18-55 kit lens - mk1 v mk2

Please can someone tell me what the difference between mk1&2 18-55 kit lenses and how to tell them apart?
Ta
Nick

I believe the mark 2 has 'II' on the front edge.

I haven't used one though.

I've no problems with the Mk I that I've got. Compared it to a Sigma 10-20mm at 18-20mm and it's way better..... unless I have a bad Sigma 10-20mm which is possible given their poor reputation. I'm only using a K10D though.

shim

The mk II has a red "II" on the front and on the barrel. Compared to the mk I, it has one less element, SP (Super Protection) coating on the front element, and a better front cap (centre-pinch) that can be fitted while the hood is on.

On a K10D, my mk II provides better sharpness at the edges of the frame that I got from my mk I. I can't be sure if that it's because the new lens has a better design, or if my old lens was faulty.

Everyone assumes the new version is better, and designed for the K20D's greater resolution, but perhaps it was really only introduced because it's cheaper to make! Just a thought. Anyway, I do recommend the II.

The DA-L is the same as the II but with a plastic mount and without Quick Shift, making it 20 grams lighter. It has a silver instead of a green ring.

Only? ONLY? Proud user of... Privileged use of... but never "only using..."



Cheers, Kris.

I have had great results with the the Mk1 and find it a very useful lense. Ron

For what it is (a cheap kit lens) the Mk1 is remarkably good! I haven't tried the Mk2 but I'm sure it's just as (if not more) capable. Every camera bag should have a DA18-55 in there somewhere...

Hefty called the Mk1 a 'cheap' kit lens, he's right but the quality is far from 'cheap'

Many magazines rate the standard 18-55, in both forms, as one of, if not the best standard lens on any DSLR.

I would assume the latest 'light weight' version will uphold the reputation

Oh yes the Mk2 does have II on the front rim around the lens.

I'm liking the quality of the 18-55 Mk1, but I dislike the stiff 'jerky' operation of the zoom ring. Have I just got a dog or are they all like that? It would possibly be fair to add that I tend to judge lens handling by all my old metal lenses that are smooth and gorgeous by comparison. Yes, gorgeous is a technical term

No one will ever compare the zoom and focus rings on a DA18-55 to buttered silk it's true, but although I find the zoom ring a little jerky I think the focus ring is fairly good, albeit a little "dry" feeling with little feedback. Still, for the money...

I have mine from my DS!.........I love it!

Well... my theory is...

There have been comments from people about the 'poor' quality of the 18-55. Mine is a cracking lens and I wonder just how many complaints about softness are down to other factors such as camera shake and poor focusing or trying to take macro picures at full aperture when the manual specifically warns against it etc.

I'm sure the 16-45 is probably better but I cant recall any of the more experienced folk on here slagging off the 18-55.

Given that newbies to dslrs are likely to have this as a first lens I have a niggling suspicion that...

I second that. Same experience with K10D and both kit lenses.Just go for the MK 2.

Martin.

They're all like that to some extent. It's fine by me if it keeps the weight and price down.

They are all similar due to the lens moving in then out. In other words it's not a thread. It must be some sort of groove that a pin follows. It is positive though which is better than being sloppy or the old trombone system which could work very loose.

shim