Dilemma - Choice Between 16-50mm F2.8 or Keeping 31mm F1.8

Mahadragon · 10-16-2016, 01:53 AM

Currently sporting the 31mm F1.8 Limited with my K-S2. I want to get the 16-50mm F2.8 but don't have the money for it at this moment. Should I sell my 31mm so I can have the funds to purchase the 16-50mm? Are the images made from the 16-50mm that much better than the 31mm? Thanks for your advices!

**Kerrowdown** · 10-16-2016, 02:05 AM - **2 Likes**

If you want my unbiased opinion... keep the prime.

But that piece of "unbiased" advice comes from a man who doesn't own a zoom.

Unregistered User 8 · 10-16-2016, 02:14 AM

Originally posted by Mahadragon

Dilemma - Choice Between 16-50mm F2.8 or Keeping 31mm F1.8

You may be able to keep the 31mm, and get the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 instead of the Pentax 16-50. It is a fair bit cheaper, but a very good lens. Here is a link to the review. Good luck.

Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM (No Stabilizer) Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

EDIT - There is one for sale here in the Marketplace.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/331285-sal...2-8-285-a.html

08amczb · 10-16-2016, 02:16 AM

The DA* 16-50 technically isn't that good. Corner sharpness below F5.6 not so good, at F2.8 only the center is sharp. The flare and chromatic abberation are realy bad in some lighting condition. Altough I realy like the rendering, yelowish colors and the bokeh. I switched my Tamron 17-50 to the DA* and the build quality plus the bokhe and rendering justifys my decision. I've bought it used, with working SDM. I would not recommend a new one, it's just not as good as pricy.
Currently I would like to buy an FA 31 ltd., but I am on budget. (I would not trade in any of my lenses, because I need the zooms versatility at weddings or other events.)

**NZ_Ross** · 10-16-2016, 02:31 AM - **1 Like**

I have owned the 16-50 for a few years and have since sold it. It is a versatile but heavy lens. I use the 20-40 now for my wide zoom.

The FA31 is a stunning lens. If it was me I would be keeping it. I have used a FA31 but don't own one - I have chosen Zeiss 28 and 35 as alternative.

**Rondec** · 10-16-2016, 02:41 AM - **1 Like**

I would probably keep the FA 31 and get the Tamron 17-50 or the Sigma 17-50. The reason to get the 16-50 is if you need 16mm or if you need weather sealing. Otherwise the other zooms are close enough to the DA * as makes no difference.

**RobA_Oz** · 10-16-2016, 02:41 AM

I actually have both lenses, and I've used both extensively on a variety of bodies, over a number of years. The differences between them are notable, as would be expected, given that they are intended for different purposes, albeit that they're both also intended to provide a high quality set of photographic images. Firstly, let me say that both have their critics and adherents, and there's truth in both sides of the argument. My advice is to ignore those who trot out bench tests as a definitive measure of the worth of a lens. Both of your choices are special in their own ways, in terms of the real-life images you'll be able to produce. You'll find the DA*16-50/2.8 to be more versatile than the FA31/1.8 Limited, though, especially as it's weather-sealed. The nice thing is that, if you decide to sell the FA31 now, by the time your finances are sufficient to allow you purchase another copy, you won't be too much out of pocket, as they hold value quite well.

I bought my copy of the DA*16-50 secondhand, and it's proven a reliable workhorse most of the time I've had it. As with many of its age, I've had to convert it to screw-drive operation, but the penalty in focus time isn't significant, and neither is the associated extra noise, to me.

Now you know what the FA31 is capable of, you'll most likely return to it sometime in the future, should you decide on the DA*16-50.

Saltwater Images · 10-16-2016, 05:11 AM - **1 Like**

Do not part with an FA 31 Ltd. I say again; do not part with an FA 31 Ltd! There are decisions in life we make in haste and regret later. I parted with an FA 35 f/2 a couple of years ago and have regretted it ever since. The Ltd lenses are lifetime gems; near perfect diamonds of photographic imaging. If there was only lens I could ever own an no other, the FA 31 would be the one. My present Ltd collection is 3 DA Ltds - 3 FA Ltds was outside my budget at the time. Do not part with an FA 31 Ltd!

Kozlok · 10-16-2016, 06:06 AM

I have a nice collection of Limited primes. I added the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 (the first generation one) as a travel zoom. It takes quite nice images, and it's pretty cheap. Outdoors at f5.6 to f8, it's great, but indoors there's no replacement for a fast prime. I'd keep the 31 and get the 17-70.

Get the zoom here on the marketplace used and then if you don't like it, sell it along. If you decide the 31 is redundant, sell it then.

**UncleVanya** · 10-16-2016, 08:04 AM

I'm underwhelmed sometimes with shots I have seen made with the wide end of the 16-50. Most of my complaints are flare related. That said, just don't shoot into the sun with it - it isn't a DA 15! I don't own a copy - it just seems bulky. I like another user have the da 20-40 and find it a workable lens for my walk about wr needs when a smaller zoom will do.

normhead · 10-16-2016, 08:20 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

I would probably keep the FA 31 and get the Tamron 17-50 or the Sigma 17-50. The reason to get the 16-50 is if you need 16mm or if you need weather sealing. Otherwise the other zooms are close enough to the DA * as makes no difference.

What he said ^.

ChatMechant · 10-16-2016, 08:46 AM

I know I'm being contrary here, but I had both at one time but decided to sell the 31 and keep the 16-50. I don't know if I just had a really good copy of the zoom, but I was much much happier with it than the 31 for my purposes. Then I got the K-1 and it's a different story. If you're planning on going to FF anytime soon I might keep the 31.

Wheatfield · 10-16-2016, 09:13 AM

Originally posted by Mahadragon

Currently sporting the 31mm F1.8 Limited with my K-S2. I want to get the 16-50mm F2.8 but don't have the money for it at this moment. Should I sell my 31mm so I can have the funds to purchase the 16-50mm? Are the images made from the 16-50mm that much better than the 31mm? Thanks for your advices!

Keep the 31.

aurele · 10-16-2016, 09:39 AM

Originally posted by Mahadragon

Currently sporting the 31mm F1.8 Limited with my K-S2. I want to get the 16-50mm F2.8 but don't have the money for it at this moment. Should I sell my 31mm so I can have the funds to purchase the 16-50mm? Are the images made from the 16-50mm that much better than the 31mm? Thanks for your advices!

Don't sell the 31, keep it.

The 16-50 render a lot like the DA*55. Colors are vivid and a tad pastel. Skine tones are great too. Sharp in the middle, softening on the border wide open. Sharpens nicely as you close it.

BUT !

The 16-50 is big and heavy (especially compared to the kit lens).
The 16-50 is somewhat soft at the wide end.

What really justify the DA*16-50 over the Tamron or Sigma 17-50 is basicaly the WR offered by Pentax, and if you are looking for some consistency in the rendering.

I got the 16-50 because i use a lot the DA*55, and wanted a very similar rendering to speed up processing. And WR.
Otherwise i would have gotten the Sigma or the Pentax 16-85 which seem quite sharp wide open !

Driline · 10-16-2016, 10:48 AM

I've had both but ended up selling the DA*16-50 because I'm into Primes and better IQ. Plus the FA 31 was sharper and had better contrast plus that magical pixie poo

My DA*16-50 was excellent and I have nothing bad to say about it.

DA*16-50

FA 31

10-16-2016, 01:53 AM	#1
Mahadragon Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Seattle Posts: 28	Dilemma - Choice Between 16-50mm F2.8 or Keeping 31mm F1.8 Currently sporting the 31mm F1.8 Limited with my K-S2. I want to get the 16-50mm F2.8 but don't have the money for it at this moment. Should I sell my 31mm so I can have the funds to purchase the 16-50mm? Are the images made from the 16-50mm that much better than the 31mm? Thanks for your advices!

10-16-2016, 02:14 AM	#3
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Originally posted by Mahadragon Dilemma - Choice Between 16-50mm F2.8 or Keeping 31mm F1.8 You may be able to keep the 31mm, and get the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 instead of the Pentax 16-50. It is a fair bit cheaper, but a very good lens. Here is a link to the review. Good luck. Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM (No Stabilizer) Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database EDIT - There is one for sale here in the Marketplace. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/331285-sal...2-8-285-a.html Last edited by Unregistered User 8; 10-16-2016 at 02:36 AM.

10-16-2016, 05:11 AM - 1 Like	#8
Saltwater Images Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Newfoundland Photos: Gallery Posts: 501	Do not part with an FA 31 Ltd. I say again; do not part with an FA 31 Ltd! There are decisions in life we make in haste and regret later. I parted with an FA 35 f/2 a couple of years ago and have regretted it ever since. The Ltd lenses are lifetime gems; near perfect diamonds of photographic imaging. If there was only lens I could ever own an no other, the FA 31 would be the one. My present Ltd collection is 3 DA Ltds - 3 FA Ltds was outside my budget at the time. Do not part with an FA 31 Ltd! Last edited by Saltwater Images; 10-16-2016 at 08:59 AM. Reason: Typo

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10-16-2016, 02:05 AM - 2 Likes	#2
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,819	If you want my unbiased opinion... keep the prime. But that piece of "unbiased" advice comes from a man who doesn't own a zoom.

10-16-2016, 02:16 AM	#4
08amczb Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 796	The DA* 16-50 technically isn't that good. Corner sharpness below F5.6 not so good, at F2.8 only the center is sharp. The flare and chromatic abberation are realy bad in some lighting condition. Altough I realy like the rendering, yelowish colors and the bokeh. I switched my Tamron 17-50 to the DA* and the build quality plus the bokhe and rendering justifys my decision. I've bought it used, with working SDM. I would not recommend a new one, it's just not as good as pricy. Currently I would like to buy an FA 31 ltd., but I am on budget. (I would not trade in any of my lenses, because I need the zooms versatility at weddings or other events.)

10-16-2016, 02:31 AM - 1 Like	#5
NZ_Ross Kiwi Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Timaru Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,225	I have owned the 16-50 for a few years and have since sold it. It is a versatile but heavy lens. I use the 20-40 now for my wide zoom. The FA31 is a stunning lens. If it was me I would be keeping it. I have used a FA31 but don't own one - I have chosen Zeiss 28 and 35 as alternative.

10-16-2016, 02:41 AM - 1 Like	#6
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	I would probably keep the FA 31 and get the Tamron 17-50 or the Sigma 17-50. The reason to get the 16-50 is if you need 16mm or if you need weather sealing. Otherwise the other zooms are close enough to the DA * as makes no difference.

10-16-2016, 02:41 AM	#7
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,197	I actually have both lenses, and I've used both extensively on a variety of bodies, over a number of years. The differences between them are notable, as would be expected, given that they are intended for different purposes, albeit that they're both also intended to provide a high quality set of photographic images. Firstly, let me say that both have their critics and adherents, and there's truth in both sides of the argument. My advice is to ignore those who trot out bench tests as a definitive measure of the worth of a lens. Both of your choices are special in their own ways, in terms of the real-life images you'll be able to produce. You'll find the DA16-50/2.8 to be more versatile than the FA31/1.8 Limited, though, especially as it's weather-sealed. The nice thing is that, if you decide to sell the FA31 now, by the time your finances are sufficient to allow you purchase another copy, you won't be too much out of pocket, as they hold value quite well. I bought my copy of the DA16-50 secondhand, and it's proven a reliable workhorse most of the time I've had it. As with many of its age, I've had to convert it to screw-drive operation, but the penalty in focus time isn't significant, and neither is the associated extra noise, to me. Now you know what the FA31 is capable of, you'll most likely return to it sometime in the future, should you decide on the DA*16-50.

10-16-2016, 06:06 AM	#9
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	I have a nice collection of Limited primes. I added the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 (the first generation one) as a travel zoom. It takes quite nice images, and it's pretty cheap. Outdoors at f5.6 to f8, it's great, but indoors there's no replacement for a fast prime. I'd keep the 31 and get the 17-70. Get the zoom here on the marketplace used and then if you don't like it, sell it along. If you decide the 31 is redundant, sell it then.

10-16-2016, 08:04 AM	#10
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,407	I'm underwhelmed sometimes with shots I have seen made with the wide end of the 16-50. Most of my complaints are flare related. That said, just don't shoot into the sun with it - it isn't a DA 15! I don't own a copy - it just seems bulky. I like another user have the da 20-40 and find it a workable lens for my walk about wr needs when a smaller zoom will do.

10-16-2016, 08:20 AM	#11
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by Rondec I would probably keep the FA 31 and get the Tamron 17-50 or the Sigma 17-50. The reason to get the 16-50 is if you need 16mm or if you need weather sealing. Otherwise the other zooms are close enough to the DA * as makes no difference. What he said ^.

10-16-2016, 08:46 AM	#12
ChatMechant Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Matsuyama Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,284	I know I'm being contrary here, but I had both at one time but decided to sell the 31 and keep the 16-50. I don't know if I just had a really good copy of the zoom, but I was much much happier with it than the 31 for my purposes. Then I got the K-1 and it's a different story. If you're planning on going to FF anytime soon I might keep the 31.

10-16-2016, 09:13 AM	#13
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by Mahadragon Currently sporting the 31mm F1.8 Limited with my K-S2. I want to get the 16-50mm F2.8 but don't have the money for it at this moment. Should I sell my 31mm so I can have the funds to purchase the 16-50mm? Are the images made from the 16-50mm that much better than the 31mm? Thanks for your advices! Keep the 31.

10-16-2016, 09:39 AM	#14
aurele Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Paris, France Photos: Albums Posts: 3,217	Originally posted by Mahadragon Currently sporting the 31mm F1.8 Limited with my K-S2. I want to get the 16-50mm F2.8 but don't have the money for it at this moment. Should I sell my 31mm so I can have the funds to purchase the 16-50mm? Are the images made from the 16-50mm that much better than the 31mm? Thanks for your advices! Don't sell the 31, keep it. The 16-50 render a lot like the DA55. Colors are vivid and a tad pastel. Skine tones are great too. Sharp in the middle, softening on the border wide open. Sharpens nicely as you close it. BUT ! The 16-50 is big and heavy (especially compared to the kit lens). The 16-50 is somewhat soft at the wide end. What really justify the DA16-50 over the Tamron or Sigma 17-50 is basicaly the WR offered by Pentax, and if you are looking for some consistency in the rendering. I got the 16-50 because i use a lot the DA*55, and wanted a very similar rendering to speed up processing. And WR. Otherwise i would have gotten the Sigma or the Pentax 16-85 which seem quite sharp wide open !

10-16-2016, 10:48 AM	#15
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	I've had both but ended up selling the DA16-50 because I'm into Primes and better IQ. Plus the FA 31 was sharper and had better contrast plus that magical pixie poo My DA16-50 was excellent and I have nothing bad to say about it. DA*16-50 FA 31