Easter weekend... this lens is better value than your chocolate

Just noticed the prices have literally just gone down at Jessops and Park Cameras

They don't match SRS though!

The 16-85mm does look very good... and I was considering it... but then the aperture put me off.

I wasn't sure how much I'd use it in good weather or when I'm not travelling.

Then there's the problem of the 18-135mm being significantly less costly and smaller etc.

So I can see the appeal of the 16-85mm for a one lens or two lens travel kit... but not much else.

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Don't own the 16-50mm but it does seem very capable... stopped down it seems to have incredible IQ (IMO).

It also seems to flare a fair bit though.

Bump... don't make me trade it in!

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You could buy one on ebay for £279,499,629

or you could pay 400 quid for a new one here:

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/Pentax/Pentax-SLR-Lenses/Pentax-35mm-f2.0-SMC...

I think the 3 FA's might appreciate (even if they get upgraded), since the newer versions may not have the aperture ring. They also won't have the same coating which helps produce that magical rendering. The HD DA 20-40mm is a fantastic lens for instance, but to me the rendering is more clinical (if that makes sense). The sigma 18-35mm again very good, but even more clinical. I can see some people seeking out the FA rendering.

There's a list on the US forum of DA imaging circle testing (on FF). Some provide the full circle some don't.

What happens if you need FF... you'll be glad you purchased a ridiculously good lens at an amazing price and one which is also WR

My only regret about the DFA 100mm WR ... is finding subjects that I can frame for it... I should use it more often... it always delivers

Its possibly the pick of the deals... very keen price and FF

This might be the motivation. Big of a stock reduction of crop glass before we see a load of DFA glass and FF body?

That price on the GPS unit is ... well ... the best I've ever seen (bit curious as to why that might be!)

Unless you do a lot of tele work keep the 55-300mm its small light and pretty good IQ. Any upgrade comes with a significant size/weight.

The FA 31 is just outstanding. I don't have the FA 77 but it is exceptional too.

Then as mentioned already, pretty much any DA* lens... the 50-135mm, 300mm, 55mm in particular are well thought of. The 16-50mm is a harder one to recommend given that there is now the DA HD 20-40mm and DA HD 16-85mm and it also has compete with a lot of primes and wide angles in that range.

Don't forget the 100mm DFA WR... devastatingly sharp for both macro and tele work (though it can be hard to find non-macro subjects at 100mm FOV, its well worth it when you do).

If you look around right now there's some good prices on the DA* 55 and DFA 100mm WR in particular.

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Here's what I'd do, sell it all (except 55-300mm) and acquire:

20-40mm (WR, small light, solid and very good IQ)
FA 31 (low light capable, versatile FL and the best IQ/rendering)
DA* 55 or FA 77 (choose based on whether you need WR, which FL you prefer, either will probably make you sell the FA 50mm)
+
your existing 55-300mm


and possibly add a wide at some point if you will use it enough

Chris when do the deals go on the website? First thing Saturday morning?