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Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE KAF3 Mount Review

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE

Main Features

  • 18-50mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 58mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Pentax KAF3 Mount
  • Weight: 158g / 0.35 lb
  • Dimensions(øxL): 41mm x 71mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.3m
  • Max Magnification: 0.23x
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Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Overview


Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF) Standard Zoom lens with APS-C / DX max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with KAF3 Mount cameras.

What type of photography is the Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeFair
SportsFair
PortraitGood
TravelGood
StreetGood
WeddingGood
Walk AroundVery Good
VloggingGood
LandscapeVery Good
MacroFair

Reasons to Buy Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Weather-sealed
Autofocus
Hood supplied
Light weight at only 158g / 5.6 oz
Report a correction

Buy Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Lens Extents while zooming
Slow Aperture at Tele end
Variable Aperture


Lens Mount

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE is compatible with cameras that have a Pentax KAF3 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Pentax KAF3 lenses are Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE has a maximum diameter of 41mm and total length of 71mm when not extended. It weighs 158g / 5.6 oz.

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE has a filter thread of 58mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE:

  • 58mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 58mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 58mm Clear Protection Lens Filters




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 a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.



Weather Sealings

The Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III.

Optical Image Stabilization

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE doesn't have an optical image stabilization system so the only option to stabilize the image taken with this lens is to mount on a camera body with IBIS (sensor based In-body image stabilization).

Alternatively, you can check the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM in Pentax KAF3 mount that have similar focal range but features Optical Image Stabilization.

Lenses Similar to Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE With Optical Image Stabilization
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 565gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 395gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Zoom Method

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.23x and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.3m.

Below are the 3 Standard Zoom type Pentax KAF mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM: 0.37x - (Compare)
  • Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM C: 0.36x - (Compare)
  • Pentax 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL: 0.34x - (Compare)

Aperture

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE is a variable aperture lens with a max aperture of f4 and a minimum aperture of f22 at 18mm, and a max aperture of f5.6 and minimum aperture of f32 at 50mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
18mm F4 F22
50mm F5.6 F32

Optical Formula

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE's optical formula consists of 11 elements in 8 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • HD
  • SP coatings

Lens Hood

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.

Body Colour

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE is available in Black and white color.

Popular Comparisons of Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL Lens Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL
Compare
APS-C / DX 225 g / 0.50 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 ED Limited DC WR Lens HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 ED Limited DC WR
Compare
APS-C / DX 283 g / 0.62 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 395 g / 0.87 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR Lens Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR
Compare
APS-C / DX 230 g / 0.51 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF Lens Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF
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APS-C / DX 430 g / 0.95 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL IF DC WR Lens Pentax smc DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL IF DC WR
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APS-C / DX 405 g / 0.89 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL II IF Lens Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL II IF
Compare
APS-C / DX 220 g / 0.48 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW Lens Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW
Compare
APS-C / DX 712 g / 1.57 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Alternatives in Pentax KAF3 Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Pentax smc DA 17-70mm F4.0 AL IF SDM Lens Pentax smc DA 17-70mm F4.0 AL IF SDM
Compare
APS-C / DX 485 g / 1.07 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL Lens Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL
Compare
APS-C / DX 225 g / 0.50 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR Lens Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR
Compare
APS-C / DX 230 g / 0.51 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL II IF Lens Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL II IF
Compare
APS-C / DX 220 g / 0.48 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW Lens Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW
Compare
APS-C / DX 712 g / 1.57 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 ED Limited DC WR Lens HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 ED Limited DC WR
Compare
APS-C / DX 283 g / 0.62 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL IF SDM Lens Pentax smc DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL IF SDM
Compare
APS-C / DX 565 g / 1.24 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR Lens HD Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR
Compare
35mm FF 787 g / 1.73 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Samsung D-Xenon 16-45mm F4 Lens Samsung D-Xenon 16-45mm F4
Compare
APS-C / DX 365 g / 0.80 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Samsung D-Xenon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 Lens Samsung D-Xenon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6
Compare
APS-C / DX 225 g / 0.50 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 565 g / 1.24 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Lens Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C
Compare
APS-C / DX 465 g / 1.02 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
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APS-C / DX 520 g / 1.14 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Lens Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 810 g / 1.78 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM
Compare
APS-C / DX 395 g / 0.87 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
Compare
35mm FF 790 g / 1.74 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
Compare
35mm FF 715 g / 1.57 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF Lens Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF
Compare
APS-C / DX 430 g / 0.95 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo

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Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Pentax
Lens Type Zoom
Lens Type Standard Zoom
Lens Mount Pentax KAF3
Max Format APS-C / DX
Focal Range 18-50mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Black, white
Zoom Method Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No
Zoom Lock No
Zoom Ratio 2.8X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F4.0 - F5.6
Min Aperture F22.0 - F32.0
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 7
Optics
Optical Elements 11
Optical Groups 8
Special Elements HD, SP coatings

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 0.3m
Max Magnification 0.23X
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Micromotor
Full Time Manual No
Focus Method Extending front
Distance Scale No
DoF Scale No
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 158g
Diameter 41mm
Length 71mm
Weather Sealing Yes
Filter Thread 58mm
Filter Notes -
Hood Supplied Yes
Tripod Collar No
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE
is the Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE a Weather-sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE
is the Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE
Does Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE have Image Stabilization?
Does Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE have Aperture Ring?
What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE


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