Compared to its predecessor convinced me to bring this objective in a lock position so that it can be stowed in a small pocket the possibility. It also offers in manual mode a slightly shorter minimum focusing distance, than its predecessor. This saves in many cases also a Macro.
For the price, this lens provides excellent optical imaging performance and excellent sharpness. Certainly the 16-85mm is built a little sharper and more mechanically stable. But also much more expensive, larger and heavier.
VR and AF function properly. For photographers who like to use the manual focus, this lens is less recommended, it must be switched only via slide switch to MF and the focus ring is very narrow and not very precise.
From me a strong buy recommendation for priority in an easy and space-saving equipment. For me there is nothing better at this price and the 18-55 II also covers 90% of my shots from (traveling, trekking).
