HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6

Conclusion

The Pentax DA 16-85mm is an exciting addition to the Pentax K-mount lineup of standard zoom lenses, as it delivers an unprecedented mix of versatility and image quality.  This characteristic makes it a stellar choice for demanding photographers who are looking for a high-performance all-in-one lens that can produce pleasing images straight out of camera.

DA 16-85mm

This lens surprised us with professional-grade sharpness throughout the zoom range and superior corner and edge performance compared to not only consumer lenses, but also faster lenses such as the DA* 16-50mm.  Its 16mm focal length also gives users a noticeable (7 degree) increase in field of view compared to lesser standard zooms that begin at 18mm, such as the 18-55mm kit lens.  On top of already-impressive optical performance, any remaining imperfections (such as fringing or vignetting) can be effectively corrected thanks to the in-camera lens corrections built in to all current Pentax DSLRs.  The only compromise this lens makes is its somewhat slow aperture range, but it makes up for this by performing well wide-open.  While it's not quite as sharp or as aberration-free as a prime might be, this lens is fantastic for the versatility it offers, and while physically larger than the Pentax 18-135mm, it is still relatively compact.

DA 16-85mm with box

There aren't many things to dislike about this lens, though we did find its exposure to be inconsistent at different aperture settings.  While the inconsistency was made especially apparent in test sessions where we shot the entire aperture range at once, in practice, it will likely only result in occasional under- or over-exposure that can be corrected in post (or by using exposure compensation), even without shooting in RAW.  Another minor annoyance with this lens is that despite its steep price tag ($746 MSRP, $646 currently), no soft case is included.  In fact, you only get the hood and caps as far as accessories go

Alternatives

We consider the Pentax DA 18-135mm and Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 "Contemporary" to be the 16-85mm's key competitors, as both of these lenses are current, fall in the high-end consumer category, and offer comparable performance.  Refer to our in-depth reviews of each lens for more details (linked above).

Quick comparison of alternative lenses

See also our 16-85mm first impressions for additional commentary on these specific alternatives.  There are of course other choices, such as the Pentax 17-70mm F4 and legacy Sigma variants, but discussion of these is beyond the scope of this review.  See our  Pentax vs Sigma 17-70mm comparative review for more information on the older 17-70mm lenses.

Pros and Cons

Who Is It For?

We feel that this lens appeals to a very large crowd consisting of beginners looking for a single all-purpose lens with the best available image quality or advanced users in need of a versatile zoom lens to supplement a lineup of primes.  It's also a great choice for shooting in inclement weather thanks to its weather sealing.  From an image quality standpoint, the 16-85mm should be chosen over the 18-135mm unless you consistently tend to shoot at the long end of the zoom range. 

With a small discount such as the recent sale price of $646 (£499), we find the 16-85mm's pricing to be fair.  However, the two alternatives listed above are more affordable if you cannot justify paying a premium for this lens.  Relative to the competition, the Pentax lens is slightly more expensive than the Nikon 16-85mm but considerably cheaper than the Canon 15-85mm.

The Bottom Line

The Pentax 16-85mm is one of Pentax's more impressive standard zoom lenses.  We highly recommend it if you're in need of an all-around zoom lens and value good image quality.  Note that our value rating is based on the full retail price of $746 (£599).

Have Your Say!

Tell us what you think about this lens: post a review in our user review database or add a comment below!

Also, if you don't have one yet but you feel it deserves a place in your kit bag, you can help support future reviews by ordering your DA 16-85mm at B&H Photo.