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Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£180
Avg. price in US: ~$180
Lens mount: Pentax K
Maximum focal length: 55 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 5.6
Optical image stabilization: no
Maximum angle of view: 76 °

Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.3

Good

6.6

Good

5.1

Good

7.0
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.5
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
7.5
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
9.0
Lens length
25.0%
8.3
Lens diameter
25.0%
10
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

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Best rankings

#383 in Best Wide Angle Lenses
#855 in Best Camera Lenses

Verdict

The Pentax SMC DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR is a versatile APS-C standard zoom lens offering a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27.5-84.5mm. It features 11 elements in 8 groups, including one high-performance aspherical (AL) element and one extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element to minimise aberrations and maintain edge-to-edge sharpness. Key characteristics include its simplified weather-resistant (WR) construction for shooting in rain or fog, a Super Protect (SP) fluorine coating to repel water and oil, and the Quick-Shift Focus System for instant manual override. Main pros are its lightweight 230g build, durable metal mount, and a non-rotating front element that facilitates easy filter use. However, cons include a relatively slow and noisy screw-drive autofocus system and a noticeable drop in contrast and sharpness when used wide open at the 55mm telephoto end.

Technical Specifications of Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR

Overall score

6.3

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Pentax K

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

APS-C

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

52 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

6.4

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

18 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

55 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

3.1x

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

76 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

29 °

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Focus & Controls

4.7

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

screw-drive

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

4.2

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

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Build & Handling

9.6

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

7.3

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

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DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

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DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR vs the average camera lens

Why is Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR better than the average camera lens?

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Has fluorine coating
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
What it is: A protective coating on exposed elements that repels water, oil, and dirt for easier cleaning.
When it matters: When you shoot in rain, sea spray, or dusty places and want easier front-element cleaning.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
Has aperture ring
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
What it is: A dedicated ring on the lens used to control the aperture directly.
When it matters: When you want direct tactile control over exposure while shooting photos or video.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
290.4 g lighter
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR is lighter than the average camera lens (235 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR is lighter than the average camera lens (235 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.235 g vs 525.4 g
24.5 mm shorter lens
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR is shorter than the average camera lens (67.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR is shorter than the average camera lens (67.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.67.5 mm vs 92 mm
8.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR is slimmer than the average camera lens (68.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR is slimmer than the average camera lens (68.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.68.5 mm vs 77 mm
0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.25 m vs 0.3 m
0.15 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.34 x vs 0.192 x
2.94x cheaper
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR is cheaper than the average camera lens (£180 vs £530).
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR is cheaper than the average camera lens (£180 vs £530).£180 vs £530
Has aperture ring
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
0.05 m shorter minimum focus distance
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
0.15 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
Has fluorine coating
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
290.4 g lighter
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR is lighter than the average camera lens (235 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
24.5 mm shorter lens
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR is shorter than the average camera lens (67.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
8.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR is slimmer than the average camera lens (68.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR worse than the average camera lens?

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2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
3 fewer aperture blades
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
No rounded blades
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
6 straight blades.
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
1 fewer aspherical elements
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
No internal focusing
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Older release date
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR was released earlier than the average camera lens.
May 2009
9 points lower DxOMark sharpness
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (7 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.5.6 vs 2.8
3 fewer aperture blades
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.6 vs 9
No rounded blades
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
6 straight blades.
What it is: A blade design that keeps the aperture opening more circular for smoother out-of-focus highlights.
When it matters: When you care about smoother bokeh and rounder highlight shapes in blurred backgrounds.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
No internal focusing
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
9 points lower DxOMark sharpness
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (7 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (7 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.7 vs 16
Older release date
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR was released earlier than the average camera lens.
May 2009
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR was released earlier than the average camera lens.2009 vs 2016
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.1 vs 2
1 fewer aspherical elements
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.1 vs 2

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR?

Weather resistance (WR) allows for shooting in damp or dusty conditions
Excellent build quality featuring high-quality plastics and a metal mount
Lightweight and compact design makes it a versatile 'walkaround' lens
Quick-Shift Focus System allows for manual focus adjustments while in AF mode
Genuinely effective lens hood design that minimizes flare and includes a polarizer window
High value for the price, often praised as one of the better 'kit' lenses available

What customers dislike about Pentax SMC DA 18 55mm F3 5 5 6 AL WR?

Softness at the edges and wide open at focal length extremes (18mm and 55mm)
Low contrast results in images that can appear less 'snappy' without post-processing
Noisy screw-drive autofocus mechanism compared to modern silent motors
Visible vignetting and barrel distortion at the wide (18mm) end
Small focus ring is not ideal for extensive manual focus use
Low resolution (7MP-8MP) compared to premium optics, though comparable to other kit lenses

Video reviews

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