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09-08-2011, 11:43 AM   #1
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new DA* 16-50 coming$

I've been looking at the DA* 16-50 and it looks like it's been out for a long time. Do you think that Pentax will come out with a new version in the near future or something in that zoom range? I'm thinking if they come out with a new model they will have resolved some of the problems with it. I'm not in a huge rush but I do have some problems with my Tokina 28-70 and I need to get something a little wider now that I've moved to digital. Any thoughts?

09-08-2011, 11:58 AM   #2
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One might wish for this but I really doubt it.
09-08-2011, 12:02 PM   #3
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If WR isn't "must" I'd look at the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 for about half the cost of the DA*.
09-08-2011, 12:07 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by K57XR Quote
If WR isn't "must" I'd look at the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 for about half the cost of the DA*.
WR, silent operation, precise AF, distortion and CA correction in jpg automatical in new bodies, nicer bokeh... there are more differencies.

09-08-2011, 12:32 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by elho_cid Quote
WR, silent operation, precise AF, distortion and CA correction in jpg automatical in new bodies, nicer bokeh... there are more differencies.
I just posted a quick reply and mentioned one of the main differences. Yes, since the Tamron uses the in-body screw drive it does tend to sound like an electric drill-driver from time to time but it doesn't really bother me. I must have gotten a good copy because my 17-50 nails the AF everytime. I shoot RAW so distortion and CA isn't that much of an issue. I agree, the DA* does have an excellent bokeh and build better but when I was in the process of deciding which one to go for, I just had a hard time justifying the DA*. Frankly, the SDM issues I've read from owners did scare me.
09-08-2011, 12:46 PM   #6
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If you have the funds, you should consider the new Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 HSM. Seems to be the best overall package right now. More expensive than the Tamron, but I guess you get what you pay for sometimes. When Photozone.de tested it recently, they found it to have good build quality, excellent resolution characteristics, decent CA control (much better than the Pentax 16-50), and nice bokeh. It has HSM, so focusing is speedy and silent. Plus, it has a 4-year warranty instead of the pathetic 1-year that Pentax offers.

The biggest drawbacks compared to the Pentax is no-WR, no full-time manual focus. Neither of those things matter to me, since I don't take my K-x in severe weather and generally have no reason to manually focus that type of lens.
09-08-2011, 12:50 PM   #7
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Well for an answer to your question: I don't think that within the next 12 months (until PhotoKina 2012) there will be a new version of DA*16-50mm/f2.8

So how long to wait or what to buy is your task now.

09-08-2011, 01:06 PM   #8
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FYI, guys, the site should soon have a comparative review between the three lenses mentioned in this thread.
09-08-2011, 01:08 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by K57XR Quote
If WR isn't "must" I'd look at the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 for about half the cost of the DA*.
Dont forget that the DA * 16-50 has a lot better IQ than the Tamron
09-08-2011, 01:32 PM   #10
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See, now im confused. I started a thread a while back that said "should I sell my Tamron 17-50 and put it towards a 16-50" and i was overwhelmed with "you are not going to see enough of a difference to justify it" type of answers.
I know the 16-50 has an edge over the tamron, but again, is it enough to justify "moving up?"
(sorry if this is a hijack, but seems to follow the OP thoughts)
09-08-2011, 01:54 PM   #11
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I didn't realize that the conventional wisdom was that the Pentax 16-50mm trounces the Tamron 17-50mm in image quality. I briefly owned the Tamron, and found it to have excellent image quality; sharp and contrasty even wide open.
09-08-2011, 02:01 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by manishved Quote
Dont forget that the DA * 16-50 has a lot better IQ than the Tamron
Er what? The general consensus is that the Tamron 17-50 and the Sigma 17-50 beat the DA* 16-50 in IQ at all apertures and range. The DA isn't known for AMAZING IMAGE QUALITY, but more the lovely colours, bokeh, and the extra 1mm on the wide end.
09-08-2011, 02:07 PM   #13
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I do not own neither, but I had both on my camera several times, borrowed from my friends on different occasions. Two copies of 16-50 and 2 of 17-50. Neither is perfect but if I wanted to buy a lens in this range, I'd save up for the DA*. Not that the Tammy is not sharp but I did not like the color and I felt certain lack of microcontrast when developing the RAW images.
09-08-2011, 02:31 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by JinDesu Quote
Er what? The general consensus is that the Tamron 17-50 and the Sigma 17-50 beat the DA* 16-50
I've never used the Penax 16-50mm, but I've looked at full-size pictures in some of the "is my lens working properly" type threads, and haven't been too impressed compared to what I've seen from the Tamron 17-50mm and 28-75mm on my own camera.
09-08-2011, 02:32 PM   #15
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lens choice

I purchased the 16-50 DA* when it was first released and I'm glad I did! I got a "good" copy and it's one of my favorites. I do lots of motorcycle and car shows and that little extra width is a great help most of the time. If the money is not an issue I'd surly get the DA* and if it was I'd wait until I had the cash, hands down!
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