Pentax SMCP-DA 16-45mm f/4.0 ED AL

Pros: Excellent all-purpose zoom. Excellent contrast, resolution and flare control.

Cons: Slightly heavy; interferes with built-in flash below about 24 mm setting.

Review: The Pentax 16-45 zoom is a constant aperture zoom with a number of features which distinguish it from the normal kit lens supplied with low end digital cameras. It produces very sharp photos at enlargements up to 8X10". I have used the lens now for ...

Pros: Excellent optics Really strong close-focusing performance SMC ensures low flare, good color

Cons: Zooming out to 16mm blocks in-camera flash Average fit and finish Moderate CA

Review: With the introduction of DA*16-50/2.8, this little brother has become available used on EBay at 1/2 its original price. This makes the DA 16-45/4 ever more appealing than the kit DA 18-55 due to the vastly superior optical performance (sharp wide open, ...

Pros: Very good optical characteristics (but not perfect, see text); Good build quality; Best value.

Cons: Reverse zoom design; Still larger and heavier than film counterparts; Some unfavourable optical characteristics.

The Bottom Line: Best Buy.

Review: Preamble: This review is intended for advanced amateurs to professional photographers. Some of the terms used will not be explained in details, however, I would try to explain them in brief within brackets. If you still do not know exactly what the ...

Pros: Decent centre sharpness, flare resistance, really shines at close range, affordable.

Cons: Average built quality, corner sharpness could be better for scenery, block built-in flash beyond 28mm.

Review: This is a lens that you both love and hate. First of all, it seems a little large for its range and aperture. It almost double its length at 16mm. The built-in flash would be blocked a little beyond 28mm. Centre sharpness is decent but corner sharpness ...

Pros: Fix 4.0 aperture

Cons: This is zoom lens of Pentax. Dont expect a tack sharp picture

The Bottom Line: If you have kit 18-55 lens, avoid it. If dont then buy 18-55 instead this expensive lens.

Review: I have photography experience from film and start shooting digital almost 2 yrs ago. I'm not fan of post processing by photo shop or something. I take it whatever comes from camera/lens. Construction is solid. There is no flaw in body of the lens. ...