Switching from Nikon to Pentax.

twitch · 07-26-2011, 05:38 PM

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The obivous choice is the 16-50, it's the only weather sealed option in that range. The 17-70 is not weather sealed other than that one seal on the lens mount. Otherwise the new HSM Sigma 17-50 f2.8 is meant to be great but not weather sealed.

But if it's starbursts you want then there is one Pentax lens whose mission in life is to give you starbursts on demand, anything from subtle to nuclear explosions, just dial in the amount and it will deliver

That lens is the DA 15mm limited.

Last edited by twitch; 07-27-2011 at 04:06 AM.

Qwntm · 07-26-2011, 07:42 PM

Originally posted by johnmflores

Agreed. If it's a nice wide to normal zoom that you need then the 16-50 is the ticket - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/106084-da%2A-1...at-can-do.html. If you really won't consider it, then maybe Pentax isn't the right brand for your needs. Perhaps Sony?

I typically work with zooms (16-50, 50-135) and vacation with primes (DA Limited 21, 35 Macro, 70). Works a peach.

Same here. Work with the zooms, play with the primes.

**Schraubstock** · 07-26-2011, 08:23 PM

Hi

I am a great fan of the TAMRON 24-135 Af AD IF 1:3.5-5.6
It is an absolutely fantastic piece of glass and it is on my K-5 all the time. It gets top notes on most if not all reviews. And it comes with a top quality genuine leather pouch. Unfortunately it is out of production but you can still by new ones on the net. Even for a lens that is out of production it is relatively expensive (≈ $400) but this reflects only the optical quality and the build of the lens. Not quite sure about star bursts but there should be no problem as a star burst filter can take care of this.

NEW Tamron SP 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 Macro AD IF for Pentax | eBay

With this lens, the SIGMA 10-20 and the PENTAX DA*60-250 I have all possibilities covered when I travel. I also take along the PENTAX AF 1.7 X Adapter if I need a little more reach for the 60-250. It is small and does not weigh me down.

Greetings

David&karen · 07-26-2011, 11:29 PM

Those starburst's from the 15mm lens are just stunning!! Actually I should be clearer in my needs: The Nikon D7000 is a great camera, but the lack of sealed lenses and anti shake kills it for me. Karen has the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 lens on her K7 and it is far better than the Nikon version: The camera has anti shake, and the screw drive focus is nicer than the motor Tamron put into the Nikon version. Also, I really only need the walk around zoom to be weather sealed for my K5, but Karen needs the 50-200WR(she has that lens) for some of her projects. The 500mm F4 nikon lens just sits in it's case: I have used it twice in 2 years because of it's size and weight, the 50-500 os sigma would probably replace that one. But using small primes on the K5 seems like a winner.

David

David&karen · 07-26-2011, 11:32 PM

On the 16-50 Pentax: The lens would fit my needs, but the SDM failures really scare me. I spend 5-10,000$ a year in travelling and if it dies on a trip it kills it. I could take the 18-55 WR as a back-up, and so I am thinking about the 16-50 lens again. This is what this forum is about: ideas!

David

bymy141 · 07-27-2011, 02:16 AM

Originally posted by David&karen

On the 16-50 Pentax: The lens would fit my needs, but the SDM failures really scare me. I spend 5-10,000$ a year in travelling and if it dies on a trip it kills it. I could take the 18-55 WR as a back-up, and so I am thinking about the 16-50 lens again. This is what this forum is about: ideas!

David

I have the 16-50 since 2008 and a 60-250 since 2009, we travel a lot, spending lots and lots of €€'s.
There is a Tamron 18-250mm backup in my bag.
Cannot afford not to take photo's,
The kit is dragged around the world several times.
We didn't need the Tammy so far.

- Bert

**Rondec** · 07-27-2011, 03:31 AM

Originally posted by bymy141

I have the 16-50 since 2008 and a 60-250 since 2009, we travel a lot, spending lots and lots of €€'s.
There is a Tamron 18-250mm backup in my bag.
Cannot afford not to take photo's,
The kit is dragged around the world several times.
We didn't need the Tammy so far.

- Bert

Truthfully, a kit lens or couple of primes could be back up for the 16-50. It is a really nice lens.

bdery · 07-27-2011, 04:43 AM

I agree with others, the Pentax DA* 16-50 is the obvious choice. f2,8, weather sealed, high quality optics. The Tamron 17-50 has a better reputation than the Sigma, if you want to go third party. Or you could treat yourself to the Pentax glory of Limited primes (and sell that beercan of a Sigma 28mm...)

Ubuntu_user · 07-27-2011, 06:23 AM - **1 Like**

If you want nice starbursts, then get the DA 21mm Ltd.

bdery · 07-27-2011, 07:25 AM

Originally posted by Ubuntu_user

If you want nice starbursts, then get the DA 21mm Ltd.

THAT is true

WerTicus · 07-27-2011, 08:56 AM

or da 15mm limited

**Fries** · 07-27-2011, 09:19 AM

David, if the SDM dies on the DA*16-50 you are still left with a good lens. You only have to focus it manualy! It may not be as convienent but you still should be able to shoot enough keepers to warrant bringing this lens with you. After you travels you can look for a more permanent solution. If the SDM dies....

Macario · 07-27-2011, 09:37 AM

I say it again, also look at the 16-45, it isn't as fast, but it is an excelent lens

bdery · 07-27-2011, 09:56 AM

Originally posted by Fries

if the SDM dies on the DA*16-50

When is the last time we have heard of it failing? I believe that situation belongs to the history books

**Rondec** · 07-27-2011, 10:03 AM

Originally posted by bdery

When is the last time we have heard of it failing? I believe that situation belongs to the history books

I hesitate to say that it is purely history, but I can say that I had the SDM motor replaced in my 16-50 two years ago (after using it for about 5 or 6 months) and have not had a hiccup since then.

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07-26-2011, 05:38 PM	#16
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. The obivous choice is the 16-50, it's the only weather sealed option in that range. The 17-70 is not weather sealed other than that one seal on the lens mount. Otherwise the new HSM Sigma 17-50 f2.8 is meant to be great but not weather sealed. But if it's starbursts you want then there is one Pentax lens whose mission in life is to give you starbursts on demand, anything from subtle to nuclear explosions, just dial in the amount and it will deliver That lens is the DA 15mm limited. Last edited by twitch; 07-27-2011 at 04:06 AM.

07-26-2011, 07:42 PM	#17
Qwntm Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 856	Originally posted by johnmflores Agreed. If it's a nice wide to normal zoom that you need then the 16-50 is the ticket - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/106084-da%2A-1...at-can-do.html. If you really won't consider it, then maybe Pentax isn't the right brand for your needs. Perhaps Sony? I typically work with zooms (16-50, 50-135) and vacation with primes (DA Limited 21, 35 Macro, 70). Works a peach. Same here. Work with the zooms, play with the primes.

07-26-2011, 08:23 PM	#18
Schraubstock Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,386	Hi I am a great fan of the TAMRON 24-135 Af AD IF 1:3.5-5.6 It is an absolutely fantastic piece of glass and it is on my K-5 all the time. It gets top notes on most if not all reviews. And it comes with a top quality genuine leather pouch. Unfortunately it is out of production but you can still by new ones on the net. Even for a lens that is out of production it is relatively expensive (≈ $400) but this reflects only the optical quality and the build of the lens. Not quite sure about star bursts but there should be no problem as a star burst filter can take care of this. NEW Tamron SP 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 Macro AD IF for Pentax \| eBay With this lens, the SIGMA 10-20 and the PENTAX DA*60-250 I have all possibilities covered when I travel. I also take along the PENTAX AF 1.7 X Adapter if I need a little more reach for the 60-250. It is small and does not weigh me down. Greetings

07-26-2011, 11:29 PM	#19
David&karen Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 327 Original Poster	Those starburst's from the 15mm lens are just stunning!! Actually I should be clearer in my needs: The Nikon D7000 is a great camera, but the lack of sealed lenses and anti shake kills it for me. Karen has the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 lens on her K7 and it is far better than the Nikon version: The camera has anti shake, and the screw drive focus is nicer than the motor Tamron put into the Nikon version. Also, I really only need the walk around zoom to be weather sealed for my K5, but Karen needs the 50-200WR(she has that lens) for some of her projects. The 500mm F4 nikon lens just sits in it's case: I have used it twice in 2 years because of it's size and weight, the 50-500 os sigma would probably replace that one. But using small primes on the K5 seems like a winner. David

07-26-2011, 11:32 PM	#20
David&karen Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 327 Original Poster	On the 16-50 Pentax: The lens would fit my needs, but the SDM failures really scare me. I spend 5-10,000$ a year in travelling and if it dies on a trip it kills it. I could take the 18-55 WR as a back-up, and so I am thinking about the 16-50 lens again. This is what this forum is about: ideas! David

07-27-2011, 02:16 AM	#21
bymy141 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,563	Originally posted by David&karen On the 16-50 Pentax: The lens would fit my needs, but the SDM failures really scare me. I spend 5-10,000$ a year in travelling and if it dies on a trip it kills it. I could take the 18-55 WR as a back-up, and so I am thinking about the 16-50 lens again. This is what this forum is about: ideas! David I have the 16-50 since 2008 and a 60-250 since 2009, we travel a lot, spending lots and lots of €€'s. There is a Tamron 18-250mm backup in my bag. Cannot afford not to take photo's, The kit is dragged around the world several times. We didn't need the Tammy so far. - Bert

07-27-2011, 03:31 AM	#22
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	Originally posted by bymy141 I have the 16-50 since 2008 and a 60-250 since 2009, we travel a lot, spending lots and lots of €€'s. There is a Tamron 18-250mm backup in my bag. Cannot afford not to take photo's, The kit is dragged around the world several times. We didn't need the Tammy so far. - Bert Truthfully, a kit lens or couple of primes could be back up for the 16-50. It is a really nice lens.

07-27-2011, 04:43 AM	#23
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	I agree with others, the Pentax DA* 16-50 is the obvious choice. f2,8, weather sealed, high quality optics. The Tamron 17-50 has a better reputation than the Sigma, if you want to go third party. Or you could treat yourself to the Pentax glory of Limited primes (and sell that beercan of a Sigma 28mm...)

07-27-2011, 06:23 AM - 1 Like	#24
Ubuntu_user Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,545	If you want nice starbursts, then get the DA 21mm Ltd.

07-27-2011, 07:25 AM	#25
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	Originally posted by Ubuntu_user If you want nice starbursts, then get the DA 21mm Ltd. THAT is true

07-27-2011, 08:56 AM	#26
WerTicus Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Perth Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,514	or da 15mm limited

07-27-2011, 09:19 AM	#27
Fries Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gauw Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,582	David, if the SDM dies on the DA*16-50 you are still left with a good lens. You only have to focus it manualy! It may not be as convienent but you still should be able to shoot enough keepers to warrant bringing this lens with you. After you travels you can look for a more permanent solution. If the SDM dies....

07-27-2011, 09:37 AM	#28
Macario Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Hoek van Holland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,393	I say it again, also look at the 16-45, it isn't as fast, but it is an excelent lens

07-27-2011, 09:56 AM	#29
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	Originally posted by Fries if the SDM dies on the DA*16-50 When is the last time we have heard of it failing? I believe that situation belongs to the history books

07-27-2011, 10:03 AM	#30
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,663	Originally posted by bdery When is the last time we have heard of it failing? I believe that situation belongs to the history books I hesitate to say that it is purely history, but I can say that I had the SDM motor replaced in my 16-50 two years ago (after using it for about 5 or 6 months) and have not had a hiccup since then.