18-55 WR: The Build Quality!

Hi chaps.

I've just got my hands on an 18-55WR; and I must say I've been blown away by it's build quality.

Kit quality this most definitely is not!

Or at least that's my reaction to the lens - I'm definitely impressed with it.

Would be interested to know what others think.

I agree, I like it. I've used it quite a bit for close ups of flowers and the results have been impressive.

I agree about the build quality - the thing looks neat, feels tightly put together, and the engineering plastics match the magnesium body of the K-7 very well. Nicest thing compared to other manufacturers (with the honourable exception of Olympus) is that it has a proper focus ring rather than a bit of knurling at the end of the lens barrel.

As for IQ, my first copy of this lens was a bit of a disappointment to be honest, but SRS swapped it for another which is playing in a completely different league. The second copy matches my DA AL II (which I always rated) for performance so I'm happy.

I guess it's down to sample variation - and if my second copy is indicative of what they should be like, it's a great lens.

It's typical of all DA lenses even the budget ones. The DA 18-55 II is in a different league to any Nikon/Canon kit lens build wise and the optical performance very acceptable.

Regards,

John

I've a great copy of the 18-55MKII which came with my K20D - I've had truly fantastic results with it; but the WR version just blows it away for the build quality.

Only time will tell if it matches my MKII for optical quality too...fingers crossed....

I love both the WR lenses I have (18-55 and 50-200). Great build quality and optics, far better than the 'kit lens' tag would suggest.

18-55mm has the same optical design as the mkII (albeit with different coatings as I understand it) so it should perform just as well (in fact a recent thread on here showed the 18-55 WR comparing vry favourably to the DA 16-45).

Great 'bang for your buck' lenses (certainly at the prices I paid).

I quite want one of these. Seeing as I think my 18-55 Mk II has some scratches on the lens and I have been seriously struggling with dust spots etc on the photos from it. I feel some dust may have gotten inside. Also seeing as I have the 50-200mm WR I should have the 18-55mm one too and really make the most of the K200's weatherproofing.

Hopefully can find the cash for it!!

Give Chris a call at SRS. I got mine for a good price from them.

That's where I looked first! Still at the moment have to thnk hard about any expenditure. Plus my film obsession is still in full swing.... SRS have a great price though.