Advice Wanted RE: Pentax 16-45 f/4

DavidSKAF3 · 11-23-2013, 02:23 PM

So I just won an eBay auction for a used Pentax lens. It is the SMC DA 16-45 f/4 ED-AL. It cost me $157.89. I'm hoping it will pair up well with my brand new K-5, which I am learning to use. So far I have the 18-55WR. The 16-45 seems like it will be a good lens, but I am not sure if I should have bought it. It was sort of an impulse buy!

Where can I see galleries of pictures taken with the 16-45?

Any advice about using this lens from previous/current 16-45 owners is most welcome!

If you're curious, you can see my actual purchase - it is eBay Item Number 181265748159 (as of 11/23/2013)

Thanks in advance!

David

Last edited by DavidSKAF3; 11-23-2013 at 02:42 PM. Reason: more info

**jatrax** · 11-23-2013, 02:29 PM

You did good, assuming lens is in good shape. 16-45 is a little older, and I think discontinued but a well regarded lens.

Reviews are here: SMC Pentax-DA 16-45mm F4 Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

**interested_observer** · 11-23-2013, 02:31 PM

Here is a gallery of images...

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/130-lens-sample-photo-archive/153336-pent...4-samples.html

You are feeling buyer's remorse. However, $158 is a very good price. New, it was running $400 - $450, and has since been discontinued now for about a year or so. Its a very good lens, screw drive - not too much to go wrong with it. It should pair up very nicely with your K5. Cheer up, you scored a pretty good price. They usually go for $200 to about $250 here in the marketplace.

I have had mine for about 6 almost 7 years. It does a great job.

drugal · 11-23-2013, 02:38 PM

Without a doubt my favorite zoom lens.

Here is a pentax gallery link to the k-5 with this lens:
PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model

DavidSKAF3 · 11-23-2013, 02:42 PM

If you're curious, you can see my actual purchase - it is eBay Item Number 181265748159 (as of 11/23/2013)

Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/243445-advi...#ixzz2lVWiUbSb

drugal · 11-23-2013, 02:50 PM

I'd say you got a great deal on a great lens.

Adam · 11-23-2013, 03:12 PM

Originally posted by davids8560

So I just won an eBay auction for a used Pentax lens. It is the SMC DA 16-45 f/4 ED-AL. It cost me $157.89. I'm hoping it will pair up well with my brand new K-5, which I am learning to use. So far I have the 18-55WR. The 16-45 seems like it will be a good lens, but I am not sure if I should have bought it. It was sort of an impulse buy!

Where can I see galleries of pictures taken with the 16-45?

Any advice about using this lens from previous/current 16-45 owners is most welcome!

If you're curious, you can see my actual purchase - it is eBay Item Number 181265748159 (as of 11/23/2013)

Thanks in advance!

David

It's a good lens, the only issue with it is that the zoom range is a bit short at the long end compared to other lenses. Here are some samples:

Smc PENTAX-DA 16-45mm F4 ED AL | Sample Photos for Pentax Cameras & Lenses - PentaxForums.com

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

yomaosh · 11-23-2013, 03:18 PM - **1 Like**

You can go to PENTAX : Welcome to the PENTAX Photo Gallery and select the camera and/or lens setup in Camera and Lenses menu.

Arjay Bee · 11-23-2013, 03:40 PM - **1 Like**

Does a good job at close focus too.

tibbitts · 11-23-2013, 03:47 PM - **1 Like**

Put the camera on a tripod, zoom to 16mm (lens fully extended.) Make an exposure with the front element of the lens naturally dragged down by gravity. Make another with the front component of the lens propped up against gravity. Compare the extreme top and bottom of the images. If they're the same, you're good in terms of front component wobble. Of course yo should make the usual tests for sharpness across the image, but front component wobble seems to be the main issue with this lens.

lesmore49 · 11-23-2013, 03:57 PM - **1 Like**

It was my first digital lens that I bought (new) in Dec., 2007. I've used it quite a bit. It's a good wide angle workhorse. In April, 2011 I bought a Pentax new 12-24 and that has more or less replaced my 16-45....but I still use the `16-45.

Last week I used it for my son's post secondary graduation...because it has a nice, if short focal length range. Wide angle to just under normal...ie; portrait. Near perfect for a graduation... groups and portraits.

As you can appreciate, I didn't want anything to go wrong with photographing my son's graduation and I had no worries with my 16-45. I had it attached to my K-5 and it's 'workhorse' capability and excellent clarity came through.

A very good lens and if your example is in good nick...as the Brits say....then you got a good deal on very useful lens.

**Just1MoreDave** · 11-23-2013, 04:11 PM - **1 Like**

You got the hood, excellent - it's expensive to get one separately. This lens is a very cost-effective way to get wider than the 18-55. I got mine because I couldn't get the DA 15mm f4. For most shots those lenses would be close. Here is one where the DA15/4 would have been better in rejecting flare:

I like to use mine to anchor the wide end, then supplement with a 50 or 55mm fast prime, a 90mm macro, a 120 or 135mm fast prime and the DA 50-200mm WR for travel. The 16-45 stays on the camera mostly unless it can't get the shot. I think all of these were with the 16-45, some with a flash. https://picasaweb.google.com/davidstewart9223aolcom/AirAndSpaceAndDulles2?au...eat=directlink

It's sharper than my 18-55. It also does better with automatic lens corrections. I like to use it for stitched panoramas, and can just let Lightroom or Photoshop stick all the shots together with no fuss. Here is one example. It is bigger than the 18-55, unfortunately not WR, and 67mm filters are more expensive.

I paid $220 and I thought it was worth it.

DavidSKAF3 · 11-23-2013, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by tibbitts

Put the camera on a tripod, zoom to 16mm (lens fully extended.) Make an exposure with the front element of the lens naturally dragged down by gravity. Make another with the front component of the lens propped up against gravity. Compare the extreme top and bottom of the images. If they're the same, you're good in terms of front component wobble. Of course yo should make the usual tests for sharpness across the image, but front component wobble seems to be the main issue with this lens.

So if the images are different, should I return it?

Thanks.

tibbitts · 11-23-2013, 06:00 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by davids8560

So if the images are different, should I return it?

Thanks.

Well, it means the wobble is enough to affect the performance. Honestly I couldn't see the difference in my lens at 6mp. At 16mp, I can; whether the lens got looser or the mp bump was more significant, I don't know. Some forum members have reported success in having the lenses repaired, eliminating the wobble.

EarlVonTapia · 11-23-2013, 07:21 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by davids8560

So if the images are different, should I return it?

Thanks.

The barrel wobble is why I sold my copy of the 16-45 soon after I acquired it.

That being said, you paid a really good price for it. Try it out, and if it isn't too your liking, you can probably make a few $$$ from it through this marketplace.

11-23-2013, 02:23 PM	#1
DavidSKAF3 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tompkins County, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 546	Advice Wanted RE: Pentax 16-45 f/4 So I just won an eBay auction for a used Pentax lens. It is the SMC DA 16-45 f/4 ED-AL. It cost me $157.89. I'm hoping it will pair up well with my brand new K-5, which I am learning to use. So far I have the 18-55WR. The 16-45 seems like it will be a good lens, but I am not sure if I should have bought it. It was sort of an impulse buy! Where can I see galleries of pictures taken with the 16-45? Any advice about using this lens from previous/current 16-45 owners is most welcome! If you're curious, you can see my actual purchase - it is eBay Item Number 181265748159 (as of 11/23/2013) Thanks in advance! David Last edited by DavidSKAF3; 11-23-2013 at 02:42 PM. Reason: more info

11-23-2013, 02:31 PM	#3
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,649	Here is a gallery of images... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/130-lens-sample-photo-archive/153336-pent...4-samples.html You are feeling buyer's remorse. However, $158 is a very good price. New, it was running $400 - $450, and has since been discontinued now for about a year or so. Its a very good lens, screw drive - not too much to go wrong with it. It should pair up very nicely with your K5. Cheer up, you scored a pretty good price. They usually go for $200 to about $250 here in the marketplace. I have had mine for about 6 almost 7 years. It does a great job.

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11-23-2013, 02:29 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	You did good, assuming lens is in good shape. 16-45 is a little older, and I think discontinued but a well regarded lens. Reviews are here: SMC Pentax-DA 16-45mm F4 Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

11-23-2013, 02:38 PM	#4
drugal Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Detroit suburbs Photos: Gallery Posts: 257	Without a doubt my favorite zoom lens. Here is a pentax gallery link to the k-5 with this lens: PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model

11-23-2013, 02:42 PM	#5
DavidSKAF3 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tompkins County, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 546 Original Poster	If you're curious, you can see my actual purchase - it is eBay Item Number 181265748159 (as of 11/23/2013) Read more at: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/243445-advi...#ixzz2lVWiUbSb

11-23-2013, 02:50 PM	#6
drugal Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Detroit suburbs Photos: Gallery Posts: 257	I'd say you got a great deal on a great lens.

11-23-2013, 03:12 PM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,124	Originally posted by davids8560 So I just won an eBay auction for a used Pentax lens. It is the SMC DA 16-45 f/4 ED-AL. It cost me $157.89. I'm hoping it will pair up well with my brand new K-5, which I am learning to use. So far I have the 18-55WR. The 16-45 seems like it will be a good lens, but I am not sure if I should have bought it. It was sort of an impulse buy! Where can I see galleries of pictures taken with the 16-45? Any advice about using this lens from previous/current 16-45 owners is most welcome! If you're curious, you can see my actual purchase - it is eBay Item Number 181265748159 (as of 11/23/2013) Thanks in advance! David It's a good lens, the only issue with it is that the zoom range is a bit short at the long end compared to other lenses. Here are some samples: Smc PENTAX-DA 16-45mm F4 ED AL \| Sample Photos for Pentax Cameras & Lenses - PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

11-23-2013, 03:18 PM - 1 Like	#8
yomaosh New Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 21	You can go to PENTAX : Welcome to the PENTAX Photo Gallery and select the camera and/or lens setup in Camera and Lenses menu.

11-23-2013, 03:40 PM - 1 Like	#9
Arjay Bee Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Warraber Island, Torres Straits, Q Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,491	Does a good job at close focus too.

11-23-2013, 03:47 PM - 1 Like	#10
tibbitts Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 2,132	Put the camera on a tripod, zoom to 16mm (lens fully extended.) Make an exposure with the front element of the lens naturally dragged down by gravity. Make another with the front component of the lens propped up against gravity. Compare the extreme top and bottom of the images. If they're the same, you're good in terms of front component wobble. Of course yo should make the usual tests for sharpness across the image, but front component wobble seems to be the main issue with this lens.

11-23-2013, 03:57 PM - 1 Like	#11
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 11,115	It was my first digital lens that I bought (new) in Dec., 2007. I've used it quite a bit. It's a good wide angle workhorse. In April, 2011 I bought a Pentax new 12-24 and that has more or less replaced my 16-45....but I still use the `16-45. Last week I used it for my son's post secondary graduation...because it has a nice, if short focal length range. Wide angle to just under normal...ie; portrait. Near perfect for a graduation... groups and portraits. As you can appreciate, I didn't want anything to go wrong with photographing my son's graduation and I had no worries with my 16-45. I had it attached to my K-5 and it's 'workhorse' capability and excellent clarity came through. A very good lens and if your example is in good nick...as the Brits say....then you got a good deal on very useful lens.

11-23-2013, 04:11 PM - 1 Like	#12
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,158	You got the hood, excellent - it's expensive to get one separately. This lens is a very cost-effective way to get wider than the 18-55. I got mine because I couldn't get the DA 15mm f4. For most shots those lenses would be close. Here is one where the DA15/4 would have been better in rejecting flare: I like to use mine to anchor the wide end, then supplement with a 50 or 55mm fast prime, a 90mm macro, a 120 or 135mm fast prime and the DA 50-200mm WR for travel. The 16-45 stays on the camera mostly unless it can't get the shot. I think all of these were with the 16-45, some with a flash. https://picasaweb.google.com/davidstewart9223aolcom/AirAndSpaceAndDulles2?au...eat=directlink It's sharper than my 18-55. It also does better with automatic lens corrections. I like to use it for stitched panoramas, and can just let Lightroom or Photoshop stick all the shots together with no fuss. Here is one example. It is bigger than the 18-55, unfortunately not WR, and 67mm filters are more expensive. I paid $220 and I thought it was worth it.

11-23-2013, 04:24 PM	#13
DavidSKAF3 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tompkins County, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 546 Original Poster	Originally posted by tibbitts Put the camera on a tripod, zoom to 16mm (lens fully extended.) Make an exposure with the front element of the lens naturally dragged down by gravity. Make another with the front component of the lens propped up against gravity. Compare the extreme top and bottom of the images. If they're the same, you're good in terms of front component wobble. Of course yo should make the usual tests for sharpness across the image, but front component wobble seems to be the main issue with this lens. So if the images are different, should I return it? Thanks.

11-23-2013, 06:00 PM - 1 Like	#14
tibbitts Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 2,132	Originally posted by davids8560 So if the images are different, should I return it? Thanks. Well, it means the wobble is enough to affect the performance. Honestly I couldn't see the difference in my lens at 6mp. At 16mp, I can; whether the lens got looser or the mp bump was more significant, I don't know. Some forum members have reported success in having the lenses repaired, eliminating the wobble.

11-23-2013, 07:21 PM - 1 Like	#15
EarlVonTapia Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Vancouver Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,207	Originally posted by davids8560 So if the images are different, should I return it? Thanks. The barrel wobble is why I sold my copy of the 16-45 soon after I acquired it. That being said, you paid a really good price for it. Try it out, and if it isn't too your liking, you can probably make a few $$$ from it through this marketplace.

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