| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL
This lens has been perhaps unfairly slagged in some reviews. For most users lens performance is more than acceptable, though not outstanding. This lens is at its best at F8-11 unfortunately. Wide open at both 18 and 55mm, both edge and centre sharpness are noticeably reduced, something that I'm surprised to have personally noticed considering I'm in no way a "pixel peeper." Focus also does not always seem to hit the mark at 55mm, though I'm not sure if I'm imagining this or not (AF is never perfect after all, and reduced DOF at 55mm may play a role.)
The best thing about this lens is probably build quality compared to its competition and a full-on manual focus ring with distance scale (!), which if I'm not mistaken you'll not find on any other kit lens. However, the utility of MF is not the best as the viewfinder view is quite dark and the ring range itself not very long, nor is it damped. However, this is to be expected, and in the circumstances, still much appreciated.
All in all, the 18-55 fits exactly the requirements of a starter lens. It is good enough in most situations for someone starting off. In the right hands, it can be a very capable tool, with its highly versatile (though hardly unique) focal length range. However, for someone expecting excellent lens performance wide open, look elsewhere (and be prepared to pay up.) |
