Pentax smc da 17 70mm f 4 al if sdm vs pentax 18 55mm f 3 5 5 6?

The [Pentax smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM](/gear/lenses/pentax-smc-da-17-70mm-f-4-al-if-sdm/) is the more capable lens. On APS-C it frames like a 26-105mm on full frame, so it covers far more of a day's shooting than the 18-55mm. It has autofocus but no stabilisation, so keep your shutter speed up in dim light.

The Pentax smc DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR is the weather-sealed version of Pentax's long-running kit zoom. Choose it if you want a light, inexpensive everyday lens and don't need the extra reach.

My pick is the 17-70mm if you want one lens for most things. If you mostly shoot close to home and want to keep things cheap, the 18-55mm WR is a sensible start. If you want even more reach, the 18-250mm covers a lot more range, though I haven't rated it against these two here.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.