New 18-55 kit lens: how much better than the previous one?

[yoni_weismuller]

Hi

 

After searching for my first dslr, I've decided to go for a pentax k10d.

However, I'm not very convinced about the 18-55, specially because of corners

sharpness.

 

I've read that the new 18-55 mm f3.5-5.6 DA II is better than the previous

version. But how much better? I now it's still a kit lens but, does it make a

real difference?

 

thanks

[michael_kuhne]

Probably is better, or Pentax would not bother on a series II. The original one is built better than the competition, and should hold its alignment with reasonable care. A bargain for the cost. The new one will probably be an optical improvement, though the old one is no slouch.

 

Only time and tests will reveal how much better.

[snik75]

I think version one is great. Although I haven't looked at my corners that much, I've never noted a problem with a picture I would blame on that lens.

[jim kerr]

Well,I do have the orginal and am very satisfyied.......Most things that are "new and improved", that I've come in contact with, are changed more to make a higher profit than anything else.......Jim

[rogerdaltx]

Yoni, I've seen very little in way of comparison of the old and new Pentax kit lenses. But apparently edge sharpness is stepped up on the new one. I ran across a k20d review tonight and they posted a couple of 100% edge crops of some foliage between the old and new kit lens. It's about half way down the first page at the link below..

 

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3374&review=pentax+k20