[Ash]

Being more pricey than the DA 16-45 and comparable in size/weight to the DA* 16-50, it does have to have a selling point that brings photographers to Pentax or inspire Pentaxians to buy one if they already have the kit lens. Optically, it has to do well; not as much barrel distortion as the 16-50 and sharp throughout the focal range at least from f/5.6, because f/2.8 capability is a significant advantage in the 16-50. The range of the 16-85 should help inspire interest.

[GaryH]

For myself, the 16-85 paired with the 55-300 for a travel kit makes more sense than the 18-135 an the 55-300. As the 18-135 is soft at the long end I would be changing lenses more often anyway. I am curious to see this lens performance at 16 and 85. The wide end, 16mm would probably keep me from hauling around the 12-24mm for trips when I would rather just take two lenses.

[normhead]

For myself, the 16-85 paired with the 55-300 for a travel kit makes more sense than the 18-135 an the 55-300. As the 18-135 is soft at the long end I would be changing lenses more often anyway. I am curious to see this lens performance at 16 and 85. The wide end, 16mm would probably keep me from hauling around the 12-24mm for trips when I would rather just take two lenses.

A good description of who would buy this lens. The downside for me would be when I want to go out with just one lens, I'd rather have the 18-135. For myself, if I'm going to bring two lenses I'm going to bring the camera bag. So I guess it all depends on whether or not you're ever a one lens guy, and if you actually go anywhere with two good size lenses.

[GeneV]

A good description of who would buy this lens. The downside for me would be when I want to go out with just one lens, I'd rather have the 18-135. For myself, if I'm going to bring two lenses I'm going to bring the camera bag. So I guess it all depends on whether or not you're ever a one lens guy, and if you actually go anywhere with two good size lenses.

When I was traveling last summer with a group (unusual for me) almost everyone in the group who took a DSLR had a Canon. All the Canonites were in "one lens" mode, and all but one were using the 18-135. Like the Pentax version, that lens was not particularly well reviewed but its owners seem quite happy. The one who was not using the 18-135 was sporting a longer superzoom. If the price as a kit stays as low as it is right now, the Pentax 18-135 will probably become even more popular. I was tempted to get it with the K3 when it added $350, but at almost $100 less, it is a no-brainer.

I haven't been following other threads, but I would not describe what I read on this thread as "hostility." It is simply disappointment that the latest zooms are not what some feel they need. I have felt that before and ended up owning the item after hearing many who used it and loved it. Right now, I have a half dozen zooms and twice that many primes in that range so I am not jumping for joy at two new lenses at this price. We'll see.

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Last edited by GeneV; 12-16-2014 at 09:19 PM.

[bassek]

I hope it is optically at least as good as the DA18-55...

Seb

[cbope]

I would say it's a design failure if it only reaches the level of the DA 18-55. That's not a knock against the 18-55 either, it's a fine lens for what it is and I've certainly got some good images with mine. But 750 is a premium price for what is essentially a premium kit lens.



If the performance is respectable I might actually be interested in it as a travel lens with more reach than my 16-50.

[Rondec]

I hate the fact that so many people judge a lens based on the release price -- well, and camera bodies too. The release price is always significantly higher than the street price after a few months. Just look at the 18-135. Premium lenses, like the FA limiteds and DA * lenses, don't tend to have this sort of a pattern, but the DA zooms and primes do.

A photographer just has to decide if it fits his kit and if so, what the price at which it would be worth while to add it would be.

[6BQ5]

The new Pentax walkaround zoom is now in stock at Adorama:

Pentax HD DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens 21387

Cool! Maybe we'll see some lens test info posted on something like Photozone or Lens Tip soon.