Pentax HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Lens

After now using this lens for a while, I have made this my go-to lens on my K3 III. The Sigma was a very occasionally used alternate because my Pentax 16-50* produced far nicer photos. If you read my first lens review, you will note that the comparison was with the Sigma 10-20 f 4-5.6. This is a discontinued lens and was replaced by the Sigma 10-20 f 3.5. Imaging Resource compared both Sigmas and found the old model to actually be sharper so I expect that if comparing the new Sigma 10-20 to the Pentax 11-18, you will find the sharpness to be basically identical, or even that the Pentax could be slightly sharper.

This purchase was an upgrade from a Pentax DA 10-17mm fisheye lens. The image quality certainly lives up to the excellent reputation of the Pentax lenses. This is a fast lens at f/2.8 and the ability to mount filters on it is a welcome addition over the Pentax DA 10-17mm lens. I couldn't be happier!

I've got a selection of telephoto and normal Pentax lenses but had never had a DA* lens before. It is superb! I put it on my Pentax K-3III and it give me a wide angle look that I had never seen before. The price at was the best I found after searching the web--even better than the Ricoh Pentax store. Great lens, great buy.

I already had a Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 lens but found that my photos were not as nice as I wanted. I compared it to my DA* 16-50 lens that was my go-to lens. Photos with the Sigma lacked a certain something. I expected the Pentax 11-18 to somehow be better. I tested these lenses on both my K5 and my K3, in jpeg and PEF, ISO 100. I tested at only 11 and 18 mm. I found the detail of the 10-20 to be excellent, perhaps in extreme magnification to be ever so slightly better, but both were excellent. The Sigma is half the price of the Pentax. However, the Pentax produced images that I found more satisfying, especially in colour rendition. If you are looking for the best value, the Sigma is it, but if you are looking at what will be more satisfying, as I was, then the Pentax wins due to better colour, a decidedly better made product, AW and an f value of 2.8. The Sigma did the job but the Pentax made me happy. Contrary to some statements of softness in the corners, I did not notice this. I also tested the 11-18 on my K3 vs. my K1 II with the 24-70 lens. I used 16 mm on the K3 and 24 on the K1 II. The detail in magnification with the 24-70 was slightly better, as is to be expected but neither was less than excellent. I do not regret getting the HD DA* 11-18 f 2.8 lens and expect neither will anyone else. The Sigma will be my back up lens. The 11-18 may become my go-to lens. It will certainly be used far more frequently than the Sigma was.

This lens has given me the most beautiful images! Clear, sharp images from front to back. Truly a high-quality lens and my absolute new favorite. The only bummer was that my NiSi filter holder doesn't fit over the outside of the lens where the hood attaches. Which simply gives me the opportunity to try out some new circular filters.