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07-14-2009, 02:41 PM   #1
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Weather resistant wide angles...DA 18-55 WR, or DA* 16-50?

I currently have the regular DA 18-55 I, but would enjoy it more if it were sealed. Until recently, my only option for a wide angle sealed lens was the DA*, but now there are two options. Which one would you choose, if you wanted wide angle, weather resistance, and decent quaility? By spending more money, am I only gaining SDM, and f2.8, or by spending more money, am I also getting better sealing?

07-14-2009, 03:23 PM   #2
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I don't think that there is any difference as to weather-sealing capability. but if you are going to read about the new WR kit lenses, they seem to say that it is more WR compared to the DA*s. definitely the 900 dollar difference makes enough sense not to go for the DA* if you're not worried about the SDM and 2.8. IQ-wise, the new kit lens is holding it's own and better than the past 2 previous generations of DA kit lenses. I saw some sample shots from NED, and for me, that is enough reason that you should go for that lens. look at this way, atleast you got 900 bucks left to spend on the other telezoom WR kit lens and one or two specialized prime lens. the DA 40 is selling at 300 and WR 55-200 at 200. that would leave you a 400 dollar savings.

or instead of a DA 40, you'll buy either a 35, 21, 100 macro, 14 or a 135.
07-14-2009, 04:54 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by Black Magic Quote
I currently have the regular DA 18-55 I, but would enjoy it more if it were sealed. Until recently, my only option for a wide angle sealed lens was the DA*, but now there are two options. Which one would you choose, if you wanted wide angle, weather resistance, and decent quaility? By spending more money, am I only gaining SDM, and f2.8, or by spending more money, am I also getting better sealing?
It is hard to tell which one is more weather sealed considering that there are much fewer seals required in the first place (about 6), where as the 16-50mm requires 2 more due to the AF-MF switch and distance scale but is $600 compared to $200 18-55mm. I would call it even it even!
IMHO, I see the 16-50mm as a much better (although much more expensive) upgrade. If you aren't satisfied with the performance of your 18-55mm (I know I am not!), then it is much more worth while to upgrade to the 16-50mm. There IS the 17-5mm Tamron and 18-50mm from Sigma, but both are not weather sealed (which is on your wishlist) Good luck with your choice!
07-14-2009, 06:01 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by GLXLR Quote
It is hard to tell which one is more weather sealed considering that there are much fewer seals required in the first place (about 6), where as the 16-50mm requires 2 more due to the AF-MF switch and distance scale but is $600 compared to $200 18-55mm. I would call it even it even!
IMHO, I see the 16-50mm as a much better (although much more expensive) upgrade. If you aren't satisfied with the performance of your 18-55mm (I know I am not!), then it is much more worth while to upgrade to the 16-50mm. There IS the 17-5mm Tamron and 18-50mm from Sigma, but both are not weather sealed (which is on your wishlist) Good luck with your choice!
lucky for you guys in the U.S. well, 600 USD converted to CAD plus shipping + import tax would cost you around almost a thousand CAD. it surely is a bargain if it were around 1.4 USD = 1 CAD when the USD was in deep trouble. or even 1:1 ratio would had been acceptable. considering that currency conversion, we are at a loss.

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