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richandfleur · 03-31-2018, 03:49 AM

Originally posted by Kozlok

A used 16-50 is really quite inexpensive these days. They go for 300-400 or so from what I've seen lately. It's biggest let-down is flare, but for in indoor lens, it's not a problem.

If SDM fails, convert to screwdrive and keep shooting.

Can the 16-50 be converted from SDM to Screw easily/DIY?

**UncleVanya** · 03-31-2018, 05:26 AM

Originally posted by richandfleur

Can the 16-50 be converted from SDM to Screw easily/DIY?

Absolutely. There are several good threads on it but I'm on my phone and soon busy. I'm sure someone can link them in or I can later tonight. If the technical bits are too hard or you lack a camera that's old enough, another option is to have someone else convert it for you.

Sandy Hancock · 03-31-2018, 06:01 AM

First answer. Primes. Add the DA15 to your 18-135 and then think about other holes you wish to plug.
If you're patient and want the highest quality available, the DA*11-18 would be perfect.

Originally posted by richandfleur

Can the 16-50 be converted from SDM to Screw easily/DIY?

Yes. I did it myself. I you lack the confidence to edit basic computer files then UncleVanya is well qualified to provide the service for a nominal fee.

**UncleVanya** · 03-31-2018, 07:03 PM

Here's the big thread with all the bells and whistles...
How to deactivate SDM and allow for screw drive autofocus with DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 - PentaxForums.com

**K-Three** · 03-31-2018, 07:31 PM

Found a LN- copy of the Tamron 17-50 ƒ/2.8 at KEH, with a coupon deal came to under $250, with caps and a hood
Used it a bit now, seems sharp, focuses fast, and my wife likes it too!

**UncleVanya** · 03-31-2018, 08:31 PM

Originally posted by K-Three

Found a LN- copy of the Tamron 17-50 ƒ/2.8 at KEH, with a coupon deal came to under $250, with caps and a hood
Used it a bit now, seems sharp, focuses fast, and my wife likes it too!

Awesome! That lens has a nice reputation and the price was certainly right.

angerdan · 04-01-2018, 06:46 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by K-Three

While most of my collection is Pentax, I'm leery of the SDM issues that the 16-50 is known for.

That was six years ago, if you buy it new you're safe for at least two years.
SDM Reliability Survey Results - PentaxForums.com

Also the 16-50 has several advantages over the Tamron 17-50:

QuickShift Focus (focus ring don't durn during AF)
AW (weather and rain proof)
in-camera lens correction (useful against distortion)
silent motor

richandfleur · 04-01-2018, 02:25 PM

Most recent bhphoto reviews for that lens describes an SDM failure.

Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM Lens 21650 B&H Photo

I think they’ve lost a lot of users confidence in these.

04-01-2018, 06:46 AM - 1 Like	#22
angerdan Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,643	Originally posted by K-Three While most of my collection is Pentax, I'm leery of the SDM issues that the 16-50 is known for. That was six years ago, if you buy it new you're safe for at least two years. SDM Reliability Survey Results - PentaxForums.com Also the 16-50 has several advantages over the Tamron 17-50: QuickShift Focus (focus ring don't durn during AF) AW (weather and rain proof) in-camera lens correction (useful against distortion) silent motor

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03-31-2018, 03:49 AM	#16
richandfleur Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Palmerston North, New Zealand Photos: Albums Posts: 1,788	Originally posted by Kozlok A used 16-50 is really quite inexpensive these days. They go for 300-400 or so from what I've seen lately. It's biggest let-down is flare, but for in indoor lens, it's not a problem. If SDM fails, convert to screwdrive and keep shooting. Can the 16-50 be converted from SDM to Screw easily/DIY?

03-31-2018, 05:26 AM	#17
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Originally posted by richandfleur Can the 16-50 be converted from SDM to Screw easily/DIY? Absolutely. There are several good threads on it but I'm on my phone and soon busy. I'm sure someone can link them in or I can later tonight. If the technical bits are too hard or you lack a camera that's old enough, another option is to have someone else convert it for you.

03-31-2018, 06:01 AM	#18
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,276	First answer. Primes. Add the DA15 to your 18-135 and then think about other holes you wish to plug. If you're patient and want the highest quality available, the DA*11-18 would be perfect. Originally posted by richandfleur Can the 16-50 be converted from SDM to Screw easily/DIY? Yes. I did it myself. I you lack the confidence to edit basic computer files then UncleVanya is well qualified to provide the service for a nominal fee.

03-31-2018, 07:03 PM	#19
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Here's the big thread with all the bells and whistles... How to deactivate SDM and allow for screw drive autofocus with DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 - PentaxForums.com

03-31-2018, 07:31 PM	#20
K-Three Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Pugetopolis, WA Photos: Gallery Posts: 938 Original Poster	Found a LN- copy of the Tamron 17-50 ƒ/2.8 at KEH, with a coupon deal came to under $250, with caps and a hood Used it a bit now, seems sharp, focuses fast, and my wife likes it too!

03-31-2018, 08:31 PM	#21
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Originally posted by K-Three Found a LN- copy of the Tamron 17-50 ƒ/2.8 at KEH, with a coupon deal came to under $250, with caps and a hood Used it a bit now, seems sharp, focuses fast, and my wife likes it too! Awesome! That lens has a nice reputation and the price was certainly right.

04-01-2018, 02:25 PM	#23
richandfleur Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Palmerston North, New Zealand Photos: Albums Posts: 1,788	Most recent bhphoto reviews for that lens describes an SDM failure. Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM Lens 21650 B&H Photo I think they’ve lost a lot of users confidence in these.

Short zoom musings, help a guy spend some money

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