Some have read that I finally got a good copy of a DA*16-50. I thought I would test my observation that the DA* is not as sharp across the field of view as the Tamron 17-50. (This is consistent with the Photozone observation.) Here is the setup:
Tamron 17-50 at f2.8
Pentax DA*16-50 at f/5.6
I will be showing both center crops, as well as crops near to the right hand side (not the edge) of the field of view. The lens at f5.6 should have a strong advantage right????
Tamron is shown first, then the DA* Center crops. Note both are about the same sharpness, with possibly the DA* a bit better.
Now for the crops closer to the edge (Tamron first)
So both are about the same in the center, but the Tamron is better at the edge. Remember, the Tamron was at f2.8, and the DA* was at f5.6! This is consistent in all my tests.
Comments?