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05-07-2008, 10:14 AM   #1
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Pentax 18-55 lenses - updates?

I have been searching the web in earnest, but have yet to stumble upon a definitive list of the advantages of the new 18-55mm II lens over its predecessor.

I own the older model, and am finding it increasingly difficult to live with the enormous vignetting and distortion at 18mm, which the new lens apparently solves (at least partially).

There is only one comparative test online, which is far from conclusive, as it does not display a decent range of situations or focal distances.
Pictures on flickr would seem to indicate a definite reduction in the vignetting with the new lens, but it would be incredibly helpful if someone could confirm anything of this nature.

I am sure that a much better result would be rather hopeful, seeing as the two lenses are priced the same, and don't get me wrong, it's an excellent lens for its price. The main question would be, is it worth selling the old off and buying the new, or simply waiting till I have gathered the capital to invest in the 16-45 (being a student, this is easier said than done).

Apologies if this is in the wrong place, I'm a newbie here...

05-08-2008, 01:18 PM   #2
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DA 18-55 (I) vs. DA 18-55 (II) on DS - comparison shots [Page 1]: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
too bad the photos don't work, but you can read through the comments.

but one quote that did stick out by frank1
"By the way, the other day I compared both lenses shooting a blue sky and found that the vignetting is not improved in the new kit lens. Would have been nice, but I am happy as things are... The new kit lens should be among the best of the current kit lenses resolution wise."

it doesn't really make that much sense to spend money upgrading from one kit lens to another, you might as well try to score a bargain on the 16-45
05-08-2008, 01:50 PM   #3
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I read through k100d's linked thread and found the pictures hosted elsewhere:
lens comparison - new and old kit lens on DS: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Easily visible difference in quality.
05-08-2008, 06:31 PM   #4
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Amazon has the new Kit listed at $99 Kinda tempting, those photos looked pretty good to me.

05-08-2008, 08:49 PM   #5
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WOW! That really defines the upgrades in the new lens. I have the Mk II lens already, but I was not terribly impressed with it. I suppose my A 50mm 1.7 and 2.0 have me spoiled...

I'll sell the Mk II if anybody is interested.
05-09-2008, 01:54 AM   #6
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Kit DA 18-55 close up photography

When I try to shoot some close focus photographs with the kit 18-55 lens, they are always soft or out of focus, even with manual focusing. Is this a bad lens for close ups (not macro) or is it faulty in some way. I have not a problem when focusing more than 1m away, auto or manual.

I Know it isn't a macro lens but it's a decent lens otherwise and the close-up degradation is major (I think )

Here are some samples :


MF @ f 5.6


MF @f8


MF@ f8


MF @f5.6
05-09-2008, 08:08 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Stratman Quote
Amazon has the new Kit listed at $99 Kinda tempting, those photos looked pretty good to me.
I sold my old one and bought the new one. Small upgrade, I know, but I don't have a lens budget (I just bought a DA* 50-135), and I use the kit lens for half of my photos.

I bought it for $90 shipped from Amazon, which isn't so bad.

05-09-2008, 08:19 AM   #8
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Additionally, I think I have mild to medium LBA. I blame pentaxforums for this.

Buying the 18-55 and 50-200 was sensible. Buying the 50F1.4 gave me a taste of real glass. The 10-17 Fisheye was practically a necessity. The DA* is unreasonably nice for its cost, so I had to buy that. The Kit II was a no brainer.

Ugh, what's next?
05-09-2008, 01:09 PM   #9
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[QUOTE=gkopeliadis;238425]When I try to shoot some close focus photographs with the kit 18-55 lens, they are always soft or out of focus, even with manual focusing. Is this a bad lens for close ups (not macro) or is it faulty in some way. I have not a problem when focusing more than 1m away, auto or manual.

I Know it isn't a macro lens but it's a decent lens otherwise and the close-up degradation is major (I think )

I'm sorry, I think your focus technique needs improvement. Do you have the diopter adjusted? I have the same lens and there is no problem with MF or AF.
05-09-2008, 04:21 PM   #10
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gkopeliadis, it seems to me that the problem you are having with softness is because the lens is soft.

Try keeping it at 35mm for optimum sharpness, but it still won't be a superstar.
05-11-2008, 10:24 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Ahab Quote
I'm sorry, I think your focus technique needs improvement. Do you have the diopter adjusted? I have the same lens and there is no problem with MF or AF.
I have not such problem with my other lenses!
05-11-2008, 10:55 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Aegon Quote
Ugh, what's next?
A 31 Limited?:-)
05-11-2008, 11:01 AM   #13
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18-55 vs. 18-55 II vs. tamron 18-250

Comparing test of new Pentax 18-55 II vs old and Tamron 18-250 Photo Gallery by Heidi and Ulrich Burkhalter at pbase.com
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