Pentax HD PENTAX DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens

The Pentax DA 16-85mm is an exciting addition to the Pentax K-mount lineup of standard zoom lenses, as it delivers an unprecedented mix of versatility and image quality. This characteristic makes it a stellar choice for demanding photographers who are looking for a high-performance all-in-one lens...

This 5.3x standard zoom lens provides an angle of view roughly equivalent to a 24-130mm range on a 35mm format camera and it sports weather resistant construction. In this review, we'll take a look at how this lens performs.

Although the on-paper specification of this lens may not set the world on fire with excitement, this lens delivers excellent levels of sharpness, handles well, focuses reasonably quickly and is reasonably priced. As a result, it should win over many fans amongst Pentax camera users.

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  Excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range, Weather and dust resistant construction, Good build quality, Fast focusing, Full-time manual focus override, Close focusing

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  CA levels a little on the high side

Some may argue that the death bells are already ringing for Pentax but the new Pentax HD DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR actually shows that the company is still up and kicking. It is an impressive lens which is easily as good if not better than similar offerings from Canon or Nikon.

Before this, I used Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens with my K-3 as a walk-around, for pretty much everything. I bought this Pentax lens based on good reviews and its WR feature. I think it's perfect combo with K-3 for traveling and walk-around outside (so I don't have to worry about the weather...

I used this lens on K-5iis for a short while before I purchased K-1. The most impressive aspect of this lens is that sharpness levels are high, uniform from center to corner, and the high performance persists for the entire range of zoom. Very low chromatic aberration.

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  A do-everything-well lens

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  A bit slow

This has become my new everyday lens. Of course the weight is a con when walking around, but I like the zoom-facility. This lens replaced my 18-50 DA-L lens, which came with my camera, - and what a jump in quality :-)

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  Sharp, fast, silent

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  weight

Why not green?

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  super sharp everywhere

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  red ring; not parfocal, no distance scale

This lens replaces both my 28-105 and a 16-45, surpassing them for range and image quality and gaining weather resistance in the mix. Used on the Pentax KP, improved high ISO performance makes up for the f-stop limitations of its design.

I am very happy with Pentax's lens. I havn't experienced any issues with clarity and range. I think the focal length adjustment on the barrel could be a little smoother but great lens.

I'm yet to find the sharpness I was promised. Maybe it's my camera (K-50), but I didn't see much difference from the kit lens.