DA* Club

cbope · 03-20-2015, 09:28 AM

Originally posted by johnc

Fringing on my copy is generally pretty well controlled, and certainly dealt with very easily in PP.

I think sharpness is actually better than often claimed, and in particular, contrast is very nice. I would highlight corner / edge sharpness as a weakness, especially at wider angles/wide open. But in my experience the performance in this regard is not that significantly different to that of the the DA 15/21mm limiteds at similar apertures. Has anyone found any different?

I do wonder what K-mount options in say 14mm - 28mm FL are really that much sharper? Perhaps this is just the penalty we pay for smaller and lighter crop sensor lenses. I'm really hopeful for some better wide angle options from Pentax in the future. Perhaps the FF introduction will bring some interesting options in this regard.

John

This is my experience too. At 16mm wide open, it does get a tad softer off-center, but mine sharpens up nicely at f/3.2. Also, by 18mm it is very good, even wide open. I don't consider the fringing a problem since it's easily fixed in PP. The one area I would say is a real weakness is flare. It can be used creatively, but you better understand it well to get good shots under those conditions. AF could be faster but I'm not a sports shooter and this isn't a sports optic so it's not a factor in my opinion.

I waffled on this lens for almost 2 years after I got my K-5, which is a regret. I wish I had bought it earlier. It rarely leaves my K-5 or K-3.

**Rondec** · 03-21-2015, 03:12 AM

A few more 16-50 shots.

daytona9 · 03-21-2015, 05:03 AM

I've been trying to get a decent photo of these Azure Kingfishers for years, and can't get anywhere near them when I have the Bigma with me. So, last week I'm shooting with the DA*200, and these two decide to perch on a branch about 7 metres away. First is the original post-processed photo uncropped, second one is a huge crop. These birds are small, fast, and don't stay in one place too long, I just wish I'd had the longer lens with me.

**Scorpio71GR** · 03-22-2015, 06:56 PM

I recently purchased the DA*16-50 after years of debating about this lens. I have always wanted this lens but could never justify the price. I came across an excellent buy that I couldn't turn down. This lens has almost made me crazy. First I thought the lens was bad but discovered it was back focusing a little. A simple calibration adjustment took care of that. After reviewing many articles and reviews I am finally starting to appreciate this lens. It has made me dig deeper into the capabilities of my K3. I love the build of this lens, it is just superb. I was out along the river photographing some geese, since that is we really have here right now, and this guy just sat there for me. So I took off my 400mm and popped on the DA 16-50 and slowly crawled over to him on my stomach. Here are a couple of shots I managed to get off just as the sun was going down.

[IMG]

[/IMG]

I snapped this last one walking back to my truck at 16mm.

---------- Post added 03-22-15 at 10:07 PM ----------

Originally posted by mattb123

16-50

It is shots like these that have always kept me going back to wanting the 16-50. Excellent photos, I love the color rendering. I am hoping to get out to Lake Michigan soon to try out my 16-50 for some sun sets.

longbow · 03-23-2015, 07:28 AM

blacktail yearlings

**mattb123** · 03-23-2015, 07:33 AM - **1 Like**

Serious ski racing!
K-3, DA* 16-50, Metz 48 AF-2

**mattb123** · 03-23-2015, 10:19 PM - **1 Like**

Fiery willows in the last light. Not super sharp, it was windy.
16-50

emalvick · 03-24-2015, 09:36 AM - **2 Likes**

From my trip to the Everglades in February. The DA*60-250 at 60 mm.

And another of some baby alligators shot at 250 mm.

Chaos_Realm · 03-24-2015, 04:56 PM

Originally posted by emalvick

From my trip to the Everglades in February. The DA*60-250 at 60 mm.

And another of some baby alligators shot at 250 mm.

Looks like a nice swimming spot

**Rondec** · 03-26-2015, 04:27 AM - **1 Like**

A couple with the DA * 50-135.

In the second photo, there is a bald eagle in a tree on the right. Too bad I didn't have a really long lens on my camera...

stormtech · 03-26-2015, 04:41 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

A couple with the DA * 50-135.

In the second photo, there is a bald eagle in a tree on the right. Too bad I didn't have a really long lens on my camera...

Glad you pointed the eagle out. Makes a great photo of man vs. raptor fishing the same area.

**wtlwdwgn** · 03-26-2015, 10:20 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

A couple with the DA * 50-135.

Is there anyone in that boat that's steaming away in that first pic? Nice images as always.

**Rondec** · 03-26-2015, 10:29 AM

Originally posted by stormtech

Glad you pointed the eagle out. Makes a great photo of man vs. raptor fishing the same area.

Originally posted by wtlwdwgn

Is there anyone in that boat that's steaming away in that first pic? Nice images as always.

Thank you both.

I think there is a guy hunched over doing something in that boat, it is just hard to see him. It would be funny though it it just got away and sailed off into the lake...

Driline · 03-26-2015, 10:59 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

A few more 16-50 shots.

Finally........ A decent picture from Rondec

That last pic with the Red barn would make an excellent large portrait to hang in anyone's Family room. Like that one a lot.

JibbaJab · 03-26-2015, 07:51 PM

DA*55.

03-22-2015, 06:56 PM	#3109
Scorpio71GR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,005	I recently purchased the DA*16-50 after years of debating about this lens. I have always wanted this lens but could never justify the price. I came across an excellent buy that I couldn't turn down. This lens has almost made me crazy. First I thought the lens was bad but discovered it was back focusing a little. A simple calibration adjustment took care of that. After reviewing many articles and reviews I am finally starting to appreciate this lens. It has made me dig deeper into the capabilities of my K3. I love the build of this lens, it is just superb. I was out along the river photographing some geese, since that is we really have here right now, and this guy just sat there for me. So I took off my 400mm and popped on the DA 16-50 and slowly crawled over to him on my stomach. Here are a couple of shots I managed to get off just as the sun was going down. [IMG][/IMG] I snapped this last one walking back to my truck at 16mm. ---------- Post added 03-22-15 at 10:07 PM ---------- Originally posted by mattb123 16-50 It is shots like these that have always kept me going back to wanting the 16-50. Excellent photos, I love the color rendering. I am hoping to get out to Lake Michigan soon to try out my 16-50 for some sun sets.

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03-20-2015, 09:28 AM	#3106
cbope Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Helsinki Posts: 664	Originally posted by johnc Fringing on my copy is generally pretty well controlled, and certainly dealt with very easily in PP. I think sharpness is actually better than often claimed, and in particular, contrast is very nice. I would highlight corner / edge sharpness as a weakness, especially at wider angles/wide open. But in my experience the performance in this regard is not that significantly different to that of the the DA 15/21mm limiteds at similar apertures. Has anyone found any different? I do wonder what K-mount options in say 14mm - 28mm FL are really that much sharper? Perhaps this is just the penalty we pay for smaller and lighter crop sensor lenses. I'm really hopeful for some better wide angle options from Pentax in the future. Perhaps the FF introduction will bring some interesting options in this regard. John This is my experience too. At 16mm wide open, it does get a tad softer off-center, but mine sharpens up nicely at f/3.2. Also, by 18mm it is very good, even wide open. I don't consider the fringing a problem since it's easily fixed in PP. The one area I would say is a real weakness is flare. It can be used creatively, but you better understand it well to get good shots under those conditions. AF could be faster but I'm not a sports shooter and this isn't a sports optic so it's not a factor in my opinion. I waffled on this lens for almost 2 years after I got my K-5, which is a regret. I wish I had bought it earlier. It rarely leaves my K-5 or K-3.

03-21-2015, 03:12 AM	#3107
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	A few more 16-50 shots.

03-23-2015, 07:33 AM - 1 Like	#3111
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	Serious ski racing! K-3, DA* 16-50, Metz 48 AF-2

03-23-2015, 10:19 PM - 1 Like	#3112
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	Fiery willows in the last light. Not super sharp, it was windy. 16-50

03-24-2015, 09:36 AM - 2 Likes	#3113
emalvick Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Davis, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,642	From my trip to the Everglades in February. The DA*60-250 at 60 mm. And another of some baby alligators shot at 250 mm.

03-24-2015, 04:56 PM	#3114
Chaos_Realm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,251	Originally posted by emalvick From my trip to the Everglades in February. The DA*60-250 at 60 mm. And another of some baby alligators shot at 250 mm. Looks like a nice swimming spot

03-26-2015, 04:27 AM - 1 Like	#3115
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	A couple with the DA * 50-135. In the second photo, there is a bald eagle in a tree on the right. Too bad I didn't have a really long lens on my camera...

03-26-2015, 04:41 AM	#3116
stormtech Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: In the boonies (NW Penna) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,744	Originally posted by Rondec A couple with the DA * 50-135. In the second photo, there is a bald eagle in a tree on the right. Too bad I didn't have a really long lens on my camera... Glad you pointed the eagle out. Makes a great photo of man vs. raptor fishing the same area.

03-26-2015, 10:20 AM	#3117
wtlwdwgn Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Billings, MT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,846	Originally posted by Rondec A couple with the DA * 50-135. Is there anyone in that boat that's steaming away in that first pic? Nice images as always.

03-26-2015, 10:29 AM	#3118
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Originally posted by stormtech Glad you pointed the eagle out. Makes a great photo of man vs. raptor fishing the same area. Originally posted by wtlwdwgn Is there anyone in that boat that's steaming away in that first pic? Nice images as always. Thank you both. I think there is a guy hunched over doing something in that boat, it is just hard to see him. It would be funny though it it just got away and sailed off into the lake...

03-26-2015, 10:59 AM	#3119
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697	Originally posted by Rondec A few more 16-50 shots. Finally........ A decent picture from Rondec That last pic with the Red barn would make an excellent large portrait to hang in anyone's Family room. Like that one a lot.

03-26-2015, 07:51 PM	#3120
JibbaJab Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Southern California Posts: 362	DA*55.