Pentax SMCPDA 16-45mm Zoom f/4.0 ED/AL Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras
Technical Details
- Designed for proprietary PENTAX Kaf Mount
- Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens for superior sharpness and color correction
- Responsive Quick-Shift Focus System allows instant shift from AF to MF
- Image circle is designed to match the CCD used in PENTAX digital SLRs
- Convert focal length to 24.5mm-69mm with *ist D (optional)
Review By Dana G (Worcestrer, Massachusetts)
I was one of those holdouts that carried lots of prime lenses, disdaining zooms as “a compromise”. No doubt, I missed some fine lenses because of this.
The lens that sold me on zooms is this lens, the 16-45 f/4 Pentax. The lack of distortion, the contrast, the fine color control, all finally convinced me that a zoom can perform some of the functions of a prime.
I’ve been using this lens for a while. In my studio, the 50mm primes have become the main portrait lenses with the digital cameras. But now, I’m not afraid to use a zoom lens on a job. A big step for me!
It extends quite far when zooming, a fact I don’t like, and for those who care, the on-camera flash is blocked by the lens hood (I use studio strobe, so it’s of no import to me). As a modern lens, it has a polycarbonate barrel (they don’t seem to be inclined to make zooms in the Lmited series. Too bad).
If I could use it on the film cameras, I probably would. No aperture ring means it’s definitely meant for the current cameras.
Despite all that, I highly recommend this lens. It’s a great “walk around” lens, going from very wide to moderate telephoto (remember, it’s for the APS-C sensors). Image quality is astounding to an old grouch who loves primes, and even for a lens in general it’s right up there.
If you’re faced with the choice of the kit lens or this lens, take the 16-45. If you are serious about your craft, or you make a living at it, it’s well worth the price!
