Scored using Camera lenses Methodology v1.0
Camera lenses Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Camera lenses Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Camera lenses Methodology v1.0

Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£95Lens mount:Pentax KMaximum focal length:45 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):4Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:83 °

Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

5.6

Technical score

20%

8.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 76% of camera-lenses
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

4.8

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.0

Build & Handling

20%

6.6

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 77% of camera-lenses
8.2

User score

User score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on 105 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 54% of camera-lenses
  • pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
  • pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
  • pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
  • pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
  • pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
  • pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
  • pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al
pentax-smc-da-16-45mm-f4-0-ed-al

Best prices

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of camera lens Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

35%

4.8

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.0

Build & Handling

20%

6.6

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

5.6
User score
User score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on 105 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has a popularity score of 6 points, which is lower than 65.6% of camera lenses.
6.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

6.1

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.3
Lens type
zoom
Lens mount
Pentax K
Sensor format coverage
APS-C
Filter thread size
67 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
This camera lens supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Manual-focus only with supported teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
16 mm
Maximum focal length
45 mm
Optical zoom
2.8xx
Maximum angle of view
83 °
Minimum angle of view
35 °
Show more
Focus motor
screw-drive
Minimum focus distance
0.28 m
Minimum focus distance
0.28 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.28 m, which is closer than 57.1% of camera lenses and equal to 6.6% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.26xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.26x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.26x, which is higher than 74.6% of camera lenses and equal to 2.2% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
yes
Full-time manual focus
yes
This camera lens supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
390 g
Weight
390 g
This camera lens weighs 390 g, which is lighter than 64.9% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.4% of camera lenses.
Lens length
92 mm
Lens length
92 mm
This camera lens is 92 mm long, which is shorter than 50.2% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.6% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
72 mm
Lens diameter
72 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 72 mm, which is slimmer than 66.6% of camera lenses and equal to that of 1% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Manual-focus only with supported teleconverters.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 120 g lighter
    Weight
    390 g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (390 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    390 g vs 510 g
  • 0.07 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.26 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.26 x vs 0.192 x
  • 5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    72 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (72 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    72 mm vs 77 mm
  • 5.58x cheaper
    Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL is cheaper than the average camera lens (£95 vs £530).
    £95 vs £530
  • 5.58x cheaper
    Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL is cheaper than the average camera lens (£95 vs £530).
    £95 vs £530
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Manual-focus only with supported teleconverters.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.07 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.26 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.26 x vs 0.192 x
  • 120 g lighter
    Weight
    390 g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (390 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    390 g vs 510 g
  • 5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    72 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (72 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    72 mm vs 77 mm
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No rounded blades
    Rounded aperture blades
    no
    This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    4
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    4 vs 2.8
  • 1 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    8
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    8 vs 9
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2003
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    December 2003
    2003 vs 2016
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    1
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 21.5% less popular
    Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL is less popular than the average camera lens (6 vs 7.3).
    6 vs 7.29
  • 21.5% less popular
    Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL is less popular than the average camera lens (6 vs 7.3).
    6 vs 7.29
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    4
    This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    4 vs 2.8
  • No rounded blades
    Rounded aperture blades
    no
    This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
  • 1 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    8
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    8 vs 9
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    1
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    1 vs 2
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2003
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    December 2003
    2003 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

D
dpreview.com
28/01/2008
Summary of the review
E
ephotozine.com
28/10/2010
Summary of the review
P
pentaxuser.com
28/10/2010
Summary of the review
W
whatdigitalcamera.com
07/05/2007
Summary of the review
P
photozone.de
01/05/2007
Summary of the review
P
pentaxforums.com
02/03/2025
Summary of the review
D
digitalkamera.de
15/01/2007
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.fr
01/01/2003
Summary of the review
D
digitalcamaralens.com
03/03/2026
Summary of the review
D
digitalcamaralens.com
03/03/2026
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on 105 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL

  • Constant f/4 aperture throughout the entire zoom range
  • Excellent sharpness, particularly in the center and when stopped down to f/8 or f/11
  • Wider 16mm focal length provides a 10% wider field of view compared to standard 18mm kit lenses
  • Quick-Shift Focus System allows instant manual focus override without switching modes
  • Low distortion and excellent resistance to flare and vignetting
  • Lightweight and compact design, making it a good 'walkaround' lens
  • Impressive close-focusing (macro) performance for a non-macro zoom lens
  • Great value for money, especially as a budget-friendly used upgrade from kit lenses

What we don't like about Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL

  • Unusual extending zoom design that is longest at the widest 16mm setting
  • Noticeable chromatic aberration (purple fringing) at the extreme wide-angle end
  • Somewhat noisy and dated screw-drive autofocus system
  • Lack of weather sealing, making it vulnerable in rainy or dusty conditions
  • Modest 2.8x zoom ratio results in limited telephoto reach (45mm)
  • Lens extension at 16mm can cause shadowing when using the camera's built-in flash
  • Lacks internal optical image stabilization

Verdict

The Pentax SMC DA 16-45mm f/4.0 ED AL is a compact, lightweight 3x zoom lens designed for APS-C digital SLRs, offering a 35mm equivalent focal range of 24.5-69mm. Key specifications include a constant f/4 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range, an optical construction of 13 elements in 10 groups—including two aspherical elements and one extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element—and an 8-blade diaphragm. It features the Quick-Shift Focus System for easy manual override and a minimum focusing distance of 0.28m with a high 0.26x maximum magnification. Main pros include its superior sharpness (especially when stopped down), excellent contrast, and a useful ultra-wide starting focal length that serves as a significant upgrade over standard kit lenses. However, notable cons include its unusual 'reverse zoom' design that extends most at 16mm (potentially causing flash shadowing), a lack of weather sealing, and visible chromatic aberration at the extreme wide end.

Compare Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL with other products in the Camera lenses category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL and other products in the Camera lenses category

No results found