REVIEW: smc Pentax DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 [IF] SDM (Part 2) Image Samples

[carlgt1]

good review, esp of the sharpness fully open at 2.8. I just ordered one from amazon - they seem to be all the same at $799 right now, but the K5 seems to have dropped to $1199 so that's nice!

[latvans]

well, I am glad, that you're so lucky. In my situation that is painful, because, i am from poor country, and these lenses costed one and the half my monthly salaries. That's why I am SO disappointed. And in my situation quote "95% of lenses are better than 99% of photographers" is kind of, well, you now, you bought crappy lenses, its your problem, because you are crappy photographer. Well, i'm not the top notch, rather mediocre, but that issue is really not helping me to get better.

[ShutterSightPhoto]

@latvans Wow. To say that your situation sucked would be an understatement. Sorry to hear that. As for my quote I believe you misunderstood me. I was not referring to your competence as a photographer. I was simply saying that because every brand has its issues and to think that Canon or Nikon lenses never fail right after warranty would be naive. Also, comparable Canon or Nikon equipment at least 2x as expensive as Pentax without 2x the quality increase. At least it is here.

[latvans]

This lens is piece of crap. SDM faults after warranty ends, noone can do anything. Just focus manually... Pentax is immune to claims... Im switching to something... Canon or Nikon. Go to hell, Pentax! Wasted money

[ShutterSightPhoto]

@latvans I am sorry that your experience has been a bad one. I have never had the SDM failures that you are referring to. I know there was a bad batch a number of years back that did have SDM issues but mine was not out of that batch. The issues I've had with this lens were noted in my video. If you read the forums every brand has issues including C&N so you won't find any relief there. Remember 95% of lenses are better than 99% of photographers.

[krucialdreamer]

damn!!!! she got some vicious eyebrows, man!!!!! Damn!!!!!

[d4t4wx]

Thanks for the review. I just bought one on Ebay for $650 Canadian. I have a K-5 with a 70 - 200 f2.8 Sigma that I just love. I have the kit lenses that came with my K100D and just don't use them any more. Next I need to get to 600mm some how for softball shots form the outfield. Maybe the soon to be released Sigma 120 - 300 f2.8 + a 2X Converter. That will give me 600mm at f4 which is awesome i think?

[ShutterSightPhoto]

@d4t4wx Sell you kit lens if you haven't already. It's just wasted space if you have this lens.

[d4t4wx]

Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach

[brukernavnfettsjit]

Thanks for a thorough review. I liked the size comparison very much, that is something I always miss in other reviews. Nice to know how it looks and handles, since there are no shops that carry pentax where I live.

[HolyEssence]

I really liked your 16-50 DA* review! I have a K-X... so it doesn't really make sense for me to get it for the weather proof. I think I should upgrade to a weather sealed body first! I currently use a 17-70mm Sigma HSM Macro. 2.8-4f. I'd rather have a Pentax over a third party though.

Thanks for the review~!

[mwarnholtz]

Haystack!! Nice review. Looking to get this lens w/ a k5.

[ShutterSightPhoto]

@mwarnholtz You are correct! I must say that I'm jealous of you if are going to get the k5. That looks to be a very nice camera. Hoping to upgrade someday.