Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
Pentax DA* 12345 18mm
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
This Nikon 18-55mm lens is widely praised for its sharpness, light weight, and excellent value for money, especially as a kit lens. Users highlight its vivid colors and quiet autofocus, though some note the plastic build feels fragile and the barrel can wobble at extended focal lengths. Overall, it's considered a fantastic starter lens that outperforms its modest price point.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Lightweight and portable
- Excellent value for money
- Vivid color reproduction
- Quiet autofocus
Cons
- Plastic build feels fragile
- Barrel wobbles at extended focal lengths
- No image stabilization
- Loose tolerances can affect focus
Pentax DA* 12345 18mm
The Pentax HD DA 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW* is overwhelmingly praised for its exceptional sharpness, build quality, and versatility across landscape, astrophotography, and portrait work. Verified users report it becoming their go-to lens on K-3 and K-1 bodies, delivering images that rival or exceed competitors like the Sigma 10-20. Minor issues include incompatibility with some filter holders and a high price, but the overall sentiment is highly positive.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- High build quality
- Versatile for landscape and astro
- Fast f/2.8 aperture
- Filter mount compatibility
Cons
- Filter holder incompatibility
- High price
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm | Pentax DA* 12345 18mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 11 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | 7 | 16 |
| Groups | 5 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Aero Bright II Coating, Super Protect Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Pentax K |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.20 kg★ | 0.70 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | pulse stepping motor★ | DC |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 55 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:10★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
Pentax DA* 12345 18mm
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong macro (69th percentile)
- Strong versatility (67th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm offers 12.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
