Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

View Poll Results: Do you have, are about to have an SDM/HSM lens and how is it functioning?
I have, so far so good (with SDM camera). 9347.45%
I have, notable problems (Glitches, sometimes not working ,Slower or worse AF , had to service). 3718.88%
Don't have, but would buy someday / are about to buy (or no SDM camera). 2211.22%
Don't have and try to avoid. 3919.90%
Other (explain in thread). 52.55%
Voters: 196. You may not vote on this poll

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
08-12-2009, 11:04 PM   #1
Veteran Member
ytterbium's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,076
SDM lens, safe to buy?

I've red numerous opinions about SDM lenses. Both good and bad, but when reading such qualitative information you tend to focus on possible issues.

So until now i've been unsure if it is safe or preferable to buy SDM lens. To have a better impression of how things are actually instead of seeing only picked descriptions of problems encountered i've made this poll.

I've offered answers that match my situation best.
If 1:3 votes would indicate bad experience i don't think its a safe option to invest your money in.


Last edited by ytterbium; 08-12-2009 at 11:15 PM.
08-13-2009, 06:13 AM   #2
Ash
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
Ash's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Toowoomba, Queensland
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 23,920
It's not safe to buy SDM - the motor emits supersonic radiation that fries bodily organs in close proximity to it.

But seriously, although you'll hear more problem stories than praise ones with any item, you're also going to get similar response biases with this poll, so I'd still take the results you get here with a grain of salt.

Just self-assess *why* you want an SDM lens and go ahead and buy your most coveted SDM lens from a reputable dealer with warranty. Then go all out with the lens!
08-13-2009, 07:58 AM   #3
Veteran Member




Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Sugar Land, TX
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 684
I think SDM is reasonably fast. The only thing is it doesn't feel USM fast/quiet. Back when I owned the Canon 30D and a few lenses (among them the 28-70mm f/2.8 L and 35-90mm $20 cheap lens) I never noticed how fast Canon USM was (b/c in reality it WASN'T "fast" compared to my 50-135mm). The big difference was was how quiet and accurate the AF was. My 50-135mm would occasionally hunt around in doors (even outdoors it is EXTREMELY occasional). Also, SDM isn't super quiet at all. It may be much more quiet than the scratching sound of screw AF, but compared to USM (even non ring USM), SDM is comparatively loud. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't bother me at all, but it seems strange that Canon has had this technology since the 199 something and Pentax is only just starting to use it and even this technology is inferior to the super old 28-70mm i use to have.

I still have no idea why Canon USM is so fast...

I have never had a real problem with SDM before, but I have had to service my 50-135mm due to a loose MF ring. I later found out you can tighten this yourself...
I would still recommend it. If you have never tried USM before, then SDM should seem pretty fast/ quiet.

The AF hunting could just be my camera body though... the 30D apparently had super fast AF system.
08-13-2009, 08:33 AM   #4
Inactive Account




Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 787
looks like there has been less reports of sdm failures this year, but nevertheless, there are and i wanted to get the 16-50, but still contemplating if the difference in price between that tamron/sigma and the possibility of getting a dud outweighs it.

the warranty of 1 year is way too short compared to the 4 and 6 year warranty from sigma/tamron.

08-13-2009, 08:57 AM   #5
Ash
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
Ash's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Toowoomba, Queensland
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 23,920
SDM comparatively loud, GL?
How much louder could it be?
I never though that would be a point to consider whether to go SDM or not...
08-13-2009, 09:14 AM   #6
Veteran Member




Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Sugar Land, TX
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 684
QuoteOriginally posted by Ash Quote
SDM comparatively loud, GL?
How much louder could it be?
I never though that would be a point to consider whether to go SDM or not...
It's very quiet, but compared to USM, it's louder. ALthough I don't really care. I didn't switch over to Pentax from Canon and expect faster/quieter AF. THe sound of SDM is in between the sound a Canon 18-200mm (has a micro motor not quite USM) and a real ring type 28-70mm f/2.8L USM.

Last edited by GLXLR; 08-14-2009 at 12:06 PM.
08-13-2009, 10:51 AM   #7
Veteran Member
ytterbium's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,076
Original Poster
Results seem nice.
My main concern is 16-50. Which if safe to buy should be my goal.
If it is still too buggy and uncompleted i shall wait for some next revision like 16-50 II with real ring motors, or be able to save money for something like Tamron 17-50 much faster.

01-07-2010, 12:00 PM   #8
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
dadipentak's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 11,590
I have one (DA*300mm)--ok so far. I'm not going to buy another until there's reason to believe Pentax has resolved the SDM issues.
01-07-2010, 12:48 PM   #9
Inactive Account




Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
Posts: 14
I refuse to buy Pentax lenses because of SDM. It's a joke. It's not really USM. It's basically taking the screwdrive motor out of the body and stuffing it in the lens. Except the screw drive is more reliable, and in some cases, faster. I'll be buying Sigma HSM lenses for my new K-7, because Sigma uses true ring-type USM.

When Pentax gives us ring-type USM, I'll consider their lenses. Right now? The only Pentax lenses I'd consider are the Limiteds. I will not purchase a DA* lens.
01-07-2010, 12:58 PM   #10
Veteran Member
PentaxPoke's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,411
Does anyone really want to spend almost $1000 on a lens where this question has to be asked?
01-07-2010, 01:29 PM   #11
Damn Brit
Guest




I've seen enough reports of SDM issues to believe there is an inherent lack of QC and possible design flaw. As a consequence, I would not buy an SDM lens, new or used regardless of warranty. If the manufacturer can't get it right I won't support them.

Last edited by Damn Brit; 01-07-2010 at 01:59 PM.
01-07-2010, 04:38 PM   #12
Veteran Member
Pentaxor's Avatar

Join Date: May 2009
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 6,513
QuoteOriginally posted by PentaxPoke Quote
Does anyone really want to spend almost $1000 on a lens where this question has to be asked?
for that price, I would rather buy a Tammy 28-75/2.8 and 70-200/2.8. I know that they have their share of lemons but atleast I don't have to worry much about warranty and SDM failure.
01-08-2010, 04:12 AM   #13
Inactive Account




Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: West Sussex UK
Posts: 235
QuoteOriginally posted by Ash Quote
It's not safe to buy SDM - the motor emits supersonic radiation that fries bodily organs in close proximity to it. ...

Ash - for goodness sake don't mention about them going super critical and taking the whole neighbourhood out.
01-08-2010, 05:21 AM   #14
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter




Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Gladys, Virginia
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 27,602
If you get one, get an extended warranty. I don't usually recommend it, but these lenses don't seem to have lasting ability. At the same time, both the 50-135 and the 16-50 are amazing optically and a lot of folks are missing out on some good glass for fear of SDM. In the middle of their ranges, both of these lenses are prime sharp!
01-08-2010, 05:46 AM   #15
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
dadipentak's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 11,590
QuoteOriginally posted by Rondec Quote
a lot of folks are missing out on some good glass for fear of SDM.
I know that's true. I think the K-x + DA*50-135 would be ultimate for my daughters B-ball games but I can't bring myself to put down that kind of cash for an iffy lens.
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
k-mount, lens, pentax lens, sdm, slr lens
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Is Beach camera from Ebay a Safe place to Buy? srini General Talk 15 06-04-2010 07:33 PM
New 55mm SDM 645D lens means no SDM II? alehel Pentax News and Rumors 11 03-14-2010 09:43 AM
DA*16-50 safe to buy? VHDEL Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 19 06-17-2009 06:40 AM
is it 'safe' to buy a da* 16-50mm now? m8o Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 5 03-07-2009 11:19 PM
Lens offer from Amazon: DA* 50-135 SDM & DA* 16-50 SDM f8 Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 4 03-25-2008 04:45 AM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:19 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top