it comes with the K5IIs it might be worth considering for her if the improvement make sense thanks randy

11-17-2012, 11:22 AM	#9
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Optically, there are two variants. The original DA 18-55: SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL Then the DA 18-55 II, DA L 18-55, and DA 18-55mm WR came out, all featuring improved resolution, according to Pentax. Optically, these three lenses are identical: SMC Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR 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:

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11-17-2012, 09:42 AM	#2
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	The K100D came with the version 1 kit lens. The version 2 lens was released with one of the higher-megapixel bodies, I think K20D.

11-17-2012, 09:53 AM	#3
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	If you get a new weather-sealed version, that's an improvement. If you get a DAL version, those have a plastic mount and some people don't like that. As far as IQ, some people prefer the newer and some the older. Lateral move, I think. I wouldn't bother with it except for the weather-sealing if you want that...

11-17-2012, 09:58 AM	#4
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	The 18-55 lens comes in 4 different versions: The original version was the kit lens until 2008 The AL II version came out when the K20 was released and it is supposedly improved. However, I own both versions and I find my original version a tad better than the AL-II, but that could be just copy variations. Then there is the weather sealed version or "WR" which is essentially the AL-II with weather sealing protection. The last version is the DA-L which has plastic instead of metal mount, no quick shift focusing and it was the kit lens in entry level models like Kx, Kr and others. They should all be similar in performance since the design is basically the same. I find the lens to be very competent despite its low price. Thanks,

11-17-2012, 09:58 AM	#5
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	The K-5 kit lens - 18-55 WR - is better than the kit lens that came with my K110D - 18-55 AL 1 ... IMHO. J

11-17-2012, 10:14 AM	#6
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	The optical design is different between the Ver I model you have and the other three models (Ver II, WR, and DAL) which all share the same optical formula. There is some discussion that the WR version has slightly different coatings but I can't find anything that is definitive on that issue. As noted, the DAL has a plastic mount (no reports of failure of those BTW) and no quick shift. I've owned all 3 of the later (no Ver I) and have kept the WR model because of its utility in poor weather over the other 2. Otherwise they were nearly identical, any differences reported in optical properties are copy variations IMHO.

11-17-2012, 10:57 AM	#7
snake Banned Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY/Germany Posts: 1,183	On a semi-related note, is anyone baffled by how the K-30 is marketed with the WR feature, pics, etc., but they sell them without the WR version of the kit zoom?

11-17-2012, 11:02 AM	#8
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	Originally posted by snake On a semi-related note, is anyone baffled by how the K-30 is marketed with the WR feature, pics, etc., but they sell them without the WR version of the kit zoom? You are not alone ... J

11-17-2012, 12:42 PM	#10
Giklab Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,182	On a separate topic, I think the K-5IIs doesn't come in a kit with any lens, so...

11-19-2012, 01:20 AM	#11
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	Originally posted by Giklab On a separate topic, I think the K-5IIs doesn't come in a kit with any lens, so... Not sure about the IIs, but the K-5 II comes with the 18-135 kit here in Manila. So my guess is once the IIs arrives here perhaps it will only come with the 18-135 option aside from body-only

11-19-2012, 07:00 AM	#12
Giklab Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,182	Ah yes: Pentax K-5 II / IIs Review - What's in the Box - PentaxForums.com

11-20-2012, 03:13 AM	#13
123jippo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 165	There is not much differencies in different 18-55 versions performance but newest model is WR and that is good. Anyway I would recomend to look 18-135WR kit instead cos thats more usefull than 18-55WR. Then get one of those f2.8 normal zooms if needed also.

11-20-2012, 03:37 AM	#14
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	Originally posted by 123jippo 18-135WR kit instead cos thats more usefull than 18-55WR The range is a lot better yes, IQ am not sure how much better, but it also costs way more.... in defense of the 18-135 however, it comes at best value when bought as a kit with the body.

11-20-2012, 07:19 AM	#15
wombat2go Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	Comparing the original (mine is 2004) 15~55mm kit lens with a Vivitar 28 mm 1:2.0 MC Close Focus Wide angle Both these shots are camera jpg, tripod, with the ist ds on camera flash, at about 4 feet distance both f/11, focussed manually with focus confirmation The 18~55 was on 18mm https://www.box.com/s/tq9vac2og2915qs3njr3 The Vivitar CF WA https://www.box.com/s/p66hztyz3ymlqes7d785 So it is certainly worth while to have a CF WA for this kind of shot However , the DA kit lens still does a good job outdoors on long shots (repost), this is the 18~55mm at f/16 and 18 mm https://www.box.com/s/b22e5f8ee40b57fa24d2