18 - 55 kit lens

Hi to everyone.

I`m new to this forum, so please forgive this question, which I assume has been asked many times before!

Just purchased a *ist DL, and the kit lens is, how can I put this, not the best lens I have used.

Has anyone tried the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 DC lens, or any other better quality optics?


regards Rick

The ideal Pentax lens for replacing the kit lens is the SMC Pentax-DA 16-45mm f4. This is a superb lens that will not disappoint.

I second JR's suggestion, but if you lean towards longer focal lengths, then the 24-90 or the power zoom 28-105 are also good choices. The latter is available often on Ebay.

A Pentax camera deserves a Pentax lens.

G

I agree with John, the Pentax 16-45 is superb and also very good value for money

The true price of the kit lens is only around £50, (whatever the rrp may say) to enable kit bumdles to be attractively priced; you get what you pay for

I have nothing against Sigma, I use their excellent 100-300EX f4, but in this vcase the Pentax 16-45 is a no brainer

Thank you all for the advice.

I was a bit concerned that the 16-45 might exhibit too much distortion at the widest setting, which is my main gripe about the 18-55 lens.


regards Rick

One of the things that lens designers allow to drift a little these days is distortion. Most lenses are sharp and contrasty.

The 16-45 is pretty good distortion-wise, and if architectural subjects are what you have in mind you should be OK.

I too can vouch for the 16-45
Very sharp, excellent colour and low distortion.
If you want any corrections, then PTLens has the calibration data for the 16-45, as well as the 12-24 - but generally I don't find it necessary.

Matt

The 16-45 would seem my best bet then.

Thanks again


Rick

Rick, I'll also put in a good word on the 16-45. Well worth it.

When I bought the *st D, I got the 16-45 and have never been disappointed. It's a great lens.

I don't think the 18-55 is such a BAD lens, the DL was bought as cover for when the D was in for repair... and it was a while before I found the ideal lens for that camera - the 24-90..

I've noted what Kevin's said about the Sigma 100-300, my 70-200 works well but some of the others don't quite cut the mustard. If I didn't have the 200-300 pounds for the 16-45 I wouldn't jump onto the Sigma boat straight away as their non-EX lenses aren't special...

Hi everyone, I'm also new to this forum.

Using the kit lens with a *istDL I have a lot of really nice photos and none that had to be discarded without a better shot.

I agree that the 18-55mm isn't THE BEST GLASS out there (upon close examination I have found CA in some photos, and there is vignetting at its widest angle setting). But I have yet to encounter better value for money...

I recently bought what seems to be the last 16-45mm DA in Canada. Extremely popular!!! Price was GBP186 from www.thecamerastore.com for the demo model. Regular price was GBP191, and I say WAS for a good reason.