Originally posted by stacylynn85 If I return this lens, does anyone else have an suggestions on another lens I should get, in a similar price range?
Currently Have:
DA (star) 50-135mm f/2.8 - too slow AF, not wide enough
FA 50 f/1.4 - slow but as bad as ^, would like more range
DA 18-250mm
Looking at:
DA (star) 16-50mm (slow AF too because it is a (star)?)
DA 35mm f/2.8
Sigma 17-50mm f2.8
Sigma 24-70 f2.8
Sigma 18-50mm f2.8
Anyone use any of these?
Actually the FA50 f/1.4 I had focused pretty fast, but on to your question.
The DA*16-50 actually focuses fast when the focus works (with a good copy of the lens). I've shot sports with it with pretty good success. It's been my reliable workhouse lens for the past year for weddings and photojournalism.
The DA*200 is in the same price range as the DA*50-135 f/2.8 and has faster autofocus.
I haven't ever owned the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 II (with HSM silent motor) but I hear that this a much faster focusing lens than the 50-135 f/2.8 and costs about the same.
The DA35 f/2.8 focuses fine. It has big focus range because it's a macro, though.
I haven't owned or used any of the other Sigmas you mentioned.
To replace the Pentax 50-135 I'd suggest choosing among four lenses, the Pentax DA*200 (best combo of size + image quality + silent autofocus), Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 II HSM (most versatile), Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 HSM (a bit smaller than the Sigma 70-200). Tamron also makes an excellent 70-200 f/2.8 that you can try.