Pentax SMC DA* Series 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL IF SDM Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras by Pentax
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Digital camera reviews of Pentax SMC DA* Series 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL IF SDM Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras
Digital camera Review: Dead
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought this camera in June of 2009 from Amazon. At first I was very impressed with it; it's a great focal range and the fact that it's f2.8 throughout that focal range is wonderful. However, I was never quite satisfied with the pictures I got from this lens, even during optimal conditions (bright sunlight, outdoors)--they always seemed a tad out of focus. I have never before paid this much money for a lens, and I guess I expected excellent results. I guess I figured it must somehow be my fault; it didn't occur to me that the lens might be at fault.
During the last 6 months, I have seldom used this lens. However, I intended to take pictures of my daughter's graduation reception yesterday, and I thought this lens would be a good choice. However, I found that the lens is now totally dead--it will not autofocus at all--it is, at best, now a manual focus lens. Repeatedly, the camera (Pentax K200D) would refuse to shoot with this lens mounted. Sometimes the camera would shoot, sometimes not. Luckily I had the kit lens that came with the camera in the bag, and that worked just fine.
Considering the numerous complaints I've seen while researching this problem today, I'd say that anyone who doesn't have a bunch of money to flush should look elsewhere for a lens.
UPDATE: Luckily, the lens was still within its warranty period. I sent it to the Pentax repair shop, and it now works perfectly.
Digital camera Review: Difference from kit lens not enough
Summary: 4 Stars
I tried, I really did, to like this lens, but after all the side by side testing I did with the kit lens, this one just did not provide enough additional image quality to be worth the price. The problem is, Pentax includes probably one of the best standard zoom kit lens made, so even though I thought I was going to upgrade to something much better, the difference just wasn't enough to justify the price. Just to be clear: this is a good lens. The construction quality is high, it does provide more detail, if you look for it, and it is better in low light, but other than that, the images compared to the kit lens do not produce a noticeable improvement for most non-professional needs. I returned it and got a prime lens that does produce noticeably better images, but lacks the zoom.Digital camera Review: Dud if you ever saw one!
Summary: 2 Stars
The lens initially really impressed in build quality and the packaging was good.
The moment I started shooting however it was evident the lens consistantly focussed behind the focus point. This is very dissapointing!
With subjects 3-4 ft away the focal point is between 2-4 inches behind and on portraits 6-10ft away the focal point is between 2-4ft behind!
PENTAX very disappointing!
Anton Punt
Digital camera Review: EXCELLENT LENS TO OWN
Summary: 5 Stars
Best walk around lens to own. With a K10D, you can have a weather proof combo for around $1,350. Where else can you find this kind of deal? If you add on a DA 50~135 with them, you can have an award winning camera with lenses range from 16~135 f2.8 for $2,100.
Both of these lenses have EXCELLENT SHARPNESS and BOKEH. DA 50~135 has "cleaner" picture though.
These are my 2 favorite lenses now. period.
If you want to buy something that is worth every penny, the combo I have listed above will do!!!
Digital camera Review: Excellent lens
Summary: 5 Stars
The Pentax DA* 16-50mm is a lens that I have wanted for sometimes, but have avoided getting because of numerous comments about Quality Control issues in its manufacture. Finally, I could resist no longer and purchased the lens.
It is a solidly built lens. While it is nearly the same weight as its big brother, the DA* 50-135, it handles a lot better due to being much shorter. The zoom action is very smooth and the auto focus is quite rapid.
From a photo stand point, the lens seems quite sharp. At 16 mm and f2.8, it is less sharp at the edges, but still has good center sharpness. Others have commented about vignetting at 16 mm and wide open as well, but I have not noticed any issues with my copy.
The most amazing thing about this lens is the contrast and color rendition. I feel as though this lens is able to render scenes in ways that make them 'pop,' even when there isn't anything particularly special about the scene. If you don't need f2.8, then probably go for the 16-45 f4.0; otherwise I highly recommend this lens.