Overview

The Pentax smc DA 16-45mm F4 ED AL is a standard zoom for APS-C Pentax DSLRs, offering a constant f/4 aperture and a 24-68mm equivalent range. Optically, it is sharp even wide open and holds its own against primes, with barrel distortion at 16mm (~2.5%) and slight pincushion at 45mm (~0.7%). Build quality is fine with plastic and metal parts, but it is somewhat chunky (67mm filter) and extends at wide end. AF is fast and accurate, with Quick-Shift manual override. It suits enthusiasts seeking a step up from the kit lens, especially for wide-angle shooting.