18-55 vs. 18-55 WR

lgbalfa · 06-20-2015, 10:23 PM

is there a difference at all between the 18-55 that came with my *ist DL and the new 18-55 WR other than it being weather resistant?

is the image quality identical?

i keep getting conflicting reports that the WR is better but in reviews some say they are the same besides the WR,

thanks

Adam · 06-20-2015, 10:35 PM

Originally posted by lgbalfa

is there a difference at all between the 18-55 that came with my *ist DL and the new 18-55 WR other than it being weather resistant?

is the image quality identical?

i keep getting conflicting reports that the WR is better but in reviews some say they are the same besides the WR,

thanks

The optical formula is different; the newer lens is considerably sharper.

There are actually 5 variants of the 18-55mm, but only two different optical formulas. All but your version of the lens have the newer optics. All that is explained in this review:
Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 WR Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

You could upgrade to the newer 18-55mm, but if you're going to be spending money I'd recommend stepping it up to the 18-135mm, which gives you more versatility and has silent AF.

lgbalfa · 06-20-2015, 11:12 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The optical formula is different; the newer lens is considerably sharper.

There are actually 5 variants of the 18-55mm, but only two different optical formulas. All but your version of the lens have the newer optics. All that is explained in this review:
Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 WR Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

You could upgrade to the newer 18-55mm, but if you're going to be spending money I'd recommend stepping it up to the 18-135mm, which gives you more versatility and has silent AF.

thanks adam for the reply back.

how do you think my variant from the ist DL will be on the k-50?

same as if it was on my DL?

UMC · 06-20-2015, 11:48 PM

From the way you are asking your questions I derive that budget is an issue. If this was not the case, I would strongly advise to order the new K50 with any kit lense of your personal preference.

Although the behaviour of the lens itself will not change, whether it is attached to an older *ist D_ body or a newer K-5__ body, most likely you would be disappointed. The reason is simply that a not-so-optimal lens somewhat "benefits" from a low resolution sensor (6 MP), while the much higher 16 MP resolution of the new camera will expose the weaknesses of the older lens more clearly.

Personally I am no pixelpeeper and I truly believe, that technical ascpects of a lens contribute a maximum of 10% to the impression you get from a good photo, but since we are talking about very small money here, I would not hesitate a minute and get a newer lens with the new camera.

lgbalfa · 06-21-2015, 12:55 AM

thanks for the feedback.

budget is a concern.

i thought of just keeping the 18-55 from my *ist DL but for an extra $90 i'll get the kit with the 18-55 WR.

i would love to get the 18-135 WR but that is an additional $350 on top of the camera body.

**arnold** · 06-21-2015, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by lgbalfa

thanks for the feedback.

budget is a concern.

i thought of just keeping the 18-55 from my *ist DL but for an extra $90 i'll get the kit with the 18-55 WR.

i would love to get the 18-135 WR but that is an additional $350 on top of the camera body.

There is nothing wrong with the Kit lens. Check out the thread illustrating this. It is rare for the quality of the lens to show on a picture in most normal situations. It's the photographer who really makes the difference.

08amczb · 06-21-2015, 01:24 AM - **1 Like**

The WR worth 90$, but I wouldn't update my 18-55 just for the optics. My first non-kit lens was a Tamron 18-200 whith broken front lens for this price and I think that versatileity of that lens worth it, but since i have some beter optics I hardly ever use that lens. So I suggest to go whith a super zoom if the WR is not important or save the money, or go whith the 18-55 WR if you plan to shot in rain or action in water like this:

**Spodeworld** · 06-21-2015, 04:04 AM

I would upgrade from the lens you have as the older optical formulation was not made for a higher resolution camera

Oldbayrunner · 06-21-2015, 04:14 AM

If your looking to upgrade to the K50 and an 18-55mm WR I would suggest your not getting the kit lens that comes with it as it is the DAL AL version. It's a decent lens but I sold both my K50 kit lenses after purchasing my DA 55-300mm WR and purchased used like new DA 18-55mm WR and DA 50-200mm WR's due to liking how well the Quick Shift Focus feature works. It beats the heck out of needing to use the manual focus switch to safely dial in ones focus manually, plus I like having a metal mount.

Na Horuk · 06-21-2015, 04:17 AM

Originally posted by lgbalfa

i would love to get the 18-135 WR but that is an additional $350 on top of the camera body.

Are you sure? I think there are better bundles than that. Check B&H, Adorama, Amazon.. and also, think about buying the DA 18-135mm lens separately, used (on keh.com or even ebay. Better yet, on the marketplace on this forum)

robthebloke · 06-21-2015, 07:28 AM

The only real advantage from the newer WR version is that it's WR. I did have a chance to compare my v1 version, and an updated II version many years ago. There was a small improvement, but not enough to spend money on it. (You'd be better off picking up a second hand DA35 f2.4, which is a huge improvement over the 18-55)

lgbalfa · 06-21-2015, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Are you sure? I think there are better bundles than that. Check B&H, Adorama, Amazon.. and also, think about buying the DA 18-135mm lens separately, used (on keh.com or even ebay. Better yet, on the marketplace on this forum)

the camera body only from BH is $301.68 and the kit with the 18-135 WR is $629.

06-20-2015, 10:23 PM	#1
lgbalfa Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: East Brunswick, NJ Posts: 132	18-55 vs. 18-55 WR is there a difference at all between the 18-55 that came with my *ist DL and the new 18-55 WR other than it being weather resistant? is the image quality identical? i keep getting conflicting reports that the WR is better but in reviews some say they are the same besides the WR, thanks

06-20-2015, 10:35 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by lgbalfa is there a difference at all between the 18-55 that came with my ist DL and the new 18-55 WR other than it being weather resistant? is the image quality identical? i keep getting conflicting reports that the WR is better but in reviews some say they are the same besides the WR, thanks The optical formula is different; the newer lens is considerably sharper. There are actually 5 variants of the 18-55mm, but only two different optical formulas. All but your version of the lens have the newer optics. All that is explained in this review: Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 WR Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews You could upgrade to the newer 18-55mm, but if you're going to be spending money I'd recommend stepping it up to the 18-135mm, which gives you more versatility and has silent AF. 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:

06-21-2015, 04:14 AM	#9
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	If your looking to upgrade to the K50 and an 18-55mm WR I would suggest your not getting the kit lens that comes with it as it is the DAL AL version. It's a decent lens but I sold both my K50 kit lenses after purchasing my DA 55-300mm WR and purchased used like new DA 18-55mm WR and DA 50-200mm WR's due to liking how well the Quick Shift Focus feature works. It beats the heck out of needing to use the manual focus switch to safely dial in ones focus manually, plus I like having a metal mount. Last edited by Oldbayrunner; 06-21-2015 at 04:26 AM.

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06-20-2015, 11:12 PM	#3
lgbalfa Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: East Brunswick, NJ Posts: 132 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam The optical formula is different; the newer lens is considerably sharper. There are actually 5 variants of the 18-55mm, but only two different optical formulas. All but your version of the lens have the newer optics. All that is explained in this review: Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 WR Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews You could upgrade to the newer 18-55mm, but if you're going to be spending money I'd recommend stepping it up to the 18-135mm, which gives you more versatility and has silent AF. thanks adam for the reply back. how do you think my variant from the ist DL will be on the k-50? same as if it was on my DL?

06-20-2015, 11:48 PM	#4
UMC Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vienna Photos: Gallery Posts: 205	From the way you are asking your questions I derive that budget is an issue. If this was not the case, I would strongly advise to order the new K50 with any kit lense of your personal preference. Although the behaviour of the lens itself will not change, whether it is attached to an older *ist D_ body or a newer K-5__ body, most likely you would be disappointed. The reason is simply that a not-so-optimal lens somewhat "benefits" from a low resolution sensor (6 MP), while the much higher 16 MP resolution of the new camera will expose the weaknesses of the older lens more clearly. Personally I am no pixelpeeper and I truly believe, that technical ascpects of a lens contribute a maximum of 10% to the impression you get from a good photo, but since we are talking about very small money here, I would not hesitate a minute and get a newer lens with the new camera.

06-21-2015, 12:55 AM	#5
lgbalfa Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: East Brunswick, NJ Posts: 132 Original Poster	thanks for the feedback. budget is a concern. i thought of just keeping the 18-55 from my *ist DL but for an extra $90 i'll get the kit with the 18-55 WR. i would love to get the 18-135 WR but that is an additional $350 on top of the camera body.

06-21-2015, 01:10 AM	#6
arnold Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,295	Originally posted by lgbalfa thanks for the feedback. budget is a concern. i thought of just keeping the 18-55 from my *ist DL but for an extra $90 i'll get the kit with the 18-55 WR. i would love to get the 18-135 WR but that is an additional $350 on top of the camera body. There is nothing wrong with the Kit lens. Check out the thread illustrating this. It is rare for the quality of the lens to show on a picture in most normal situations. It's the photographer who really makes the difference.

06-21-2015, 01:24 AM - 1 Like	#7
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796	The WR worth 90$, but I wouldn't update my 18-55 just for the optics. My first non-kit lens was a Tamron 18-200 whith broken front lens for this price and I think that versatileity of that lens worth it, but since i have some beter optics I hardly ever use that lens. So I suggest to go whith a super zoom if the WR is not important or save the money, or go whith the 18-55 WR if you plan to shot in rain or action in water like this:

06-21-2015, 04:04 AM	#8
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370	I would upgrade from the lens you have as the older optical formulation was not made for a higher resolution camera

06-21-2015, 04:17 AM	#10
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Originally posted by lgbalfa i would love to get the 18-135 WR but that is an additional $350 on top of the camera body. Are you sure? I think there are better bundles than that. Check B&H, Adorama, Amazon.. and also, think about buying the DA 18-135mm lens separately, used (on keh.com or even ebay. Better yet, on the marketplace on this forum)

06-21-2015, 07:28 AM	#11
robthebloke Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 844	The only real advantage from the newer WR version is that it's WR. I did have a chance to compare my v1 version, and an updated II version many years ago. There was a small improvement, but not enough to spend money on it. (You'd be better off picking up a second hand DA35 f2.4, which is a huge improvement over the 18-55)

06-21-2015, 12:27 PM	#12
lgbalfa Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: East Brunswick, NJ Posts: 132 Original Poster	Originally posted by Na Horuk Are you sure? I think there are better bundles than that. Check B&H, Adorama, Amazon.. and also, think about buying the DA 18-135mm lens separately, used (on keh.com or even ebay. Better yet, on the marketplace on this forum) the camera body only from BH is $301.68 and the kit with the 18-135 WR is $629.