Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Pentax Limited Series 23010 40mm
What Buyers Say
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
This kit lens is a decent entry-level option for beginners learning DSLR photography, offering good image quality and image stabilization at a low price. However, many users report that the autofocus is slow and unreliable in low light, and the build quality feels cheap and prone to breaking after several months. While it serves well as a starter lens, most reviewers recommend upgrading to a faster or better-built lens as skills improve.
Pros
- Good image quality for the price
- Effective image stabilization
- Lightweight and compact design
- Versatile focal range for everyday use
- Great starter lens for beginners
Cons
- Slow and unreliable autofocus in low light
- Cheap plastic build quality
- Autofocus motor noise in video
- Soft image quality at telephoto end
- Limited maximum aperture (f/5.6 at 55mm)
Pentax Limited Series 23010 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 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II | Pentax Limited Series 23010 40mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 20 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 40 mm |
| Elements | 11 | 9 |
| Groups | 9 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | HD coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 2.8-4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 6 | 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 | Micro Motor | DC |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm★ | 280 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.34x | 1:5★ |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong social proof (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (8th percentile)8th %ile
Pentax Limited Series 23010 40mm
- Strong social proof (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong bokeh (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong macro (73rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Pricing
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II offers 4.5x better value for money
Verdict
Both products are closely matched - Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II wins 4 specs while Pentax Limited Series 23010 40mm wins 3.
