pmazzzzz's reviews

  • Pentax 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR DA

    3 out of 10 points and not recommended
    - Very nice range; - Fast and silent focusing; - WR.
    Awful image quality.

    When I had to replace my stolen K200D, I've discovered this lens and felt it was a must for my future k3. Because of it's range mainly, but also because WR, and fast focusing. The range is exactly what I wanted : wide enough, long enough for a walk around lens, yet short enough one can expect good image quality from this lens. User's review here and there where telling the IQ was even better than that of the 18-55 kit lens (with which I'm definitely satisfied in many situations). So I bought this pretty expensive item.

    WR, range, and focus speed didn't failed me. They are pretty much what I expected. That is the fastest focusing I've get with my Pentax (I've never tested other brands of SLR) ; working WR ; and perfectly fit all purpose range.
    Yet I'm definitely put off by the image quality of my sample. Even closed down by one or two stop, images are usually. Ugly. Yes ugly. Even smartphones can take better pictures. How can one sell such lens ? A real dismay. If you happen to buy one, be ready to send it back if the IQ is bad. I should have done this. Yet I'm quite unused to returning items

    reviewed January 19th, 2017 (purchased for $550)