Another new user with a lens query.

Hi there,

I've been using Pentax since I was given an ME Super at age 16. (still got it!) I've also used the MX & LX.

I went digital with the istDs and kit lens, later augmented by a 50-200mm DA.

Most of my photography is outdoors, usually on cycle touring trips in places from Norway's Lofoten islands to a Himalayan trip (Manali to Leh) 2 years ago.

This year I'm spending 4 weeks riding from Seattle to San Francisco in May and am planning to take advantage of the current £100 cashback offer by buying a K20D.

The question is which lens to get with it ? (The istDs will probably be sold complete with the original lens.)

The new 18-55 MkII seems well regarded and I had no problems with the previous one, although I often wished for something a little wider (my favourite film lens was a 24mm).

So, is the 16-45mm worth paying an extra £100 for ?

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Welcome to the forum.
As a newcomer myself I can't offer any comments regarding the 16-45. I'm not sure whether you would consider the DA* 16-50, perhaps high build quality, weather and dust sealing may be an advantage on your travels? Any how the 16-50 is a pretty sharp tool providing you stop down to f/5.6. Centre sharpness is pretty good to excellent throughout all apertures. Sorry I couldn't help with the 18-55 MKII verses the 16-45.

Hi Andrew
Welcome to the forum from a fellow newbie, I have purchased a K20 D with DA 16-45 mm last month , with a little experience I can say that it is worth an extra £100.The DA 16-50 is described as superb lens by many users.

Best wishes

I will second what Greytop says.

Go for the DA*16-50. The weather sealing will be a great advantage - it will stop dust ingress and the camera will be waterproof. I have spent a lot of time on the West Coast, Seattle, San Fran, LA &c and you will get some great opportunities, but it could be raining and you will miss the chance if you don't want to get it wet.

When there you will find SD cards a lot cheaper than here, buy a few! Have a look at www.frys.com - they have a branch in Renton, 10 miles south of Seattle and also several in N. Cal.

If you want any snippets about what to visit in Seattle, just ask and I can give a few pointers.

Hello Andrew and welcome to the forum

Hi and welcome

If the maximum aperture is acceptable to you, then the 16-45mm certainly offers the best compromise between cost and quality.

If you need a wider aperture and can afford the extra cost then the 16-50mm is certainly another top class lens.

Both choices are significantly better than the kit lenses, MkI and MkII.

Hi and welcome to the forum

Thanks Folks,

Can't really justify the extra money for the DA* at the moment , so a K20D, 16-45 & extra battery should be on their way from SRS. I'll probably take an old Canon Powershot S50 as a backup.

Hello Andrew and welcome to the forum

Hi Andrew,

Welcome to our Forum.

Peter.