Originally posted by FantasticMrFox I tested it on a Siemens star and found that at f/8 centre sharpness was best at the long end (which I use most) - that doesn't mean that f/5.6 wouldn't yield acceptable sharpness for some people, it depends on individual preferences and standards. We also need to remember that we are talking about an affordable lens here, for great sharpness wide open at the extreme ends of the zoom range one needs to put a lot more money on the table for professional level glass
Oh sure... If there was lightweight/small lens doing better available that would be different, but it doesn't exist I think.
Your photos show that anyway it is quite possible to make quite good shots with it !!!