Originally posted by RKKS08 You said you were upgrading to the K30, but you haven't told about your previous model.
It was a K200D. I guess I can put the WR on the K200D and see if I see softness - but unfortunately, I can't do a direct A/B comparison with the old lens anymore.
Originally posted by RKKS08 In case it offered less than the 16MP of the K30, could it be the old kit was (resolutionwise) outperforming the sensor, and now the k30 sensor is outperforming the kit lens in certain conditions?
That's possible, but I think I'm seeing the softness without pixel peeping to the point that sensor resolution is coming into play. I'll have to dream up a test that's a bit more objective than the subjective impression I have from looking random images.
Originally posted by RKKS08 For the 14MP sensor of the K20/K-7, Pentax had to introduce the much improved 18-55/II. But for the 16MP sensor edges may get problematic (specially when fully open plus zooming wide).
Yes, my old ( now broken ) kit lens was the 18-55/II. I don't typically shoot wide open when zooming wide. I was mostly use it for landscapes. I've got a Tamron 17-50 now, so the WR kit lens doesn't see any action.
Originally posted by RKKS08 This means when shooting a flat wall with shallow DOF the center will be in focus, the borders not (as they are farer away).
I had thought of that, and that's why I haven't tried the simple brick wall test.
Originally posted by RKKS08 I think it is possible, that your present lens isn't the best because of sample variation, but still within Pentax specs.
Yes, that's a good point.