Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
Pentax HD DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited DC WR Wide Zoom 40mm
What Buyers Say
Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
This lens is widely praised for its excellent optics, lightweight design, and quiet STM autofocus, making it a great everyday and travel lens. Users note it rivals Canon's L-series in image quality while being much more affordable, though some mention the plastic mount and lack of weather sealing as drawbacks. Verified buyers highlight its sharpness, effective image stabilization, and value for money, especially when purchased as a kit lens. However, a few users report limitations with autofocus points on certain camera bodies and note it is not a true macro lens.
Pros
- Excellent image quality rivaling L-series
- Lightweight and compact design
- Quiet and smooth STM autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
- Great value for money
Cons
- Plastic mount instead of metal
- No weather sealing
- Limited autofocus points on some bodies
- Not a true macro lens
- Inferior image quality to 18-135mm
Pentax HD DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited DC WR Wide Zoom 40mm
The Pentax HD DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 ED Limited DC WR lens is highly praised for its superb build quality, sharpness, and beautiful color rendition. Users love it as a versatile walk-around lens for street photography and landscapes, especially on APS-C bodies like the K-3. The main drawbacks are its variable aperture and a price that many feel is too high for the performance gain over kit lenses.
Pros
- Superb build quality
- Excellent sharpness
- Beautiful color rendition
- Weather resistant
- Versatile focal range for street and landscape
Cons
- Variable aperture (f/2.8-4)
- High price for performance gain
- Limited zoom range
- Not as wide as some kit lenses
Scores
Specifications
| Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm | Pentax HD DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited DC WR Wide Zoom 40mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 20 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 40 mm |
| Elements | 12 | 9 |
| Groups | 10 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 1 |
| ED Elements | — | 1★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | HD coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 4-5.6 | 2.8-4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF-S | Pentax K |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.20 kg★ | 0.28 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 55 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 66 mm | 40 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:4 | 1:5 |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
Pentax HD DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited DC WR Wide Zoom 40mm
- Strong macro (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong bokeh (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong build (86th percentile)86th %ile
Verdict
Both products are closely matched - Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm wins 3 specs while Pentax HD DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 Limited DC WR Wide Zoom 40mm wins 4.