K20D lens choice

[istD]

Having waited for a couple of months to see what price and spec the K7 was finally going to be, which is, as suspected, out of my price range, I will now be upgrading to a K20D, from my much abused *istDL2.

But I'm in two minds about opting for the MKll 18-55 or a 16-45 for 100 quid more. I've read all sorts of conflicting comments on the MK1 against the MKll, and both of those against the 16-45. The differences between samples of each would appear to be the same as those between each model. Most people's negative comments on the 16-45 seem to relate to its size and the fact that the front element extends beyond the body.
I'm pretty sure I will go for the 16-46 for the extra bit width and the general consensus that it is the 'better lens'. The guy at Youngs has been good enough to take some sample shots with the various combinations for me to have a look at on Saturday (and match or better the best online prices I found), but I would value anyones comments or experience with these lenses in the meantime.

TIA
Simon.

[Oggy]

The 16-45 is a very good lens, versatile and pin sharp.

If you are going to get one, do it NOW as the prices are going silly.

EG DA*50-135 a couple of weeks ago - about £500. Now nearly £1000

[Monobod]

I bought the 18-55 Mk 2 with the K20D body, just to get the £100 cash back. I am not at all pleased with it as my sample is a touch soft at mostly all apertures.

I have the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 and that is very good. I have no experience of the other lenses you mention. But yes, prices are going through the roof, so do be quick.

[Done_rundleCams]

the DA 16-45/4 is the only choice, IMVHO

Cheers,

Jack

[istD]

Thanks guys. I had heard about the price increases so thought it was time to jump in. I'm almost certain I'll go for the 16-45 given that my MKl 18-55 seems to be a pretty crisp one, at least on the 6MPs of the istDL2. So it will probably be acceptable on the K20D if the extra length is ever required.

[nspur]

The 18-55 that came with my Samsung GX10 is quite adequate (but I really do think that kit lenses should be 17-70). It seems to me though that current new lenses - except for primes of which Pentax has some of the best - are not particularly wonderful and there's better deals around. I bought a Sigma 24-135 f2.8-4.5 KAF from SRS about six months ago for £70 and I'm very pleased with it.

[Oggy]

I bought the 18-55 Mk 2 with the K20D body, just to get the £100 cash back. I am not at all pleased with it as my sample is a touch soft at mostly all apertures....

I wonder if you had a duff one. I got one with my K20 and it seemed not bad at all. There was a thread on another forum dedicated to pictures taken with it and some of them are remarkable.

[Monobod]

I bought the 18-55 Mk 2 with the K20D body, just to get the £100 cash back. I am not at all pleased with it as my sample is a touch soft at mostly all apertures....

I wonder if you had a duff one. I got one with my K20 and it seemed not bad at all. There was a thread on another forum dedicated to pictures taken with it and some of them are remarkable.

Quite Possible. It sits on the K10D now and is used for work only (photoss of clients houses prior to extensions as memory prods), where quality is not a real issue.