The SMC Pentax-DA 18-55mm 1:3.5~5.6 AL, with an identifying green band on the barrel and distance scales in both imperial and metric distances on the focusing ring, is sold only as a standard kit lens for APS-C Pentax digital SLR cameras. The lens has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 27–82.5mm, takes 52mm filters, and is constructed with an optical formula of 12 elements in 9 groups. The lens was introduced in 2008 and comes with a hood and a body weight of 220 grams
Though designated as a kit-only lens, built light, and possibly at the lowest cost, the lens is not of the same creed as most others from different manufacturers; the lens was designed with more in mind. This includes a greater emphasis on built and construction, a non-rotating front element for filter users, and the Quick-Shift Focus System that allows for a full-time manual focus while the lens is in autofocus mode, features worthy of consideration for serious photographers.
The lens is a screw drive, so do expect it to be slightly noisy, nothing obstructive. For the review, the lens was mounted on an equally vintage 10MP CCD Pentax K-m, another camera of excellent repute. The setup is part of my 'Re-Living The CCD Sensor' series. Pentax later updated the lens to the SMC-Pentax-DA 13.5~56 18-55mm AL II.
With both accolades as well as brick-bats all around, including a nomination for its manual focus ring being the best in its class, the lens enjoyed a Sharpness rating of 7.1, Aberrations at 7.1, Bokeh at 6.7, Autofocus at 7.7, Handling at 8.3, and Value at 8.7 on Pentax Forums.
Early Images
The lens is a low-cost buy on the big bay auctions, where a collection is still available as a single item or bundled with a camera as a kit. A worthy buy if you are not too concerned with it being the latest from the manufacturer or one that everybody is clamoring about.
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