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07-31-2018, 03:49 AM   #1
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Tamron 17-50 2.8 vs Pentax DA 16-85 3.5-5.6

I've got a Tamron 17-50 today but got the issue with loose front element, tried to tighten the screws but I assume that the front element isn't quite in it's correct place hence bad IQ.
I've had i for about six years and I bought it used, not worth it to send it for repair so I'm looking for a replacement.

I've used it mainly for landscape but of course for other type of photography where the larger aperture has come in handy, still mainly landscape though.

So I'm looking to either buy a new Tamron 17-50, perhaps a bit boring to buy something I already have but it performs well. DA 16-50 isn't worth the extra cost in my mind, sure build quality and WR is great but I'm not convinced those two are worth triple the money compared to the Tamron.

So how does the DA 16-85 compare to Tamron 17-50? Would have liked to see a larger constant aperture for the DA 16-85 but on the other hand it would cause a larger lens and probably a huge hole in my wallet.

07-31-2018, 03:57 AM   #2
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You should also throw the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC HSM into the equation. It's always going to be a compromise. More light or more range.
07-31-2018, 04:05 AM   #3
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If I remember correct it (Sigma 17-50) has some issues with flare, well at least it lost in the flare section when pentaxforums compared it with Tamron 17-50 and Pentax 16-50. I shoot a lot of landscape at both sunrise and sunset so that's why I didn't even mentioned Sigma's version.
07-31-2018, 04:33 AM - 2 Likes   #4
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Used 16-50’s are very cheap these days. I picked one up not too long ago, and also have the 16-85. Not much IQ difference. If you want f2.8, or 50-85 more, there’s the answer. It’s not more complicated than that. I’ve kept both.

When my 16-50 SDM fails, I’ll convert it to screwdrive.

07-31-2018, 04:33 AM - 1 Like   #5
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In the Pentax forums test the Tamron won in the flare department, but the 16-85 wasn't out then yet. Here is a flickr album of someone who tested it. Flare seems pretty well controlled for a zoom. ?HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR / Review? | Flickr
07-31-2018, 04:37 AM   #6
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yeah go for another Tammy, I will probably get another, mine has a problem with the zoom ring stuck, I had it fixed, but has happened again. Got the 18-135 temporarily, will keep that one, it is ok, but prefer something 2.8 in zooms.
07-31-2018, 07:40 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Kozlok Quote
Used 16-50’s are very cheap these days. I picked one up not too long ago, and also have the 16-85. Not much IQ difference. If you want f2.8, or 50-85 more, there’s the answer. It’s not more complicated than that. I’ve kept both.

When my 16-50 SDM fails, I’ll convert it to screwdrive.
THIS! The 16-50 is quite cheap these days and you get the nice weather resistance. The 16-50 vs. 16-85 choice is really just about what is stated above. And Tamron vs. Pentax vs. Sigma can be viewed in shootout done by the staff here.

07-31-2018, 08:04 AM - 1 Like   #8
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I agree with the last few posters. I've owned one copy of the Pentax 16-50 and two copies of the Tamron 17-50. The Pentax is the better lens, its sharp in the center of the frame at f/2.8 and the 16mm is quite useful. It also has great contrast, rendering and it focuses well.

The Pentax review is correct, its not worth the premium but given the sale price of it used it is the best value of the three lenses. Of course if you want one walkaround lens then the 16-85 is a good option but its a pretty different type of lens; in that boat the Sigma 17-70 should be considered as well.
07-31-2018, 09:22 AM   #9
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The extra reach isn't that important, got the 50-135 and 60-250 as well so usually one of those two are mounted on the other camera. Will take a look at the used 16-50 area and see what I can find, perhaps it's preferable to find a copy already converted to screw drive since neither K-3 nor K-3II can be used to convert to screw drive. Or can any of those two be used to convert nowadays?
07-31-2018, 09:25 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Samoht Quote
The extra reach isn't that important, got the 50-135 and 60-250 as well so usually one of those two are mounted on the other camera. Will take a look at the used 16-50 area and see what I can find, perhaps it's preferable to find a copy already converted to screw drive since neither K-3 nor K-3II can be used to convert to screw drive. Or can any of those two be used to convert nowadays?
Neither K-3 nor K-3II can be used to convert. I do offer a conversion service which I can PM you about or you can find in the marketplace. I have worked with buyers and sellers and had lenses shipped to me first and then to the buyer to reduce the shipping overhead for people.
07-31-2018, 09:35 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
Neither K-3 nor K-3II can be used to convert. I do offer a conversion service which I can PM you about or you can find in the marketplace. I have worked with buyers and sellers and had lenses shipped to me first and then to the buyer to reduce the shipping overhead for people.
I actually might know of an used ex of the DA 16-50 here in Sweden, if I'm not mistaken the sdm still works on that one. If, or rather when, it breaks down I think it will be quite expensive to send it to the states for conversion though.
But if I buy a used from the states I'll contact you.
07-31-2018, 10:33 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Samoht Quote
The extra reach isn't that important, got the 50-135 and 60-250 as well so usually one of those two are mounted on the other camera. Will take a look at the used 16-50 area and see what I can find, perhaps it's preferable to find a copy already converted to screw drive since neither K-3 nor K-3II can be used to convert to screw drive. Or can any of those two be used to convert nowadays?
If you have 60-250, I'd definitely look to get to 16mm. So Pentax 16-50, or 16-85. Personally I'd probably go with the 16-85 to reduce the number of lens changes. But I tend to use primes when I need 2.8 so my preference may not be relevant.
07-31-2018, 10:45 AM   #13
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The da 16-85 handles flare nicely in my experience. But it's no constant f2.8, so for indoors, dark forests, or overcast days I bring either a tripod or brighter lenses (primes in my case)
07-31-2018, 01:36 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by Samoht Quote
I actually might know of an used ex of the DA 16-50 here in Sweden, if I'm not mistaken the sdm still works on that one. If, or rather when, it breaks down I think it will be quite expensive to send it to the states for conversion though.
But if I buy a used from the states I'll contact you.
If you know someone with an older camera there the lens conversion isn't too hard. I can offer some advice but the best info is on the threads on PF. Happy to give a little advice however if that should come to pass.
07-31-2018, 02:55 PM   #15
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well you re lucky, we don't seem to have cheap second hand 16-50's here, thus why I'd go the Tamron at this stage
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