Originally posted by EsBee In my opinion, the DA16-45 offers more than 90% of what the DA*16-50 does at one third of the price.
The DA* is only a half a stop faster and has weather proofing, but has an awful record with QA and SDM. Its extra 5mm reach is really insignificant.
My advice is to stick with the DA16-45 until Pentax fixes their SDM issues or starts giving you extended warranty on their DA* lenses.
I started off quite similar to yourself EsBee but cannot agree with your first statement above. It isn't an accurate portrayal and the 'less than 10%' that the DA* 16-50 does above the DA 16-45 is worth far more than just a percentage value. My own experience, not plagued with SDM failure, has been one of exquisite results simply above and beyond what the 16-45 could capture in every application. The DA* is a full stop faster than the 16-45 and this
IS significant. I wouldn't dream of doing a wedding with the 16-45, but I have confidently done many with the DA*.
Nevertheless, I'd agree with your last statement, and my selling the DA* in favour of FA ltd primes is testament to that.