Your biggest disappointment lens of 2008

Peter Zack · 01-02-2009, 10:41 AM

Originally posted by kenyee

Tamron 28-75....3 bad copies in a row. If not for B&H's great return policy, I'd be totally ticked at Tamron. Their in-lens motor sucks and they really need to steal Sigma's ring HSM design...

For what brand of camera? This is screw drive on Pentax.

cred1t · 01-02-2009, 01:58 PM

Biggest disappontment was definitely Tokina RMC 135/2.8... just.. avoid it.
I didn't know that any manufacturer could produce this kind of... lens. It's not sharp, it has lot of purple fringing and ghosting effects, it's bokeh is ugly etc.

chicochongchu · 01-03-2009, 05:49 AM

Originally posted by Eastern Shore Charlie

My biggest disappointment lens of 2008 is the DA*16-50. I read all the issues and non issues that people where having with this lens before I bought it. The lenses that worked produced some really beautiful shots. That 16-50 range sounded so good and so I bought one. When I first got mine the focus was spot on and produced some really nice shots. Then the AF started acting up. I thought it might be me at first. But the more I used it the more I was starting to get annoyed that something was just not right. It would AF and then it would not. Finally the AF just died. Sent it back to Pentax in the middle of this month and still waiting to get it back. I could of used it for Christmas shots. Yeah I know things do happen, but being the the top of the line * lens it has been a very frustrating experience to say the least. I trust my kit lens more that I do this lens. It's being sold when I get it back. What's your biggest lens disappointment of 2008?

Hi Charlie,

Just read this post now...

my first 16 - 50 stopped AF-ing 1 week after i got it... The shop replaced it in 1 week, and my second copy is just awesome!

i know there have been billions of issues with the DA* 16 - 50 - but really... if you get a good copy it's really a good "real world" lens. its not a perfect lens, but so far it's been serving its purpose!

so the biggest dissapointment was the first faulty 16 - 50

happy new year!

Mechan1k · 01-04-2009, 01:40 PM

Originally posted by G_Money

Phew, Mechan1k, I thought for a minute you might say it was the Zenitar I sold you!! lmao

How did i miss this post.

Hell no ... I have hardly used the "Z" ... but it does get it's uses ... and works a treat as well. The F/E is very limited in usage ... but i love the effects.

So does my mate ... I took close-up shots of his raised Black Jeep Wrangler in the carpark at work and the Zenitar was great to use .... I couldn't believe how close i could get to the 4WD ... and the distortion factor really did make the images pretty impressive.

It might not get used that much ... but I will find uses for it when it is needed.

kev.pride · 01-04-2009, 04:30 PM

Mine is the Super Tak 200/4. Whilst the photos are sharp it lacks something - and the lens looks battle scarred - I bought it with LBA as I had just missed out on a pristine SMC version and I had not seen any for weeks.

Since then heaps have appeared all better than mine so lesson learnt. just be patient.

Mechan1k · 01-04-2009, 04:50 PM

Kevin ... you have the same issue I do ... I just find my version of the Super Tak 200/4 just doesn't have the colour/contrast of the rest of them.

leadbelly · 01-04-2009, 05:46 PM

I don't know if this is the right thread, but here's my dissapointment of the year ('08)... I got the 16-50, put it in my K20D, and wasn't really blown away by it. I "AF adjusted" the K20D, from -9 to +9 but still a mediocre performance from my 16-50. I decided that before the warranty was up, to have the lens replaced or adjusted or whatever by Pentax...

Then I tried it on my K100D... the images produced by the 16-50 + K100D combo was awesome! Sharpness and overall IQ comparable to a prime! And very much similar to my 50-135. I now use my 16-50 on my K100D almost exclusively, with the 50-135 on my K20D. The K100D back focuses a tad with the 16-50, but still, the IQ from it is much better than with the K20D. So it was not the lens I was dissapointed with but with the K20D... what am I missing here? Do I have to send my K20 to Pentax or something?

ll_coffee_lP · 01-04-2009, 05:58 PM

The fact that I don't have a DA*55mm yet is my biggest disappointment.

c[_]

Maxington · 01-04-2009, 07:19 PM

Originally posted by leadbelly

I don't know if this is the right thread, but here's my dissapointment of the year ('08)... I got the 16-50, put it in my K20D, and wasn't really blown away by it. I "AF adjusted" the K20D, from -9 to +9 but still a mediocre performance from my 16-50. I decided that before the warranty was up, to have the lens replaced or adjusted or whatever by Pentax...

Then I tried it on my K100D... the images produced by the 16-50 + K100D combo was awesome! Sharpness and overall IQ comparable to a prime! And very much similar to my 50-135. I now use my 16-50 on my K100D almost exclusively, with the 50-135 on my K20D. The K100D back focuses a tad with the 16-50, but still, the IQ from it is much better than with the K20D. So it was not the lens I was dissapointed with but with the K20D... what am I missing here? Do I have to send my K20 to Pentax or something?

A 6 megapixel sensor is far far more forgiving than a near 15 megapixel sensor.

And the DA* 16-50 isn't that great wide open, I don't know what Av you shoot at though. But it has kickass micro-contrast, it makes landscape scenes pop.

khardur · 01-04-2009, 09:26 PM

my biggest disappointment wasn't in the lens, (Pentax 28-70 f/4) but the range. I'm glad I bought it used and for very cheap - since I didn't have money to buy the highly regarded Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. I almost bought it but I settled for the Pentax because I was low on cash.

I'm glad I went el-cheapo, because the wide end just isn't wide enough for me with the crop factor, and I hardly use it unless I have to. I'm thinking of the Sigma or Pentax 17-70 will work better for my shooting styles/subjects.

On another note, I have a total love-hate relationship with my 10-17 FE. Either I love the results or I feel like drop kicking it. I'm keeping it for sure, but it's cursed I tell you...

terminator · 01-04-2009, 09:37 PM

For me, it is 31mm FA. I am new to Pentax - coming from Canon camp. From f/1.8 - f/2.5, images are too soft from my point of view. Maybe it is an AF issue - I am using K2000.

I also have a 77mm FA. It has obvious front focus on my K2000. However, the sharpness at the "real" focus point is excellent at f/1.8.

leadbelly · 01-04-2009, 10:07 PM

@Maxington: I'm glad to read you say how a 6mp sensor is more forgiving... for a second there, I thought my K20D might be defective or something!

I shoot mostly at 2.8 (portraits and indoor shots), but for landscapes, I shoot at f8-f11. With the K20D, at that aperture, the lens is excellent!

rfortson · 01-05-2009, 04:23 PM

The 77 Ltd.

Seriously, I'm happy with all the lenses I bought, including the 77 Ltd, which took beautiful images. However, the 50-135 was so convenient and took outstanding images as well, so I wasn't using the 77 Ltd enough. Therefore, I sold it to someone that would use it and love it like it deserves.

I guess that means I was disappointed with the 77 Ltd.

**NaClH2O** · 01-05-2009, 06:02 PM

Has to be the FA* 24mm. I was really excited to get my hands on a "*" lens, but it turned out to be a real dog. It wouldn't focus (either AF or MF) correctly if the subject was closer than 10 feet, and it had a horrible horrible jumbled up bokeh. I suspect it there was some serious internal misalignment. Fortunately KEH took it back with no questions asked.

NaCl(love their return policy)H2O

kibipod · 01-11-2009, 08:28 AM

I wanted to buy 35mm f2 and 50mm f1.4. However, did not save enough. Bought a K20D to replace K10D.

The price will go up from Feb 2009. I am sooooooooooooo sad.

01-11-2009, 08:28 AM	#90
kibipod Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 276	short on cash I wanted to buy 35mm f2 and 50mm f1.4. However, did not save enough. Bought a K20D to replace K10D. The price will go up from Feb 2009. I am sooooooooooooo sad.

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01-02-2009, 10:41 AM	#76
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Originally posted by kenyee Tamron 28-75....3 bad copies in a row. If not for B&H's great return policy, I'd be totally ticked at Tamron. Their in-lens motor sucks and they really need to steal Sigma's ring HSM design... For what brand of camera? This is screw drive on Pentax.

01-02-2009, 01:58 PM	#77
cred1t New Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Finland Posts: 4	Biggest disappontment was definitely Tokina RMC 135/2.8... just.. avoid it. I didn't know that any manufacturer could produce this kind of... lens. It's not sharp, it has lot of purple fringing and ghosting effects, it's bokeh is ugly etc.

01-03-2009, 05:49 AM	#78
chicochongchu Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Alabang Posts: 28	Originally posted by Eastern Shore Charlie My biggest disappointment lens of 2008 is the DA16-50. I read all the issues and non issues that people where having with this lens before I bought it. The lenses that worked produced some really beautiful shots. That 16-50 range sounded so good and so I bought one. When I first got mine the focus was spot on and produced some really nice shots. Then the AF started acting up. I thought it might be me at first. But the more I used it the more I was starting to get annoyed that something was just not right. It would AF and then it would not. Finally the AF just died. Sent it back to Pentax in the middle of this month and still waiting to get it back. I could of used it for Christmas shots. Yeah I know things do happen, but being the the top of the line lens it has been a very frustrating experience to say the least. I trust my kit lens more that I do this lens. It's being sold when I get it back. What's your biggest lens disappointment of 2008? Hi Charlie, Just read this post now... my first 16 - 50 stopped AF-ing 1 week after i got it... The shop replaced it in 1 week, and my second copy is just awesome! i know there have been billions of issues with the DA* 16 - 50 - but really... if you get a good copy it's really a good "real world" lens. its not a perfect lens, but so far it's been serving its purpose! so the biggest dissapointment was the first faulty 16 - 50 happy new year!

01-04-2009, 01:40 PM	#79
Mechan1k Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,891	Originally posted by G_Money Phew, Mechan1k, I thought for a minute you might say it was the Zenitar I sold you!! lmao How did i miss this post. Hell no ... I have hardly used the "Z" ... but it does get it's uses ... and works a treat as well. The F/E is very limited in usage ... but i love the effects. So does my mate ... I took close-up shots of his raised Black Jeep Wrangler in the carpark at work and the Zenitar was great to use .... I couldn't believe how close i could get to the 4WD ... and the distortion factor really did make the images pretty impressive. It might not get used that much ... but I will find uses for it when it is needed.

01-04-2009, 04:30 PM	#80
kev.pride Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Modbury North, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 351	Mine is the Super Tak 200/4. Whilst the photos are sharp it lacks something - and the lens looks battle scarred - I bought it with LBA as I had just missed out on a pristine SMC version and I had not seen any for weeks. Since then heaps have appeared all better than mine so lesson learnt. just be patient.

01-04-2009, 04:50 PM	#81
Mechan1k Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,891	Kevin ... you have the same issue I do ... I just find my version of the Super Tak 200/4 just doesn't have the colour/contrast of the rest of them.

01-04-2009, 05:46 PM	#82
leadbelly Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 597	I don't know if this is the right thread, but here's my dissapointment of the year ('08)... I got the 16-50, put it in my K20D, and wasn't really blown away by it. I "AF adjusted" the K20D, from -9 to +9 but still a mediocre performance from my 16-50. I decided that before the warranty was up, to have the lens replaced or adjusted or whatever by Pentax... Then I tried it on my K100D... the images produced by the 16-50 + K100D combo was awesome! Sharpness and overall IQ comparable to a prime! And very much similar to my 50-135. I now use my 16-50 on my K100D almost exclusively, with the 50-135 on my K20D. The K100D back focuses a tad with the 16-50, but still, the IQ from it is much better than with the K20D. So it was not the lens I was dissapointed with but with the K20D... what am I missing here? Do I have to send my K20 to Pentax or something?

01-04-2009, 05:58 PM	#83
ll_coffee_lP Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,972	The fact that I don't have a DA*55mm yet is my biggest disappointment. c[_]

01-04-2009, 07:19 PM	#84
Maxington Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 255	Originally posted by leadbelly I don't know if this is the right thread, but here's my dissapointment of the year ('08)... I got the 16-50, put it in my K20D, and wasn't really blown away by it. I "AF adjusted" the K20D, from -9 to +9 but still a mediocre performance from my 16-50. I decided that before the warranty was up, to have the lens replaced or adjusted or whatever by Pentax... Then I tried it on my K100D... the images produced by the 16-50 + K100D combo was awesome! Sharpness and overall IQ comparable to a prime! And very much similar to my 50-135. I now use my 16-50 on my K100D almost exclusively, with the 50-135 on my K20D. The K100D back focuses a tad with the 16-50, but still, the IQ from it is much better than with the K20D. So it was not the lens I was dissapointed with but with the K20D... what am I missing here? Do I have to send my K20 to Pentax or something? A 6 megapixel sensor is far far more forgiving than a near 15 megapixel sensor. And the DA* 16-50 isn't that great wide open, I don't know what Av you shoot at though. But it has kickass micro-contrast, it makes landscape scenes pop.

01-04-2009, 09:26 PM	#85
khardur Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Massachusetts Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,560	my biggest disappointment wasn't in the lens, (Pentax 28-70 f/4) but the range. I'm glad I bought it used and for very cheap - since I didn't have money to buy the highly regarded Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. I almost bought it but I settled for the Pentax because I was low on cash. I'm glad I went el-cheapo, because the wide end just isn't wide enough for me with the crop factor, and I hardly use it unless I have to. I'm thinking of the Sigma or Pentax 17-70 will work better for my shooting styles/subjects. On another note, I have a total love-hate relationship with my 10-17 FE. Either I love the results or I feel like drop kicking it. I'm keeping it for sure, but it's cursed I tell you...

01-04-2009, 09:37 PM	#86
terminator New Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: California Posts: 20	For me, it is 31mm FA. I am new to Pentax - coming from Canon camp. From f/1.8 - f/2.5, images are too soft from my point of view. Maybe it is an AF issue - I am using K2000. I also have a 77mm FA. It has obvious front focus on my K2000. However, the sharpness at the "real" focus point is excellent at f/1.8.

01-04-2009, 10:07 PM	#87
leadbelly Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 597	@Maxington: I'm glad to read you say how a 6mp sensor is more forgiving... for a second there, I thought my K20D might be defective or something! I shoot mostly at 2.8 (portraits and indoor shots), but for landscapes, I shoot at f8-f11. With the K20D, at that aperture, the lens is excellent!

01-05-2009, 04:23 PM	#88
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	The 77 Ltd. Seriously, I'm happy with all the lenses I bought, including the 77 Ltd, which took beautiful images. However, the 50-135 was so convenient and took outstanding images as well, so I wasn't using the 77 Ltd enough. Therefore, I sold it to someone that would use it and love it like it deserves. I guess that means I was disappointed with the 77 Ltd.

01-05-2009, 06:02 PM	#89
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	Has to be the FA* 24mm. I was really excited to get my hands on a "*" lens, but it turned out to be a real dog. It wouldn't focus (either AF or MF) correctly if the subject was closer than 10 feet, and it had a horrible horrible jumbled up bokeh. I suspect it there was some serious internal misalignment. Fortunately KEH took it back with no questions asked. NaCl(love their return policy)H2O