Can you compare this lens with Pentax 18-55 II?
767674
Oh, and the larger aperture allows you to play with depth of field and shoot in low light conditions without having to crank up the ISO and the associated noise. It's really nice for portraits. If you are looking for top quality in a "normal" lens(like a 50mm was in film formats) you can pay alot for the great Pentax 31mm or (right now) about the same as the 50mm for a DA 35mm that is still a very nice lens. BTW: Pentax is planning on putting out an "improved" series of fixed lenses at a higher price so you might want to take advantage of the clearance sales now.
767675
This lens and the Pentax 18-55 II are not really comparable. The 18-55 is a zoom, and the DA 50mm f1.8 is a prime, meaning, of course, no zoom. It's fixed at 50mm. Also, the 18-55 II will only open up to f3.5, so you really won't get the lovely narrow depth of field that you get with the 50mm f1.8, which is what makes this lens so attractive and seductive. So I guess it depends on what you want. The 18-55 would make a better walk-around utility lens. The 50mm f1.8 is a specialized, portrait lens that will give you a fantastically blurred background when shooting subjects up close. Personally, I think you should have both in your lens collection. This lens and the Pentax 18-55 II are not really comparable. The 18-55 is a zoom, and the DA 50mm f1.8 is a prime, meaning, of course, no zoom. It's fixed at 50mm. Also, the 18-55 II will only open up to f3.5, so you really won't get the lovely narrow depth of field that you get with the 50mm f1.8, which is what makes this lens so attractive and seductive. So I guess it depends on what you want. The 18-55 would make a better walk-around utility lens. The 50mm f1.8 is a specialized, portrait lens that will give you a fantastically blurred background when shooting subjects up close.... » Read More This lens and the Pentax 18-55 II are not really comparable. The 18-55 is a zoom, and the DA 50mm f1.8 is a prime, meaning, of course, no zoom. It's fixed at 50mm. Also, the 18-55 II will only open up to f3.5, so you really won't get the lovely narrow depth of field that you get with the 50mm f1.8, which is what makes this lens so attractive and seductive. So I guess it depends on what you want. The 18-55 would make a better walk-around utility lens. The 50mm f1.8 is a specialized, portrait lens that will give you a fantastically blurred background when shooting subjects up close. Personally, I think you should have both in your lens collection. « Show Less
767676
This lens and the Pentax 18-55 II are not really comparable. The 18-55 is a zoom, and the DA 50mm f1.8 is a prime, meaning, of course, no zoom. It's fixed at 50mm. Also, the 18-55 II will only open up to f3.5, so you really won't get the lovely narrow depth of field that you get with the 50mm f1.8, which is what makes this lens so attractive and seductive. So I guess it depends on what you want. The 18-55 would make a better walk-around utility lens. The 50mm f1.8 is a specialized, portrait lens that will give you a fantastically blurred background when shooting subjects up close. Personally, I think you should have both in your lens collection.
767677
Actually no, this one is a prime lens with a maximum aperture of 1.8 while the 18-55 is a wide lens with a maximum aperture of 3.5 (at least the one I have, which is a DA L 18-55 Pentax lens).
767678
Not sure exactly what the question is re: the "II" designation but if you are asking how this fixed length lens compares to the kit zoom lens here goes;First this is not a zoom lens. It is a short telephoto lens in APS-C format Pentax cameras (like a 75mm in old 35mm film cameras). Most good fixed focal length lens have a better image quality than a zoom because of the inherent trade-offs of wide to telephoto angle zooms. I find the DA 50mm to be sharper and with better color rendition than my kit DA 18-55 lens. Of course if I want to "zoom out" I have to walk backwards. Hope that helps. Not sure exactly what the question is re: the "II" designation but if you are asking how this fixed length lens compares to the kit zoom lens here goes;First this is not a zoom lens. It is a short telephoto lens in APS-C format Pentax cameras (like a 75mm in old 35mm film cameras). Most good fixed focal length lens have a better image quality than a zoom because of the inherent trade-offs of wide to telephoto angle zooms. I find the DA 50mm to be sharper and with better color rendition than my kit DA 18-55 lens. Of course if I want to "zoom out" I have to walk... » Read More Not sure exactly what the question is re: the "II" designation but if you are asking how this fixed length lens compares to the kit zoom lens here goes;First this is not a zoom lens. It is a short telephoto lens in APS-C format Pentax cameras (like a 75mm in old 35mm film cameras). Most good fixed focal length lens have a better image quality than a zoom because of the inherent trade-offs of wide to telephoto angle zooms. I find the DA 50mm to be sharper and with better color rendition than my kit DA 18-55 lens. Of course if I want to "zoom out" I have to walk backwards. Hope that helps. « Show Less
1837159
the current model of the Pentax is K3. The model K5 II and K5 IIs are only the previous not old!!
2112870
It sure will! The 18-55 lens was an optional lens as part of an A55 "kit" or package sold by SONY.
464452
I have both lenses and use them differently. The 23mm I mainly use when street shooting. But since I got the 23mm, I've don't use my 18-55 as much.
1723178
I doubt that this lens would be available in the Pentax K mount. Even if it were, the autofocus functions would not work, and the lens probably wouldn't cover a full 35mm frame. While the 18-200 zoom range is very attractive, you ought to be able to find a more appropriate lens that would not cost as much.
1192318
I am extremely pleased with my 18-140. I do not own the 18-200, but I have handled it. The 18-140 is a bit lighter, and handles a bit quicker. It is sharper than my 18-105, especially at the wider focal lengths, where most pictures are taken.
464448
Although the 18-55 lens is a very good lens for a zoom, the 23 prime lens is far superior in my opinion in many ways especially with the 1.4 speed but the optics are extremely good in the 23 and the lens is built beautifully.
747373
Pat, The kit is sold new and used, that is your decision. I bought the camera body only and then bought the 18-55 II version of the Pentax AF lens. Supposedly the first 18-55 version of the lens, which I had seen accompanying the K-5 in a kit before, was improved upon and they called the new model the 18-55 II. My K-5 is water resistant. The K-5 takes excellent pictures and the noise is very limited as opposed to the earlier Pentax models, which I have noticed myself. I recommend that you buy the K-5 body only, then if you want the 18-55 lens, buy the Pentax 18-55 II if you need that type of wide angle lens. As I mentioned, I use both and I get excellent results. Pat, The kit is sold new and used, that is your decision. I bought the camera body only and then bought the 18-55 II version of the Pentax AF lens. Supposedly the first 18-55 version of the lens, which I had seen accompanying the K-5 in a kit before, was improved upon and they called the new model the 18-55 II. My K-5 is water resistant. The K-5 takes excellent pictures and the noise is very limited as opposed to the earlier Pentax models, which I have noticed myself. I recommend that you buy the K-5 body only, then if you want the 18-55 lens, buy the Pentax 18-55 II if you need that... » Read More Pat, The kit is sold new and used, that is your decision. I bought the camera body only and then bought the 18-55 II version of the Pentax AF lens. Supposedly the first 18-55 version of the lens, which I had seen accompanying the K-5 in a kit before, was improved upon and they called the new model the 18-55 II. My K-5 is water resistant. The K-5 takes excellent pictures and the noise is very limited as opposed to the earlier Pentax models, which I have noticed myself. I recommend that you buy the K-5 body only, then if you want the 18-55 lens, buy the Pentax 18-55 II if you need that type of wide angle lens. As I mentioned, I use both and I get excellent results. « Show Less
604837
Hi Jack - to be honest I've not had hands on with this lens. It was bought for my Son for his birthday. And from what I do know about it it is smaller and with the Macro capability - a more useful lens, also the 18-200 has less focal range then the newer Macro Lens. Seems to have pretty good reviews and as my son uses it for digital video - he's pretty happy thus far. Sorry I can't be of more help.Chuck
1324618
Yeah, I'd say their elements are in the same class. Both use ultra-low dispersion glass and produce superb images. I think the main difference is that the 17-55 has to use larger elements. Which increases the relative aperture and the price tag.
1850457
I have also the XF18-55. The XF27 is a little slower than the 18-55 and a little less accurate when tries to find focus (under difficult and not contrasty conditions). But in general i'm happy with this lens, is not for sports but for street photography for example is fine. Also is very sharp and small and with my X-E2 i can take it everywhere.
22793
Yes. It looks like this lens:Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras
1163546
I have both lenses and while at first glance you may not notice the difference too much, if you spend some time comparing side by side and zooming in you'll notice the 50mm gives all round better results in crispness, colour and clarity.The 18-55mm is a decent lens for a kit lens and I still make use of it but I do side more with the 50mm when the situation calls for it, like street photography.
963789
55-210 like others has said should fit your needs. I wouldn't go with the 18-200 since you should already have the 18-55 with your kit. By the way, I use 18-55 for 90% of my shots. I bought the 55-210 myself, It's cheaper and in my test before I bought it, it has better contrast and IQ then the 18-200. The 18-55 and 55-210 are the only lens I take with me when I go on vacation. Also 18-200 is a lot heaver. FYI: Once you pass the beginning phase with this camera, get you some adaptors for other lens and it pretty much open a new world of options on photography. Have fun out there!
1762695
Yes, it is the same lens sold by Pentax. I confirmed this with the seller when I purchased this camera with 18-135mm lens.
1626777
I got it for a Pentax DA L 18-55 F/3.5-5.6 AL and it works well. I have read about other who had loose copies, but mine is not. There are other models of this lens so check if yours is the same.
501123
Congrats on the nice lens! I have the 17-85. It's better than my 18-55, but I would love to get the 17-55 someday. Heck, I'd like to get a lot of different lenses someday! But being completely new to dslr, I think what I have now will suffice until I get going.