[wlachan]

That's because the DA16-45 has loose AF mechanism and it wobbles, while the DA18-55s don't, surprisingly.

[builttospill]

That's because the DA16-45 has loose AF mechanism and it wobbles, while the DA18-55s don't, surprisingly.

Do you have a source for this? Or perhaps more explanation? At any focal length above 16-17mm it focuses fine every time. The problem typically surfaces at or near infinity focus only. I don't see how a loose AF mechanism would only create an issue around 16mm and near infinity focus.

Here's the thread discussing the problem: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-technical-troubleshooting/164765-...cus-issue.html and another one here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/147481-odd-foc...da16-45-a.html

[wlachan]

The reason is that at the wide end, the target is so tiny toward infinity, the wobbliness will throw the projected image out of focus (aberration due to optical misalignment is also a factor) so the camera will try to AF again and again because the focusing mechanism is so lousy on the DA16-45. The lower end 18-55s have rather firm focusing mechanism so they don't suffer the same problem.

[CP140]

Thanks again everyone for your comments... please add "DA 16-45" to my list of toys.

Now if only I had some time to go out and play with it...

[ewig]

my advice...sell 18-55..35-80...and sell again 18-55 WR

just jump to 16-45, you can not go wrong any further..trust me , its worth it

[Biro]

Another vote for the 16-45. But get one fast. The lens has now left production and the supply of new examples is finally beginning to dwindle. The price the OP quoted for a new example in Canada is fine.

[AndrewG NY]

I would jump on the 16-45 at that good price. Then jettison the 2 18-55s, and probably the 18-200 as well. 16mm is noticeably wider than 18mm, and IQ of the 16-45 is better than the 18-55s, and in my rough testing a little better than the 18-135 as well. So then you'd have the 18-135 for a 1 lens kit, 16-45 and 55-300 for a 2 lens kit, and the 70 for macro. Plus the 35-80 can hold down papers on your desk if it is windy. :-)

This sounds like a good approach. Don't discount the significance of the 16mm vs. 18mm wide end...it's probably more noticeable than you're thinking, and IMO more valuable than the 45-55 range of the kit zooms. Additionally, the 16-45 IQ is better in the range it covers than any of the lenses you mention, and I also prefer the effects of its 8-bladed aperture vs. the 6 blades of the kit lenses and others.

As Nick suggests, the DA16-45 + DA55-300 two-lens kit is pretty much impossible to beat for the price. The DA 18-135 WR one-lens kit is a good alternative (WR, slightly better IQ, only slightly larger) vs. the kit lens when you want WR & only one lens.

[Kerrowdown]

DA 16-45 Yes

Feed your LBA for all the reasons already given.

[CP140]

Feed your LBA for all the reasons already given.

I've done just that. I picked up the last one the local store had on the shelf. The gents behind the counter were kind enough to throw it on a K-30 body so I could play with it.

Today I got to use it for real... well not really... the boss wanted some interior shots of the lab we're moving into so she can decide where the various bits of equipment are going to go. I won't bore people with shots of walls, cabinets and countertops.

Now to set about divesting myself of the redundant hardware in my camera bag... or should I just hoard them all, line them all up on the desk and lovingly run my fingers over them?

Thanks again everyone for your comments and suggestions.

[Just1MoreDave]

For some reason it is only acceptable to hoard 50mm lenses. The 18-55s have to be sold. The 35-80 should be responsibly disposed of in an approved manner.

[Nick Siebers]

Now to set about divesting myself of the redundant hardware in my camera bag... or should I just hoard them all, line them all up on the desk and lovingly run my fingers over them?

As long as you can make a good cackle, hoard and run fingers as you will. Ah hah hah hah!

[CP140]

As long as you can make a good cackle, hoard and run fingers as you will. Ah hah hah hah!

That's a shame... I was thinking more along the lines of Golum and, "...my precious..."

[hongzhibin1987]

@_@ saw another 1645 thread again zzzz
the only reason i complain 1645 is its mechanical quality and bulky size.
Otherwise it is cool