Full frame coverage of the new DA* 16-50mm F2.8 PLM

Adam · 12-23-2021, 05:07 PM - **1 Like**

When we originally posted our in-depth review of the new HD Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 PLM, one thing that was "missing" was a full-frame coverage test. Of course, this lens isn't designed for full frame, but for the sake of completeness it's definitely good to know how it fares. The data has now been added to the review, our lens database, as well as the comprehensive list of DA lens coverage on full frame.

Unsurprisingly, there is no FF coverage across the zoom range, with black corners and edges, plus vignetting on top of that. Most of the edges do get covered by 50mm, but not the corners. So, per our rating scale this doesn't move the lens out of "no coverage" territory.

The good news is, though, that from 22mm onwards there is near perfect coverage in 1:1 crop mode. Also, the AF speed of this lens is incredible. Hopefully there will one day be a comparable lens for FF to replace the 24-70mm!

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

**Joetitch** · 12-23-2021, 08:11 PM

And here I am trying to get my LBA under control.😊

**i_trax** · 12-23-2021, 11:00 PM

Interesting news, interesting lens ,

I did get an offer I just could not refused so now waiting time , still on back order .
I am not too happy with DFA 24-70 , just too big for my liking.
I my ripe age the sizes / weight matters more and more.......

Sandy Hancock · 12-23-2021, 11:37 PM

Originally posted by i_trax

I am not too happy with DFA 24-70 , just too big for my liking.
I my ripe age the sizes / weight matters more and more.......

I'm afraid there's not actually much difference in size and weight between the DA* 16-50 and the DFA 24-70. Mind you, if you pair the former with the KP and the latter with the K-1, the difference becomes significant.

Then compare the addition of a DA* 11-18 and DA 55-300 PLM vs the DFA 15-30 and DFA 150-450. I know which system I would rather carry over any significant distance.

**acoufap** · 12-24-2021, 02:38 AM

Hi Adam, I like DA lenses if they at some point are properly usable with FF like my DA*11-18. I'm looking for such compromise lenses that are more lightweight and smaller than their full FF counterparts. This DA*16-50 doesn't seem to fit my demands for K-1 and KP usage. Important to know. Many thanks for testing and offering this info!

repaap · 12-24-2021, 04:42 AM

Not so surprising result

. Although it is good to know

**EssJayEff** · 12-24-2021, 07:15 AM

Hm . . . I wonder if I should give a try on my K-1 with a 1:1 crop using my original 16-55?

12-23-2021, 05:07 PM - 1 Like	#1
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	*Full frame coverage of the new DA 16-50mm F2.8 PLM** When we originally posted our in-depth review of the new HD Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 PLM, one thing that was "missing" was a full-frame coverage test. Of course, this lens isn't designed for full frame, but for the sake of completeness it's definitely good to know how it fares. The data has now been added to the review, our lens database, as well as the comprehensive list of DA lens coverage on full frame. Unsurprisingly, there is no FF coverage across the zoom range, with black corners and edges, plus vignetting on top of that. Most of the edges do get covered by 50mm, but not the corners. So, per our rating scale this doesn't move the lens out of "no coverage" territory. The good news is, though, that from 22mm onwards there is near perfect coverage in 1:1 crop mode. Also, the AF speed of this lens is incredible. Hopefully there will one day be a comparable lens for FF to replace the 24-70mm! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: Sigma 24mm f/2.8 "Super-Wide II" for K mount (full frame coverage)	mattb123	Sold Items	13	10-03-2019 04:10 PM
Full Frame Coverage of DA Lenses	PF Staff	Homepage & Official Pentax News	11	01-13-2019 12:17 PM
is new DA 55-300 WR PLM full frame compatible ?	trumanusa	Pentax K-1 & K-1 II	13	02-13-2017 09:45 PM
Full Frame Full Frame	vanchaz2002	Pentax DSLR Discussion	30	12-11-2008 07:09 AM

12-23-2021, 08:11 PM	#2
Joetitch Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Leura NSW Posts: 502	And here I am trying to get my LBA under control.😊

12-23-2021, 11:00 PM	#3
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	Interesting news, interesting lens , I did get an offer I just could not refused so now waiting time , still on back order . I am not too happy with DFA 24-70 , just too big for my liking. I my ripe age the sizes / weight matters more and more.......

12-23-2021, 11:37 PM	#4
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	Originally posted by i_trax I am not too happy with DFA 24-70 , just too big for my liking. I my ripe age the sizes / weight matters more and more....... I'm afraid there's not actually much difference in size and weight between the DA* 16-50 and the DFA 24-70. Mind you, if you pair the former with the KP and the latter with the K-1, the difference becomes significant. Then compare the addition of a DA* 11-18 and DA 55-300 PLM vs the DFA 15-30 and DFA 150-450. I know which system I would rather carry over any significant distance.

12-24-2021, 02:38 AM	#5
acoufap Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Munich, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,187	Hi Adam, I like DA lenses if they at some point are properly usable with FF like my DA11-18. I'm looking for such compromise lenses that are more lightweight and smaller than their full FF counterparts. This DA16-50 doesn't seem to fit my demands for K-1 and KP usage. Important to know. Many thanks for testing and offering this info!

12-24-2021, 04:42 AM	#6
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Not so surprising result . Although it is good to know

12-24-2021, 07:15 AM	#7
EssJayEff Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: near Saxapahaw, NC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 969	Hm . . . I wonder if I should give a try on my K-1 with a 1:1 crop using my original 16-55?