Question for 16-50mm owners

**Canada_Rockies** · 01-04-2008, 04:56 PM

Originally posted by Tbear

I have never doubted that there are well-made copies of the DA* 16-50mm out there. I'm hoping that the lens Pentax sends back to me will be among them.

I am just boasting about my luck.

Tbear · 01-04-2008, 05:23 PM

Originally posted by benjikan

I have spoken with Pentax..I have shared the concerns on this forum and others and they are addressing the issues expressed

Thanks
Ben

Well, sadly, Ben, Pentax Customer Service in CO, USA told me they were unaware of any QC issues with this lens. I'm awaiting my replacement DA*16-50. The other one had horrible sharpness on the left side of all images in a newspaper test, where my kit lens outperformed the * lens.

Rico · 01-04-2008, 05:37 PM

Tbear good luck. I hope the turn around is sooner rather than later for you. Happy Shooting.

jbcampbell · 01-04-2008, 09:35 PM

I just went on the B&H site to check the status of my returned lens & noticed that the price has dropped $150.00. When I ordered my last one on 12/17 from them I paid $899.95 & now it's $749.95.

jgredline · 01-04-2008, 09:41 PM

Originally posted by jbcampbell

I just went on the B&H site to check the status of my returned lens & noticed that the price has dropped $150.00. When I ordered my last one on 12/17 from them I paid $899.95 & now it's $749.95.

No kidding? i $899.00 for mine also. That stinks!

**Canada_Rockies** · 01-04-2008, 11:24 PM

Originally posted by jgredline

No kidding? i $899.00 for mine also. That stinks!

Stop your whining. I paid $945 for mine.

little laker · 01-05-2008, 12:37 AM

Originally posted by Kaimarx

Real bummer for the Pentax brand this issue with the DA* 16-50. As an overseas buyer i simply cant afford to take the gamble on hoping to recieve a "good" copy. Pentax aren't well estabilished in the southern hemisphere so no one wants to hear about it if you've got complaints. That really sucks.

Kaimarx,
I know of at least one shop in Canada where they won't hesitate testing anything before they send it to you.

If you want they'll even e-mail you the tests taken on their cameras of course. Or mine if their new shipment hasn't arrived.

jbcampbell · 01-05-2008, 06:55 AM

Originally posted by jgredline

No kidding? i $899.00 for mine also. That stinks!

Originally posted by Canada_Rockies

Stop your whining. I paid $945 for mine.

I email their Customer Support last night requesting that I get a credit for the $150 difference when they process my exchange.
That will cover the cost of me having to ship 3 of these lenses back

Here's the link to the lens:
Pentax | SMCP-DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED SDM Lens | 21650 | B&H Photo

jgredline · 01-06-2008, 12:03 AM

I went to the beach today, last minute, so I used what I had in my truck.
MY K110D with the 18-55mm kit lens...Sadly this kit lens takes much better pics than does my 16-50* lens..If I could get these results with my wazoo 16-50* lens I would be happy...

These pics have been resized only and shot on whim..

Tom Lusk · 01-06-2008, 12:00 PM

To make this whole 16-50 mess even worse is the recently reported apparent problem of lenses that are initially fine, but, because of poor machining in the barrel (rough finish), develop problems after use.

I've been waiting anxiously for the long overdue long/extreme tele primes, but I won't even think of buying any of the new lenses until I am satisfied the QC problems have been solved.

jbcampbell- you're not the only one to have to send back THREE defective 16-50's, incredible as that may sound.

dparson · 01-11-2008, 06:52 PM

Whose got a good copy and from where?
Anything to the 2nd batch theory? Whose selling the latest batch?

I know that all of this is sort of relative -- but if there are some who have gotten a good copy (in the last few weeks) from a particular retailer -- it might be worth looking into. Also, if you have gotten a 16-50 in the past few weeks -- and it is a good copy - what are the few few digits of the serial number.

I know my best chance to is to go to a brick and mortar store -- but that is not easy from where I live and it is way more expensive.

thanks

wlachan · 01-11-2008, 06:59 PM

From what I remember, there were user complaints from both batches (9...... & 2......).

jbcampbell · 01-11-2008, 07:52 PM

I have been through 3 & I am waiting for B&H to send #4. They must be real busy with Christmas returns it's taking them forever to process my exchange.
Anyway all 3 of the previous lenses were SN 9xxx....
I will let you know when I get it & have a chance to try it out.

fwbigd · 01-11-2008, 09:09 PM

Originally posted by dparson

Whose got a good copy and from where?
Anything to the 2nd batch theory? Whose selling the latest batch?

I know that all of this is sort of relative -- but if there are some who have gotten a good copy (in the last few weeks) from a particular retailer -- it might be worth looking into. Also, if you have gotten a 16-50 in the past few weeks -- and it is a good copy - what are the few few digits of the serial number.

I know my best chance to is to go to a brick and mortar store -- but that is not easy from where I live and it is way more expensive.

thanks

Arlington Camera in Arlington Texas has lens from the second batch in stock. Their website is http://www.arlingtoncamera.com.

VR
Darryl

dparson · 01-11-2008, 09:53 PM

Thanks for the info
fwbigd - did you get your 16-50 from the place you listed? How is it? Was it mail order or did you go to the store?

JB - hope you get yours soon. I look forward to hearing your follow up. I almost pulled the trigger on the 16-50 from B&H today and decided to wait for some input.

Thanks

View Poll Results: Is this DA*16-50mm good or bad?
Keep it -- it's good.	23	88.46%
Return it or send it in for repair.	3	11.54%
Voters: 26. You may not vote on this poll

01-06-2008, 12:00 PM	#235
Tom Lusk Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 973	To make this whole 16-50 mess even worse is the recently reported apparent problem of lenses that are initially fine, but, because of poor machining in the barrel (rough finish), develop problems after use. I've been waiting anxiously for the long overdue long/extreme tele primes, but I won't even think of buying any of the new lenses until I am satisfied the QC problems have been solved. jbcampbell- you're not the only one to have to send back THREE defective 16-50's, incredible as that may sound. Last edited by Tom Lusk; 01-06-2008 at 12:01 PM. Reason: Clarification

01-11-2008, 06:52 PM	#236
dparson New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 10	Pentax 16-50mm Buying Concerns Whose got a good copy and from where? Anything to the 2nd batch theory? Whose selling the latest batch? I know that all of this is sort of relative -- but if there are some who have gotten a good copy (in the last few weeks) from a particular retailer -- it might be worth looking into. Also, if you have gotten a 16-50 in the past few weeks -- and it is a good copy - what are the few few digits of the serial number. I know my best chance to is to go to a brick and mortar store -- but that is not easy from where I live and it is way more expensive. thanks

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01-04-2008, 04:56 PM	#226
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by Tbear I have never doubted that there are well-made copies of the DA* 16-50mm out there. I'm hoping that the lens Pentax sends back to me will be among them. I am just boasting about my luck.

01-04-2008, 05:23 PM	#227
Tbear Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 269	Originally posted by benjikan I have spoken with Pentax..I have shared the concerns on this forum and others and they are addressing the issues expressed Thanks Ben Well, sadly, Ben, Pentax Customer Service in CO, USA told me they were unaware of any QC issues with this lens. I'm awaiting my replacement DA16-50. The other one had horrible sharpness on the left side of all images in a newspaper test, where my kit lens outperformed the lens.

01-04-2008, 05:37 PM	#228
Rico Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,205	Tbear good luck. I hope the turn around is sooner rather than later for you. Happy Shooting.

01-04-2008, 09:35 PM	#229
jbcampbell Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 215	I just went on the B&H site to check the status of my returned lens & noticed that the price has dropped $150.00. When I ordered my last one on 12/17 from them I paid $899.95 & now it's $749.95.

01-04-2008, 09:41 PM	#230
jgredline Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LosAngeles, Ca. Photos: Albums Posts: 10,628	Originally posted by jbcampbell I just went on the B&H site to check the status of my returned lens & noticed that the price has dropped $150.00. When I ordered my last one on 12/17 from them I paid $899.95 & now it's $749.95. No kidding? i $899.00 for mine also. That stinks!

01-04-2008, 11:24 PM	#231
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by jgredline No kidding? i $899.00 for mine also. That stinks! Stop your whining. I paid $945 for mine.

01-05-2008, 12:37 AM	#232
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	Originally posted by Kaimarx Real bummer for the Pentax brand this issue with the DA* 16-50. As an overseas buyer i simply cant afford to take the gamble on hoping to recieve a "good" copy. Pentax aren't well estabilished in the southern hemisphere so no one wants to hear about it if you've got complaints. That really sucks. Kaimarx, I know of at least one shop in Canada where they won't hesitate testing anything before they send it to you. If you want they'll even e-mail you the tests taken on their cameras of course. Or mine if their new shipment hasn't arrived.

01-05-2008, 06:55 AM	#233
jbcampbell Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 215	Originally posted by jgredline No kidding? i $899.00 for mine also. That stinks! Originally posted by Canada_Rockies Stop your whining. I paid $945 for mine. I email their Customer Support last night requesting that I get a credit for the $150 difference when they process my exchange. That will cover the cost of me having to ship 3 of these lenses back Here's the link to the lens: Pentax \| SMCP-DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED SDM Lens \| 21650 \| B&H Photo

01-06-2008, 12:03 AM	#234
jgredline Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LosAngeles, Ca. Photos: Albums Posts: 10,628	I went to the beach today, last minute, so I used what I had in my truck. MY K110D with the 18-55mm kit lens...Sadly this kit lens takes much better pics than does my 16-50* lens..If I could get these results with my wazoo 16-50* lens I would be happy... These pics have been resized only and shot on whim..

01-11-2008, 06:59 PM	#237
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	From what I remember, there were user complaints from both batches (9...... & 2......).

01-11-2008, 07:52 PM	#238
jbcampbell Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 215	I have been through 3 & I am waiting for B&H to send #4. They must be real busy with Christmas returns it's taking them forever to process my exchange. Anyway all 3 of the previous lenses were SN 9xxx.... I will let you know when I get it & have a chance to try it out.

01-11-2008, 09:09 PM	#239
fwbigd Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fort Worth TX Posts: 339	Originally posted by dparson Whose got a good copy and from where? Anything to the 2nd batch theory? Whose selling the latest batch? I know that all of this is sort of relative -- but if there are some who have gotten a good copy (in the last few weeks) from a particular retailer -- it might be worth looking into. Also, if you have gotten a 16-50 in the past few weeks -- and it is a good copy - what are the few few digits of the serial number. I know my best chance to is to go to a brick and mortar store -- but that is not easy from where I live and it is way more expensive. thanks Arlington Camera in Arlington Texas has lens from the second batch in stock. Their website is http://www.arlingtoncamera.com. VR Darryl

01-11-2008, 09:53 PM	#240
dparson New Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 10	Thanks for the info fwbigd - did you get your 16-50 from the place you listed? How is it? Was it mail order or did you go to the store? JB - hope you get yours soon. I look forward to hearing your follow up. I almost pulled the trigger on the 16-50 from B&H today and decided to wait for some input. Thanks