DA* 16-50 or Tamron 17-50

Eran.mrg · 06-22-2012, 02:29 AM

A store in my area has a new tamron and a used DA* they are both on sale for ~470$ (very uncommon in Israel)
I want to buy one of them and the last time I took a look at the DA*' it malfunctioned (when it was on my K-5 showed "low battery" and then power off) and now they are having it repaired (they side it was SDM).
and so I don't know witch to get...
What would you do?

Adam · 06-22-2012, 02:59 AM

That question is answered here:
DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

adpo · 06-22-2012, 03:19 AM - **1 Like**

i've owned both, the one i've stuck with was the tamron. in short, if you shoot jpeg or prefer minimal RAW post processing work, need WR, love "pixie dust", enjoy handling really well-made lenses and shoot for web, go for the DA*. Its just a sort of magical kind of lens.
If you don't like flare, want something sharp and don't mind plastic, go for the tamron. its the more technically good of the two

Eran.mrg · 06-22-2012, 03:27 AM

Originally posted by Adam

That question is answered here:
DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

I know this comparison but it doesn't answer the reliability question and add to the equation that they are at the same price (used DA*)...

lytrytyr · 06-22-2012, 05:55 AM

Unless the slight coffee-grinder noise of the screw focus would be a problem for you,
I would recommend the Tamron, particularly if the guarantee offered in Israel
is comparable to the 6-year guarantee offered in some other markets.
Although I'm not a big fan of zooms, I'm happy with my Tamron 17-50/2.8 A16P.

liukaitc · 06-22-2012, 10:32 AM

as long as SDM function and you are willing to pay the extra (but seems you can get both for same money)
I recommend 16-50. it is overall better. lens is not just about sharpness. but if you only focus on sharpness, tarmon is better.

msatlas · 06-22-2012, 06:04 PM

I really like my Tamron 17-50. I had to dial in a -5 AF adjustment on my K-r but after that it's been great. It's not quite as sharp as the better prime lenses but still very respectable.

SpecialK · 06-22-2012, 07:37 PM

Originally posted by Eran.mrg

the DA*' it malfunctioned (when it was on my K-5 showed "low battery" and then power off) and now they are having it repaired (they side it was SDM).

I think you answered your question :-)

06-22-2012, 02:29 AM	#1
Eran.mrg New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Herzliya Posts: 15	*DA 16-50 or Tamron 17-50** A store in my area has a new tamron and a used DA* they are both on sale for ~470$ (very uncommon in Israel) I want to buy one of them and the last time I took a look at the DA*' it malfunctioned (when it was on my K-5 showed "low battery" and then power off) and now they are having it repaired (they side it was SDM). and so I don't know witch to get... What would you do?

06-22-2012, 02:59 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	That question is answered here: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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06-22-2012, 03:19 AM - 1 Like	#3
adpo Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 888	i've owned both, the one i've stuck with was the tamron. in short, if you shoot jpeg or prefer minimal RAW post processing work, need WR, love "pixie dust", enjoy handling really well-made lenses and shoot for web, go for the DA*. Its just a sort of magical kind of lens. If you don't like flare, want something sharp and don't mind plastic, go for the tamron. its the more technically good of the two

06-22-2012, 03:27 AM	#4
Eran.mrg New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Herzliya Posts: 15 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam That question is answered here: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com I know this comparison but it doesn't answer the reliability question and add to the equation that they are at the same price (used DA*)...

06-22-2012, 05:55 AM	#5
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Unless the slight coffee-grinder noise of the screw focus would be a problem for you, I would recommend the Tamron, particularly if the guarantee offered in Israel is comparable to the 6-year guarantee offered in some other markets. Although I'm not a big fan of zooms, I'm happy with my Tamron 17-50/2.8 A16P.

06-22-2012, 10:32 AM	#6
liukaitc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Photos: Albums Posts: 1,008	as long as SDM function and you are willing to pay the extra (but seems you can get both for same money) I recommend 16-50. it is overall better. lens is not just about sharpness. but if you only focus on sharpness, tarmon is better.

06-22-2012, 06:04 PM	#7
msatlas Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 309	I really like my Tamron 17-50. I had to dial in a -5 AF adjustment on my K-r but after that it's been great. It's not quite as sharp as the better prime lenses but still very respectable.

06-22-2012, 07:37 PM	#8
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	Originally posted by Eran.mrg the DA*' it malfunctioned (when it was on my K-5 showed "low battery" and then power off) and now they are having it repaired (they side it was SDM). I think you answered your question :-)