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

Avg. price in UK: ~£95
Avg. price in US: ~$110
Lens mount: Pentax K
Maximum focal length: 45 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 4
Optical image stabilization: no
Maximum angle of view: 83 °

Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.7

Good

6.4

Good

7.6

Very good

7.1
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.7
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
5.0
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
8.6
Lens length
25.0%
8.0
Lens diameter
25.0%
1.0
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#335 in Best Wide Angle Lenses
#762 in Best Camera Lenses

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.

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

Overall score

6.7

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Popularity

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.

Mount & Format

8.2

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Pentax K

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

APS-C

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

67 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

6.7

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

16 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

45 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

2.8x

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

83 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

35 °

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Focus & Controls

6.3

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

screw-drive

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

4.2

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

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Build & Handling

6.2

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

7.4

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Why is Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL better than the average camera lens?

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Teleconverter compatible
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Manual-focus only with supported teleconverters.
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus distance scale
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
5 mm narrower lens barrel
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL is slimmer than the average camera lens (72 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL 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).
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL is cheaper than the average camera lens (£95 vs £530).£95 vs £530
Teleconverter compatible
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus distance scale
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
5 mm narrower lens barrel
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL is slimmer than the average camera lens (72 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL worse than the average camera lens?

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No rounded blades
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL 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.
1 fewer aperture blades
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Not weather-sealed
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Older release date
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL was released earlier than the average camera lens.
December 2003
7.5 µm higher chromatic aberration
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has a higher chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (16 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.
1.1 T-stop higher transmission value
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (4.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
Not weather-sealed
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No rounded blades
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
What it is: A blade design that keeps the aperture opening more circular for smoother out-of-focus highlights.
When it matters: When you care about smoother bokeh and rounder highlight shapes in blurred backgrounds.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL 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.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL 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
7.5 µm higher chromatic aberration
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has a higher chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (16 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.
What it is: The DxOMark metric that quantifies unwanted color fringing caused by different wavelengths focusing unevenly.
When it matters: When you want to avoid color fringing on high-contrast edges in backlit scenes or detailed subjects.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has a higher chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (16 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.16 µm vs 8.5 µm
1 fewer aperture blades
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL 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
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL was released earlier than the average camera lens.
December 2003
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL was released earlier than the average camera lens.2003 vs 2016
1.1 T-stop higher transmission value
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (4.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (4.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.4.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.1 vs 2

Optics & Aperture

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Pentax SMC DA 16 45mm F4 0 ED AL and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers 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 customers dislike 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

Expert reviews

dpreview.com

28/01/2008

Summary of the review

Pentax DA 16-45mm 1:4 ED/ALGo to product viewer dialog for this item. review

The Pentax DA 16-45mm F4 ED AL is positioned by DPReview as a specialized upgrade from kit lenses, offering a constant F4 aperture and a 24mm-equivalent wide-angle view. Key performance strengths include very low light fall-off, minimal barrel distortion at the wide end, excellent macro capabilities, and the convenience of a "Quick Shift" manual focus system. Conversely, the review notes the lens suffers from softness at the 16mm setting and noticeable chromatic aberration at focal extremes. Physical design compromises include a reverse-extension mechanism that is longest at 16mm, lateral barrel play, and a relatively limited 45mm reach on the telephoto end.

ephotozine.com

28/10/2010

Summary of the review

Pentax 16-45mm f/4 SMC DA ED AL Interchangeable Lens Review

The Pentax smc DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL is a lightweight, travel-friendly standard zoom for APS-C cameras, offering a constant f/4 aperture, excellent center-to-edge sharpness at f/8, and very strong wide-angle performance. The review highlights its value for money and effective control over distortion and chromatic aberrations, making it a capable, cost-effective option. However, the lens suffers from a slight loss of sharpness in the 28mm mid-range at maximum aperture, requiring stopping down to f/11 for optimal results, and it lacks weather sealing. Additionally, the autofocus is noisy, and the 45mm telephoto end provides limited background blur for portraiture.

pentaxuser.com

28/10/2010

Summary of the review

Pentax 16-45mm f/4 SMC DA ED AL Lens Review

The Pentax 16-45mm f/4 SMC DA ED AL is a compact, 365g standard zoom lens designed for Pentax DSLRs, offering excellent optical performance, particularly strong center sharpness at 16mm and low levels of distortion and chromatic aberration. While the lens provides great value with its high-refractive ED glass, it features an unconventional "reverse zoom" design where the barrel extends to its maximum length at the 16mm setting. Drawbacks identified in the review include a functional but non-premium construction and a somewhat limited, modest zoom range compared to more versatile walkaround alternatives. Ultimately, the lens is considered an ideal, high-performing choice for users not requiring a faster aperture than f/4 or a long telephoto reach, offering great responsiveness for its price.

whatdigitalcamera.com

07/05/2007

Summary of the review

Pentax SMC DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL Review

The What Digital Camera review of the Pentax SMC DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL lens highlights it as a solid, digitally dedicated optic from Pentax's KB range that achieves near-perfect optical consistency across its aperture and focal range. The review praises its high-resolution and high-contrast performance, noting that center sharpness reliably exceeds 1000lwph. Its compact build incorporates 13 elements in 10 groups, using aspheric and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements designed to minimize optical distortion and promote strong color accuracy. Despite lacking ultra-quiet drive motors, the autofocus operates efficiently through the camera body, making it adequately fast even for dynamic subjects. However, the reviewer points out several design and performance concessions required to maintain its accessible price point. A primary drawback is the increased chromatic aberration at wider angles, which manifests as a noticeable 3 to 3.5-pixel rise in color fringing from the center to the frame's corners. Physically, the lens features a plastic inner barrel that unusually extends outward as you zoom toward the wide-angle end. While the outer barrel is metal and gives the overall construction a rigid...

photozone.de

01/05/2007

Summary of the review

Pentax SMC-DA 16-45mm f/4 ED ALGo to product viewer dialog for this item. - Review / Test Report

in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside You sent: 1 tab and said: 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside Pentax SMC-DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL - Review / Test Report 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside

pentaxforums.com

02/03/2025

Summary of the review

SMC Pentax-DA 16-45mm F4 Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses

The SMC Pentax-DA 16-45mm F4 ED AL lens is highly regarded on PentaxForums as a sharp, budget-friendly alternative to kit lenses, offering excellent image quality, high contrast, and a constant f/4 aperture. Key advantages cited by users include the useful 16mm wide-angle, solid build, and effective close-focusing capabilities. However, the lens is noted for a "reverse zoom" design that extends at 16mm, causing shadows when using the built-in flash. Additional disadvantages mentioned in user reviews include high chromatic aberration at the wide end, a lack of weather sealing, and soft corners when shooting wide open.

digitalkamera.de

15/01/2007

Summary of the review

Review: Pentax K10D (including lab test with smc DA 16-45 mm 4.0 ED AL)

The Pentax K10D review by digitalkamera.de highlights a robust, weather-sealed 10.2-megapixel DSLR with in-body shake reduction, a dust-removal system, and a versatile KAF2 lens mount. Key strengths include excellent handling, a high-resolution LCD, and advanced, creative exposure modes like Sensitivity Priority (Sv). Conversely, the review notes significant limitations in image processing, specifically citing weak default JPEG sharpening and aggressive compression that sacrifices potential image detail. Further drawbacks include inconsistent automatic white balance in artificial light, a lacking flash system without wireless TTL control, and the absence of ISO information in the viewfinder.

dxomark.fr

Janvier 2003

Summary of the review

Pentax smc PENTAX DA 16-45mm F4 ED AL - DXOMARK

The DXOMARK review of the Pentax smc PENTAX DA 16-45mm F4 ED AL lens, evaluated on a Pentax K-3 camera, awards the lens an overall DXOMARK score of 18, noting that its performance peaks at a focal length of 28mm at f/4. On the technical side, the review highlights several key pros, particularly a decent sharpness metric of 11 P-Mpix and very well-controlled geometric distortion, which sits at a minimal 0.3%. Additionally, the lens displays excellent vignetting control, measuring at just -0.7 EV, which ensures relatively even light distribution across the sensor. Conversely, the data reveals a few notable cons regarding light efficiency and color rendering. The lens suffers from a loss of light transmission, recording a value of 4.2 TStop against its f/4 physical aperture. Furthermore, a significant downside is its high level of chromatic aberration, which reaches 16 µm and indicates a strong susceptibility to color fringing in high-contrast areas of an image.

digitalcamaralens.com

03/03/2026

Summary of the review

Pentax DA 16-45/4 ED AL smc - Analisis - Review - Test

The Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL smc review highlights a versatile zoom lens with a mixed performance profile depending heavily on the selected focal length. Its primary pros include an impressive geometric parallax rectification and highly controlled vignetting across its range. Optically, the lens shows a noticeable improvement in sharpness, cleaner contrast, and resolution starting from 20mm, with the sweet spot continuing smoothly into the 28mm range. On the down side, the cons are concentrated at the focal extremes. At the widest 16mm setting, it suffers from a very weak initial sharpness in both the centre and corners, a slow sharpness progression, and prominent blue chromatic aberrations that persist across all apertures. Toward the 35mm and 45mm telephoto ends, the image contrast drops in the centre, while escalating chromatic aberrations in the corners further degrade edge sharpness, requiring the user to stop down to f/10 to achieve optimal results.

digitalcamaralens.com

03/03/2026

Summary of the review

Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL smc - Review

The Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL smc is reviewed as a notable step up from standard kit lenses, such as the DA 18-55mm. The pros of this lens include its superior external build quality, featuring high-density plastic and excellent finishes. It features an extra-wide zoom ring with deep, spaced grooves that provide a highly effective grip and a balanced, easy-to-clean synthetic material tactility. Additionally, the telescopic elements extend smoothly and linearly, while the included large petal-shaped lens hood features very solid physical construction. Conversely, the review highlights several cons related to mechanical construction and missing features. Over the long term, the simple extension mechanism—which places the widest focal length at the lens's most extended position—can cause unnecessary movement and lead to body wobble or play. The physical adjustments for the manual focus ring and the telescopic elements are not as tight as desired. Furthermore, the lens completely lacks weather sealing, missing both an airtight rear pupil and a rubber O-ring gasket at the bayonet mount. Minor omissions also include the lack of an anti-reflective matte finish inside the lens...

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