Sold my A version, it was my first lens! But I am happy with the FA28-70 when I need a little longer reach.

I currently have 3 cameras loaded with film that are in various stages of usage, this has reminded me to finish off the rolls!

Pentax MZ5n about 3 shots left, I have taken a number with my DA* 50-135 just to see how the results come out on film!

Pentax Zoom 70.

Pentax A110, though it is tough to get these films developed, such a shams as this camera really is fun to use!

At £65 from SRS, I had to give the 18-55 WR a go!

I did look at the Sigma 18-125 though!

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I'm not quite ready for glases yet! I hope to hold out a few more years yet, but when I am, varifocals might be for me!

Only slightly! My close focus has always been very good, over the last three years I have noticed that I can't quite focus on things as close as I used to be able to - I can now manage about 6inches, 20 years ago, this was more like 2!

As I already have the FA 28-70 and really like the lens, the 35-70 would not cut it for me.

The sigma is a very good idea and I might try to get a hands on with one. I must admit, I am liking the sound of the 18-55wr more. I has the 18-55mkI lens with my K10 and used it a bit on the K7 but now my nephew has that lot!

My 28-70 compliments my Tamron 75-300 which I find very useful on account of the 1:2 macro setting at the 180-300 range. It really is just the wider end I miss and I could easily just carry the 18-55 and 75-300 to travel light.

This is more under extreme use/movement, however, I noticed that focus was a bit 'sticky' and I often need a second press on the shutter button to get things in focus. One of these occations, I decided to try quick shift to find it wasn't changing the focus and was gritty. I set manual focus on the lens and tried again, no change, so I set mf on the body and it seemed to resolve. The test went from there and I then decided to try with to 50 - 135 to see if it was just the 16 - 50. I don't have any real focussing issues with the 50-135 so was surprised to find the same problem. I wondered if it was something to worry about. Also was it a problem with the lens or the camera screw drive, though I haven't noticed any issues my other screw drive Pentax lenses.

Has any one else noticed that focus shift on the DA* 16-50 and DA* 50-135 can lock up (feeling very gritty)? Turning to manual focus on the lens makes no difference, however, turning to manual focus on the camera body releases the lens focus shift problem.

To instigate the problem I found that using quick shift through its range and back again fairly fast soon leads to the lock up. Origionally noticed it on my 16-50 and then tested the 50-135 and found the same issue.

Has anyone noticed this with the 300, 200 and 65-250 DA* lenses?

I haven't noticed this with the lens on my 5MZn, not that I have tried this, though I have used the lens on it and did not notice any focus issues.

Some day I want a 43mm ltd, I already have 2 50mm 1.4s so really after something a bit different. It needs to be zoom.

I have a 16-50 DA* and it is great, just heavy and large for some situations when I really want to travel lite and it gets in the way of the pop up flash.

I also have a 18-200 Sigma and, though it is OK, results are just not that hot.

I have an old FA 28 to 70 which at f4 is a great lens, light quick and good focus accuracy, however, it is not wide enough for general use.

I also feel that my screw drive lenses are faster at focusing than my SDM lenses.

So, what would you guys go for (new or older) to give me a lightweight (both on the back and purse!) option?

Is the 17-70 worth the cost. Anything I should watch out for getting a second hand one of these?

What about the 18-50WR lens?