Pentax 16-50mm f/2.8 v Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8

alexgn · 07-21-2008, 07:25 AM

Tamron lens is popular & affordable. Many people are using it on their Canon, Nikon & Pentax cameras. According to Tamron's offical website, its optical formula is based on that of its 28-75mm f/2.8.

Pentax's lens is a little more expensive & has some QC issues.
I am more inclined to buy & spend more the Pentax's lens.

Could you please comment on these two lenses?

Thanks!

*Peter Zack* · 07-21-2008, 07:31 AM

I don't own either but There is a couple of things to consider. The Pentax is only slightly wider but is shorter. The Pentax has both weather seals and SDM. If the Tamron follows the 28-75 then it should be a winning lens as well.

We also haven't been hearing any issues with 16-50's anymore so I think it's safe to assume that the QC issues may be behind us.

I think this excellent series can attest to the good quality of the Tamron. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Tough choices.

BBear · 07-21-2008, 08:13 AM

Originally Posted by Peter Zack

Tough choices.

Tell me about.

I am postponing my kit replacement (the same battle between 16-45 x tammy 17-50) till I have my mind set in one lens... in the meantime I am purchasing other gear

I do can drop a comment about these lenses: I went to B&H and check both of them (but the tammy was not pentax mount) and the Pentax is a very sexy piece of equipment... you can tell right away that is costs money. That is not to say that the Tamron was not showing quality, and actually has 6 years warranty.

What comes down to me is only one thing: weatherseal x money.

It was great to see the USM working on the DA* but the weatherseal is screaming louder for me, because I want a sealed camera setup. If it werent for the WS I would buy the Tamron, no questions.

*Venturi* · 07-21-2008, 09:44 AM

Based on the images I have seen produced by both lenses I think in the end both the DA*16-50 vs Tamron 17-50 are great lenses. As long as you don't get a stinker I doubt you'd end up with buyer's remorse over either one.

For me, and strictly for me only, it came down to cost. SDM would be great - who wouldn't want faster and quieter AF? - but I really don't need it. Weather sealing is really nice too, but I don't generally end up shooting in environments where wather and/or dust is an issue. And size (in this area...) doesn't matter either; if anything larger lenses tend to fit my hands better. The 16-50 does have a history of some QA issues and I've also seen it produce some purple fringing. There's been quite a bit of hype and exitement around the 16-50 too though compared to the Tamron so there could be some issues with that lens too but it just isn't making any headlines.
But there I sat with two great lenses to choose from, one had some neato features the other doesn't but I would make very little use of, and a price difference of $280 USD...

... The Tamron arrives here tomorrow morning.

DJey · 07-21-2008, 10:36 PM

Bought the Tamron before and loved it.. Sharp indeed.. Unfortunately I have to sell it coz I need the funds to buy a flash.. The color rendering of the Tamron though is differenct compared to Pentax.,.. Must be the coating.. I compared the color of my kit lens and 50mm to the Tamron and u can tell the difference..

The weathersealing of the DA* is a good selling point.. But considering I don't have a weather sealed body, I might go with the Tamron again that is if I don't upgrade my body later this year..

Goodluck.. Either of the lens will suffice ur needs I guess!

*Jewelltrail* · 07-21-2008, 11:52 PM

When I bought my K20 back in April I had to make the choice between these two lenses. I spent a lot of time researching, and finally settled on the Tammy. In the end is was an easy choice for me to make, but I agree with others that you wil not go wrong with either choice.

Regards,

Ernest

zeek10d · 07-21-2008, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by Peter Zack

I think this excellent series can attest to the good quality of the Tamron. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Tough choices.

Maybe this missing shot will show the bokeh power of Tamron 17-50mm. Think I took this with ISO 1600.

IIRC DA* 16-50mm has QC issue with the sharpness. What put me off is the weight. Sigma 18-50mm is more contrast and a brighter lens. I choose Tamron for its sharpness, lightweight and lesser distortion at wide end. I would recommend Sigma if you are on budget as Amazon selling pentax mount for US$280.

Most f2.8 lens around this range seems to have a minor FF/BF issue, especially in lowlight. My copy of Tamron 17-50mm has minor FF which K20D AF adjustment helped to fixed. So I'm able to get f2.8 sharp AF^^

Edit: here's a mini comparison on Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 vs Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 I did a while back.
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3991378