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12-27-2011, 06:05 AM   #1
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Has the Tamron/Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 made you reconsider getting the DA* 16-50mm?

Did you nit pick on every detail before you decided?

12-27-2011, 06:07 AM   #2
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AFAIK they both take better pictures- the only question is whether or not the weather sealing of the 16-50mm is worth going for over the IQ and price.
12-27-2011, 06:14 AM   #3
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To me, the decision would be easier if there was a pentax mount Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens.
12-27-2011, 06:36 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by Reportage Quote
Did you nit pick on every detail before you decided?
The superior IQ, lack of SDM, and smaller size
were the factors that led me to the Tamron A16P.

12-27-2011, 06:39 AM   #5
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Since I purchased my DA* 16-50 along with my K200D in 2008, it's a moot question for me. But I will say that my concerns about the 16-50 led me to pick up a DA 16-45 on closeout at a very nice price a year later. I still have both lenses. In 2008, we didn't quite have the body of information about the 16-50 that we have now. But knowing all we know now and if I was in the market for a lens in that focal range, yes, I would definitely consider the Tamron and/or Sigma.
12-27-2011, 07:26 AM   #6
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I have a good copy of the DA *16-50. I really wanted a weather sealed normal lens and this fit the bill. The Sigma wasn't available when I purchased the 16-50 (not that it is weather sealed). Having the extra mm on the wide end is really handy sometimes over the other two (although it is pretty weak at f2.8).

The biggest problem with the 16-50 is the lack of quality control. There are an awful lot of copies with decentered elements and quite a few reports of SDM problems. Many have had to go through two or three copies to get a good copy -- in my opinion it is worth it in the end. The interaction of Pentax glass with Pentax body gives better colors than with third party lens makers (in my opinion).

Last edited by Rondec; 12-27-2011 at 08:26 AM.
12-27-2011, 07:55 AM   #7
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I already had the DA*50-135 for a while and wanted something slightly wider to compliment it, DA*16-50 was the logical choice.

12-27-2011, 07:59 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by Rondec Quote
I have a good copy of the DA *16-50. I really wanted a weather sealed normal lens and this fit the bill. The Sigma wasn't available when I purchased the 16-50 (not that it is weather sealed). Having the extra mm on the wide end is really handy sometimes over the other two (although it is pretty weak at f2.8).

The biggest problem with the 16-50 is the lack of quality control. There are an awful lot of copies with decentered elements and quite a few reports of SDM. Many have had to go through two or three copies to get a good copy -- in my opinion it is worth it in the end. The interaction of Pentax glass with Pentax body gives better colors than with third party lens makers (in my opinion).
You are 100% right about the quality control. Sometimes, the 16-50 can be brilliant. I guess what offends me is that having to go through two or three examples before getting a perfect copy is something I reserve for third-party lenses costing half as much. Having to return a copy of a $400 Tamron, psychologically, doesn't bother me as much as having to do the same thing with an $800 Pentax. After all, we pay a premium for Pentax glass in order to get what we regard as Pentax quality. I'm hoping we can chalk this up to a bad episode from the Hoya years. Here's hoping Ricoh will do better - that's my New Year's wish!
12-27-2011, 08:36 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by Biro Quote
You are 100% right about the quality control. Sometimes, the 16-50 can be brilliant. I guess what offends me is that having to go through two or three examples before getting a perfect copy is something I reserve for third-party lenses costing half as much. Having to return a copy of a $400 Tamron, psychologically, doesn't bother me as much as having to do the same thing with an $800 Pentax. After all, we pay a premium for Pentax glass in order to get what we regard as Pentax quality. I'm hoping we can chalk this up to a bad episode from the Hoya years. Here's hoping Ricoh will do better - that's my New Year's wish!
I hope so, although, I think the DA *16-50 really comes from the pre-Hoya era. Seems like they should release version two of this and the 50-135.
12-28-2011, 09:02 AM   #10
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Recently, I sold my old Sigma17-50/2.8, and replaced by DA*16-50.
I made this decision because of colors.
DA*16-50 is a very awesome lens if you get a "normal" copy.
12-29-2011, 01:42 PM   #11
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I wanted an upgrade of the kit-18-55...
The Tamron 17-50 f2.8 was the cheapest of the three and the reviews were pretty good...
My pictures improved drastically in terms of IQ and because I was enjoying that I shot more and my skills improved with the IQ boost...
I'd really like an all AF-prime-kit but I'll be keeping the Tamron... Hope to get a second body at some point, would love K5 and 4 or 5 AF-primes and my K-x and 17-50-f2.8 as a back-up!!
The Tamron is a hunking-big piece of glass but she's well worth it!
12-29-2011, 02:36 PM   #12
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I think the biggest con of Tamron/Sigma is their sub-standard built quality which may not be obvious on the outside but reflected by their prices. You really have to baby them or they can suffer from optical misalignment easily. Their optical performance can be awesome though if you get a good copy. Well, DA*16-50? Is SDM safe yet? That's the big question and Pentax is not telling us.
12-29-2011, 11:17 PM   #13
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If SDM wasn't save then also the DA*55, DA*200, DA*300, DA*60-250 and DA17-70 would be having the same problems, it's only the DA*16-50 and DA*50-135 that are problematic...
12-29-2011, 11:41 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Anvh Quote
If SDM wasn't save then also the DA*55, DA*200, DA*300, DA*60-250 and DA17-70 would be having the same problems, it's only the DA*16-50 and DA*50-135 that are problematic...
The above lenses have been reported to have SDM failures too. The % is up for anyone's guess.
12-30-2011, 03:58 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by wlachan Quote
I think the biggest con of Tamron/Sigma is their sub-standard built quality which may not be obvious on the outside but reflected by their prices. You really have to baby them or they can suffer from optical misalignment easily.
I don't think you can generalise that much.

There are very well-built Sigma lenses and some very cheaply-built Pentax lenses. You'll have to take two concrete lens models and then make a statement. A general statement just referring to brands is not possible, AFAIC.

Besides, I'd never be rough with any lens, even if I knew that the internal built is sturdy. Why would I risk some misalignment even if the risk is smaller than with a cheaply built lens?
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