Why this lens?

gabro822 · 03-27-2012, 03:13 PM

Hi all!
I'm here today because I just want to ask you why people suggest to me to buy the Pentax 17-70.
Is this lens a very nice one?
Why? What do you think of it?
And if you should buy a lens which covers quite the same range, what would you buy?
(please correct me if I mistake, but I think that the comparison should be between 16-45,16-50, 17-70. Anything else?)

Thank you very much!!
Gabriele

westmill · 03-27-2012, 03:40 PM

The 17-70 is the best opticaly performing standard lens by Pentax. The 16-50 isnt quite as good but its a fast F2.8 at a greater cost.
Out of the two I would opt for the 17-70 but thats just my personal choice. Others will still choose the 16-50 for its speed.
Advice is only advice and everyone will have there own veiws and thoughts on what is important to them.
Some will sacrifice quality for the conveiniance of a superzoom. Others will buy fast primes. Its all very individualistic.

**jatrax** · 03-27-2012, 04:27 PM

Here is an in depth review of several lenses in that range. It does not include the 17-70 but it might have some information of use to you. I have the 16-50, never tried the 17-70. I think the 16-50 is a love it or hate it lens. I use it more than any other lens and get good results but some folks plain hate it. If there is anything I don't like it is that I wish it had just a bit more range. Which is exactly what the 17-70 gives you.

**Ex Finn.** · 03-27-2012, 05:54 PM

The 16-50 being weather-proof can weigh in a lot against the other lenses "better" IQ.

lytrytyr · 03-27-2012, 06:17 PM

Originally posted by gabro822

And if you should buy a lens which covers quite the same range, what would you buy?

For this range (except longest 20mm) I went with the Tamron 17-50/2.8,
and have been very satisfied with it.
It stands cropping from 50mm for a 70mm equivalent
("digital zoom" in marketing-speak).

Although it's not WR (nor is my K-x),
I've been able to use it in pouring rain,
either from under an umbrella or shelter,
or taking it out quickly for shooting
and then wiping off the drops.

Various optical shortcomings (relevant for my photography)
or SDM concerns or questions of size
were what kept me away from the Pentax zooms. YMMV.

03-27-2012, 03:13 PM	#1
gabro822 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Milan Photos: Gallery Posts: 339	Why this lens? Hi all! I'm here today because I just want to ask you why people suggest to me to buy the Pentax 17-70. Is this lens a very nice one? Why? What do you think of it? And if you should buy a lens which covers quite the same range, what would you buy? (please correct me if I mistake, but I think that the comparison should be between 16-45,16-50, 17-70. Anything else?) Thank you very much!! Gabriele

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Keep K-x buy premium lens, get K-r and get good lens, get the K-7 w/ lens or K-5?	crossover37	Pentax DSLR Discussion	19	02-06-2011 10:38 PM

03-27-2012, 03:40 PM	#2
westmill Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Stoke on Trent Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,146	The 17-70 is the best opticaly performing standard lens by Pentax. The 16-50 isnt quite as good but its a fast F2.8 at a greater cost. Out of the two I would opt for the 17-70 but thats just my personal choice. Others will still choose the 16-50 for its speed. Advice is only advice and everyone will have there own veiws and thoughts on what is important to them. Some will sacrifice quality for the conveiniance of a superzoom. Others will buy fast primes. Its all very individualistic.

03-27-2012, 04:27 PM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Here is an in depth review of several lenses in that range. It does not include the 17-70 but it might have some information of use to you. I have the 16-50, never tried the 17-70. I think the 16-50 is a love it or hate it lens. I use it more than any other lens and get good results but some folks plain hate it. If there is anything I don't like it is that I wish it had just a bit more range. Which is exactly what the 17-70 gives you.

03-27-2012, 05:54 PM	#4
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	The 16-50 being weather-proof can weigh in a lot against the other lenses "better" IQ.

03-27-2012, 06:17 PM	#5
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by gabro822 And if you should buy a lens which covers quite the same range, what would you buy? For this range (except longest 20mm) I went with the Tamron 17-50/2.8, and have been very satisfied with it. It stands cropping from 50mm for a 70mm equivalent ("digital zoom" in marketing-speak). Although it's not WR (nor is my K-x), I've been able to use it in pouring rain, either from under an umbrella or shelter, or taking it out quickly for shooting and then wiping off the drops. Various optical shortcomings (relevant for my photography) or SDM concerns or questions of size were what kept me away from the Pentax zooms. YMMV.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search