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07-01-2010, 12:17 PM   #1
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DA 17-70mm SDM vs DA* 16-50mm SDM?

hi all,

the photozone tests give the DA 3.5 and DA* 3. i know that few people have both lens, but can someone please compare these two lenses? what is the advantage of the DA and the DA* respectively? and regarding image quality, which is better? or please post some photoes?

there are a lot of stunning pictures in the thread "DA* 16-50mm F2.8, show us what it can do", can the DA 17--70 do the same?


Last edited by shang; 07-01-2010 at 02:25 PM.
07-01-2010, 12:39 PM   #2
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I don't have both lens, I have the DA 17-70mm which has a constant maximum aperture of f4 and lacks WR. However, it also goes to 70mm. It is not small but not overly large and is lighter and somewhat shorter than the DA*. It isn't weather sealed and is an SDM only lens. It does have the SP coating on the front element. They are both have the FREE design and IF. I've only had the lens a few weeks, but optically I think it is a very good lens. My only concern is the SDM. The 17-70mm comes in at a better price point at present than does the DA* 16-50.

Last edited by Blue; 07-01-2010 at 12:45 PM.
07-01-2010, 01:03 PM   #3
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Since you read photozone, take the time to read the whole review. You'll get a good idea of what to expect then. Don't just look at the final rating, that takes into account price, intended use, etc.

The 16-50 is a better lens, it is a full stop faster, weather sealed, etc. The 17-70 is more convenient, but not as good optically. It's still very good in its own right.
07-02-2010, 12:27 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by bdery Quote
not as good optically.
In my personal opinion that's not true. Btw, 17-70 is partially weather sealed.

07-02-2010, 06:09 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Blue Quote
I don't have both lens, I have the DA 17-70mm which has a constant maximum aperture of f4 and lacks WR. However, it also goes to 70mm. It is not small but not overly large and is lighter and somewhat shorter than the DA*. It isn't weather sealed and is an SDM only lens. It does have the SP coating on the front element. They are both have the FREE design and IF. I've only had the lens a few weeks, but optically I think it is a very good lens. My only concern is the SDM. The 17-70mm comes in at a better price point at present than does the DA* 16-50.
That sums it up pretty well. I've owned both at one point or another and they are both great lenses. I personally preferred the range, size and weight (not to mention lower cost) of the 17-70. There was something about the handling of the 16-50 that I didn't care for; I think it was the narrow zoom ring so close to the camera body. That said, it really comes down to your priorities in terms of cost/size/range/speed.

FWIW, you could also consider the Tamron 17-50/2.8 or 28-75/2.8 as they are also excellent choices.
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