[jimr-pdx]

So today I sit with a 17-70, DA* 50-135 and DAL 55-300 - and some credit at Adorama. How to finish up could be interesting. I am perfectly satisfied for now at the long end with the 50-135 and 55-300 (OK maybe a TC later for the DA*) but the wide end makes me go hmmmm..

My initial plan was a DA14 or 15 plus the 20-40 Limited. Then Woot came along with the 17-70 and I jumped at it; with a random & generally tight budget one does not pass up bargains like that! However, the 16-85 just dropped $100 and the 17-70 could get a decent extra bit from Adorama in a trade. I really value WR and compactness is cool so the 20-40 was higher up the list than the 16-85 (and the equal-bulk DA17-70 and bulkier DA* 16-50 ).

I don't shoot wide often enough to justify a full price on the DA14 or 15, but if I had the 20-40 I would feel motivated to seek something. That 16-85 could save me the cost of a DA14/15, and I could grab an inexpensive Samyang 8mm FE for exceptionally-wide shots with a 'twist' .

I was surprised that the DA17-70 actually has a body 'seal', though I know that does not make it WR. The 17-70 also uses the same filters as the 50-135, a small but nice bonus.

To add to the interest, let's assume that Adorama has a 8FE for $180 and a DA15 for $360 on their used page, plus the 16-85 'sale'.

Given the satisfaction I have above 50mm, what would owners / former owners suggest?
I know what the DA15 owners will say but owners of the DA14, 16-85, 20-40 LimiZoom and 17-70 should chip in as well.
Thanks for any feedback !

[stevebrot]

Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 (C) ?

I love mine


Steve

[kh1234567890]

I really value WR and compactness is cool

In which case the cheap DA16-45 and the excellent DA21 Ltd pair would not suit you ...

[jimr-pdx]

The 16-45 or Sigmas, if WR, would be great choices. I think that for now the 17-70 and a small towel will be sufficiently WR so I'll likely pick up an 8mm or a DA14 deal if one exists, and hold on to any extra credit. Maybe a surprise will land in their laps when I call them, and we can help each other out!

In nine months ±3 I should have a better budget for kit changes. It's silly to worry too much about WR lenses when a K-r is attached!

[jimr-pdx]

Interesting option (one that I hadn't mentioned but thought about) just happened. Last night a DA10-17 came up at Adorama so I swapped the whole pile for it. Not a true bargain, as always I could have made more by selling here - but everyone's a winner & that's what counts. More loot coming soon to Adorama's used section

[pathdoc]

Last night a DA10-17 came up at Adorama so I swapped the whole pile for it.

What do you mean, "the whole pile"? Are you saying you swapped your entire rectilinear collection for a fisheye?? Wow, that sure came out of nowhere!

"When confronted with three options, the enemy usually takes the fourth." - Attributed, with various permutations, to Erwin "Desert Fox" Rommel.

[bdery]

I really value WR and compactness is cool

WR is the main flaw (for you) of the 17-70, otherwise it fits your requirements correctly.

16-85 (and the equal-bulk DA17-70

The 16-85, as much as I love it, is longer than the 17-70. However it's wider, longer, WR, faster for AF and has excellent IQ.

Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 (C) ?

I love mine

Not much sense to replace the DA 17-70 with the (non WR) Sigma 17-70.

To the OP, you might consider keeping your excellent 17-70, and get a 18-55 WR or 18-50 WR for when compactness and WR are required? That's what I did before getting the 16-85. And add a fine prime like the 21 for when you want better IQ.