[northcoastgreg]

I have several old primes I use for fun, but really need a zoom for what I do.

The only reason I suggested prime lenses, because any sort of "telescoping" zoom lens you get, such as the DA 18-135 and the DA 16-85, will get loose and begin creeping over time, especially if they frequently used over a long time. I can't say whether the DA 16-85 is tighter or better made, but if used a great deal, I suspect it would start to creep as well. The non-telescoping zoom lenses (mainly the DA 12-24 and the DA 20-40) would give you less problems, but they probably don't cover all the focal lengths you seem to need.

[van the man]

The only reason I suggested prime lenses, because any sort of "telescoping" zoom lens you get, such as the DA 18-135 and the DA 16-85, will get loose and begin creeping over time, especially if they frequently used over a long time. I can't say whether the DA 16-85 is tighter or better made, but if used a great deal, I suspect it would start to creep as well. The non-telescoping zoom lenses (mainly the DA 12-24 and the DA 20-40) would give you less problems, but they probably don't cover all the focal lengths you seem to need.

Hmmm, intriguing- those could be an answer, maybe with another lens.
While mundane and uninteresting, it is tricky photography, a puzzle for sure. Trying to make my day easier- it is challenging enough!

[subsea]

I've had the HD DA16-85mm for over 5 years and used it as my walkaround lens, first on my K-3II and now on my K-3III. Many pictures taken over the years and no sign of lens creep or any other issues. I'm a very happy user and will frequently pair it with my HD DA 55-300 PLM for situations needing a longer reach. You, of course, may not need to fill that requirement, and should find that the HD DA 16-85mm completely meets your needs. It is, by far, my favorite lens and, from my experience, I wouldn't worry about its durability.

[timb64]

How is the long term performance of the 16-85?.

I’ve had mine seven years and used it under a wide range of conditions,sandy/windy beaches,ski trips and a ten week trip round SE Asia using public transport,highly dusty and humid environments.It’s never shown the slightest weakness and is still going very strong.

Sorry,I’ve very rarely used the flash so can’t answer that concern.

Edit.Absolutely no sign of ‘creep’.

[Jonathan Mac]

I finally got around to some of the pictures I took in Valencia in February


IMG_5671 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr


IMG_5668 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr


IMG_5666 by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

[northcoastgreg]

With the KP:

[RICHARD L.]

[Sqideyes]

.....

[CBM]

.....

These shots are really great! What a beautiful way to show the range of this lens from 16 - 85mm!

[aslyfox]

" Doc " B 29 built in Wichita Kansas photographed flying at the " Thunder Over The Heartland " Air Show 2021

"Doc" is one of only two Boeing B-29 Superfortresses still airworthy and flying in the world today. Made famous for its contributions to the end of World War II and later the Korean War, the B-29 Superfortress is powered by four Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone radial engines, producing 2,200 horsepower each. "Doc" was built by in Boeing 1944 in Wichita, Kansas and initially served as a radar calibration aircraft at Griffiss Air Force Base, N.Y.. The squadron's members named their B-29s after the characters in the famed Disney Movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and 44-69972 became was named "Doc". . . . .

https://www.heartlandairshow.com/performers/

[steamloco76]

KP HD16-95 WR @ 85mm

[Pete82]

I can't say whether the DA 16-85 is tighter or better made, but if used a great deal, I suspect it would start to creep as well.

My DA 16-85 does creep and only for this reason I rarely use it anymore. Otherwise I like the lens.

[northcoastgreg]

My DA 16-85 does creep and only for this reason I rarely use it anymore.

Sorry to hear that lens creep has caused you to stop using the lens. Quite a few zoom lenses, particularly those that feature a telescoping zoom, are prone to creep if they are used enough. Of course, that might not happen without in the absence of very heavy use, and so if you don't use the lens extensively almost every day, you may not hve any issues for a long time. I certainly haven't experienced any issues, even though I've owned the lens for seven years.

With the KP:

[subsea]

The latest daylily variety to bloom in my yard. K-3III and HD DA 16-85mm.

[subsea]

Another variety of daylily.


Latest_daylily(3)_20220720 by Mark Stern, on Flickr