[JHD]

In the end, the flexibility and cost of the DA 16-45 look to make it a very good deal. The DA 15's real pluses look to be flare resistance and size.

If you are good at getting rid of the CA, the 16-45 looks like quite a nice lens. I saw one recently, used, for only 325 dollars. Much better deal than the DA 15 in Canada.

I don't own the 16-45 but as far as value is concerned, you're absolutely right. I paid $650 for my DA15 from Prodigital and the 16-45 is least $250 cheaper! I really want to like the DA15, I really do! But if someone has something interesting to trade, even if requires more money, I'm listening.

[paperbag846]

Hey JHD - don't feel bad about the DA 15. In fact, I think I will buy one (instead of the zoom... I don;t like the kit at 18). However different stroke for different folks, and dollar for dollar I think the 16-45 wins.

[Spongefingers]

That said, if I do get a 16-45, I'll have to sell my DA40 and get a DA70 to get rid of too much overlap...

Don't be silly. Keep the DA 40! It's worth keeping for its unique compactness, even though there would be some overlap.

I'd love to try the DA 15, but it seems too expensive an investment for me at the moment.
So I decided to buy a used 16-45 recently, and yes, they are definitely going cheap right now. I like it much more than the 18-55 (so much so that I haven't used my 18-55 since - It sits on my shelf, glaring at me as I type this post, probably scheming to cause its big brother to fall off one day by "accident"...)

Good qualities:
- Super contrasty
- Sharp, especially at long end
- Quite usable at f/4
- Extremely low distortion over most of range
- Wide end much more usable than 18-55 - wider, less falloff & barrel distortion
- quite fast AF
- Superb value for money
- Nice bokeh on long end
- More consistent exposure than 18-55
- Flare not usually a problem

Negative qualities:
- Prone to CA and PF at edges, but correctable
- Soft edges at wide end
- No SDM or weather sealing
- Bulkier than DA 15 and DA 18-55
- Wide setting sticks out and shadows built-in flash
- Can have a very slightly wobbly lens barrel

16mm, f/10


16mm, f/5.6


16mm, f/5.6


16mm, f/8


16mm, f/5.6


21mm, f/4


38mm, f/5.6


I should probably post this as a lens review too. :3

[imtheguy]

In case you rent the 12-24mm, let us know whether the raving rumors about it are true With zooms, especially with such a wide zoom, my worry concerns misalignment of elements leading to some degree of decentering. I've come to suspect that even my 16-45mm is a bit decentered, and I was wondering whether to send it to Pentax customer service, since it's on warranty. The DA 15mm seems to be more solid and durable than 12-24, let alone the 16-45. Anyway, for me the moment of an actual decision hasn't come yet, but I know it will...

For sure, if I rent that one over Thanksgiving as I expect, I will get back to you.

As far as the da15, I just went back and checked my comparison shots between the da15 and da16-45@16mm. At 100%, side-by-side, the better detail of the da15 jumps out. At normal viewing size just slightly cropped, I can't tell the difference unless there is long vertical line next to the edge. they really look quite close unless you blow it up. If I was a serious UW shooter the da15 is better enough I would go for it. But I shoot UW less than 5% of the time....maybe the da12-24 will change that. I really want to stick with a lens the K-5 can correct automagically.

[causey]

I really want to stick with a lens the K-5 can correct automagically.

Yeah, that's a major (de)motivating aspect for me, too. Unfortunately, the da 12-24mm is the only UWA supported by DxO. Perhaps that a DxO enhanced DA 15mm would make me want the prime rather than the zoom. There is the Sigma 10-20mm too, also unsupported, but I think the 12-24mm range would serve me better. (Anyway, not a decision I will take in the near future, as I keep telling myself.)

[Jewelltrail]

Causey: (Anyway, not a decision I will take in the near future, as I keep telling myself.)

Sure, clear LBA denial if ever I saw it--just a mater of time now before it reels you in.

[jaieger]

Thanks for the comments all! I think I'm leaning towards the DA15 right now, though definitely those shots from the 16-45 show that it won't lose this one without a fight :P especially yours, J - I'm not quite sure what lens you're advocating anymore after seeing your shots from the 16-45!

What I'm thinking is, the 15 + 40 (or 50, depending on my taste/need at the time), and maybe my 100, would make for a much more compact/lightweight package than the 16-45 + the 100. And the added IQ is definitely good, too. That damn thread with all those starbursts is taking hold in my mind

[paperbag846]

That damn thread with all those starbursts is taking hold in my mind

mind control is a harsh mistress

15-40-100 would be incredibly flexible with the magic of cropping (you gotta love 12 megapixels), and rather light. Good luck choosing!

[TOUGEFC]

I recomned the DA15, it is one fantasic lens and fits very well into my 3 prime combo.
Have a look at as many photos as you can taken with all the wide angles lenses you are considering then make your choice.

Thats what i did, and decided the da15 is for me, and i love everybit of it

[jaieger]

My master arrives by Wednesday.

Yep, that's what I'm thinking paperbag. So excited to try it out!

And yeah TOUGEFC, the 15mm ltd thread pretty much put me over the edge, as well as stuff from flickriver.com. Can't wait to contribute to those threads!