Wide Angle and WR

UserAccessDenied · 02-16-2016, 08:15 AM

What are my options for wide (under 18mm) and WR?

DA*16-50 and DA16-85?

Nothing prime?

I want the DA15ltd but I just love the idea of my entire kit being WR. I have lenses that are not, but I tend to leave them at home if I'm uncertain about the weather...

I have the 18-135, so the 16-85 seems like a replacement that may or may not be worth the extra cash to me.
The DA*16-50 looks great, but the harrowing SDM failures make me wary of purchasing this lens.

If I opt for non-WR there are a ton of options.

What do you think?
Go for the DA 15 and let it control my mind?
Or is there something WR on the horizon under 18mm that I should wait for?

**csa** · 02-16-2016, 08:19 AM

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

The DA*16-50 looks great, but the harrowing SDM failures make me wary of purchasing this lens.

My feelings exactly!

I'm planning (so far) on getting the 16-85 plus the 15. The 15 has such beautiful starbursts!

bertwert · 02-16-2016, 08:24 AM

The new 15-30 when it comes?
But will be expensive...

UserAccessDenied · 02-16-2016, 08:25 AM

Originally posted by csa

My feelings exactly!

I'm planning (so far) on getting the 16-85 plus the 15. The 15 has such beautiful starbursts!

I know I will own the DA15ltd one day...
I just keep seeing talk about a Pentax 15-30WR on the horizon that I'm very intrigued about. At release I won't be able to afford it, but I'm curious how it will compare to the DA15 and the other spectrum, 16-50.

I think the 16-85 with the 55-300 makes for one helluva travel kit, especially when you'll be enduring the elements for a few days.

Doundounba · 02-16-2016, 08:25 AM

The only thing you haven't mentioned, AFAICT is getting a rain sleeve. Well, there's a "DA Wide Zoom" that's been on the roadmap for a couple of years, which should be 12-28ish. It's anybody's guess if/when it will actually materialize and whether or not it will be WR... IMHO if you like wide, 15mm isn't that wide. I've been tempted to get the DA15 myself for the size and the starbursts, but I'd really miss the wider end of my Sigma 10-20mm F/4-5.6. I've also been tempted by the 10-17mm to go even wider (if not rectilinear) as well as by the 12-24mm to have a bit more reach and a faster long end (20mm F/5.6 vrs 24mm F/4). So far I've held off because of the roadmapped lens, but I'm beginning to wonder if it will ever materialize...

Driline · 02-16-2016, 08:26 AM

Originally posted by csa

My feelings exactly!

I'm planning (so far) on getting the 16-85 plus the 15. The 15 has such beautiful starbursts!

Only if you buy the used green smc DA 15. So far they're running about $100 cheaper than the $400 HD version. I'm still not sure which one I want.

kp0c · 02-16-2016, 08:26 AM

Originally posted by csa

My feelings exactly!

I'm planning (so far) on getting the 16-85 plus the 15. The 15 has such beautiful starbursts!

Well, seing that you are considering screw driven lens, such as the DA15mm, I don't see how a used 16-50mm could be a bad investment. If the SDM motor fail, you can convert it to screw drive rather easily, and still have a WR lens. I myself have a screw drive 16-50mm and it works fine.

Edit : I should also ask that the 16-85mm is an excellent wide angle option, especially if one doesn't need 2.8, it's range becomes quite an advantage over the 16-50mm. Also, if the 16-85 is DC only (if it doesn't have the screw drive shaft), one could argue that the 16-50mm is a better option since you won't have to pay to keep autofocus functionality in the event of a in lens motor failure. (I did a quick search to find out if the 16-85mm was DC only, but couldn't find the answer...)

Last edited by kp0c; 02-16-2016 at 08:32 AM.

UserAccessDenied · 02-16-2016, 08:27 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

The new 15-30 when it comes?
But will be expensive...

beat me too the punch...

I'm very curious about this lens. Probably more so than the FF release. (I don't see myself ever getting up to FF)

---------- Post added 02-16-16 at 10:31 AM ----------

Originally posted by kp0c

Well, seing that you are considering screw driven lens, such as the DA15mm, I don't see how a used 16-50mm could be a bad investment. If the SDM motor fail, you can convert it to screw drive rather easily, and still have a WR lens. I myself have a screw drive 16-50mm and it works fine.

Does converting the 16-50 to screwdriven affect the AF speed?
How loud does it get compared to the SDM?

I'd like to see a comparison of two 16-50s, SDM vs Srewdrive.

bertwert · 02-16-2016, 08:35 AM

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

Does converting the 16-50 to screwdriven affect the AF speed?

I believe it is actually faster?

@UncleVanya might be able to help with this.

**jatrax** · 02-16-2016, 08:50 AM

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

Does converting the 16-50 to screwdriven affect the AF speed? How loud does it get compared to the SDM?

It is subjective, but I think it is faster on screwdrive, at least on the k-3. No question SDM is quieter, unless the particular lens develops the 'squeaks' in which case the screwdrive might be quieter or at least less annoying. But even on screwdrive the noise is not much, it has never bothered me anyway.

As to WR wide angle you have the 16-85 and 16-50 currently. We should be seeing the 15-30 later this week or next. And there is a 12-28ish DA lens still on the road map, supposedly a replacement for the DA 12-24. I cannot imagine it would not be WR at this point, but when it we see it, who knows?

If you are interested in a DA*16-50 PM me.

kp0c · 02-16-2016, 09:15 AM

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

beat me too the punch...

I'm very curious about this lens. Probably more so than the FF release. (I don't see myself ever getting up to FF)

---------- Post added 02-16-16 at 10:31 AM ----------

Does converting the 16-50 to screwdriven affect the AF speed?
How loud does it get compared to the SDM?

I'd like to see a comparison of two 16-50s, SDM vs Srewdrive.

There you have it :

You Tube

They are a few more videos of this kind if you search a little.

(according to the description of the video, test was done on a K-5 and the screw drive is on the left, sdm on the right)

**csa** · 02-16-2016, 09:15 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

The new 15-30 when it comes?
But will be expensive...

Yes, ideal lens for me, but $$$$$$, I fear!

bxf · 02-16-2016, 09:19 AM

Another option is to move to a less rainy part of the world...

**csa** · 02-16-2016, 09:20 AM

Originally posted by kp0c

I don't see how a used 16-50mm could be a bad investment. If the SDM motor fail, you can convert it to screw drive rather easily,

No, I could not convert it to screw drive; and the member that is doing this work, so far says he cannot convert the 16-50. So for me, it would be a bad investment.

**csa** · 02-16-2016, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by Driline

Only if you buy the used green smc DA 15. So far they're running about $100 cheaper than the $400 HD version. I'm still not sure which one I want.

The HD version has the rounded blades, not as good starbursts; correct?

02-16-2016, 08:15 AM	#1
UserAccessDenied Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,677	Wide Angle and WR What are my options for wide (under 18mm) and WR? DA16-50 and DA16-85? Nothing prime? I want the DA15ltd but I just love the idea of my entire kit being WR. I have lenses that are not, but I tend to leave them at home if I'm uncertain about the weather... I have the 18-135, so the 16-85 seems like a replacement that may or may not be worth the extra cash to me. The DA16-50 looks great, but the harrowing SDM failures make me wary of purchasing this lens. If I opt for non-WR there are a ton of options. What do you think? Go for the DA 15 and let it control my mind? Or is there something WR on the horizon under 18mm that I should wait for?

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02-16-2016, 08:19 AM	#2
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied The DA*16-50 looks great, but the harrowing SDM failures make me wary of purchasing this lens. My feelings exactly! I'm planning (so far) on getting the 16-85 plus the 15. The 15 has such beautiful starbursts!

02-16-2016, 08:24 AM	#3
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	The new 15-30 when it comes? But will be expensive...

02-16-2016, 08:25 AM	#4
UserAccessDenied Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,677 Original Poster	Originally posted by csa My feelings exactly! I'm planning (so far) on getting the 16-85 plus the 15. The 15 has such beautiful starbursts! I know I will own the DA15ltd one day... I just keep seeing talk about a Pentax 15-30WR on the horizon that I'm very intrigued about. At release I won't be able to afford it, but I'm curious how it will compare to the DA15 and the other spectrum, 16-50. I think the 16-85 with the 55-300 makes for one helluva travel kit, especially when you'll be enduring the elements for a few days.

02-16-2016, 08:25 AM	#5
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351	The only thing you haven't mentioned, AFAICT is getting a rain sleeve. Well, there's a "DA Wide Zoom" that's been on the roadmap for a couple of years, which should be 12-28ish. It's anybody's guess if/when it will actually materialize and whether or not it will be WR... IMHO if you like wide, 15mm isn't that wide. I've been tempted to get the DA15 myself for the size and the starbursts, but I'd really miss the wider end of my Sigma 10-20mm F/4-5.6. I've also been tempted by the 10-17mm to go even wider (if not rectilinear) as well as by the 12-24mm to have a bit more reach and a faster long end (20mm F/5.6 vrs 24mm F/4). So far I've held off because of the roadmapped lens, but I'm beginning to wonder if it will ever materialize...

02-16-2016, 08:26 AM	#6
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by csa My feelings exactly! I'm planning (so far) on getting the 16-85 plus the 15. The 15 has such beautiful starbursts! Only if you buy the used green smc DA 15. So far they're running about $100 cheaper than the $400 HD version. I'm still not sure which one I want.

02-16-2016, 08:26 AM	#7
kp0c Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal Photos: Gallery Posts: 761	Originally posted by csa My feelings exactly! I'm planning (so far) on getting the 16-85 plus the 15. The 15 has such beautiful starbursts! Well, seing that you are considering screw driven lens, such as the DA15mm, I don't see how a used 16-50mm could be a bad investment. If the SDM motor fail, you can convert it to screw drive rather easily, and still have a WR lens. I myself have a screw drive 16-50mm and it works fine. Edit : I should also ask that the 16-85mm is an excellent wide angle option, especially if one doesn't need 2.8, it's range becomes quite an advantage over the 16-50mm. Also, if the 16-85 is DC only (if it doesn't have the screw drive shaft), one could argue that the 16-50mm is a better option since you won't have to pay to keep autofocus functionality in the event of a in lens motor failure. (I did a quick search to find out if the 16-85mm was DC only, but couldn't find the answer...) Last edited by kp0c; 02-16-2016 at 08:32 AM.

02-16-2016, 08:27 AM	#8
UserAccessDenied Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,677 Original Poster	Originally posted by bertwert The new 15-30 when it comes? But will be expensive... beat me too the punch... I'm very curious about this lens. Probably more so than the FF release. (I don't see myself ever getting up to FF) ---------- Post added 02-16-16 at 10:31 AM ---------- Originally posted by kp0c Well, seing that you are considering screw driven lens, such as the DA15mm, I don't see how a used 16-50mm could be a bad investment. If the SDM motor fail, you can convert it to screw drive rather easily, and still have a WR lens. I myself have a screw drive 16-50mm and it works fine. Does converting the 16-50 to screwdriven affect the AF speed? How loud does it get compared to the SDM? I'd like to see a comparison of two 16-50s, SDM vs Srewdrive.

02-16-2016, 08:35 AM	#9
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied Does converting the 16-50 to screwdriven affect the AF speed? I believe it is actually faster? @UncleVanya might be able to help with this.

02-16-2016, 08:50 AM	#10
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied Does converting the 16-50 to screwdriven affect the AF speed? How loud does it get compared to the SDM? It is subjective, but I think it is faster on screwdrive, at least on the k-3. No question SDM is quieter, unless the particular lens develops the 'squeaks' in which case the screwdrive might be quieter or at least less annoying. But even on screwdrive the noise is not much, it has never bothered me anyway. As to WR wide angle you have the 16-85 and 16-50 currently. We should be seeing the 15-30 later this week or next. And there is a 12-28ish DA lens still on the road map, supposedly a replacement for the DA 12-24. I cannot imagine it would not be WR at this point, but when it we see it, who knows? If you are interested in a DA*16-50 PM me.

02-16-2016, 09:15 AM	#12
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Originally posted by bertwert The new 15-30 when it comes? But will be expensive... Yes, ideal lens for me, but $$$$$$, I fear!

02-16-2016, 09:19 AM	#13
bxf Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Lisbon area Posts: 1,660	Another option is to move to a less rainy part of the world...

02-16-2016, 09:20 AM	#14
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Originally posted by kp0c I don't see how a used 16-50mm could be a bad investment. If the SDM motor fail, you can convert it to screw drive rather easily, No, I could not convert it to screw drive; and the member that is doing this work, so far says he cannot convert the 16-50. So for me, it would be a bad investment.

02-16-2016, 09:21 AM	#15
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Originally posted by Driline Only if you buy the used green smc DA 15. So far they're running about $100 cheaper than the $400 HD version. I'm still not sure which one I want. The HD version has the rounded blades, not as good starbursts; correct?