The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE and the Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE is the longer of the two lenses at 71mm. The Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL with a length of 68mm, is 3mm shorter. On the other hand, the Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL has a larger diameter of 68mm compared to the Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE's 41mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE weighs 158g, which means it is 67g (29%) lighter than the Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL which has a weight of 225g.
Filter Threads
The Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE has a filter size of 58mm whereas the Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL:
Lens Mounts
The Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount whereas the Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL has the Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF3 Mount and Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF Mount.
Focal Range
Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE has a focal range of 18-50mm and
2.8X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
27-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL has a focal range of 18-55mm and 3.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 27-82.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.