Originally posted by GearHead I, for one (and maybe the only one here), am looking forward to it. I really like the DA 16-45mm and if it sounds like exactly what I could use. Same extra little bit on the wide side (compared to 18mm) and a longer reach - the one thing I always wanted out of the 16-45. A 24-127mm 35mm equiv sounds great to me. A nice alternative to the kit lens, like the 16-45 is, but better.
I'm certainly interested in it, though I know I won't be an early adopter for a couple reasons. I think I was expecting something unique spec-wise from this lens (though of course it does have WR over its Canikon equivalents)...whether a couple extra millimeters at either end of the range, a smaller size (it's larger than the 18-135), an extra half stop over its competitors/alternatives, or whatever.
BUT, we all know the wildcard is IQ, which remains to be seen. As is the saying, "IQ covers a multitude of measurebator sins". Since the 18-135 appears to be staying around alongside the 16-85 and I KNOW (okay, I don't) that it'll be significantly more $$$ than the 18-135, I ANTICIPATE that the 16-85 will have superior IQ.
If I were in the market for a kit-zoom upgrade, I'd be looking long and hard at the 18-135 and especially the 17-70 before I'd pull the trigger on this new lens. (I still think they should have just revamped the 17-70 with DC and WR). But that's just me.
I hope it is an awesome lens and sells well.
My prediction is an $800 release price, settling down to $600+ maybe after a couple years.