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05-12-2010, 05:28 PM   #16
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QuoteOriginally posted by JHD Quote
The question is do you want a Porsche or a motorcycle. Both are high performance, one more so than the other, but lacks the versatility. But you already know that.
The question is do you want a Porche or a dirt bike!.
I use the bike a lot, love it, if it ever fails I will quote pp as " he warned me but I did not listen" and move on.
Cheers, Mike.

Two reasons I like the 16-50.

2. Solid build.
1. Image quality (read; color, contrast, sharpness), very close to 12-24 in rendering.

Cheers, Mike.


Last edited by Ex Finn.; 05-12-2010 at 05:47 PM.
05-12-2010, 06:28 PM   #17
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Seems to be quite a dichotomy of opinions about the 16-50 expressed here.
No doubt the 31 is top notch in every way - unrivalled in IQ and build quality, but it's not a zoom.
No matter how good a prime is, if you want versatility in different photographic situations, the prime is limiting.

That's why for the purpose of travel/WR/quick focal length changing to suit the conditions, the 16-50 is well placed. That may just be my opinion, but as I have a 16-50 that I cannot fault in any IQ aspect, it has been my most used lens since I bought it and I can firmly stand behind it for its quality.

Whilst I too may not be the biggest SDM fan, its focusing isn't bad, nor too slow, just prone to failure as seen with many other users here. No such risk with the 31.

Decisions, decisions...
05-12-2010, 08:04 PM   #18
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No doubt the FA 31 is better optically, faster and is better built. If I were you, I would buy the FA 31 and replace my DA 16-45 by a DA 12-24.
05-13-2010, 01:55 AM   #19
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QuoteOriginally posted by SylBer Quote
No doubt the FA 31 is better optically, faster and is better built. If I were you, I would buy the FA 31 and replace my DA 16-45 by a DA 12-24.
The 16-50mm is much better optically...



from 16mm to 30mm and from 32mm to 50mm
And it's the only weather-sealed normal zoom available in Pentax mount. That may or may not be important for the OP, but it's what closed the deal for me.

As for SDM issues, if the lens fails (and that's a pretty big if, IMHO), it's not like it can't be repaired. I think the SDM hysteria around here is a bit over the top. There are a few very vocal users that take every opportunity to complain (I see some have already posted here...) about their problems.

05-13-2010, 02:13 AM   #20
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QuoteOriginally posted by EricT Quote
The 16-50mm is much better optically...



from 16mm to 30mm and from 32mm to 50mm
And it's the only weather-sealed normal zoom available in Pentax mount. That may or may not be important for the OP, but it's what closed the deal for me.

As for SDM issues, if the lens fails (and that's a pretty big if, IMHO), it's not like it can't be repaired. I think the SDM hysteria around here is a bit over the top. There are a few very vocal users that take every opportunity to complain (I see some have already posted here...) about their problems.
... or perhaps the 18-55mm WR + 31 Ltd. ?
05-13-2010, 03:57 PM   #21
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By chance I puzzled over this very question myself for a while recently. The FA31 is commonly acknowledged to be a great lens with virtually no bad reviews. Great colour, bokeh and fairly fast at 1.8 – what’s not to like except maybe the price? If you glance at my signature you will notice a big gap at the wide end of things. I can’t speak to your photographic needs, as others have pointed out, but the need for a wide angle was at the top of my list. As attractive as the FA31 is I needed something a lot more versatile and the DA* 16~50/2.8 seems to fit the bill. While it may not have the punch at 31mm the FA31 has it is a very good lens and a lot more versatile. In most instances I prefer a prime to a zoom. I have a lot of primes and they are lighter, usually faster than a zoom and always sharper at their designated focal length. For this reason I was drawn more to the DA 14/2.8 and the DA 15/4. Either one would have solved my wide angle deficit nicely. In the end versatility won out and I bought the DA* 16-50. The lens has its issues: SDM problems and the like but I seem to have a good copy and so far I’m very pleased.

Tom G

Last edited by 8540tomg; 05-13-2010 at 04:01 PM. Reason: typo
05-17-2010, 11:48 AM   #22
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I'd take the 31mm personally but despite the praises the 31mm gets, it simply can't cover the range like the 16-50mm can, so it really depends on your needs.

05-17-2010, 12:09 PM   #23
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damn sure FA31mm !

fast&sharp, great build, nice focal length on aps-c , creame bokeh, lighter and smaller, definitely optical superior and full frame capable.
you have already a good zoom ...get a better prime !

Last edited by eigelb; 05-17-2010 at 12:25 PM.
05-17-2010, 01:56 PM   #24
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QuoteOriginally posted by Henrik Kristensen Quote
... or perhaps the 18-55mm WR + 31 Ltd. ?
+1 on this idea!

QuoteOriginally posted by PentaxPoke Quote
Heck I would get the 18-55 II kit lens before I would ever get another DA* 16-50.

Top 5 things I would rather do than buy another DA* 16-50

5) Use a disposable camera with a plastic lens
4) Kiss one of Wheatfield's Rottweilers right on the mouth
3) Brush my teeth with steel wool
2) Admit on a Pentax forum that Canon may not be evil after all
1) Chew glass

Get the FA 31 Ltd. Stay away from the 16-50. You have been warned...
I'm having a hard time figuring out how you feel about the 16-50mm.
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