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04-01-2013, 07:45 PM   #1
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Any WR alternatives to DA* 16-50?

Well, I just got a DA* 50-135. I love the IQ, and I have the 18-135 WR, and was hoping to find a fast normal zoom with better IQ. But the only one with WR seems to be the 16-50. . . But it sounds as though the SDM failures are more common on the 16-50. And of course, as always, there seems to be mixed information. (Like all the stuff Heie's 16-50 has seen... But some others just failing.)

Would it be worth it to try for a good, used 16-50 for the WR, or should I look at something else?

Thanks in advance.


Last edited by SpartanD63; 04-01-2013 at 07:50 PM.
04-01-2013, 07:55 PM   #2
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Pentax really should bring out more weather sealed wideangle lenses as the 18-55WR and the 16-50 are the only ones. The closest alternative is the DA*55/1.4 but it's a hardly a wide lens by any means, only I think it is.
04-01-2013, 08:30 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpartanD63 Quote
Would it be worth it to try for a good, used 16-50 for the WR, or should I look at something else?
I would not chance a used one but new should be fine. Per Pentax the SDM drive for both the 16-50 and 50-135 were redesigned and any lenses made in 2012 or later should not have issues. Pentax Engineer on SDM Failure and Pentax DC - Pentax Camera News & Rumors - PentaxForums.com

I assume that does not mean they are perfect, just that they improved the components that were failing.

If you want WR then you only have the DA*16-50 and the DA 18-55WR. My DA*16-50 is probably my most used zoom, and my only complaint is that I find it too heavy to carry all day.

There is also a DA*16-85 ish zoom on the lens road map. No idea if or when it will actually appear. I think it will have to be f/4 instead of f/2.8 but I'm OK with that as long as they keep the weight down.
04-01-2013, 08:55 PM   #4
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Have you read this? It's a work-around in the case of SDM failure:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/208353-how-dea...m-f-2-8-a.html

04-02-2013, 12:28 AM   #5
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Honestly, if you buy a used lens from a seller worth their salt, they'll let you know if it's working fine. Seems like if it's going to fail, it's going to fail, doesn't matter when you bought it. New parts merely reduced the occurrence of such failures. And as VisualDarkness has pointed out, you can always convert to screwdrive, or ever buy one already converted.(Seen a few for sale)
04-02-2013, 01:39 AM   #6
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If you're going to buy Second Hand then factor in that you may have to pay for a new SDM motor - if that takes the price close to New prices then buy New and get the extra warranty - the chances of the SDM problem in a new lens should be significantly lower by now.

Apart from the fear of SDM failure I find it a superb "all-rounder" giving excellent IQ withe the advantages of WR
04-02-2013, 05:34 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpartanD63 Quote
But it sounds as though the SDM failures are more common on the 16-50.
Failures were indeed more common in the beginning and particularly with this lens. If you buy it new now, it should not be a problem, reports of failure have all but disappeared and Pentax stated that they changed the SDM in the last year or so.

04-02-2013, 05:44 AM   #8
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I bought a used one from a member of the forum. I've had NO problems with it and I've taken over 1000 shots with it. It obviously is a gamble, but I think the odds are much better than the reports seem to indicate. I know many more people who've had no problems than people who have had problems.

NaCl(of course I've just tempted the Universe with the above)H2O

Last edited by NaClH2O; 04-02-2013 at 05:44 AM. Reason: spelling
04-02-2013, 05:51 AM   #9
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I bought a DA*16-50 second hand from a seller in North America about a year ago. The SDM failed after a few months of *heavy* use and it was repaired FREE OF CHARGE by C.R. Kennedy in Australia. Pretty impressive service, I thought.
Because it is such an important part of my stable, while it was away for repair I bought a second one new during the Black Friday sales in the U.S. Both are still doing fine.
04-03-2013, 03:01 PM   #10
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Alright, it sounds like I'll be getting a DA* 16-50. Now to save up a bit.

Thanks for the help guys!
04-03-2013, 03:06 PM   #11
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I took a chance and picked up a used one on the market place and so far so good! I have had it for almost six months. I use all the time. I do a lot of exploring of abandoned buildings and my lens of choice!!
04-03-2013, 03:30 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by SpartanD63 Quote
Well, I just got a DA* 50-135. I love the IQ, and I have the 18-135 WR, and was hoping to find a fast normal zoom with better IQ. But the only one with WR seems to be the 16-50. . . But it sounds as though the SDM failures are more common on the 16-50. And of course, as always, there seems to be mixed information. (Like all the stuff Heie's 16-50 has seen... But some others just failing.)

Would it be worth it to try for a good, used 16-50 for the WR, or should I look at something else?

Thanks in advance.
What are you going to do with the 18-135 WR?
04-03-2013, 03:39 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Driline Quote
What are you going to do with the 18-135 WR?
I'm thinking that I might sell it to at least partially fund the DA* 16-50.
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