Does the 18-55mm perform ok on k20d

Im popping up to SRS tommorow and have noticed this:

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/1841/Pentax-smc-DA-L-18-55mm-F3-5-5-6-AL-Lens.h...

But I read on another thread that they had to bring out the mk II version beacause this one did perform well enough for the K20d's 14mp sensor. Is this correct?

I'm not sure the whether the L version is the same optical formula etc. as the Mk 1 or the Mk 2. I've been using my Mk 1 on my K20D and have been very happy with the results. I do seem, luckily, to have a good example of that lens which is why I have stuck with it rather than splashing out for a 16-50 or 16-45.

K.

Samsung never upgraded their 18-55 which has always remained in "Mk1" guise, not heard many GX20 owners complaining...

I've always been pleased with my Mk I

The AL11(2) has an extra coating on it to help make the most of the K20D's sensor. The DAL is the lightweight lens introduced with the K-M - plastic mount - no distance scale. The Exif data thinks its an AL11, which is confusing.
I notice that when various magazine tests have been carried out the AL11 has sometimes crept on to the K200 & K-M resulting in less noise but same consistency in the bar charts!
I would have tried to buy an AL11 with my K-M if I had known the difference at the time.

No, that's not correct. The L version is a lightened and cheapened mk II, with the same optics, just with a plastic mount and no Quick Shift, and also no hood.

"L" stands for light and it's lighter even with a hood. Compatible hoods can be found for under a tenner on eBay.

When focused properly and stopped down to f8, it provides very good image quality on the K20D and K-7.

It's identified properly as an "L" in the Exif info when used on a K-7 anyway.

It's not the coating but they have modified the lens formula.

MK I



MK II



However the DA L is a lightened MK II version, like Pete said.
So even if the EXIF says it's a MKII lens then it is correct, since it's only a feature difference.

Thanks folks, I pick up the lens this afternoon

Regarding the Exif info: it does depend on how well informed the program is that you're using. Silkypix Pro identifies the lens correctly anyway.

I've owned one of every version of the DA 18-55mm, and currently have an L and WR.

Neil - have a look here.

IIRC it doesn't have a manual focus ring at all?

You recall incorrectly There is no distance scale but it does have a manual focusing ring. See it here.

I'd never noticed the missing distance scale before! Another good reason to stick with my Mk1

I bet that saved all of 0.1 grams! Does make you wonder why it's missing.

Dan

Cost?

Btw the DAl lenses must be the most coloured lenses there is.