Pentax PTX 21387, 16/12, 16 - 85 mm, KAF3

I cannot rate this lens highly enough. I return to it time and again. I have longer lenses but prefer to use this and crop - it's always sharper.

First ordered this lens from the used department and returned. Then ordered this lens new- what a huge difference. This lens is sharp and zooms well. Easy return of the used lens- thanks B&H! One negative about the buying experience- do not count on expedited shipping even when it claims to be. More like 4-5 day shipping.

Ive had this lens for over a year. I use it for landscapes and travel, its a well rounded lens with nice image quality, Ive printed at 11x17 and up to 20x30 with this and the 24mp k3ii camera. I use it alone, or pair it with the 55-300, a macro lens, other other options to complement its versatile range. As long as its bright enough outside, or you have a tripod, theres little left to be desired.

At the moment it's never off my camera as I've not long purchased it, it's a really good lens. I've found that the sweet spot is from f6.3 to f11 which creates good sharp shots. It's not the best in low light but works quite well, AF hunted for a bit while shooting in a field about 2 hours after sunset, but got there after a minute or so. In manual focus, if you move the focus ring slowly you can feel it getting tighter the closer to infinity which helped. I'm happy with the lens and glad I bought it, at the moment it's never off the K3.

Excellent zoom range, solid build, good quality finish, handles well, an ideal upgrade for a "kit" lens, This lens has a good compromise between zoom range , speed and weight.