Hi:
I have been considering a zoom for a trip to Europe this summer (and have received incredible advice from forum members) and though it would be a stretch for me to actually purchase given my own history with a formerly owned DA* 16-50, I was wondering how people have been faring lately with recently purchased versions or recently repaired copies of this lens.
My own 16-50 (originally purchased in late 2009) had the SDM fail twice, the second time being not terribly long after the first repair. I sold it after approx 1.5 years and I did not use it "all of the time," but did regularly use it. I know there has been discussion about long rest periods being detrimental to the SDM motor--which I never really quite understood.
I have looked at reviews on B&H and Amazon and there appear to be recent failures--i.e., after the purported redesign of the SDM motor.
Is there a sense whether the issue remains? I imagine there still could be "old new stock" around, but I worry about recent repairs not working.
Also, I have read about the zoom "sticking or locking." Is this a more random "sometimes things happen" issue or more akin to the systemic SDM problem?
Lastly, for those who have reverted to the screw drive--how easy is it for a reasonably DIY person, but not necessarily a natural DIY person? And, is there any downside to the screw drive (other than some noise)? Like reliability?
Any thoughts are very much appreciated.
Last edited by candgpics; 01-30-2015 at 04:43 AM.