Excellent general-purpose zoom

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 real-world photography for over 1.5 years now and few complaints. I bought the lens for its almost ideal range (equivalent to 24-70 in 35 mm), constant aperture and excellent optical characteristics. One particularly nice feature of this lens is its resistance to flare. Bright conditions often bring out the worse in optics having numerous optical elements but the Pentax zoom shines in this arena. I think too much has been made of the chromatic aberration noted in some reviews at wide settings. I have seen little of that. I also believe that the images show high contrast yet hold significant shadow detail.