Any news on the DA* 16-85 zoom?

LIJ · 03-07-2013, 10:57 AM - **1 Like**

Does anyone have any updates/insights on the upcoming DA* zoom indicated at the bottom of the 2012-2013 roadmap. I'm currently on the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 but looking for a weather sealed upgrade. The 16-50 is the obvious available choice but due to its shorter reach, some criticism on image quality and the whole SDM issue I'm thinking the upcoming zoom would fit me better. I guess a constant 2.8 is out of the question but I wouldn't mind a constant 4 or a 2.8-4. (a constant 4 would be very close to the DA 17-70 which seems somewhat weather sealed so my guess is that it would be a 2.8-4 to offer something "more" than the 17-70).

Anyone heard any rumors on this one lately?

Buschmaster · 03-07-2013, 11:00 AM

2.8-4 would be a perfect lens for me. I'm kinda taking a knee on the whole situation right now as well.

JinDesu · 03-07-2013, 11:06 AM

As long as it is sharp wide open throughout the range. I don't need SUPER sharp, but I need something better than my Sigma 17-70's 50-70mm at F4.

bdery · 03-07-2013, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by LIJ

I guess a constant 2.8 is out of the question but I wouldn't mind a constant 4 or a 2.8-4. (a constant 4 would be very close to the DA 17-70 which seems somewhat weather sealed so my guess is that it would be a 2.8-4 to offer something "more" than the 17-70).

Considering that offerings over that range are often slower (see Canon's 17-85 f4-f5,6) I wouldn't hold my breath for a 16-85 f2,8-f4. A f3,4-f5,6 is much more likely, and stretching that f3,5 to f4 wouldn't surprise me at all. Otherwise, you can expect a really large lens, and very expensive too.

Remember that even the 17-70 is "only" f4.

I see that lens more like a pro-grade equivalent to the 18-135, not a replacement for the 16-50.

LIJ · 03-07-2013, 11:25 AM

Originally posted by bdery

Considering that offerings over that range are often slower (see Canon's 17-85 f4-f5,6) I wouldn't hold my breath for a 16-85 f2,8-f4. A f3,4-f5,6 is much more likely, and stretching that f3,5 to f4 wouldn't surprise me at all. Otherwise, you can expect a really large lens, and very expensive too.

Remember that even the 17-70 is "only" f4.

I see that lens more like a pro-grade equivalent to the 18-135, not a replacement for the 16-50.

Good point. I agree that a 16-85 2.8-4 might be to hope for too much. But if Sigma can make a 17-70 2.8-4, Pentax would be able to too. The opinion that the new zoom would be a 16-85 is just guesstimation based on the fuzzy ends on the orange bar on the road map. The lens might as well end up being a 20-80 or a 18-75 or anything in that ball park. With a shorter range a larger aperture would be within reach.

Anvh · 03-07-2013, 11:27 AM

It would be the first non constant DA* lens if that's the case...it might very well be f/4 across the range maybe considering this.

Buschmaster · 03-07-2013, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by Anvh

It would be the first non constant DA* lens if that's the case...it might very well be f/4 across the range maybe considering this.

Hm, very true...

**NZ_Ross** · 03-07-2013, 11:44 AM

Originally posted by Anvh

It would be the first non constant DA* lens if that's the case...it might very well be f/4 across the range maybe considering this.

A weather sealed f4 in that range would be nice - I might have to start saving my pennies

**Aristophanes** · 03-07-2013, 11:53 AM

A 16-85/2.8-xx would require a 67mm filter at least. Big, big lens.

f/4 much more likely and functional.

These designs tend to be distortion monsters.

Barbarosa · 03-07-2013, 02:02 PM

16-50 already use 77 mm filter , da*s needn't to be small just excellent optics and pro build.
I hope to 15-80 f4.

Adam · 03-07-2013, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by LIJ

Does anyone have any updates/insights on the upcoming DA* zoom indicated at the bottom of the 2012-2013 roadmap. I'm currently on the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 but looking for a weather sealed upgrade. The 16-50 is the obvious available choice but due to its shorter reach, some criticism on image quality and the whole SDM issue I'm thinking the upcoming zoom would fit me better. I guess a constant 2.8 is out of the question but I wouldn't mind a constant 4 or a 2.8-4. (a constant 4 would be very close to the DA 17-70 which seems somewhat weather sealed so my guess is that it would be a 2.8-4 to offer something "more" than the 17-70).

Anyone heard any rumors on this one lately?

Questions don't go in the news & rumors forum. Moved to general photo.

normhead · 03-07-2013, 02:39 PM

The only thing I know about the 17-85 is it's coming too late to save me from buying the Tamron 17-50 as a second walk around lens. That horse has left the barn

**Pål Jensen** · 03-07-2013, 03:05 PM

Well, it would be a natural candidate for release along with the K3....

lightbulb · 03-07-2013, 05:10 PM

Hopefully it works great with raynox close up filters

bdery · 03-08-2013, 05:52 AM

Originally posted by NZ_Ross

A weather sealed f4 in that range would be nice - I might have to start saving my pennies

Yep, that would make me consider replacing my Sigma 17-70 and Pentax 18-55 WR by one single lens. If it's good, does close-up, and is within my budget.

Lots of "ifs".

03-07-2013, 10:57 AM - 1 Like	#1
LIJ Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 56	*Any news on the DA 16-85 zoom?** Does anyone have any updates/insights on the upcoming DA* zoom indicated at the bottom of the 2012-2013 roadmap. I'm currently on the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 but looking for a weather sealed upgrade. The 16-50 is the obvious available choice but due to its shorter reach, some criticism on image quality and the whole SDM issue I'm thinking the upcoming zoom would fit me better. I guess a constant 2.8 is out of the question but I wouldn't mind a constant 4 or a 2.8-4. (a constant 4 would be very close to the DA 17-70 which seems somewhat weather sealed so my guess is that it would be a 2.8-4 to offer something "more" than the 17-70). Anyone heard any rumors on this one lately?

03-07-2013, 02:22 PM	#11
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by LIJ Does anyone have any updates/insights on the upcoming DA* zoom indicated at the bottom of the 2012-2013 roadmap. I'm currently on the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 but looking for a weather sealed upgrade. The 16-50 is the obvious available choice but due to its shorter reach, some criticism on image quality and the whole SDM issue I'm thinking the upcoming zoom would fit me better. I guess a constant 2.8 is out of the question but I wouldn't mind a constant 4 or a 2.8-4. (a constant 4 would be very close to the DA 17-70 which seems somewhat weather sealed so my guess is that it would be a 2.8-4 to offer something "more" than the 17-70). Anyone heard any rumors on this one lately? Questions don't go in the news & rumors forum. Moved to general photo. 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:

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03-07-2013, 11:00 AM	#2
Buschmaster Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 806	2.8-4 would be a perfect lens for me. I'm kinda taking a knee on the whole situation right now as well.

03-07-2013, 11:06 AM	#3
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	As long as it is sharp wide open throughout the range. I don't need SUPER sharp, but I need something better than my Sigma 17-70's 50-70mm at F4.

03-07-2013, 11:14 AM	#4
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by LIJ I guess a constant 2.8 is out of the question but I wouldn't mind a constant 4 or a 2.8-4. (a constant 4 would be very close to the DA 17-70 which seems somewhat weather sealed so my guess is that it would be a 2.8-4 to offer something "more" than the 17-70). Considering that offerings over that range are often slower (see Canon's 17-85 f4-f5,6) I wouldn't hold my breath for a 16-85 f2,8-f4. A f3,4-f5,6 is much more likely, and stretching that f3,5 to f4 wouldn't surprise me at all. Otherwise, you can expect a really large lens, and very expensive too. Remember that even the 17-70 is "only" f4. I see that lens more like a pro-grade equivalent to the 18-135, not a replacement for the 16-50.

03-07-2013, 11:25 AM	#5
LIJ Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 56 Original Poster	Originally posted by bdery Considering that offerings over that range are often slower (see Canon's 17-85 f4-f5,6) I wouldn't hold my breath for a 16-85 f2,8-f4. A f3,4-f5,6 is much more likely, and stretching that f3,5 to f4 wouldn't surprise me at all. Otherwise, you can expect a really large lens, and very expensive too. Remember that even the 17-70 is "only" f4. I see that lens more like a pro-grade equivalent to the 18-135, not a replacement for the 16-50. Good point. I agree that a 16-85 2.8-4 might be to hope for too much. But if Sigma can make a 17-70 2.8-4, Pentax would be able to too. The opinion that the new zoom would be a 16-85 is just guesstimation based on the fuzzy ends on the orange bar on the road map. The lens might as well end up being a 20-80 or a 18-75 or anything in that ball park. With a shorter range a larger aperture would be within reach.

03-07-2013, 11:27 AM	#6
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	It would be the first non constant DA* lens if that's the case...it might very well be f/4 across the range maybe considering this.

03-07-2013, 11:35 AM	#7
Buschmaster Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 806	Originally posted by Anvh It would be the first non constant DA* lens if that's the case...it might very well be f/4 across the range maybe considering this. Hm, very true...

03-07-2013, 11:44 AM	#8
NZ_Ross Kiwi Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Timaru Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,225	Originally posted by Anvh It would be the first non constant DA* lens if that's the case...it might very well be f/4 across the range maybe considering this. A weather sealed f4 in that range would be nice - I might have to start saving my pennies

03-07-2013, 11:53 AM	#9
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	A 16-85/2.8-xx would require a 67mm filter at least. Big, big lens. f/4 much more likely and functional. These designs tend to be distortion monsters.

03-07-2013, 02:02 PM	#10
Barbarosa Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Sanski Most Posts: 147	16-50 already use 77 mm filter , da*s needn't to be small just excellent optics and pro build. I hope to 15-80 f4.

03-07-2013, 02:39 PM	#12
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	The only thing I know about the 17-85 is it's coming too late to save me from buying the Tamron 17-50 as a second walk around lens. That horse has left the barn

03-07-2013, 03:05 PM	#13
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Well, it would be a natural candidate for release along with the K3....

03-07-2013, 05:10 PM	#14
lightbulb Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 691	Hopefully it works great with raynox close up filters

03-08-2013, 05:52 AM	#15
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by NZ_Ross A weather sealed f4 in that range would be nice - I might have to start saving my pennies Yep, that would make me consider replacing my Sigma 17-70 and Pentax 18-55 WR by one single lens. If it's good, does close-up, and is within my budget. Lots of "ifs".