I have just finished printing the last enlargements (on 8-1/2"/A4 paper) of the photos I took in California two weeks ago. I don't have the words to describe how impressed I am with the consistent image quality I have gotten with the DA 16-45 lens. It is one of Pentax's best zooms of all time, fully the equal of the excellent FA 20-35 f4. (I have also tested it systematically against other very good lenses, zooms and primes.)
Although I dislike the extending barrel design, wish it was f2.8, and wish it was a bit longer at the tele end, I have just fallen in love with its image quality. The zoom range is conservative so you sacrifice some convenience. But you gain so much image quality. Just get it, Shaun. You won't regret it. It is the one lens above all others that I recommend for the *ist D. That is, get it if you can find it. Pentax seems still to be having trouble producing enough of them to meet demand. You may just have to place a standing order somewhere and wait for it to come in. Joe
