[dinneenp]

Hi,
I have a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 that has focusing issues under 34mm. Got it repaired once but happening again so I want to replace it.
Main use weddings/family events.
I already have Sigma 30mm (main use- gigs), Pentax 100mm f/2.8, 70-200m f/2.8.
Am going to get a 50mm prime as well.

What to replace the Tamron with please. Budget is about €350 max.
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM gets great reviews but I'm struggling to source one. (I'm in Ireland, companies from UK won't ship & I need it before Sept 16th).

• - another Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8
• - Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4
• Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro- some say very soft wide open. Is it that bad/noticeable?
• something else?
  

Cheers,
pa.

[AlwaysAl]

For the crop sensor bodies, I have a love for the Sigma 18-35 ART. For a period of time, that was my go-to lense.

[repaap]

DA*16-50 PLM

I have DA*1650 SDM and even if it has it’s flaws, most of those are gone with K3-3. Like AF problems(my SDM is still working and did buy that thing 2009) gone. And that does rise it’s usability quite a bit. Going to update my SDM to PLM when I get money. Fringins and big part of distortion will be gone and sharpness increased. A bit pricey, but you really want f 2.8 for indoors

My copy of SDM version is sharp from 3,5 and up. Very usable even wide open

edit: coupel shot swid open with K-3III and 16-50 SDM









and stopped down





more shots in album, and many more id my DA* album. I'd buy this lens again easily. and I will but in latest version...

[C_Jones]

The Pentax HD 16-50 PLM seems to be a nice lens. It is the later version of the 16-50 which uses a PLM (pulse motor) that is supposedly quiet and fast. Below is a shortcut to a listing for it at B and H.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1653084-REG/pentax_hd_da_16_50mm_f2_8ed_plm.html

[ChristianRock]

People seem to have missed the OP's budget.
Lots of people seem happy with the Sigma 17-50mm but I personally find the SMC DA* 16-50mm (old version) hard to beat for rendering if skin tones - in that price range (used). I find it amazing for people pictures. The only concern is the SDM motos, but constant use and being a newer copy, should work just fine in my opinion.

[The Squirrel Mafia]

If you can find the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8, that would be the best lens for your budget.

A used DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 would also be nice, but the SDM motor will be a hit or miss. It also suffers from heavy purple fringing at times.


The new DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 PLM is insanely nice, but the price is definitely a lot higher than what your budget allows.

[rvandenbrink]

Easy choice - the kit lense goes from wide ange to moderate telephoto. For a crop camera 18-135, for a K-1 28-105
Both will give you very nice IQ and minimize lens changes for weddings and other events.

You don’t ever want to be that person that says “just give me a minute to change my lens” for what you meant to be a candid shot

[clackers]

Yes, I have the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 and it's pretty good. Out of production of course.

If you're serious, you can buy nice instead of buy twice ... wait longer, saving your pennies, and get that Pentax DA*16-50 PLM!

[UncleVanya]

Hi,
Main use weddings/family events.
I already have Sigma 30mm (main use- gigs), Pentax 100mm f/2.8, 70-200m f/2.8.
Am going to get a 50mm prime as well.

What to replace the Tamron with please. Budget is about €350 max.

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM gets great reviews but I'm struggling to source one. (I'm in Ireland, companies from UK won't ship & I need it before Sept 16th).

• - another Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8
• - Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4
• Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro- some say very soft wide open. Is it that bad/noticeable?
• something else?
  

Given the time issues I’d grab whatever you can find. However, I would probably rank them as follows:

1) Pentax HD 20-40 f2.8-4
2) Sigma 17-50/2.8 HSM
3) Pentax 16-50/2.8 SDM (used converted to screw drive off the noise isn’t a deal breaker)
4) Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4

A used 20-40 might work in your budget. It’s surprisingly flexible to be able to zoom that range but it isn’t f2.8 the entire way which could be limiting. The same is true of the 17-70, but the greater range means more f2.8 or close to it in the range you need to cover.

[TwoUptons]

I'd also suggest the original DA*16-50 f2.8 (not the PLM, for price reasons).

I really like my 20-40 Limited, but for weddings, it is too, well, limited... I really like having 16mm for groups and 50mm for closeups...
If I'm shooting for me, I usually take the 20-40, but I use the 16-50 when it matters.

I would, however, make sure you have plenty of time to practice with whatever you end up with ahead of time.
Weddings are not the time to try out new gear (don't ask me how I know )

-Eric

[wadge22]

I have the Tamron, although I rarely use it. (18-135 is what I normally use when I use a zoom, I guess I only got the 2.8 lenses for LBA reasons)

It is nicely compact, seems to perform well if not stellar, and they are amazingly cheap these days (usually under US$200 and sometimes down around $100 on ebay, although I don't know anything about how directly those prices apply if buying in Ireland).

You could potentially get another one of that lens now (obviously without the focusing issues of your current copy), and then go about saving your money for a better lens like the 16-50 PLM someday in the future. At around $100, you could keep the Tamron around as a backup lens and not feel bad about that money spent. Usually I agree with the "buy nice not twice" thinking, but sometimes common sense exceptions can be made.

[ramseybuckeye]

I replaced my Sigma 17-50 with the Pentax 20-40 and have never regretted it. I don’t do weddings, it is just a special lens.

[Angel Perez]

Before my K1 the Sigma 17-50 was my go to lens for events. Unfortunately I dropped it. If you can get your hands on one you won't regret it.

Good luck.

[Papa_Joe]

One of these: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison Review - The Bottom Line | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Myself being a happy Tamron 17-50/2.8 owner, I would go for another one. Although you have to make sure you get one in mint condition, as they do not head rough handling.

Hi,
I have a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 that has focusing issues under 34mm. Got it repaired once but happening again so I want to replace it.
Main use weddings/family events.
I already have Sigma 30mm (main use- gigs), Pentax 100mm f/2.8, 70-200m f/2.8.
Am going to get a 50mm prime as well.

What to replace the Tamron with please. Budget is about €350 max.
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM gets great reviews but I'm struggling to source one. (I'm in Ireland, companies from UK won't ship & I need it before Sept 16th).

• - another Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8
• - Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4
• Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro- some say very soft wide open. Is it that bad/noticeable?
• something else?
  

Cheers,
pa.

Have you tried (Berlin based) MPB? https://www.mpb.com/de-de/suchen?q=pentax&sort[productPrice]=DESC