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: Great Lens
Summary: 5 Stars
Super Sharp, Super fast focus. It takes a little getting used to the super quiet focus mechanism though. A must for wedding photographers.Digital camera Review: Great Lens!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8, and upgraded to the Pentax because of the SDM, the wider wide angle, and the Weather Resistance, and I don't regret it. The Sigma isn't a bad lens, considering it costs ~60% as much, but this lens is far superior.
Initially, I thought it was broken - when I pressed the shutter button I didn't hear *anything*. Then I realized that it had focused, and was amazed. It's much faster focusing than my other short zooms, nearly silent, and very precise. Contrast is great, bokeh is very nice. It also focuses closer than I expected - down to around four or six inches. Not a Macro, but definitely useable for lots of close-ups.
The images I've gotten from it in the days I have had it are extremely sharp and contrasty. The Sigma I have tended to underexpose by about half a stop; this one seems dead on.
This thing is huge, too. It's probably 30% bigger than the Sigma, and much heavier. Prepare to spend money if you want to put filters on this baby. Make sure you have a good strong back before strapping this thing on your camera, too!
Pentax continues to amaze me with the quality they produce at such low prices. If you're one of the people that just snorted when I said "Low prices", I suggest you go check the price on the Nikkor or Canon equivalent of this lens (L series in Canon lenses). Then report back.
Digital camera Review: Great all-around lens
Summary: 5 Stars
Pros:
- Build quality is excellent
- Weather sealed
- Very sharp from F/4 across the entire zoom range
- Great colour rendition
- SDM works as advertised: fast and quiet
Cons:
- A tad soft at 16mm F/2.8
Digital camera Review: Great lens
Summary: 5 Stars
A great wide to standard zoom lens. It is fast, sharp, and has an extremely rugged build. It is definitely a large, heavy lens compared to the DA 18-55MM, for example. On the other hand, the weather sealing is evident and the focusing ring is large. The SDM is virtually silent, quick, and silky smooth. Overall this lens is well worth the investment.Digital camera Review: Great or not Great
Summary: 3 Stars
If you search the Pentax forums you will see that this lens has a return rate estimated to be 5%-10% to 50% to more. The issue is quality control. One major difficulty is front and rear focusing issues. Pop photography says the simga 18-50 is better optically and costs half as much. However, this lens seals your K10d or K20D against dust and rain water. It also has ultra smooth focusing. So after reading everything on the net and buying one here, the issue is "did you get a good one or not" I haven't had time to test mine, but I have some suspicions from some pictures I have taken that it front focuses. When Pentax gets is QC straight, this lens will be an exceptionally good deal in my opinion