18-55 50-200 Pentax Kit Lens.

I have the two Pentax kit lens, the 18-55 and the 50-200, both purchased with the K10D in 2007.
Both these lens are a bit on the soft focus side, with the K10D and with the K5 purchased this year.

The question please, is the new 18-55 and 50-200 AL WR, lens, apart from being weather resistant, also of a better optical quality, to warrant as an up date.


Many thanks.

What sharpening method do you use? I ask as both lenses mentioned are sharp stopped down and we shouldn't expect images to look soft focus.

I have two 18-55s and they are plenty sharp also had a 50-200 and that was fine.

Hi, I earlier had 18-55 and 50-200 non WR versions. Now I have both the lenses in WR. IMO the WR versions are better. I find the 50-200 WR too good.

Regards,

jeeess

I think both my 18-55 and 50-200 are as sharp as I could want, why dont you post some examples?

The 18-55 that came with the K10D is the first generation. The DA18-55AL-II, DA-L18-55 and DA18-55WR are second generation with improved optics and considered slightly better.

The 50-200 has not changed optically to my knowledge.

Have you tried finetuning the AF of the K5 with the lenses?

I think the 18-55II or WR is fractionally improved, but I think you'd have to look quite hard for the difference. The 50-200mm WR is the same design as the old one.

What lenses are you comparing to, when you say they are 'soft focus'? How are you viewing/editing the pictures, or are you talking about prints?

I can only echo what others have said. I am using both the 18-55 and the 50-200 and I am not seeing any significant issues with focus.

Many thanks to all for your helpful advice.

To answer the points raised.

John.
I use Photoshop elements 4, for storing my images, but never really used, the various adjustments, don’t really know if sharpening is an option with elements 4.

Ken.
Sorry, but I don’t have the necessary computer knowledge/competence, to upload any images, have tried many times, following sound advice from this forum. But unable to crack it, I think it’s the silver haired old git syndrome. ie (We should not mess with things beyond our limits).

Wim.
No I have not tried fine tuning the focus on the K5, don’t really want to mess with the factory settings, as it is ok with other lens. (Pentax 100mm macro).

The general opinion seems to be that these original 18-55 and 50-200 kit lens are generally sound, therefore not worth purchasing, updating to the newer WR versions.

When I purchased the K5, I also purchased a Pentax 100mm WR macro, which gives pin sharp images straight from the camera, with both the K10D and K5, I appreciate this is a prime lens, also of better quality than the two kit zooms, so maybe I am now expecting to much from these older kit lens.

Again many thanks to all for taking the time, posting your findings.


Take care.

Chris, it really is worth taking the time to learn a bit of photoshop, and how to upload images.

You have bought a K5 - that's an expensive and serious camera. You owe it to yourself to get the best out of it and excuses like 'silver haired old git syndrome' simply won't wash! You will find many people here willing to hold your hand through your first steps. Myself included!

Contrary to the K10D (with debug), the K5 allows individual adjustments for a large number of lenses (I think up to 20). Adjustment of your kit lenses will not affect the DFA100WR and adjustment for the 18-55 will not affect the adjustment for the 50-200 and vice versa.

You can also take the K10D to Pentax repair as they can do AF finetuning for up to 6 lenses (someone recently said 4, I seem to remember that it is 6).

90% of the photography on this client's website is mine, all taken with the K20D. All the pictures on this page were taken with the Mk1 18-55 and my very exacting pixel peeping client is happy. link

Sorry the link doesn't work as I had wished, you have to click on 'Professional' too.

The portraits here were taken with the 50-200 link

Chris, I have the Scott Kelby book on Elements 4 which will help you get more out of it than using it simply for storage. PM me if you are interested in it.

It really would be worth posting some examples here. It isn't hard to do.
Go to www.photobucket.com and create an account. Then click on upload photos, find the photos you want to post by clicking browse and then uplaod them
Once they are on Photobucket click on a photo - you will see a frame come up called links. Click on the one called img code. It will go yellow and say copied.
You can then paste that link into your thread here and your photo will appear for all to see.
Take your time, you can't do anything wrong. It really is worth trying - others can give you so much more advice then once they can see the photos.

Ken.

Just had a look, via your link.

Well that certainly proves the ability of these lens, if proof were needed.

But it also proves that there is an accomplished photographer using them.


Many thanks.

Chris.

Have a look in my Portfolio at "DA18-55Mk1" and "Lily" (taken with Mk11) and persuade me these lenses are soft. I am constantly surprised how good they are for kit lenses

Roger