Pentax 16 85mm f 3 5 5 6 vs pentax 18 135mm f 3 5 5 6?

Both are Pentax zooms for APS-C cameras with the same f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture, so the real difference is range. The 16-85mm starts wider, which helps indoors, in towns and for landscapes. The 18-135mm reaches much further, roughly 27-200mm in full-frame terms, which makes it the better one-lens choice for days out and travel.

The 18-135mm's aperture narrows as you zoom in, and it isn't stabilised. The 16-85mm's page lists fewer details, so check it yourself before you buy.

Pick the 16-85mm if you mostly shoot wide and close. Pick the 18-135mm if you want reach and one lens for almost everything. For more on building a kit around a zoom like these, see Travel and Your first lenses.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.