Do I want a 20-40 HD or a 16-85

normhead · 04-15-2019, 05:55 AM

Originally posted by timb64

All this love for the 16-85, how about sharing some of your pics here?

DA 16-85 WR,show us what it can do. - Page 62 - PentaxForums.com

You'll run out of time before you run out of images to look at.
Search: Pentax DA 16-85 | Flickr

bdery · 04-15-2019, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by timb64

All this love for the 16-85, how about sharing some of your pics here?

Search for the lens in the lens database and you'll find so much!

timb64 · 04-15-2019, 10:08 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bdery

Search for the lens in the lens database and you'll find so much!

I was really trying to encourage more people to post in the "Show us what it can do" thread

**pres589** · 04-15-2019, 11:03 AM

There's also this handy review; HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

**Pål Jensen** · 04-30-2019, 02:18 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Bunch

My only zoom is the 10-17 fisheye. I have an upcoming trip on a small-ish fishing boat, taking photos for a friend to help his guide service, and I would like a WR lens that will be useful at the close ranges on a boat, or even from a paddle board along side the boat. Camera is a K-3. Clearly the range of the 16-85 is more versatile but honestly good bokeh and rendering and that unquantifiable artistic flare is more important to me. My primes include a 15 HD, 35 2.4, various manual 50s and the fantastic plastic 50, 55 1.8 K, 77, 100 WR macro, and then a jump to the 300*.

You may want a 20-40 but need a 16-85.
The Limited zoom is an object of desire. It is beautifully made.

**mikesbike** · 04-30-2019, 03:04 PM

Well, since you already have the very fine DA 15mm Limited, if you take Sandy's advice and go for the DA 55-300mm, either the DA 16-85mm or the DA 20-40mm Limited would work in just fine, but with the 20-40mm Limited you'd have a much more compact kit and a faster aperture at the short end. Also to mention there have been some good-copy/bad-copy issues, more than average it seems with the DA16-85mm.

**rogerstg** · 04-30-2019, 03:30 PM

Originally posted by mikesbike

since you already have the very fine DA 15mm Limited

The small boat/water issue would concern me, especially if saltwater. The DA 20-40 seems like a sweet lens though.

bdery · 05-01-2019, 10:02 AM

Originally posted by mikesbike

Also to mention there have been some good-copy/bad-copy issues, more than average it seems with the DA16-85mm.

I haven't had that impression. Maybe the popularity of the lens means problems are over-represented, but it's been mostly raved about.

Bunch · 05-01-2019, 11:44 AM - **5 Likes**

I appreciate everyone's input. I disregarded the consensus opinion and bought the 20-40 a few weeks ago.

It's a lovely lens.

**mikesbike** · 05-01-2019, 01:50 PM

Originally posted by Bunch

I appreciate everyone's input. I disregarded the consensus opinion and bought the 20-40 a few weeks ago.

It's a lovely lens.

Good for you. Indeed it is a lovely lens! I use mine a lot, and am delighted with the results it provides.

Perhaps the DA 55-300mm would be a very logical compact addition to extend range, and a good companion for your boating. I also own the older version and find it to be very handy with very good imaging.

That said, without regard especially to boating, I often pair the DA 20-40mm with my DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 for extending range of extra high quality imaging, and when facing low light situations. This fast tele lens is very compact for what it is and offers. It does not change physical length at all when zooming or focusing. In fact nothing on its surface moves during zooming or in AF mode, so you hold the lens fully during use. Its handy AF/MF switch is right by your thumb. I've had this lens for over 10 years.

**Des** · 05-01-2019, 03:28 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Bunch

I disregarded the consensus opinion and bought the 20-40 a few weeks ago. It's a lovely lens.

I kind of agonised over the same choice a couple of years back. The 16-85 and 20-40 were roughly similar in price. I got the Limited. I figured that I had plenty of versatility and centre sharpness already with the 18-135. The 16-85 offered the same kind of thing, with sharper corners and HD coatings. From 55mm up, I had that already with the 55-300 PLM. Wide angle was well covered with the 12-24. The 20-40 offered something different - that intangible Limited look. (Plus compactness, WR, HD and a lovely build.) It's not the sharpest lens I own, but it's sharp enough. It just offers, well, zing. Lovely colours and microcontrast I guess. I've since bought the HD version of the DA 15 Ltd and it produces the same kind of look and has similar qualities.

15, 20-40 and 55-300 PLM makes a fun kit. Or the DA 70 or FA 77 Ltd or DFA 100.

PS. I'd still take the 18-135 on a boat trip, with the 55-300 on another body. It's the classic situation where lens changes are to be minimised.

**Ex Finn.** · 05-01-2019, 04:04 PM - **4 Likes**

So, trust me... now you need the DA*11-18.

Bunch · 05-01-2019, 06:22 PM

Originally posted by Ex Finn.

So, trust me... now you need the DA*11-18.

the 10-17 will have to suffice for the foreseeable future. The Tamron 70-200 2.8 is probably next.

bdery · 05-02-2019, 04:43 AM - **1 Like**

One thing has not been mentioned...

If there was a FF version of the 20-40 with the same general specs (focal length, aperture, WR) it would probably become many K-1 user's main lens, and be the envy of many users of other systems.

I know it would be MY main lens, for sure.

**Pål Jensen** · 05-02-2019, 05:04 AM

Originally posted by Ex Finn.

So, trust me... now you need the DA*11-18.

Mine is in the mail....

05-01-2019, 01:50 PM	#40
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	Originally posted by Bunch I appreciate everyone's input. I disregarded the consensus opinion and bought the 20-40 a few weeks ago. It's a lovely lens. Good for you. Indeed it is a lovely lens! I use mine a lot, and am delighted with the results it provides. Perhaps the DA 55-300mm would be a very logical compact addition to extend range, and a good companion for your boating. I also own the older version and find it to be very handy with very good imaging. That said, without regard especially to boating, I often pair the DA 20-40mm with my DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 for extending range of extra high quality imaging, and when facing low light situations. This fast tele lens is very compact for what it is and offers. It does not change physical length at all when zooming or focusing. In fact nothing on its surface moves during zooming or in AF mode, so you hold the lens fully during use. Its handy AF/MF switch is right by your thumb. I've had this lens for over 10 years. Last edited by mikesbike; 05-01-2019 at 02:21 PM.

05-01-2019, 03:28 PM - 1 Like	#41
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by Bunch I disregarded the consensus opinion and bought the 20-40 a few weeks ago. It's a lovely lens. I kind of agonised over the same choice a couple of years back. The 16-85 and 20-40 were roughly similar in price. I got the Limited. I figured that I had plenty of versatility and centre sharpness already with the 18-135. The 16-85 offered the same kind of thing, with sharper corners and HD coatings. From 55mm up, I had that already with the 55-300 PLM. Wide angle was well covered with the 12-24. The 20-40 offered something different - that intangible Limited look. (Plus compactness, WR, HD and a lovely build.) It's not the sharpest lens I own, but it's sharp enough. It just offers, well, zing. Lovely colours and microcontrast I guess. I've since bought the HD version of the DA 15 Ltd and it produces the same kind of look and has similar qualities. 15, 20-40 and 55-300 PLM makes a fun kit. Or the DA 70 or FA 77 Ltd or DFA 100. PS. I'd still take the 18-135 on a boat trip, with the 55-300 on another body. It's the classic situation where lens changes are to be minimised. Last edited by Des; 05-01-2019 at 06:58 PM.

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04-15-2019, 05:55 AM	#31
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by timb64 All this love for the 16-85, how about sharing some of your pics here? DA 16-85 WR,show us what it can do. - Page 62 - PentaxForums.com You'll run out of time before you run out of images to look at. Search: Pentax DA 16-85 \| Flickr

04-15-2019, 09:53 AM	#32
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by timb64 All this love for the 16-85, how about sharing some of your pics here? Search for the lens in the lens database and you'll find so much!

04-15-2019, 10:08 AM - 1 Like	#33
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	Originally posted by bdery Search for the lens in the lens database and you'll find so much! I was really trying to encourage more people to post in the "Show us what it can do" thread

04-15-2019, 11:03 AM	#34
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	There's also this handy review; HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews

04-30-2019, 02:18 PM - 1 Like	#35
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by Bunch My only zoom is the 10-17 fisheye. I have an upcoming trip on a small-ish fishing boat, taking photos for a friend to help his guide service, and I would like a WR lens that will be useful at the close ranges on a boat, or even from a paddle board along side the boat. Camera is a K-3. Clearly the range of the 16-85 is more versatile but honestly good bokeh and rendering and that unquantifiable artistic flare is more important to me. My primes include a 15 HD, 35 2.4, various manual 50s and the fantastic plastic 50, 55 1.8 K, 77, 100 WR macro, and then a jump to the 300*. You may want a 20-40 but need a 16-85. The Limited zoom is an object of desire. It is beautifully made.

04-30-2019, 03:04 PM	#36
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	Well, since you already have the very fine DA 15mm Limited, if you take Sandy's advice and go for the DA 55-300mm, either the DA 16-85mm or the DA 20-40mm Limited would work in just fine, but with the 20-40mm Limited you'd have a much more compact kit and a faster aperture at the short end. Also to mention there have been some good-copy/bad-copy issues, more than average it seems with the DA16-85mm.

04-30-2019, 03:30 PM	#37
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	Originally posted by mikesbike since you already have the very fine DA 15mm Limited The small boat/water issue would concern me, especially if saltwater. The DA 20-40 seems like a sweet lens though.

05-01-2019, 10:02 AM	#38
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by mikesbike Also to mention there have been some good-copy/bad-copy issues, more than average it seems with the DA16-85mm. I haven't had that impression. Maybe the popularity of the lens means problems are over-represented, but it's been mostly raved about.

05-01-2019, 11:44 AM - 5 Likes	#39
Bunch Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 283 Original Poster	I appreciate everyone's input. I disregarded the consensus opinion and bought the 20-40 a few weeks ago. It's a lovely lens.

05-01-2019, 04:04 PM - 4 Likes	#42
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	So, trust me... now you need the DA*11-18.

05-01-2019, 06:22 PM	#43
Bunch Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 283 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ex Finn. So, trust me... now you need the DA*11-18. the 10-17 will have to suffice for the foreseeable future. The Tamron 70-200 2.8 is probably next.

05-02-2019, 04:43 AM - 1 Like	#44
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	One thing has not been mentioned... If there was a FF version of the 20-40 with the same general specs (focal length, aperture, WR) it would probably become many K-1 user's main lens, and be the envy of many users of other systems. I know it would be MY main lens, for sure.

05-02-2019, 05:04 AM	#45
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by Ex Finn. So, trust me... now you need the DA*11-18. Mine is in the mail....