Yes, the charts are similar, prove that central sharpness is generally better in the DA*, and the 16-45's charts are 1 stop slower, bringing it to f11.

I think that the important part of my post was the second one though. Criticizing a great lens without trying it, or without using a good copy of it, is simply idiotic, because it creates rumors where these are definitely not needed.

Pentax is already struggling for its market place, and they are producing amazing lenses and cameras that simply don't receive the same publicity as other brands because of the stupid rumors of faulty lenses.

Exactly as you say. In my opinion, if you do selective colouring, this IS in your face, because its a clear manipulation of an image in post production. Therefore, I wouldn't try to minimize the impact, but rather, accentuate it.

Remember though, that this is not a criticism to your photograph, it is only my personal opinion

I imagine selective colour technique to be more of a strong impact scene. I am not sure i would have applied it to this composition, as its quite colourless to start with.
Example:
http://www.nathanservi.com/photo_1639784.html

ANyway, very nice composition and sharpness.

Very nice shots,
I am thinking that a bit of a stronger composition would make the shots work better.
example.
http://www.nathanservi.com/photo_2560791.html

Well done anyway

Not bad at all, but why don't you use a wider aperture, say f11, and definitely ISO 100, and probably a slower shutter.
Try it and the results might be pleasing.

Good luck

I don't own one, but I have tried it extensively, and the DA* 300mm is probably the most incredible lens I have ever tried. If I was interested in wildlife, sports, or anything that needed that focal length, I would buy it with no doubt.

I have heard that the 55-300mm is very good, but IQ is probably not comparable to the DA*.

Hope this helps.

The 16-50 is an amazing lens. It is actually light years better than the 18-55 and probably much better than the 16-45 (and 17-70). At f5.6 you can compare sharpness to a prime lens, and this is incredible for a zoom.

Complaining about a lens that you DON'T own, is simply idiotic. Buy the lens, if its not working well, you will surely have all the guarantees from the trusted shop you've bought it from, which will substitute the faulty lens immediately. And then you will have nothing to complain, and loads to enjoy.

If anybody would like to try a great 16-50 in the west london area, you are welcome to contact me.

Hi all,

Just to have my say, I've had a crumpler XXL and it was absolutely perfect.

Not only it looks much better than anything else in the price range, but its also funky and "young"

I have never had any problem with water, or moist getting in, and i have used it also in very very wet rain storm! In my experience the bag has always been completely perfect.

I hope this helps,
Nathan

Well, had a nice meeting with kamfil, a pleasant chat at the local pub in reading.

I would like to organise a shooting day in the west-london / berkshire area, with other pentax users.

Anybody interested?

I think we should try and find a good weather day, probably a saturday. and we could do in Richmond park, or windsor forest, or somewhere in between the 2!

Looking forward to any ideas!

Pentax 15mm f4 (New)
Pentax 31mm ltd f1.8
Pentax 50mm f1.4
Pentax 77mm f1.8
Pentax 100mm Macro f2.8
Pentax 300mm f4

Pentax DA 10-17mm
Pentax DA12-24mm
Pentax DA*16-50mm
Pentax DA*60-250mm

I think thats it. and i'm on the way!!!!