SMC Pentax DAL 1:3.5-5.6 16-55 mm AL

RobBarnett1 · 11-20-2012, 02:46 PM

Hi everyone, new user and need a little advice. I purchased a Kr with kit lens SMC Pentax DAL 1:3.5-5.6 16-55 mm AL last year. I have struggled with DOF as there was no DOF scale on the lens. I did not really notice as unused to AF lenses. I did a little research on-line and apparently the lens should have a DOF scale !

Is this a common occurence ??

Hoping it is still under warranty and can get a replacement.

I will be grateful for any advice.

Regards

Rob

Adam · 11-20-2012, 03:02 PM

Hi Rob,

The DA L version of the kit lens does not have a DOF scale. You will need to get an older 18-55 II or the original 18-55 or the 18-55mm WR if you want to have one.

Click here to see the different lenses

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR Zoom Lens 21880 B&H Photo

elliott · 11-20-2012, 03:05 PM

The DA L does not have a distance scale, the DA v1/v2 and DA WR does. The DA L is a cheaper version, it has a plastic mount, doesn't come with a hood, no quick shift focusing and no distance scale.

You might see stores using the DA version 2 picture when advertising the DA L, so you might see a distance scale in their picture.

**kiwi_jono** · 11-20-2012, 05:54 PM

DAL 16-55 ? Yes please - where do I find one ;-)
Would be useful - especially if didn't have the 16-50 price tag. LOL

rob barnett · 11-28-2012, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Hi Rob,

The DA L version of the kit lens does not have a DOF scale. You will need to get an older 18-55 II or the original 18-55 or the 18-55mm WR if you want to have one.

Click here to see the different lenses

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR Zoom Lens 21880 B&H Photo

Thanks Adam, I was getting somewhat confused !

rob barnett · 11-28-2012, 01:16 PM

Originally posted by kiwi_jono

DAL 16-55 ? Yes please - where do I find one ;-)
Would be useful - especially if didn't have the 16-50 price tag. LOL

If you find them get kiwi_jono me one please !

sterretje · 12-05-2012, 11:25 AM

Originally posted by Adam

The DA L version of the kit lens does not have a DOF scale. You will need to get an older 18-55 II or the original 18-55 or the 18-55mm WR if you want to have one.

I think you're confused with the distance scale. To be honest, I've never seen a two-ring zoom lens with a DOF scale; do they exist?

rob barnett · 12-05-2012, 01:05 PM

Yes that is what I mean sterretje, they do exist see above.....

**JimJohnson** · 12-05-2012, 01:59 PM

Originally posted by RobBarnett1

I have struggled with DOF as there was no DOF scale on the lens.

Rob, as noted, the lens does not have a DOF scale ... but no one mentioned that you can check depth of field visually with your K-r. See pages 137-140 in the manual on programming the Green Button for either optical preview or digital preview.

Once programmed, pressing the Green Button stops the lens down to its working aperture. The picture is dimmer of course, but you can see what is and is not in acceptable focus. I use it all the time.

rob barnett · 12-05-2012, 04:54 PM

Thanks for that Jim ! I will have a look

11-20-2012, 02:46 PM	#1
RobBarnett1 Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 1	SMC Pentax DAL 1:3.5-5.6 16-55 mm AL Hi everyone, new user and need a little advice. I purchased a Kr with kit lens SMC Pentax DAL 1:3.5-5.6 16-55 mm AL last year. I have struggled with DOF as there was no DOF scale on the lens. I did not really notice as unused to AF lenses. I did a little research on-line and apparently the lens should have a DOF scale ! Is this a common occurence ?? Hoping it is still under warranty and can get a replacement. I will be grateful for any advice. Regards Rob

11-20-2012, 03:02 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Hi Rob, The DA L version of the kit lens does not have a DOF scale. You will need to get an older 18-55 II or the original 18-55 or the 18-55mm WR if you want to have one. Click here to see the different lenses Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR Zoom Lens 21880 B&H Photo 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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11-20-2012, 03:05 PM	#3
elliott Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: North Carolina Photos: Albums Posts: 1,720	The DA L does not have a distance scale, the DA v1/v2 and DA WR does. The DA L is a cheaper version, it has a plastic mount, doesn't come with a hood, no quick shift focusing and no distance scale. You might see stores using the DA version 2 picture when advertising the DA L, so you might see a distance scale in their picture.

11-20-2012, 05:54 PM	#4
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	DAL 16-55 ? Yes please - where do I find one ;-) Would be useful - especially if didn't have the 16-50 price tag. LOL

11-28-2012, 01:14 PM	#5
rob barnett New Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 11	Originally posted by Adam Hi Rob, The DA L version of the kit lens does not have a DOF scale. You will need to get an older 18-55 II or the original 18-55 or the 18-55mm WR if you want to have one. Click here to see the different lenses Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR Zoom Lens 21880 B&H Photo Thanks Adam, I was getting somewhat confused !

11-28-2012, 01:16 PM	#6
rob barnett New Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 11	Originally posted by kiwi_jono DAL 16-55 ? Yes please - where do I find one ;-) Would be useful - especially if didn't have the 16-50 price tag. LOL If you find them get kiwi_jono me one please !

12-05-2012, 11:25 AM	#7
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	Originally posted by Adam The DA L version of the kit lens does not have a DOF scale. You will need to get an older 18-55 II or the original 18-55 or the 18-55mm WR if you want to have one. I think you're confused with the distance scale. To be honest, I've never seen a two-ring zoom lens with a DOF scale; do they exist?

12-05-2012, 01:05 PM	#8
rob barnett New Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 11	Yes that is what I mean sterretje, they do exist see above.....

12-05-2012, 01:59 PM	#9
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772	Originally posted by RobBarnett1 I have struggled with DOF as there was no DOF scale on the lens. Rob, as noted, the lens does not have a DOF scale ... but no one mentioned that you can check depth of field visually with your K-r. See pages 137-140 in the manual on programming the Green Button for either optical preview or digital preview. Once programmed, pressing the Green Button stops the lens down to its working aperture. The picture is dimmer of course, but you can see what is and is not in acceptable focus. I use it all the time.

12-05-2012, 04:54 PM	#10
rob barnett New Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 11	Thanks for that Jim ! I will have a look