Originally posted by link81 I have both the tamron and the 16-50.
The tamron is smaller and lighter, but i reach for the 16-50 every single time. I love what comes out of that lens. Not sure if its the color, or the contrast, or what it is. but i definitely prefer it.
Many of the best shooters on the forum share that opinion. Having been critical of the lens based on test chart numbers, I've definitely been turned around by the number of reports like the one above. TO the point that I'm now thinking of looking for one second hand to replace the wife's Tamron. Just from the various reports and testimonials over the years, supported by the images I've seen, I'm convinced a second hand DA*16-50 will be better for us, than either the Tamron or the Sigma bought new.
It could be that the more talented shooters choose Pentax glass, or that there are a lot more 16-50 shooters than 17-50 shooters skewing the sample. But, in the end, people have shown you can get top tier images with a DA*16-50. Maybe you can as well sith the Tamron or Sigma, but I'm not taking the chance that 5 years down the line I'm shopping for another lens in this category because of the build quality of a 3rd party lens.
The lens has been a hot topic for my whole 10 years on the forum. At this point I've dealt with all the negativity and would be happy to purchase one, and may do so in the near future. I know the risks, but from what I've seen, they are worth it.
Just my an opinion.based on years of observation, nothing scientific.