18-55 Lens question

bigyinn · 10-14-2015, 12:33 AM

Ok, so Im in the position where I have two 18-55 lenses, only one of which I want to keep.

1) DA L 18-55 AL WR
2) Sansung D Xenon 18-55 (basically the Pentax DA 18-55 AL II)

So my question is, which one do I keep? I suppose the optics are pretty much identical, so its down to the contruction and features of the lenses. Im leaning towards the DA L because of it's weather resistance, but it doesnt have the metal mount or quick shift. I can't say im bothered about quick shift, as I rarely manual focus, but the metal mount seems preferable for long term durability.
Anyone know if you can swap the mounts over so that you could convert the WR to a metal mount?

Your thoughts please?

Thanks in advance.

**Tonytee** · 10-14-2015, 12:41 AM

Originally posted by bigyinn

Ok, so Im in the position where I have two 18-55 lenses, only one of which I want to keep.

1) DA L 18-55 AL WR
2) Sansung D Xenon 18-55 (basically the Pentax DA 18-55 AL II)

So my question is, which one do I keep? I suppose the optics are pretty much identical, so its down to the contruction and features of the lenses. Im leaning towards the DA L because of it's weather resistance, but it doesnt have the metal mount or quick shift. I can't say im bothered about quick shift, as I rarely manual focus, but the metal mount seems preferable for long term durability.
Anyone know if you can swap the mounts over so that you could convert the WR to a metal mount?

Your thoughts please?

Thanks in advance.

Greetings, in a nutshell, keep the number II. This was Pentax's improvement over the DA AL. The number two is your best choice. I have the first version that Pentax produced and trust me, I am very disappointed. Period. I hope this helps, Tonytee

grispie · 10-14-2015, 12:57 AM

wasn't the WR version one of the later models anyhow. At least optics improved over the first version already?

btw, i wouldn't bother converting anything. I'd just keep the WR one in case...

**othar** · 10-14-2015, 01:09 AM

Originally posted by Tonytee

Greetings, in a nutshell, keep the number II. This was Pentax's improvement over the DA AL. The number two is your best choice. I have the first version that Pentax produced and trust me, I am very disappointed. Period. I hope this helps, Tonytee

According to the lens database:
"The SMC Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 is similar to its DA-series counterpart, the DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II, except that it features a slightly lighter design, plastic mount, and no quick-shift focus functionality. It is included as a part of a camera kit and is not sold separately."
and
"The Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR is a weather resistant version of the original DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL featuring the same optical design. It is included as a part of a camera kit and is not sold separately"

So the two lenses share the same optical design. I would test both lenses for decentration or other optical flaws and keep the better one, or if on par keep the WR version.
Regards Patrick

Last edited by othar; 10-14-2015 at 03:07 AM.

Adam · 10-14-2015, 01:22 AM

Originally posted by bigyinn

Ok, so Im in the position where I have two 18-55 lenses, only one of which I want to keep.

1) DA L 18-55 AL WR
2) Sansung D Xenon 18-55 (basically the Pentax DA 18-55 AL II)

So my question is, which one do I keep? I suppose the optics are pretty much identical, so its down to the contruction and features of the lenses. Im leaning towards the DA L because of it's weather resistance, but it doesnt have the metal mount or quick shift. I can't say im bothered about quick shift, as I rarely manual focus, but the metal mount seems preferable for long term durability.
Anyone know if you can swap the mounts over so that you could convert the WR to a metal mount?

Your thoughts please?

Thanks in advance.

I'd keep the WR lens (the optics are the same). The metal mount is nice but unless you have plenty of other weather sealed lenses, it's not worth worrying about.

bigyinn · 10-14-2015, 01:39 AM

Thanks for the swift replies folks. I think I'll be keeping the DA-L WR then. I've had that one from new and at least I know it's history, whereas the Samsung one was an acquisition, so I don't know its previous life.

Dewman · 10-14-2015, 08:44 AM

Yep, definitely the WR version. My copy is one of the sharpest lenses I own. This might go against the reviews, but my personal experience with MY copy shows a marked increase in sharpness over my non-WR version. I certainly would not claim to be anything close to an expert on this subject, but it would seem that one would have to work a lens literally to DEATH before you would wear out the non-metallic mount.

10-14-2015, 12:33 AM	#1
bigyinn Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 54	18-55 Lens question Ok, so Im in the position where I have two 18-55 lenses, only one of which I want to keep. 1) DA L 18-55 AL WR 2) Sansung D Xenon 18-55 (basically the Pentax DA 18-55 AL II) So my question is, which one do I keep? I suppose the optics are pretty much identical, so its down to the contruction and features of the lenses. Im leaning towards the DA L because of it's weather resistance, but it doesnt have the metal mount or quick shift. I can't say im bothered about quick shift, as I rarely manual focus, but the metal mount seems preferable for long term durability. Anyone know if you can swap the mounts over so that you could convert the WR to a metal mount? Your thoughts please? Thanks in advance.

10-14-2015, 01:22 AM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by bigyinn Ok, so Im in the position where I have two 18-55 lenses, only one of which I want to keep. 1) DA L 18-55 AL WR 2) Sansung D Xenon 18-55 (basically the Pentax DA 18-55 AL II) So my question is, which one do I keep? I suppose the optics are pretty much identical, so its down to the contruction and features of the lenses. Im leaning towards the DA L because of it's weather resistance, but it doesnt have the metal mount or quick shift. I can't say im bothered about quick shift, as I rarely manual focus, but the metal mount seems preferable for long term durability. Anyone know if you can swap the mounts over so that you could convert the WR to a metal mount? Your thoughts please? Thanks in advance. I'd keep the WR lens (the optics are the same). The metal mount is nice but unless you have plenty of other weather sealed lenses, it's not worth worrying about. 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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10-14-2015, 12:41 AM	#2
Tonytee Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 21,505	Originally posted by bigyinn Ok, so Im in the position where I have two 18-55 lenses, only one of which I want to keep. 1) DA L 18-55 AL WR 2) Sansung D Xenon 18-55 (basically the Pentax DA 18-55 AL II) So my question is, which one do I keep? I suppose the optics are pretty much identical, so its down to the contruction and features of the lenses. Im leaning towards the DA L because of it's weather resistance, but it doesnt have the metal mount or quick shift. I can't say im bothered about quick shift, as I rarely manual focus, but the metal mount seems preferable for long term durability. Anyone know if you can swap the mounts over so that you could convert the WR to a metal mount? Your thoughts please? Thanks in advance. Greetings, in a nutshell, keep the number II. This was Pentax's improvement over the DA AL. The number two is your best choice. I have the first version that Pentax produced and trust me, I am very disappointed. Period. I hope this helps, Tonytee

10-14-2015, 12:57 AM	#3
grispie Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 1,199	wasn't the WR version one of the later models anyhow. At least optics improved over the first version already? btw, i wouldn't bother converting anything. I'd just keep the WR one in case...

10-14-2015, 01:09 AM	#4
othar Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Linz Photos: Albums Posts: 3,098	Originally posted by Tonytee Greetings, in a nutshell, keep the number II. This was Pentax's improvement over the DA AL. The number two is your best choice. I have the first version that Pentax produced and trust me, I am very disappointed. Period. I hope this helps, Tonytee According to the lens database: "The SMC Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 is similar to its DA-series counterpart, the DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II, except that it features a slightly lighter design, plastic mount, and no quick-shift focus functionality. It is included as a part of a camera kit and is not sold separately." and "The Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR is a weather resistant version of the original DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL featuring the same optical design. It is included as a part of a camera kit and is not sold separately" So the two lenses share the same optical design. I would test both lenses for decentration or other optical flaws and keep the better one, or if on par keep the WR version. Regards Patrick Last edited by othar; 10-14-2015 at 03:07 AM.

10-14-2015, 01:39 AM	#6
bigyinn Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 54 Original Poster	Thanks for the swift replies folks. I think I'll be keeping the DA-L WR then. I've had that one from new and at least I know it's history, whereas the Samsung one was an acquisition, so I don't know its previous life.

10-14-2015, 08:44 AM	#7
Dewman Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,492	Yep, definitely the WR version. My copy is one of the sharpest lenses I own. This might go against the reviews, but my personal experience with MY copy shows a marked increase in sharpness over my non-WR version. I certainly would not claim to be anything close to an expert on this subject, but it would seem that one would have to work a lens literally to DEATH before you would wear out the non-metallic mount.