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Thursday, August 26, 2010

DA 18-55 I Vs II Vs DA 16-45 (Imatest Test)

Here is an useful test and quick review, which should answer the FAQs of quite some people who have been asking about the (performance) differences between the lenses. Btw, the Imatest results resemble many of my practical experiences and I in general do agree with the conclusions made by the author:-

http://erphotoreview.com/wordpress/?p=319&page=2

I do not do Imatest as an unqualified measurebator! ;-) But if you are still interested in my test for those Pentax standard zooms, here is mine - a real-life one! :=)


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Comments (6)

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Old pentaxian's avatar

Old pentaxian · 759 weeks ago

I am sure, the difference is due to sample to sample variation. My 16-45/4 is tack sharp. I have compared it against the good oldie FA 50/2.8 macro. The zoom does not lag behind much in terms of sharpness, albeit CA are clearly inferior, especially in the corners.
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Michael A.'s avatar

Michael A. · 759 weeks ago

Easy call, DA16-45mm I use (against kit 18-55 from K-x) winner hands down. CA's? Sure, but K-x body or PP takes care of those in a heartbeat (just to confirm for a new guy on the block)...
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crisp's avatar

crisp · 759 weeks ago

So a $600 lens is better than a $110 lens (B&H Photo prices)?
2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago
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Michael A.'s avatar

Michael A. · 759 weeks ago

Get used DA16-45mm - sharp, good CLOSE focus (at Amazon.com., fleebay, Craig, local mom&pop photo, garage sale or whatever..) Mine was $215 on Amazon in nice shape including original box...
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Michael A.'s avatar

Michael A. · 759 weeks ago

Did anyone mentioned VERY nice lens for MOVIES as well (digital specified filter installed makes a difference especially for a blue sky! - smoother transition of color)? Compared plenty this 16-45 to kit 18-55 and kit lens is now collecting dust. 2mm on wide side makes a good difference, it's constant f4, but uses 67mm filter (kit 49mm). A bit bigger, but not much heavier and very close focus capability can be priceless when needed...of course sharpness difference is very well visible on images as well, not only on charts...and can be cheap if one looks around..(new bodies K-x, K-7 can process or "tag' in RAW any DA lens CA's if set - slows it down but works)... 2 more cents for a new guy on the block ...
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Eric Tastad's avatar - Go to profile

Eric Tastad · 759 weeks ago

Being the author of the lens test mentioned I thought I would chime in. I do think the DA 16-45mm is the best overall lens in the group. However, it does cost significantly more, does suffer from CA, and is much larger than the 18-55mm kit. My point with the lens reviews is to mention both the good and the bad of the products and not gloss over details. Where the 16-45mm really shines is at the wide end, and it shows from my Imatest results. Even good lenses have design trade offs that have to be made.

Thanks for linking to my review!

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