Understanding lenses.

ElRazur · 2010-08-12T18:37:59+0100

I currently have the 18-55mm and 55-200mm and I'm wondering if fellow Pentaxians can explain a few things to me. On the 18-55mm lens the following are inscribed on it 'DAL F3.5 - 5.6 AL' and 'DAL f4-5.6 ED' on the 50-200mm lens. Looking in the manual, it just says DAL lenses do not have ultrasonic motors, but is this needed since the bit that controls the lens is inbuilt into the camera (Unlike Canon and Nikon right? ) The 'ED' & 'AL' means what exactly, and can someone explain this whole 'f stop' to me? I have seen it thrown around a few times, and to be honest I have no idea what it means. How does all of these have an impact on the image I take and my shot etc, also if I am buying lenses, what are the things to consider. Apologies if my post is everywhere, the whole DSLR thing can be a bit overwhelming. Thanks. PS I am also looking at the 70-300, it appears to be going for cheap. Is there anything I need to be aware of etc? Thanks.

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ElRazur ElRazur

48 posts
16 years

Posted 15/08/2010 - 17:02 Link

Thanks guys, the lens is brand new.

I am looking at the Pentax DAL equivalent too. Appears to be going for cheap too.

Anvh Anvh

10412 posts
18 years
Dordrecht,
the Netherlands

Posted 15/08/2010 - 19:29 - Helpful Comment Link

DAL version is optically the same but you won't have a Metal lens mount, quick-shift focusing and it comes without a hood. If you want a hood and have original pentax I would go for the DA instead because the original hood isn't so cheap.

Stefan