DA 16-85mm - DCWATCH review

rawr · 04-30-2015, 06:54 PM - **2 Likes**

Decent review/ 'mini-report' of the DA 16-85mm by Japanese magazine DCWatch on 2015/5/1.

Lots of good full size sample photos, some interesting commentary on the lens performance ('the synergistic effect of astigmatism and coma aberration'). But overall, they seem to have been impressed: '... It is above all wonderfully sharp' ... 'a wonderfully high-performance standard zoom lens'.

Original:
Of amazing sharpness DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6

Google translate

DutchGonzo · 04-30-2015, 10:29 PM

My Japanese is a little rusty, but i like the pictures. Next wednesday i am going to buy a 16-85 to replace my 18-135 (although i like this lens). I think it is a very sharp lens indeed.

bdery · 05-01-2015, 04:46 AM

I am not surprised by that report. That lens has impressed me in the short time I've had it so far. It,s definitely not a "kit lens" but a serious upgrade.

**WPRESTO** · 05-01-2015, 05:31 AM

Clicking on one of the sample images, notably the starfish, indicates an exceptionally good central IQ @ 85mm.

Last edited by WPRESTO; 05-01-2015 at 07:08 AM.

Wildbunch · 05-01-2015, 06:59 AM

It confirms the reviews so far, i'm particularly pleased that the corner sharpness at the wide angle seems really good,
I'm currently in the market for a good wide angle but can't decide, since the price on the HD 20-40 seems to finally have come down to sane levels (around 670-750 Euro in Europe), i've always liked the compactness and low weight of this lens and more importantly it seems able to render colors very subtle, with a rich tonality (+WR,DC motor) but the apparent sample variation holds me back, my head says pick the 16-85 as it seems a far safer bet (probably more consistently sharp, wider, more reach, HD, WR,...but still...

04-30-2015, 06:54 PM - 2 Likes	#1
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	DA 16-85mm - DCWATCH review Decent review/ 'mini-report' of the DA 16-85mm by Japanese magazine DCWatch on 2015/5/1. Lots of good full size sample photos, some interesting commentary on the lens performance ('the synergistic effect of astigmatism and coma aberration'). But overall, they seem to have been impressed: '... It is above all wonderfully sharp' ... 'a wonderfully high-performance standard zoom lens'. Original: Of amazing sharpness DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 Google translate

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04-30-2015, 10:29 PM	#2
DutchGonzo Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 34	My Japanese is a little rusty, but i like the pictures. Next wednesday i am going to buy a 16-85 to replace my 18-135 (although i like this lens). I think it is a very sharp lens indeed.

05-01-2015, 04:46 AM	#3
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	I am not surprised by that report. That lens has impressed me in the short time I've had it so far. It,s definitely not a "kit lens" but a serious upgrade.

05-01-2015, 05:31 AM	#4
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,138	Clicking on one of the sample images, notably the starfish, indicates an exceptionally good central IQ @ 85mm. Last edited by WPRESTO; 05-01-2015 at 07:08 AM.

05-01-2015, 06:59 AM	#5
Wildbunch New Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Posts: 19	It confirms the reviews so far, i'm particularly pleased that the corner sharpness at the wide angle seems really good, I'm currently in the market for a good wide angle but can't decide, since the price on the HD 20-40 seems to finally have come down to sane levels (around 670-750 Euro in Europe), i've always liked the compactness and low weight of this lens and more importantly it seems able to render colors very subtle, with a rich tonality (+WR,DC motor) but the apparent sample variation holds me back, my head says pick the 16-85 as it seems a far safer bet (probably more consistently sharp, wider, more reach, HD, WR,...but still...