Returned my DA* 50-135mm. What next?

Edgar_in_Indy · 09-25-2011, 12:56 PM

I would hold out until you can find the Sigma 50-150mm. I have a saved search setup on eBay to notify when one is listed. They don't show up often...maybe once every month or two or three. But if I remember, I'll shoot you a message next time one is listed.

sebberry · 09-25-2011, 12:58 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Pentax's old SDM system unfortunately isn't very reliable (let alone fast), so you'd probably be better off with the sigma.

Are you implying that there's a "new" SDM system?

Edgar_in_Indy · 09-25-2011, 03:27 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Yukoner777

You would think that considering the thousands of members here who are specifically interested in Pentax equipment that Pentax would be concerned about the SDM issues, especially since it is a much talked about issue and the issue affects their high end lenses. I, for one, am steering clear of these until Pentax admits there is a problem and deals with it. Their sales of those lenses must be hurting.

I think you're probably right. When I had up to $1000 to spend on a lens last year, I avoided Pentax lenses due to the uncertainty surrounding their SDM. I went with the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 HSM, and never looked back.

And now I've got about $700, and am trying to decide between the Sigma 8-16mm, 17-50mm f/2.8, or 50mm f/1.4. The only Pentax lenses I would consider would be the primes without SDM, but I still feel like my money goes farther with Sigma.

twitch · 09-25-2011, 06:38 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by sebberry

Are you implying that there's a "new" SDM system?

There is, "DC" is a new SDM system, but since there's been no new zoom lenses released since the 18-135 we don't know whether DC is the new system for DA* (or DA for that matter), or whether there will be some other new system for DA*, or whether the existing SDM will remain unchanged for DA*. That's my understanding anyway.

sebberry · 09-25-2011, 06:50 PM

Thanks

jsherman999 · 09-25-2011, 06:55 PM

You know, this whole thing is just a crying shame, because optically that 50-135 is incredible. If it weren't hampered by SDM, it would be the perfect zoom. So much wasted opportunity.

And the Sigma 50-150 HSM II is being discontinued in favor of a larger, heavier, more expensive OS version, which no-one seems to be happy about.

I think Pentax/Ricoh should come out with SDM II or a complete replacement very soon, introducing real speed and reliability - and watch their sales numbers bump up considerably.

.

SpecialK · 09-25-2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

I, for one, am steering clear of these until Pentax admits there is a problem and deals with it.

Unless many people die from using it, manufacturer's will rarely admit to any problems.

creampuff · 09-25-2011, 08:27 PM

I notice the thread starter indicated that he bought a used lens from B&H.
Certainly Pentax rushed producing the DA*16-50 and DA*50-135mm when they were first launched and the number of dodgy SDM motors still circulating around is anybody's guess.
Perhaps part of the problem is because some lenses are re-sold and passed on to another user when they should be sent in for service.
Maybe I'm a gambler but I just bought myself a new DA*55mm lens (yes it's SDM) and I'm thoroughly loving it.

builttospill · 09-25-2011, 09:02 PM

Originally posted by jsherman999

You know, this whole thing is just a crying shame, because optically that 50-135 is incredible. If it weren't hampered by SDM, it would be the perfect zoom. So much wasted opportunity.

I think Pentax/Ricoh should come out with SDM II or a complete replacement very soon, introducing real speed and reliability - and watch their sales numbers bump up considerably.

I agree. I'd love a 50-135, but will never buy another SDM lens again unless something is changed.

janstew · 09-26-2011, 01:15 AM

I bought my 50-150 from this place in Scotland.... Sigma SA/SD Fitting Lenses Range - Ffordes Photographic....but it doesn't look like there is any left

I highly recommend one if you can find it

cheers
Jan

JHD · 09-27-2011, 04:33 AM

Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy

I would hold out until you can find the Sigma 50-150mm. I have a saved search setup on eBay to notify when one is listed. They don't show up often...maybe once every month or two or three. But if I remember, I'll shoot you a message next time one is listed.

Originally posted by janstew

I bought my 50-150 from this place in Scotland.... Sigma SA/SD Fitting Lenses Range - Ffordes Photographic....but it doesn't look like there is any left

I highly recommend one if you can find it

cheers
Jan

I recently pick one up. Came with a 10 year warranty. Fabulous IQ - super sharp with excellent contrast. Focus is super fast and quiet. Highly recommended!

Given the options, if you can't find the 50-150 F2.8II APO EX DC, I'd buy the latest /new version and steer far clear of the DA*50-135.

twitch · 09-27-2011, 04:35 AM

Unfortunately the latest new version of the Sigma is a brick, a large one.

JHD · 09-27-2011, 04:42 AM

Originally posted by twitch

Unfortunately the latest new version of the Sigma is a brick, a large one.

I'd still take it over the 50-135.

TOUGEFC · 09-27-2011, 04:46 AM

I would take the optically superior lens............the 50-135

JHD · 09-27-2011, 05:02 AM

From what I've seen, I'd hardly call the 50-135 "optically superior" but most definitely reliably inferior!

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09-25-2011, 12:56 PM	#16
Edgar_in_Indy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,685	I would hold out until you can find the Sigma 50-150mm. I have a saved search setup on eBay to notify when one is listed. They don't show up often...maybe once every month or two or three. But if I remember, I'll shoot you a message next time one is listed.

09-25-2011, 12:58 PM	#17
sebberry Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Frozen white North Photos: Albums Posts: 1,135	Originally posted by Adam Pentax's old SDM system unfortunately isn't very reliable (let alone fast), so you'd probably be better off with the sigma. Are you implying that there's a "new" SDM system?

09-25-2011, 03:27 PM - 1 Like	#18
Edgar_in_Indy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,685	Originally posted by Yukoner777 You would think that considering the thousands of members here who are specifically interested in Pentax equipment that Pentax would be concerned about the SDM issues, especially since it is a much talked about issue and the issue affects their high end lenses. I, for one, am steering clear of these until Pentax admits there is a problem and deals with it. Their sales of those lenses must be hurting. I think you're probably right. When I had up to $1000 to spend on a lens last year, I avoided Pentax lenses due to the uncertainty surrounding their SDM. I went with the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 HSM, and never looked back. And now I've got about $700, and am trying to decide between the Sigma 8-16mm, 17-50mm f/2.8, or 50mm f/1.4. The only Pentax lenses I would consider would be the primes without SDM, but I still feel like my money goes farther with Sigma.

09-25-2011, 06:38 PM - 1 Like	#19
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Originally posted by sebberry Are you implying that there's a "new" SDM system? There is, "DC" is a new SDM system, but since there's been no new zoom lenses released since the 18-135 we don't know whether DC is the new system for DA* (or DA for that matter), or whether there will be some other new system for DA, or whether the existing SDM will remain unchanged for DA. That's my understanding anyway.

09-25-2011, 06:50 PM	#20
sebberry Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Frozen white North Photos: Albums Posts: 1,135	Thanks

09-25-2011, 06:55 PM	#21
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	You know, this whole thing is just a crying shame, because optically that 50-135 is incredible. If it weren't hampered by SDM, it would be the perfect zoom. So much wasted opportunity. And the Sigma 50-150 HSM II is being discontinued in favor of a larger, heavier, more expensive OS version, which no-one seems to be happy about. I think Pentax/Ricoh should come out with SDM II or a complete replacement very soon, introducing real speed and reliability - and watch their sales numbers bump up considerably. .

09-25-2011, 07:23 PM	#22
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	Quote: I, for one, am steering clear of these until Pentax admits there is a problem and deals with it. Unless many people die from using it, manufacturer's will rarely admit to any problems.

09-25-2011, 08:27 PM	#23
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	I notice the thread starter indicated that he bought a used lens from B&H. Certainly Pentax rushed producing the DA16-50 and DA50-135mm when they were first launched and the number of dodgy SDM motors still circulating around is anybody's guess. Perhaps part of the problem is because some lenses are re-sold and passed on to another user when they should be sent in for service. Maybe I'm a gambler but I just bought myself a new DA*55mm lens (yes it's SDM) and I'm thoroughly loving it.

09-25-2011, 09:02 PM	#24
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	Originally posted by jsherman999 You know, this whole thing is just a crying shame, because optically that 50-135 is incredible. If it weren't hampered by SDM, it would be the perfect zoom. So much wasted opportunity. I think Pentax/Ricoh should come out with SDM II or a complete replacement very soon, introducing real speed and reliability - and watch their sales numbers bump up considerably. I agree. I'd love a 50-135, but will never buy another SDM lens again unless something is changed.

09-26-2011, 01:15 AM	#25
janstew Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Forbes Central West NSW Posts: 311	I bought my 50-150 from this place in Scotland.... Sigma SA/SD Fitting Lenses Range - Ffordes Photographic....but it doesn't look like there is any left I highly recommend one if you can find it cheers Jan

09-27-2011, 04:33 AM	#26
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy I would hold out until you can find the Sigma 50-150mm. I have a saved search setup on eBay to notify when one is listed. They don't show up often...maybe once every month or two or three. But if I remember, I'll shoot you a message next time one is listed. Originally posted by janstew I bought my 50-150 from this place in Scotland.... Sigma SA/SD Fitting Lenses Range - Ffordes Photographic....but it doesn't look like there is any left I highly recommend one if you can find it cheers Jan I recently pick one up. Came with a 10 year warranty. Fabulous IQ - super sharp with excellent contrast. Focus is super fast and quiet. Highly recommended! Given the options, if you can't find the 50-150 F2.8II APO EX DC, I'd buy the latest /new version and steer far clear of the DA*50-135.

09-27-2011, 04:35 AM	#27
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Unfortunately the latest new version of the Sigma is a brick, a large one.

09-27-2011, 04:42 AM	#28
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Originally posted by twitch Unfortunately the latest new version of the Sigma is a brick, a large one. I'd still take it over the 50-135.

09-27-2011, 04:46 AM	#29
TOUGEFC Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,561	I would take the optically superior lens............the 50-135

09-27-2011, 05:02 AM	#30
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	From what I've seen, I'd hardly call the 50-135 "optically superior" but most definitely reliably inferior!