DA 18-55mm AL II vs DAL 18-55mm (kit lens) vs DA 18-55mm WR

rustynail925 · 01-08-2010, 04:20 AM

Whats the difference of DA 18-55mm AL II vs DAL 18-55mm (kit lens) vs DA 18-55mm WR in terms of IQ (sharpness, color/contrast)?

emr · 01-08-2010, 04:24 AM

Originally posted by rustynail925

Whats the difference of DA 18-55mm AL II vs DAL 18-55mm (kit lens) vs DA 18-55mm WR in terms of IQ (sharpness, color/contrast)?

I've understood that these three should be optically similar (and better than the kit zoom version I).

rustynail925 · 01-08-2010, 04:31 AM

Thx emr.. Is there a site or thread that compares this lens IQ?

Jasvox · 01-08-2010, 05:50 AM

Optically similar...probably too close for anyone to ever notice in a million years.

I am sure DXO could make a big deal out of it though...

Jason

timo · 01-08-2010, 06:41 AM

Originally posted by rustynail925

Whats the difference of DA 18-55mm AL II vs DAL 18-55mm (kit lens) vs DA 18-55mm WR in terms of IQ (sharpness, color/contrast)?

I've still got the Mk I 18-55 - none of the examples of any of the subsequent versions have persuaded me that any of the different versions, I or II, are significantly different - or less different than the variations likely to be introduced by sample variation anyway.

**Ahab** · 01-08-2010, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by timo

I've still got the Mk I 18-55 - none of the examples of any of the subsequent versions have persuaded me that any of the different versions, I or II, are significantly different - or less different than the variations likely to be introduced by sample variation anyway.

I agree.

Marc Sabatella · 01-08-2010, 01:12 PM

Not just similar - identical. aside from the original long-discontinued version I, the others - the three being discussed here - are *exactly* the same optically. The only differences would be normal sample variation.

Adam · 01-08-2010, 01:29 PM

User reviews of each of the four variants can be found here: Pentax Lens Review and Specification Database - DA Series Zooms

emr · 01-08-2010, 01:32 PM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

Not just similar - identical.

Sorry, it's my bad English. I thought that similar means pretty much the same as identical.

Marc Sabatella · 01-08-2010, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by emr

Sorry, it's my bad English. I thought that similar means pretty much the same as identical.

"Similar" = "pretty much the same", but that's definitely a notch below "identical" :-). Version II is "similar" to version I in many aspects of optical performance, but version II is *identical* to the others mentioned here.

Blue · 01-08-2010, 02:06 PM

Originally posted by rustynail925

Whats the difference of DA 18-55mm AL II vs DAL 18-55mm (kit lens) vs DA 18-55mm WR in terms of IQ (sharpness, color/contrast)?

If there is any difference at all, the L may lack SP coating but can't verify that via Pentax Imaging and Dimitrov.

01-08-2010, 04:20 AM	#1
rustynail925 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,551	DA 18-55mm AL II vs DAL 18-55mm (kit lens) vs DA 18-55mm WR Whats the difference of DA 18-55mm AL II vs DAL 18-55mm (kit lens) vs DA 18-55mm WR in terms of IQ (sharpness, color/contrast)?

01-08-2010, 01:29 PM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,240	User reviews of each of the four variants can be found here: Pentax Lens Review and Specification Database - DA Series Zooms 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, 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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01-08-2010, 04:24 AM	#2
emr Guest	Originally posted by rustynail925 Whats the difference of DA 18-55mm AL II vs DAL 18-55mm (kit lens) vs DA 18-55mm WR in terms of IQ (sharpness, color/contrast)? I've understood that these three should be optically similar (and better than the kit zoom version I).

01-08-2010, 04:31 AM	#3
rustynail925 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,551 Original Poster	Thx emr.. Is there a site or thread that compares this lens IQ?

01-08-2010, 05:50 AM	#4
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	Optically similar...probably too close for anyone to ever notice in a million years. I am sure DXO could make a big deal out of it though... Jason

01-08-2010, 06:41 AM	#5
timo Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: former Arsenal football stadium Photos: Gallery Posts: 431	Originally posted by rustynail925 Whats the difference of DA 18-55mm AL II vs DAL 18-55mm (kit lens) vs DA 18-55mm WR in terms of IQ (sharpness, color/contrast)? I've still got the Mk I 18-55 - none of the examples of any of the subsequent versions have persuaded me that any of the different versions, I or II, are significantly different - or less different than the variations likely to be introduced by sample variation anyway.

01-08-2010, 09:32 AM	#6
Ahab Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Arnold, Md. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 762	Originally posted by timo I've still got the Mk I 18-55 - none of the examples of any of the subsequent versions have persuaded me that any of the different versions, I or II, are significantly different - or less different than the variations likely to be introduced by sample variation anyway. I agree.

01-08-2010, 01:12 PM	#7
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,686	Not just similar - identical. aside from the original long-discontinued version I, the others - the three being discussed here - are exactly the same optically. The only differences would be normal sample variation.

01-08-2010, 01:32 PM	#9
emr Guest	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella Not just similar - identical. Sorry, it's my bad English. I thought that similar means pretty much the same as identical.

01-08-2010, 01:39 PM	#10
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,686	Originally posted by emr Sorry, it's my bad English. I thought that similar means pretty much the same as identical. "Similar" = "pretty much the same", but that's definitely a notch below "identical" :-). Version II is "similar" to version I in many aspects of optical performance, but version II is identical to the others mentioned here.

01-08-2010, 02:06 PM	#11
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by rustynail925 Whats the difference of DA 18-55mm AL II vs DAL 18-55mm (kit lens) vs DA 18-55mm WR in terms of IQ (sharpness, color/contrast)? If there is any difference at all, the L *may* lack SP coating but can't verify that via Pentax Imaging and Dimitrov.

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