SMC DA* 16-50mm F/2.8... best all-round? reliable?

[Massao]

Re: SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM

Hi,

How does this lens perform? Is it sharp wide open in the centre? It does look "acceptable" on Pentax Forums score , though sharpness is ranked lower than the cheaper primes (35mm , 50mm ).

How is the reliability? I’ve looked at several reviews that specify issues related to reliability (SMD failure, focusing issues, etc). e.g., see here .

I have smc DA 35mm f/2.4, and perhaps it is better to get smc 16-50mm f/2.8 SDM*, instead of smc 50mm f/1.8, and then get rid of 35mm.

I'll be traveling to Asia later this year and will be taking only ONE lens with me (16-50mm f/2.8?) Suggestions?

Massao

 

[Conjure]

Re: SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM

Hi,

How does this lens perform? Is it sharp wide open in the centre? It does look "acceptable" on Pentax Forums score , though sharpness is ranked lower than the cheaper primes (35mm , 50mm ).

How is the reliability? I’ve looked at several reviews that specify issues related to reliability (SMD failure, focusing issues, etc). e.g., see here .

I have smc DA 35mm f/2.4, and perhaps it is better to get smc 16-50mm f/2.8 SDM*, instead of smc 50mm f/1.8, and then get rid of 35mm.

I'll be traveling to Asia later this year and will be taking only ONE lens with me (16-50mm f/2.8?) Suggestions?

Massao

If you take only one lens with you I would highly recommend the HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3,5~5,6 ED DC WR

Anton

 

[Massao]

Re: SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM

Hi,

How does this lens perform? Is it sharp wide open in the centre? It does look "acceptable" on Pentax Forums score , though sharpness is ranked lower than the cheaper primes (35mm , 50mm ).

How is the reliability? I’ve looked at several reviews that specify issues related to reliability (SMD failure, focusing issues, etc). e.g., see here .

I have smc DA 35mm f/2.4, and perhaps it is better to get smc 16-50mm f/2.8 SDM*, instead of smc 50mm f/1.8, and then get rid of 35mm.

I'll be traveling to Asia later this year and will be taking only ONE lens with me (16-50mm f/2.8?) Suggestions?

Massao

OR Tamron 17-50 f 2.8 AF IF LD XR Di II SP?

 

[Jim Beverlin]

I would go with the Sigma 17 - 50mm f/2.8, EX, DC, HSM. Takes excellent images, reliable and should be much lower in cost than the Pentax. Cannot say enough about this lens.

 

[Joseph Tainter]

Re: SMC Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM

Hi,

How does this lens perform? Is it sharp wide open in the centre? It does look "acceptable" on Pentax Forums score , though sharpness is ranked lower than the cheaper primes (35mm , 50mm ).

How is the reliability? I’ve looked at several reviews that specify issues related to reliability (SMD failure, focusing issues, etc). e.g., see here .

I have smc DA 35mm f/2.4, and perhaps it is better to get smc 16-50mm f/2.8 SDM*, instead of smc 50mm f/1.8, and then get rid of 35mm.

I'll be traveling to Asia later this year and will be taking only ONE lens with me (16-50mm f/2.8?) Suggestions?

Massao

If you take only one lens with you I would highly recommend the HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm f/3,5~5,6 ED DC WR

Anton

This was what I was going to recommend. The SDM in the DA* 16-50 is unreliable. If you take only one lens, don't rely on that one.

I've used the DA 16-85 on several overseas trips, and it has always proved reliable. One caveat, though: Buy the lens in time to give it a brick wall test. I had two of the DA* 16-50 and two of the DA 16-85 with optical decentering. You don't want that in your Asia photos.

Joe

 

[Gary Martin]

I would go with the Sigma 17 - 50mm f/2.8, EX, DC, HSM. Takes excellent images, reliable and should be much lower in cost than the Pentax. Cannot say enough about this lens.

I have this lens, and I can confirm that it's very good. But it's not weather-sealed like the DA* zoom. If the OP doesn't need weather-sealing, then I agree that the Sigma should be considered if the f2.8 speed is important. If a fast lens is not needed, then I would go with the DA16-85 or DA20-40 Limited instead of the Sigma.

 

[Massao]

I would go with the Sigma 17 - 50mm f/2.8, EX, DC, HSM. Takes excellent images, reliable and should be much lower in cost than the Pentax. Cannot say enough about this lens.

Dear Jim,

Many thanks. I think you are right; dxomark ranks Sigma version far higher than Pentax version . Unfortunately, the Sigma lens is not available in Norway. Buying from Ebay is problematic because I will have to pay 25% important taxes (on total price=price+postage), plus there is no warranty, or not any warranty that is easy to deal with .

I like the option of low-light performance at f/2.8 so only have two choices here: either the Pentax 16-50mm f/2.8 or the Tamron (Tamron 17-50 f 2.8 AF IF LD XR Di II SP). Clearly, the Pentax version should be avoided (reliability issues, not sharp enough according to reviews/tests, etc. ), so has anyone tried the Tamron? On Pentax forum, it is rankes higher than the Pentax version. On dxomark, Tamron and Sigma are quite close in performance. Tamron is also on sale here (around 292 USD).

Kind regards,

Massao

 

[Massao]

I would go with the Sigma 17 - 50mm f/2.8, EX, DC, HSM. Takes excellent images, reliable and should be much lower in cost than the Pentax. Cannot say enough about this lens.

I have this lens, and I can confirm that it's very good. But it's not weather-sealed like the DA* zoom. If the OP doesn't need weather-sealing, then I agree that the Sigma should be considered if the f2.8 speed is important. If a fast lens is not needed, then I would go with the DA16-85 or DA20-40 Limited instead of the Sigma.

Dear Gary,

Many thanks. Yes, f/2.8 is important for me Sigma isn't available here, so how about the Tamron version? (Tamron 17-50 f 2.8 AF IF LD XR Di II SP)

Kind regards,

Massao

 

[DS21]

I would go with the Sigma 17 - 50mm f/2.8, EX, DC, HSM. Takes excellent images, reliable and should be much lower in cost than the Pentax. Cannot say enough about this lens.

Dear Jim,

Many thanks. I think you are right; dxomark ranks Sigma version far higher than Pentax version . Unfortunately, the Sigma lens is not available in Norway. Buying from Ebay is problematic because I will have to pay 25% important taxes (on total price=price+postage), plus there is no warranty, or not any warranty that is easy to deal with .

I like the option of low-light performance at f/2.8 so only have two choices here: either the Pentax 16-50mm f/2.8 or the Tamron (Tamron 17-50 f 2.8 AF IF LD XR Di II SP). Clearly, the Pentax version should be avoided (reliability issues, not sharp enough according to reviews/tests, etc. ), so has anyone tried the Tamron? On Pentax forum, it is rankes higher than the Pentax version. On dxomark, Tamron and Sigma are quite close in performance. Tamron is also on sale here (around 292 USD).

Kind regards,

Massao

 

[Jim King]

That's what I did after my DA 16-50 started to get wonky. As a plus, the Tamron is sharper across the frame at short FLs.

 

[kenwklau]

I had the Sigma 17-50/2.8 and like it a lot, until I got a used copy of smc DA*16-50/2.8 3 months ago.

My copy of the DA* beats the Sigma in the following areas:

(a) 16mm over 17mm : the 1 mm difference is quite noticeable

(b) weather sealed : hands down win

(c) sharpness : DA* version is slightly sharper at f2.8 and much sharper at f5.6

(d) flare resistance : no contest again

(e) brightness : DA* is 2/3 stop brighter, quite important to me

Sigma advantages are:

(a) price : Sigma new copy is cheaper than used DA* copy

(b) focus motor reliability : DA*'s SDM focus motor is notorious, but its back up screw drive is always there.

May be I got a good copy of the DA* version and YMMV.

 

[Heliar]

This is a dog of a lens. Totally not worth the money. Either go for 16-85 or stick to primes.

 

[Massao]

That's what I did after my DA 16-50 started to get wonky. As a plus, the Tamron is sharper across the frame at short FLs.

Excellent, thanks for sharing your opinion

 

[Massao]

That's what I did after my DA 16-50 started to get wonky. As a plus, the Tamron is sharper across the frame at short FLs.

User-ranking-based reviews are a bit higher for Tamron than Sigma , but that could be affected by lower price of Tamron. Objective tests and reviews (e.g, here ) show similar performance for both Tamron and Sigma, so Tamron it is than Many thanks for all the feedback.

Cheers,

Massao

 

[Historicity]

I would go with the Sigma 17 - 50mm f/2.8, EX, DC, HSM. Takes excellent images, reliable and should be much lower in cost than the Pentax. Cannot say enough about this lens.

Dear Jim,

Many thanks. I think you are right; dxomark ranks Sigma version far higher than Pentax version . Unfortunately, the Sigma lens is not available in Norway. Buying from Ebay is problematic because I will have to pay 25% important taxes (on total price=price+postage), plus there is no warranty, or not any warranty that is easy to deal with .

I like the option of low-light performance at f/2.8 so only have two choices here: either the Pentax 16-50mm f/2.8 or the Tamron (Tamron 17-50 f 2.8 AF IF LD XR Di II SP). Clearly, the Pentax version should be avoided (reliability issues, not sharp enough according to reviews/tests, etc. ), so has anyone tried the Tamron? On Pentax forum, it is rankes higher than the Pentax version. On dxomark, Tamron and Sigma are quite close in performance. Tamron is also on sale here (around 292 USD).

Kind regards,

Massao

Massao,

I have the Tamron 17-50 Aspherical ED XR DiI SP f/2.8 and used it on several hikes. I believe I was using it with the KP and it performed well. The only problem I had was that the lock slider-switch rubbed against one of my fingers as I carried the camera/lens along on the hike; so on subsequent hikes I had to use an unusual (for me) holding grip. But as far as the photos I took, they were fine. I could probably go back in my photo site and find some for you to look at if you would like.

Lawrence

 

[dick eduard]

Hei Massao,

I use the 20-40 for walk around and have the 50-135 as well. A good combination imv.

I'm thinking of changing the SDM from my 16-50 with the new stronger motor , because the lens is a very good performer.

Have a nice trip and good luck

MvH

****

 

[DS21]

That's what I did after my DA 16-50 started to get wonky. As a plus, the Tamron is sharper across the frame at short FLs.

User-ranking-based reviews are a bit higher for Tamron than Sigma , but that could be affected by lower price of Tamron. Objective tests and reviews (e.g, here ) show similar performance for both Tamron and Sigma, so Tamron it is than Many thanks for all the feedback.

Cheers,

Massao

If you are so inclined to believe the reviews, get the Tamron. Real life use is something else, and Tamrom 17-50 AF can be all over the place with Pentax cameras, unless special care taken to take note of it, and check focus after every important photo at wide apertures and lower and/or high contrast lighting. I used the Tamron for event photography, and it is sharp, but this AF inconsistency was bugging me. Pentax 16-50 has nicer rendering, great microcontrast, and pictures have a certain unique Pentax look to them, like limiteds for example. Provided you get a good copy, of course....

 

[dick eduard]

Hei Massao,

I use the 20-40 for walk around and have the 50-135 as well. A good combination imv.

I'm thinking of changing the SDM from my 16-50 with the new stronger motor , because the lens is a very good performer.

Have a nice trip and good luck

MvH

****

By the way, I was a week on Cyprus with one lens the 18-135 and he performs well. I must say that he was ajusted for decentering a few years back under warrenty

****

 

[Massao]

I would go with the Sigma 17 - 50mm f/2.8, EX, DC, HSM. Takes excellent images, reliable and should be much lower in cost than the Pentax. Cannot say enough about this lens.

Dear Jim,

Many thanks. I think you are right; dxomark ranks Sigma version far higher than Pentax version . Unfortunately, the Sigma lens is not available in Norway. Buying from Ebay is problematic because I will have to pay 25% important taxes (on total price=price+postage), plus there is no warranty, or not any warranty that is easy to deal with .

I like the option of low-light performance at f/2.8 so only have two choices here: either the Pentax 16-50mm f/2.8 or the Tamron (Tamron 17-50 f 2.8 AF IF LD XR Di II SP). Clearly, the Pentax version should be avoided (reliability issues, not sharp enough according to reviews/tests, etc. ), so has anyone tried the Tamron? On Pentax forum, it is rankes higher than the Pentax version. On dxomark, Tamron and Sigma are quite close in performance. Tamron is also on sale here (around 292 USD).

Kind regards,

Massao

Massao,

I have the Tamron 17-50 Aspherical ED XR DiI SP f/2.8 and used it on several hikes. I believe I was using it with the KP and it performed well. The only problem I had was that the lock slider-switch rubbed against one of my fingers as I carried the camera/lens along on the hike; so on subsequent hikes I had to use an unusual (for me) holding grip. But as far as the photos I took, they were fine. I could probably go back in my photo site and find some for you to look at if you would like.

Lawrence

Many thanks; yes that would be great I have just ordered Tamron, but would be happy to see pictures that support the decision (hopefully . I have a Tamron11-18mm from the same era (same design, but for Sony A mount), so familiar with the mechanical functioning of this series from Tamron.

Kind regards,

Massao

 

[Massao]

Hei Massao,

I use the 20-40 for walk around and have the 50-135 as well. A good combination imv.

I'm thinking of changing the SDM from my 16-50 with the new stronger motor , because the lens is a very good performer.

Have a nice trip and good luck

MvH

****

By the way, I was a week on Cyprus with one lens the 18-135 and he performs well. I must say that he was ajusted for decentering a few years back under warrenty

****

Many thanks. Damn, whats wrong with these Pentax lenses. So many issues reported. If its not the SDM motor, than its the decentering issue. If its neither than its the solenoid issue on camera---this is not helping Pentax at all. They need to get their sh** together..LOL Tamron got my money today (ok, indirectly) because of these 'potential' issues (and differences in performance) of DA* 16-50mm SDM.