[stormtech]

Starting to process some of my first images with my new DA* 60-250 - all I can say is WOW! I am just floored by the IQ of this lens.

Now I need to know - does the DA* 16-50 produce images on par with the 60-250? If so, I need to find one at a decent price.

[Adam]

The DA* 16-50 is good, but most think the 60-250mm is more ahead of the game.

If all you care about is IQ, the Sigma 17-50mm outperforms the Pentax:
DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

[SCGushue]

I think that I'll second Adams comments. The Da 60-250 is simply a spectacular lens. The Da `16-50 is generally very good to excellent beyond 20mm all the way up to 50mm. While the DA16-50 is usable in the 16mm focal length, edge softness becomes an issue and CA can be borderline uncorrectable. I try not to go below 18 mm on that lens.

While there is overlap for sure, the DA 50-135 is probably on par with the Da 60-250. Nice lens to have in a lens stable when the weight and reach of the larger lens is not needed.

Stephen

[Franky2step]

If all you care about is IQ, the Sigma 17-50mm outperforms the Pentax:

Unless you also care about cost, then the Sigma is >$800.00 LESS at B&H

[stormtech]

I guess it is a combination of IQ, contrast, and I don't know what else - I can't really describe why I like the rendering of this lens so much, but I do know I want more of it!

I'll take a closer look at the Tammy 17-50. I am hoping to match or come close to the overall rendering of the 60-250.

[Anvh]

I liked the DA*50-135 better, nicer bokeh, size and handling but that's me

The DA*16-50 is not spectacular in terms of performance but the focal length is so useful and it handles not bad.
Since i use the lens a lot the WR is certainly a welcome bonus over the other lenses in this range.

[GaryH]

16-50 is a very nice lens provided you need WR and can find one at a worthwhile price. I am very happy with mine but really only use it in low light situations since I bought the 18-135

[liukaitc]

well 16-50 is very sharp at f5.6........

[Mareket]

I've found my 16-50 to be amazing so far, apart from some pretty incredible CA, but nothing that you can't fix in a single click with Lightroom.

Other than that, the sharpness, contrast and general rendering of the image is incredible. And the build quality and feel of the lens (which was the main reason I bought it) is fantastic.

If I didn't have the 50-135 I'd be saving my pennies for the 60-250. Too much overlap for me though.

The DA* lenses in general are all wonderful in terms of feel from what I've heard.

[joe.penn]

I've found my 16-50 to be amazing so far, apart from some pretty incredible CA, but nothing that you can't fix in a single click with Lightroom.

Except the inherited softness caused by CA - this can be fixed to a point by usharpmsk in LR, but then you run into the issue of killing the overall IQ of the photo. If you don't need WR I would opt for the Siggy first then the Tammy as a second choice...

[Mareket]

Except the inherited softness caused by CA - this can be fixed to a point by usharpmsk in LR, but then you run into the issue of killing the overall IQ of the photo

I've never had a photo out of the 16-50 (providing it was on focus) that I felt wasn't sharp enough. If you want the absolute maximum sharpness then yeah go for the Sigma, but I went for the Pentax because I preferred the feel and liked the weather sealing.

Granted I have pretty low standards in terms of sharpness, but if a lens doesn't feel right I won't use it. The Sigma just didn't feel right, not sure what the Tamron is like though.

[jpzk]

Starting to process some of my first images with my new DA* 60-250 - all I can say is WOW! I am just floored by the IQ of this lens.

Now I need to know - does the DA* 16-50 produce images on par with the 60-250? If so, I need to find one at a decent price.

I think you will enjoy this lens, according to the reviews which are nearly 100% "excellent"!

As for the other DA* lenses, I myself own the DA*300, a "best" in my books, and also the DA*16-50, the latter being one of my most used lenses.
I have a great copy and the IQ is similar to the DA*300, just as good on both my
K7 and K5.

Best to you and your newly acquired lens.

JP

[Stickl]

Does anybody has used Pentax DA 55-300/4-5.8 and DA * 60-250/4 at the same time? Because I want to know the difference between the focus speed. Has DA * 60-250/4 much better focus speed than 55-300/4-5.8?

[Docrwm]

Great to hear that the lens is performing better than anticipated. It's always great to have a lens that makes you happy you laid out you hard earned money for it. Congratulations.

[Franky2step]

I have both and the 60-250 is faster, and of course near silent. It also vignettes a lot less, so when f4 will do with th 60-250, you'd want to use f8 on the 55-300 to brighten the corners