DA * 16-50 mm and 50-135mm

Skipper74 · 01-13-2013, 11:32 PM

Anyone have any good things to say about these two lenses?. I am hoping to sell my kit lens 18-135mm and my limited 15mm and get these two lenses. From B&H photo it seems the reviews are pretty good but wondering if anyone on here had anything to say. I love my K5 but I was almost considering the possibility of going to canon to get their 24-70mm f2.8 and their 70-200 f2.8 which is apparently one of the best lenses out there. I know its much more expensive but is the quality as good?

Adam · 01-13-2013, 11:43 PM

Originally posted by Skipper74

going to canon to get their 24-70mm f2.8 and their 70-200 f2.8 which is apparently one of the best lenses out there. I know its much more expensive but is the quality as good?

Those Canon lenses are for full-frame cameras, and yes you'll get better IQ overall (because of the larger sensor), as well as faster AF, but it'll cost you 2-3 times more if you factor in the body.

The Pentax 16-50mm + 50-135mm combo is great, plus it has weather sealing if you need that. The IQ is going to be much better than that of your 18-135mm, though I would think twice about selling your 15mm if I were you!

Personally I find that there are better alternatives to the 16-50mm, however, and I would recommend that you read this review:
DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

While we don't have an in-depth review of the 50-135mm yet (it will be posted in February), it gets a lot of praise from users:
SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

While I personally wish that the 50-135mm were a bit longer, it is an extremely sharp lens! The only main issue with it is the relatively slow AF.

Skipper74 · 01-14-2013, 12:00 AM

Thanks Adam I did review these before. I know the 15mm is a great lens but I can't afford to have all 3 so I figured I'd sell my 15mm limited and go with the 16-50 and 50-135 and at least the 16-50 is still a wide lens for landscape shots.

calsan · 01-14-2013, 12:36 AM - **1 Like**

After selling your 15 limited you will wake up from a nightmare screaming and then have to buy another one. So it's cheaper and involves less mental anguish to keep it.

geedee · 01-14-2013, 01:20 AM

Excellent argument, calsan ;-)

percy · 01-14-2013, 01:39 AM

I don't have the 16-50 but I do have the 50-135, and it's a great and sharp lens. (I'm saving up for a 60-250 as well, but despite the crossover in focal length it's my intention to keep the 50-135 for it's constant f2.8.)
Don't sell you 15 limited. You'll only have to buy another one once you realise how much you miss it!
How about keeping the 15 limited and buying a 40 limited (or some similar focal length) to fill the gap. Another great lens and not too expensive.

Skipper74 · 01-14-2013, 02:01 AM

Thanks everyone for the advice. I just figured by having two prime lenses 16-50 and 50-135 it would be sufficient. IS the 15mm that much better over the 16-50mm 2.8? Just 1 more mm less. I just figured I could sell the 15mm since its hardly used and put that money towards the other two lenses.

**fs999** · 01-14-2013, 02:14 AM

In your place I would buy the 50-135, keep the 15mm and buy a Sigma 30mm F1.4 and you will cover the whole range with an better IQ...

hcc · 01-14-2013, 02:15 AM

Like many, I would say: keep the DA15mm.

If you get a Tamron 17-50mm instead of DA*16-50mm, you will save enough to keep it! I know I would
DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - The Bottom Line - PentaxForums.com

Eulogy · 01-14-2013, 02:15 AM

If you're not using it, I'd sell it. Either way, even with the negativity surrounding the 16-50(I personally think the copy tested was a "D" copy, barely passing inspection), I've never complained about my copy once. It does, however, have a lot more distortion at 16mm than your 15mm will have(the 15mm will also be slightly sharper, and a bit more true to life in regard to color).

Never heard a real complaint about the 50-135 though, other than it's not long enough(Which I say isn't an issue, as it's meant to emulate, when accompanied by the 16-50, a 24-70, and a 70-200 full frame setup).

Bob from Aus · 01-14-2013, 02:18 AM

From my point of view the 50-135 is an all time classic for an APC camera. It handles everything exceptionally well except fast focus. It is small and unobrusive compared with a 70-200.

I eventually settled for the sigma 17-50 as my wide angle zoom. I figure if I kill it I can buy a second and I am still ahead. I was thinking of hanging out to see what the new pentax wide angle Ltd zoom is going to do, but I got impatient.

The only problem with the 50-135 is I have the 60-250 and sometimes it's a battle over which one is left behind. I use the 50-135 for events, weddings etc. I love it for landscapes, but usually have the 60-250 on the outdoor excursions.

snake · 01-14-2013, 02:33 AM

Some people talk about the 16-50's IQ not being up to its pricing. The 50-135 is praised for its IQ.

Both, however, are reliability disasters. Look up the SDM problems and budget in repairs after the warranty period or hacking the firmware of the lenses to use screwdrive exclusively afterward.

No evidence has been produced yet that they've solved the reliability issues, despite unknown people without sources claiming there are new parts in use. You can also scan international forums, as some in Europe are reporting also late 2012 models, with the supposedly new parts, failing as well.

**fs999** · 01-14-2013, 02:36 AM

More people say they are satisfied with the 50-135 than people reporting problems...

Eulogy · 01-14-2013, 02:36 AM

Originally posted by snake

Some people talk about the 16-50's IQ not being up to its pricing. The 50-135 is praised for its IQ.

Both, however, are reliability disasters. Look up the SDM problems and budget in repairs after the warranty period or hacking the firmware of the lenses to use screwdrive exclusively afterward.

No evidence has been produced yet that they've solved the reliability issues, despite unknown people without sources claiming there are new parts in use. You can also scan international forums, as some in Europe are reporting also late 2012 models, with the supposedly new parts, failing as well.

I must say, I've heard of one failure on a new copy, rather low rates compared to the olden days. New parts doesn't mean not a single copy will break, they just fixed the issue in regard to the failure rate being 2-3 times that of the other manufacturers.

snake · 01-14-2013, 02:47 AM

Originally posted by Eulogy

I must say, I've heard of one failure on a new copy, rather low rates compared to the olden days. New parts doesn't mean not a single copy will break, they just fixed the issue in regard to the failure rate being 2-3 times that of the other manufacturers.

New parts won't solve the design problems. Four years worth of reliability issues now and pentax has been robbing people for 3-400 USD/EUR a repair.

01-13-2013, 11:32 PM	#1
Skipper74 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 34	*DA 16-50 mm and 50-135mm** Anyone have any good things to say about these two lenses?. I am hoping to sell my kit lens 18-135mm and my limited 15mm and get these two lenses. From B&H photo it seems the reviews are pretty good but wondering if anyone on here had anything to say. I love my K5 but I was almost considering the possibility of going to canon to get their 24-70mm f2.8 and their 70-200 f2.8 which is apparently one of the best lenses out there. I know its much more expensive but is the quality as good?

01-13-2013, 11:43 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by Skipper74 going to canon to get their 24-70mm f2.8 and their 70-200 f2.8 which is apparently one of the best lenses out there. I know its much more expensive but is the quality as good? Those Canon lenses are for full-frame cameras, and yes you'll get better IQ overall (because of the larger sensor), as well as faster AF, but it'll cost you 2-3 times more if you factor in the body. The Pentax 16-50mm + 50-135mm combo is great, plus it has weather sealing if you need that. The IQ is going to be much better than that of your 18-135mm, though I would think twice about selling your 15mm if I were you! Personally I find that there are better alternatives to the 16-50mm, however, and I would recommend that you read this review: DA* 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - Introduction - PentaxForums.com While we don't have an in-depth review of the 50-135mm yet (it will be posted in February), it gets a lot of praise from users: SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database While I personally wish that the 50-135mm were a bit longer, it is an extremely sharp lens! The only main issue with it is the relatively slow AF. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

01-14-2013, 02:36 AM	#13
fs999 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Luxembourg Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,638	More people say they are satisfied with the 50-135 than people reporting problems... Last edited by fs999; 01-22-2013 at 02:24 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: K-5 body, 12-24, 16-50, 50-135, 18-250, 50-200, 55-300, Tamron 1.4x TC, and a DA 21mm	einstrigger	Sold Items	8	12-15-2012 12:33 AM
Pentax SMC DA* 16-50 mm confusion	mikknu	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	05-12-2011 03:47 PM
For Sale - Sold: DA* 16-50mm and 50-135mm	lbenac	Sold Items	12	08-17-2009 07:09 AM
Samsung GX-10 and Pentax DA* 16-50 mm	Furansu	Pentax DSLR Discussion	9	01-13-2009 06:21 AM

01-14-2013, 12:00 AM	#3
Skipper74 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 34 Original Poster	Thanks Adam I did review these before. I know the 15mm is a great lens but I can't afford to have all 3 so I figured I'd sell my 15mm limited and go with the 16-50 and 50-135 and at least the 16-50 is still a wide lens for landscape shots.

01-14-2013, 12:36 AM - 1 Like	#4
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,548	After selling your 15 limited you will wake up from a nightmare screaming and then have to buy another one. So it's cheaper and involves less mental anguish to keep it.

01-14-2013, 01:20 AM	#5
geedee Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 113	Excellent argument, calsan ;-)

01-14-2013, 01:39 AM	#6
percy Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Herefordshire, UK Posts: 197	I don't have the 16-50 but I do have the 50-135, and it's a great and sharp lens. (I'm saving up for a 60-250 as well, but despite the crossover in focal length it's my intention to keep the 50-135 for it's constant f2.8.) Don't sell you 15 limited. You'll only have to buy another one once you realise how much you miss it! How about keeping the 15 limited and buying a 40 limited (or some similar focal length) to fill the gap. Another great lens and not too expensive.

01-14-2013, 02:01 AM	#7
Skipper74 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 34 Original Poster	Thanks everyone for the advice. I just figured by having two prime lenses 16-50 and 50-135 it would be sufficient. IS the 15mm that much better over the 16-50mm 2.8? Just 1 more mm less. I just figured I could sell the 15mm since its hardly used and put that money towards the other two lenses.

01-14-2013, 02:14 AM	#8
fs999 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Luxembourg Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,638	In your place I would buy the 50-135, keep the 15mm and buy a Sigma 30mm F1.4 and you will cover the whole range with an better IQ...

01-14-2013, 02:15 AM	#9
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	Like many, I would say: keep the DA15mm. If you get a Tamron 17-50mm instead of DA16-50mm, you will save enough to keep it! I know I would DA 16-50mm vs. Sigma and Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 Comparison - The Bottom Line - PentaxForums.com

01-14-2013, 02:15 AM	#10
Eulogy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick Photos: Gallery Posts: 632	If you're not using it, I'd sell it. Either way, even with the negativity surrounding the 16-50(I personally think the copy tested was a "D" copy, barely passing inspection), I've never complained about my copy once. It does, however, have a lot more distortion at 16mm than your 15mm will have(the 15mm will also be slightly sharper, and a bit more true to life in regard to color). Never heard a real complaint about the 50-135 though, other than it's not long enough(Which I say isn't an issue, as it's meant to emulate, when accompanied by the 16-50, a 24-70, and a 70-200 full frame setup).

01-14-2013, 02:18 AM	#11
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	From my point of view the 50-135 is an all time classic for an APC camera. It handles everything exceptionally well except fast focus. It is small and unobrusive compared with a 70-200. I eventually settled for the sigma 17-50 as my wide angle zoom. I figure if I kill it I can buy a second and I am still ahead. I was thinking of hanging out to see what the new pentax wide angle Ltd zoom is going to do, but I got impatient. The only problem with the 50-135 is I have the 60-250 and sometimes it's a battle over which one is left behind. I use the 50-135 for events, weddings etc. I love it for landscapes, but usually have the 60-250 on the outdoor excursions.

01-14-2013, 02:33 AM	#12
snake Banned Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY/Germany Posts: 1,183	Some people talk about the 16-50's IQ not being up to its pricing. The 50-135 is praised for its IQ. Both, however, are reliability disasters. Look up the SDM problems and budget in repairs after the warranty period or hacking the firmware of the lenses to use screwdrive exclusively afterward. No evidence has been produced yet that they've solved the reliability issues, despite unknown people without sources claiming there are new parts in use. You can also scan international forums, as some in Europe are reporting also late 2012 models, with the supposedly new parts, failing as well.

01-14-2013, 02:36 AM	#14
Eulogy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick Photos: Gallery Posts: 632	Originally posted by snake Some people talk about the 16-50's IQ not being up to its pricing. The 50-135 is praised for its IQ. Both, however, are reliability disasters. Look up the SDM problems and budget in repairs after the warranty period or hacking the firmware of the lenses to use screwdrive exclusively afterward. No evidence has been produced yet that they've solved the reliability issues, despite unknown people without sources claiming there are new parts in use. You can also scan international forums, as some in Europe are reporting also late 2012 models, with the supposedly new parts, failing as well. I must say, I've heard of one failure on a new copy, rather low rates compared to the olden days. New parts doesn't mean not a single copy will break, they just fixed the issue in regard to the failure rate being 2-3 times that of the other manufacturers.

01-14-2013, 02:47 AM	#15
snake Banned Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY/Germany Posts: 1,183	Originally posted by Eulogy I must say, I've heard of one failure on a new copy, rather low rates compared to the olden days. New parts doesn't mean not a single copy will break, they just fixed the issue in regard to the failure rate being 2-3 times that of the other manufacturers. New parts won't solve the design problems. Four years worth of reliability issues now and pentax has been robbing people for 3-400 USD/EUR a repair.