[houstonmacgregor]

The posts throughout the forum on the 16-50 are conntradiory and confusing, to here to the horses mouth. Is there or is there not a problem with the current models of the 16-50. And if look at a used ones, is there a serial number or production range to be wary of. Thanks,

BH customer

[Chuck-B&H]

We are officially not aware of any problems with the 16-50mm lens nor do we see an unusual amount of returns for lenses after purchase. Additionally, Pentax has not made us aware of an improved or updated model.

Image quality is a matter of personal taste. It is difficult to say why customers like or dislike a particular lens. I have a 50mm f1.4 and 24mm f2.8 lenses that I purchased back in the 70's Used, that look like their only usage would be for paper weight and both are some of the sharpest lens I have. From reviews of the lens, it seems to have issues at the edges when shot wide open. This is true to some degree with most lens and would be especially true for a fast zoom lens such as the 16-50mm. If you purchase your lens from B&H, you have our 15 day return period to test it to see if it meets your satisfaction.

C h u c k C a p r i o l a
Live Chat and E-Mail Sales Manager B&H Photo-Video

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*** Peace on Earth ***

[houstonmacgregor]

'Second SDM failure for DA*16-50mm lens'

Read this thread in the lens section. More confused by the minute??

[Jodokast96]

Is there an issue? Depends on who you ask. Pentax says no. B&H says no, because they don't see many returns. But it tends not to fail within their 15 day return window, more like in months 6 and on. Users that have had problems say yes, those that haven't say no.
Whether there is or isn't is pretty irrelevant IMO, as there is the appearance of a possible issue. And that reduces consumer confidence in the product. To be sure, it is a fine piece of glass. But the glass isn't in question here, the motor is. I was very reluctant to purchase one myself. But in the end I caved and just added an extended warranty for less than $20.

[SpecialK]

Well, a manufacturer is going to be closed-mouth about defects, and distributors don't want to say or imply anything negative either. Nobody will give you actual sales/return volumes.

(Not saying anything about B&H, it's just the way of business.)

[houstonmacgregor]

Jodokast96- how did you add an extended warranty for 20.00

[Jodokast96]

Found one on Amazon. You can get them anywhere, but they must be purchased within 30 days of buying the lens.