DA*16-50 safe to buy?

VHDEL · 06-13-2009, 05:54 PM

I'm interested in purchasing this lens overseas from the USA, probably Adorama.

Are the newer batch of lenses on the shelf have less of an issue with defects?

Regards

Del

**NaClH2O** · 06-13-2009, 07:20 PM

I'd be interested in forum members opinions on this too.

NaCl(there is no such thing as too many "normal" zooms)H2O

Peter Zack · 06-13-2009, 07:59 PM

My recent purchase of one (3 months ago) was fine. Focus is spot on and everything works as advertised. It seems from the lack of complaints since the new year that any 'first run' bad versions are out of the pipeline. I'd say as long as it's new and under factory warranty, get one.

**blackcloudbrew** · 06-13-2009, 08:42 PM

I purchased one from Adorama in February and it's by far the best lens I've ever used.

Tim

nulla · 06-13-2009, 08:52 PM

Originally posted by VHDEL

I'm interested in purchasing this lens overseas from the USA, probably Adorama.

Are the newer batch of lenses on the shelf have less of an issue with defects?

Regards

Del

Got my DA* 16-50 from B&H was worried like you but am so pleased I got this great zoom.

neil

cpopham · 06-14-2009, 03:22 AM

I purchased one locally last year, and it's a fantastic piece of glass. No complaints at all.

**Ash** · 06-14-2009, 05:40 AM

Got mine from KEH - 2nd hand in EX+ condition. Flawless given the expectation of off-centre softness at f/2.8, esp. at wide end. So no complaints from me either. Great lens.

VHDEL · 06-14-2009, 05:16 PM

Thank's for all your possitive responces.

Looks like this lens is now worth getting.

Cheers

Bossy · 06-14-2009, 09:13 PM

Well, I'm considering this lens as my new walkaround zoom lens since my Kit lens is kinda cracky..
This might be OOT, but,not about the range, does it perform better than Tamron's 28-75 or Sigma's 24-70 at F.2.8 ??

Cheers..

wlachan · 06-14-2009, 09:43 PM

Originally posted by VHDEL

I'm interested in purchasing this lens overseas from the USA, probably Adorama.

Are the newer batch of lenses on the shelf have less of an issue with defects?

Regards

Del

Just factor in some extra cash for exchange shippings so you won't be caught by surprise. Applies to any online purchase.

**Ash** · 06-14-2009, 10:43 PM

Originally posted by Bossy

Well, I'm considering this lens as my new walkaround zoom lens since my Kit lens is kinda cracky..
This might be OOT, but,not about the range, does it perform better than Tamron's 28-75 or Sigma's 24-70 at F.2.8 ??

Cheers..

Not sure what you mean by 'performing better' but Tamron's 28-75 is also a great lens, and a lot cheaper than the 16-50. I have both and still think that the 16-50, although difficult to fault either with sharpness or bokeh, has the edge over the 28-75 in colour contrast and 'pop' factor.

Bossy · 06-15-2009, 05:19 AM

Originally posted by Ash

Not sure what you mean by 'performing better' but Tamron's 28-75 is also a great lens, and a lot cheaper than the 16-50. I have both and still think that the 16-50, although difficult to fault either with sharpness or bokeh, has the edge over the 28-75 in colour contrast and 'pop' factor.

Hm, I mean in terms of sharpness. I'm thinking about taking photography seriously, so I'm kinda torn between those two lenses..

**Ash** · 06-15-2009, 05:24 AM

Well, the both the Tammy and the DA* are razor sharp stopped down to f/4 and above.
Though again I'd lean more towards the DA* if taking things seriously - it really is an unrivalled lens in its range (though some would argue Tamron's latest addition, the 17-50, matches the DA* at a fraction of the price - though no SDM or weather sealing).

roentarre · 06-15-2009, 05:40 AM

I heard no more bad copies lately. It shall be ok to buy the zoom now

dan aron · 06-15-2009, 02:07 PM

Originally posted by roentarre

I heard no more bad copies lately. It shall be ok to buy the zoom now

Music to my ears. I've been waiting so long.

06-13-2009, 05:54 PM	#1
VHDEL Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 57	*DA16-50 safe to buy?** I'm interested in purchasing this lens overseas from the USA, probably Adorama. Are the newer batch of lenses on the shelf have less of an issue with defects? Regards Del

06-14-2009, 05:16 PM	#8
VHDEL Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 57 Original Poster	Thank you Thank's for all your possitive responces. Looks like this lens is now worth getting. Cheers

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06-13-2009, 07:20 PM	#2
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	I'd be interested in forum members opinions on this too. NaCl(there is no such thing as too many "normal" zooms)H2O

06-13-2009, 07:59 PM	#3
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	My recent purchase of one (3 months ago) was fine. Focus is spot on and everything works as advertised. It seems from the lack of complaints since the new year that any 'first run' bad versions are out of the pipeline. I'd say as long as it's new and under factory warranty, get one.

06-13-2009, 08:42 PM	#4
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,460	I purchased one from Adorama in February and it's by far the best lens I've ever used. Tim

06-13-2009, 08:52 PM	#5
nulla Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,560	Originally posted by VHDEL I'm interested in purchasing this lens overseas from the USA, probably Adorama. Are the newer batch of lenses on the shelf have less of an issue with defects? Regards Del Got my DA* 16-50 from B&H was worried like you but am so pleased I got this great zoom. neil

06-14-2009, 03:22 AM	#6
cpopham Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Auckland Posts: 553	I purchased one locally last year, and it's a fantastic piece of glass. No complaints at all.

06-14-2009, 05:40 AM	#7
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Got mine from KEH - 2nd hand in EX+ condition. Flawless given the expectation of off-centre softness at f/2.8, esp. at wide end. So no complaints from me either. Great lens.

06-14-2009, 09:13 PM	#9
Bossy Inactive Account Join Date: May 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 38	Well, I'm considering this lens as my new walkaround zoom lens since my Kit lens is kinda cracky.. This might be OOT, but,not about the range, does it perform better than Tamron's 28-75 or Sigma's 24-70 at F.2.8 ?? Cheers..

06-14-2009, 09:43 PM	#10
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Originally posted by VHDEL I'm interested in purchasing this lens overseas from the USA, probably Adorama. Are the newer batch of lenses on the shelf have less of an issue with defects? Regards Del Just factor in some extra cash for exchange shippings so you won't be caught by surprise. Applies to any online purchase.

06-14-2009, 10:43 PM	#11
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Originally posted by Bossy Well, I'm considering this lens as my new walkaround zoom lens since my Kit lens is kinda cracky.. This might be OOT, but,not about the range, does it perform better than Tamron's 28-75 or Sigma's 24-70 at F.2.8 ?? Cheers.. Not sure what you mean by 'performing better' but Tamron's 28-75 is also a great lens, and a lot cheaper than the 16-50. I have both and still think that the 16-50, although difficult to fault either with sharpness or bokeh, has the edge over the 28-75 in colour contrast and 'pop' factor.

06-15-2009, 05:19 AM	#12
Bossy Inactive Account Join Date: May 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 38	Originally posted by Ash Not sure what you mean by 'performing better' but Tamron's 28-75 is also a great lens, and a lot cheaper than the 16-50. I have both and still think that the 16-50, although difficult to fault either with sharpness or bokeh, has the edge over the 28-75 in colour contrast and 'pop' factor. Hm, I mean in terms of sharpness. I'm thinking about taking photography seriously, so I'm kinda torn between those two lenses..

06-15-2009, 05:24 AM	#13
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Well, the both the Tammy and the DA* are razor sharp stopped down to f/4 and above. Though again I'd lean more towards the DA* if taking things seriously - it really is an unrivalled lens in its range (though some would argue Tamron's latest addition, the 17-50, matches the DA* at a fraction of the price - though no SDM or weather sealing).

06-15-2009, 05:40 AM	#14
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	I heard no more bad copies lately. It shall be ok to buy the zoom now

06-15-2009, 02:07 PM	#15
dan aron Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Finland Posts: 55	Originally posted by roentarre I heard no more bad copies lately. It shall be ok to buy the zoom now Music to my ears. I've been waiting so long.