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TroutHunterJohn · 07-04-2015, 12:19 PM

I am looking for a high quality wr wide/standard zoom with the excellent IQ and can't decide what to do.

I've had the 16-50 in the past and loved it but it developed SDM issues and sold it. I also wasn't too happy with softness at the corners and edges. Since then I bought the 15 and 20-40 so I have my quality covered. Size and weight aren't a huge concern, as I can bring my primes when I want small and light weight.

I'm mostly after convenience for those trips when I don't have room or time for lens swaps.My closest other option seems to be the 16-85, but it is slower and maybe (?) poorer IQ.

Does anyone who has both lenses (16-50 and 16-85) care to comment about the quality and practicality between the two? Cost is less of a concern than making the best choice.

Any input may help inform my decision would be most welcomed. Thanks in advance.

SpecialK · 07-04-2015, 12:54 PM

Originally posted by TroutHunterJohn

I'm mostly after convenience for those trips when I don't have room or time for lens swaps.

The 16-85 based on focal length.

narual · 07-04-2015, 01:50 PM

if you need f/2.8 and dust resistance, the 16-50. If you don't, the 16-85. Even the 18-135 can take great pics with a good copy, but that might not be wide enough for you.

You know you can convert the 16-50 to screw drive, and it focuses faster than SDM (especially with K3's faster focus motor), right?

07-04-2015, 12:19 PM	#1
TroutHunterJohn Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Olympia, WA Photos: Gallery Posts: 352	Searching for the best wide/standard zoom I am looking for a high quality wr wide/standard zoom with the excellent IQ and can't decide what to do. I've had the 16-50 in the past and loved it but it developed SDM issues and sold it. I also wasn't too happy with softness at the corners and edges. Since then I bought the 15 and 20-40 so I have my quality covered. Size and weight aren't a huge concern, as I can bring my primes when I want small and light weight. I'm mostly after convenience for those trips when I don't have room or time for lens swaps.My closest other option seems to be the 16-85, but it is slower and maybe (?) poorer IQ. Does anyone who has both lenses (16-50 and 16-85) care to comment about the quality and practicality between the two? Cost is less of a concern than making the best choice. Any input may help inform my decision would be most welcomed. Thanks in advance.

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07-04-2015, 12:54 PM	#2
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	Originally posted by TroutHunterJohn I'm mostly after convenience for those trips when I don't have room or time for lens swaps. The 16-85 based on focal length.

07-04-2015, 01:50 PM	#3
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	if you need f/2.8 and dust resistance, the 16-50. If you don't, the 16-85. Even the 18-135 can take great pics with a good copy, but that might not be wide enough for you. You know you can convert the 16-50 to screw drive, and it focuses faster than SDM (especially with K3's faster focus motor), right?

Searching for the best wide/standard zoom

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