Originally posted by thibs Mmm very very nice
At present, ideally, I'd replace my DA16-45 (which would go to my wife's K100D) with DA16-5 and maybe Tammy 17-50 if needed.
Seems very competent lens indeed (a couple guys here should read this and look at these pictures rather than complain that this lens has no point).
All lenses can now give nice results, 18-55 included that is maybe the most used variant of all lenses.
16-85 stay a bit slow, a bit expensive, a bit heavy/big and is not perfect optically.
But on the contrary it is also a better kit lens: more range, better quality. A bit expensive for now, but that will change.
It design fit more somebody that interested in wide angle but still want a large range of focal covered and doesn't need that must fast appertures. The compromise are mostly no issue if you take photos in day light and accept the size/weight.
The most direct competitors in K-mount are 17-70 f/2.8-4 and f/4 from Sigma & Pentax that cover roughly the same focal and offer more light gathering.
The battle would be on WR, picture quality, bokeh and high isos performance.