[timb64]

If you can’t afford the 16-85 definitely get an 18-135.Pair it with the 55-300 and you have a good WR setup.There may be good wildlife opportunities in Scotland which would justify/require something with more reach.

Have a great trip,I am presently planning a trip to Western Scotland in May so if you spot another Pentax user say Hi!

[aslyfox]

. . . 3. I do have a Ricoh GR I could bring as a backup body. . . .

that would make a great emergency back up

I would find a pocket to put the 15mm and 40mm XS into but that is just me

one other thought

there are numerous PF members from the UK and Scotland

you could use the forum members map to locate them

Worldwide Pentax User Map - PentaxForums.com

you might want to pm some to get some ideas on what you might expect at the time of year for your trip

and any other suggestions they may have.

[normhead]

If you can’t afford the 16-85 definitely get an 18-135.Pair it with the 55-300 and you have a good WR setup.There may be good wildlife opportunities in Scotland which would justify/require something with more reach.

Have a great trip,I am presently planning a trip to Western Scotland in May so if you spot another Pentax user say Hi!

We should have a prize for anyone who gets an image of Kerrodown.

[aslyfox]

We should have a prize for anyone who gets an image of Kerrodown.

or his close relative Kerrowdown

[normhead]

Hi Tim, when I got my copy of the 18-135, I virtually stopped using my 16-45. The added reach and WR make it a great walk around lens. The 18-135 has excellent qualities too. Good luck with your choice, and don't forget to post some pix of your trip when you get back. ....

Compare here (but remember, the 16-45 ratings are done on a 10 MP sensor, the 18-135 on a 16 MP sensor, the 16-45 chart will look better than it is.
Pentax SMC-DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] WR - Review / Lens Test - Analysis and here Pentax SMC-DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL - Review / Test Report - Analysis

What the 16-45 has over the 18-135 is 16-17mm, other results are mixed.
SO buy the 18-135 for it's reach. ( Want to go to 135mm)
But the DA 16-85, for it's wide end and more consistent IQ across it's range.
Use the 16-45 for constant ƒ4.

They all have something to offer. It's just a matter of you deciding what you value.
From my perspective, if I have a wide angle shot that I really want with the 18-135, I'll set it to 24mm and stitch. There's a plan. I've never done it but I could.
The 16-85 and 18-135 have pseudo macro, at about .24 magnification. That's an extra bonus for either of those lenses. The 16-45 produces more magnification at .26 but, some of us just prefer longer than 50mm for macro, with 90 and 100 mm being preferred for macro shots around my house, but again, a value judgement. Some folks like 35mm macros.

I own the 18-135 already, so I'd just go with that. But, I'm still hoping to pick up a 16-85 for my wife. She's pickier than me. And it's better matched to my DA 55-300 PLM in providing range.
But with one lens, I'd take the 18-135.

[UncleVanya]

When I was last in Scotland, I just used the 21 Ltd, which was nice and compact, as well as a great FL for me. I was cautious in the rain, and managed to mostly avoid it getting wet. No problems either.

Nice shots, given your experience is the 18-135mm wide enough?

[nocturnal]

Scotland is similar to here in Ireland except more extreme again, currently it is snowing heavily in the mountains and there are >1000 mountains over 3000ft in Scotland.

As primarily a landscape photographer I use the HD DA15 Ltd, HD DA 20-40 Ltd and DA* 60-250 so everything is covered with top IQ and brilliant colours.

There are lots of reasons why you want >135mm whilst in the landscape... wildlife etc. so you should consider this most of all. I even use 300mm for landscapes... Individual mountain peaks and very long range photography when the visibility is good.

If you are into astro and nightscapes the remote parts of Scotland are a treat as much of it has extremely dark skies for Milky Way and Northern Lights photography. I use the Samyang 14mm f2.8 exclusively for this purpose.

I am assuming you are going for landscapes?

---------- Post added 24-02-20 at 15:43 ----------

We should have a prize for anyone who gets an image of Kerrodown.

Kerrowdown is more elusive than Nessie (Loch Ness monster)

[normhead]

or his close relative Kerrowdown

Twins separated at birth I hear.

[blackcloudbrew]

Very interesting discussion here as I'm headed to Scotland in the latter part of October this year doing a landscape workshop in the highlands, Skye and Hebrides. Most likely I'll be going less than light with either my K-1II or 645z (clearly not both!) but I am learning lots from this discussion.

Edit: although this tread is about lightweight APS-c choices, I'll toss in my proposed list for my K-1II. I’d likely take the Venus Optical 12mm f2.8, the F 17-28 fisheye, perhaps the FA*24 f2.8, as well as the DFA 28-105 and the new DFA 70-210.

[aslyfox]

Best way to get a Kerrowdown sighting might be to set out some single malt whisky

[Roam Redway]

In mid May I will be biking for 2 weeks in SW France. I plan on bringing my K-5 with an 18-135 and a 35 f.2.8 Ltd. macro. I take a lot of close-ups and also love the sharpness of the 35.

[normhead]

Best way to get a Kerrowdown sighting might be to set out some single malt whisky

I suspect you'd get pictures of a lot more Scots than Kerrowdown. And the cost in whIskey by the time Kerrowdown got wind of it would be astronomical.

---------- Post added 02-24-20 at 11:16 AM ----------

Just following up on bertwerts post, I frequently go out with the DA 55-30 PLM and the 21. It's surprising how well the 21 does as a sole wide angle lens. And it's small enough you can cover it with the baggie your lunch sandwich came in, if you don't mind the smell of mayo.

[FotoGekko]

Best way to get a Kerrowdown sighting might be to set out some single malt whisky

He did welcome me on the forum.......Must have had some way of knowing that I love the Highlands and Islands............

[pentaxian_tmb]

WTH is a Kerrowdown?

[aslyfox]

WTH is a Kerrowdown?

not what

who:

Country
Scotland
Location
Hielands o' Scootlund
Real Name
Kerrowdown
Pentax Cameras
K-1
Pentax Cameras
K20D, K10D, Pentax Film SLRs
Photographic Equipment
Pentax fur buzz
About Me
A Claidheamh-mòr wielding hairy teuchter, dispensing perfunctory justice in th' Hielands o' Scootlund.

Noo a'm auld, a've even less tae say.
Interests
Photography 'n' everything apple.
Signature
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand. “Mistress" Pentax-A 15mm F3.5, "Good Lady” Pentax-A 20mm F2.8, “Friendly Lady” Pentax-A 24mm F2.8, "Deviate Lady" Pentax 28mm F3.5 Shift, "Street Lady" Pentax-A 28mm F2.8, "Retro Lady" SMC Pentax-M 40mm F2.8, "Special Lady” Pentax-A 50mm F1.2, “Femme Fatale” Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro, “Sweetheart” Pentax-A*85mm F1.4, "Lady Luck” Pentax-A*135mm F1.8, "Gorgeous Lady” Pentax-A*200mm F2.8 ED, “Duchess” Pentax-A*300mm F4.0, "HM The Queen" SMC Pentax 500mm F4.5.

Kerrowdown - View Profile - PentaxForums.com