Originally posted by bigbaz I’m not 100% decided but I’ve narrowed the choice down to either the DA15 and I have to admit that’s my preferred at the minute or the Da 16-45 which also appeals for versatility but I wonder with that one if it would be much of a step up from my 18-55 kit lens which does have the benefit of being weather resistant..
I can't comment on the 16-45 v 18-55. But I'd suggest that you think about the kit you'd like to have as a whole. Some thoughts on that theme:
- The 16-xx zoom might be a good introduction to wide angle. Wide angle (and particularly wider than 16mm on APS-C) requires some new skills, particularly in composition and post-processing. (The corollary is that it offers new opportunities for creativity.) For some people, 16mm is enough to scratch the wide angle itch. If you find that it is not, you might then consider an ultrawide such as those that have been mentioned (10-17 fisheye, 10-20, 12-24, 10mm prime etc, or the current hero, the DA*11-18mm f2.8).
- The 16-45 has been out of production for some time now. There are many reports of used copies that have developed wobbly barrels over time.
- If you get a 16-45 you might spend time wondering whether you should have just shelled out for the 16-85 for its WR, extra reach and (probably) higher image quality.
- If you get a 16-xx zoom you probably would not swap it out for the 15 as often as you would with your 18-55 or say the 18-135 or the 20-40 (I say this from experience with each of these two).
- If you decide to keep the 18-55 as your general purpose wide-normal lens, or to replace it with something like an 18-135 or 20-40 or Tamron/Sigma 17-50 f2.8, the 15 will make an excellent companion. It's so pocketable that it never stays at home.
- The DA 15 Ltd is a mind-controlling lens, which as others have suggested is easy to carry and a joy to use. Once you get a taste for Limited lenses it's hard to stop. The 15 makes a great combination with the DA 20-40 Ltd, because they produce a similar look. (No doubt the same is true of the 21 too.) Of course the down side is that this combination requires more lens changes. Personally I'm coming to use that combination more often because I think the lens changes are worth it. But for travel I have tended to use the 18-135 or the 12-24 and leave that lens on for the day, depending on how much wide angle is likely to be on the agenda.
Last edited by Des; 02-13-2020 at 04:26 PM.