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| 10-11-2021, 07:56 PM | #1 |
| Is the DA*16-50 PLM worth the money? | |
| 10-11-2021, 08:08 PM | #2 |
| 10-11-2021, 08:44 PM - 1 Like | #3 |
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Well I purchased one, happy with the results so far, I have been comparing it to some of my other lenses, you can see some samples here Lens tests 16-50 old new and others | Flickr then some photos of general scenes here Single in October 21 Pentax DA* HD 16-50 PLM 2.8 | Flickr In my opinion it is an improvement on the older smc 16-50, but not sure if it would replace the 35 macro, easily covers the other two lenses though. The results at 2.8 seem pretty good and better when stopped down. It does weigh quite a lot so if small and discreet are where you are aiming at, forget it, like most of the recent lenses, it is a large and heavy lens, especially against the 3 lenses you mentioned. Good luck in assembling your new kit, your money, your choices  | |
| 10-11-2021, 08:56 PM - 3 Likes | #4 |
 Originally posted by sarge  I thought I had settled on getting the 15mm Limited, the 20-40 Limited and the 35 Limited Macro. (Along with a few other lenses) I have been watching and reading reviews on the 16-50 PLM and am really trying to decide if it is worth the money. What do you folks think? 15 190g 20-40 283g 35 215g 15-40 f4-f2.8-f4 688g Adds macro, not PLM speed focusing, Screw drive 35 & 15 WR 20-40 Lens between 190-283g depending on which is mounted. DA Limited optics Limited zoom range Slower aperture Smaller filters Multiple sizes of filters Smc available in 15 for starbursts if desired Well known designs with reputable durability and reliability. 16-50 PLM 712g WR 16-50 No macro Lens never less than 712g DA* optics Large (expensive) filters Only one size filter needed Large lens Newish design - unknown durability and reliability Tough choice. | |
| 10-12-2021, 12:38 AM | #5 |
| Originally posted by DonV sarge, Do you mean instead of the other 3 lenses mentioned; or in addition to? ---------- Post added 10-12-21 at 01:52 AM ---------- Originally posted by UncleVanya Whats your tolerance for weight - both carried in the bag and on the camera? 15 190g 20-40 283g 35 215g 15-40 f4-f2.8-f4 688g Adds macro, not PLM speed focusing, Screw drive 35 & 15 WR 20-40 Lens between 190-283g depending on which is mounted. DA Limited optics Limited zoom range Slower aperture Smaller filters Multiple sizes of filters Smc available in 15 for starbursts if desired Well known designs with reputable durability and reliability. 16-50 PLM 712g WR 16-50 No macro Lens never less than 712g DA* optics Large (expensive) filters Only one size filter needed Large lens Newish design - unknown durability and reliability Tough choice. Thanks for this breakdown. Filters are not an issue for me, I own everything I need in every size I may need. They may be for someone else who is looking at this choice. Weight is a concern for me. I had not realized the total weight of the 3 Limiteds was still less than the DA*. That is definitely something to think about. | |
| 10-12-2021, 05:14 AM - 1 Like | #6 |
| Originally posted by sarge Instead of. ---------- Post added 10-12-21 at 01:52 AM ---------- Wow! Thanks for this breakdown. Filters are not an issue for me, I own everything I need in every size I may need. They may be for someone else who is looking at this choice. Weight is a concern for me. I had not realized the total weight of the 3 Limiteds was still less than the DA*. That is definitely something to think about. How would you think you would carry them? The method you choose may weigh much more with one vs the other method. If the da 20-40 fits in the Limited lens case that Pentax made that might be a good option for the multiple lens carry solution. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/888257-REG/Pentax_85230_Da_Limited_Le...981& | |
| 10-12-2021, 05:22 AM | #7 |
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For what I have seen peolpe posting pictures from their DA*16-50PLM, is amazing. Only thing you won't get is a proper macro from DA*16-50 which seems to be very sharp from wide open(none of limiteds does that), especially from wide open. only DA 20-40 is WR, but focus is slow and it has variable aperture. AF from DA*16-50 is fastest in pentax -land, ever. Fast, Fast and snappy. Superb sharpness. Yes, Limiteds have their strengths too, and they are completelly differently designed. So different value on the table at here. About size, really! you guys consider that weight heavy? Then indeed go with primes only | |
| 10-12-2021, 06:05 AM | #8 |
| Originally posted by UncleVanya To be perfectly honest that difference in weight is rather small. (30g). How would you think you would carry them? The method you choose may weigh much more with one vs the other method. If the da 20-40 fits in the Limited lens case that Pentax made that might be a good option for the multiple lens carry solution. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/888257-REG/Pentax_85230_Da_Limited_Le...981& I also have a Think Tank Retrospective 10 I use for day trips and such. | |
| 10-12-2021, 06:17 AM - 1 Like | #10 |
| Originally posted by sarge When I do weddings I use a roller bag with a small bag for a couple of lenses. I also have a Think Tank Retrospective 10 I use for day trips and such. For personal photography, The smaller lenses might be more interesting, and offer potentially different rendering and other interesting creative options (starbursts if using the smc 15 for example). | |
| 10-12-2021, 06:36 AM - 1 Like | #11 |
| Originally posted by bdery I'm performing the Pentaxforums review right now for the 16-50 PLM, and my two cents are : it's a fantastic lens, well worth it! So far in my limited time with it I'd agree, the lens is fantastic. Funny thing too, I don't find it to be heavy on the K3III, but dang it's fast to focus and covers a good range. The final test for whether it stays or goes in my bag will be on the next stage/event shoot. I'm hopeful it replaces both the Sigma 18-35 and HDFA50 I often carry to one, saving space and weight without compromising the images. I already know for certain the 16-50 will not miss as many shots on the Sigma does. The 18-35 is a great lens for sure, sharp, good color, and love the 1.8 aperture, but the focus is certainly not as dependable. I can't ask for a stop and do-over from the rock/country band I'm shooting. | |
| 10-12-2021, 07:34 AM | #12 |
| 10-12-2021, 10:15 AM | #13 |
| Originally posted by gatorguy Wondering when you were getting around to it. | |
| 10-12-2021, 10:23 AM - 1 Like | #14 |
| Originally posted by UncleVanya For wedding photography I wouldn’t hesitate - get the new 16-50. It offers f2.8 and high sharpness from wide to short telephoto without any lens change delays.For personal photography, The smaller lenses might be more interesting, and offer potentially different rendering and other interesting creative options (starbursts if using the smc 15 for example). | |
| 10-12-2021, 11:13 AM | #15 |
| Originally posted by bdery The K-3 III review needed to be performed first :P | |
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| choice, da*, da*16-50 plm, durability, filters, k-mount, lens, pentax lens, plm, reliability, size, slr lens, weight |
Post #22 by bdery 
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