HD Pentax DA * 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW is the second one.

**Yoda boy** · 05-06-2021, 04:34 AM

After three new SDM motors, I now have a nice lens that seems to be working fine. For me, this is my most used lens but if anything goes wrong again, I would likely get the upcoming PLM version. I just hope that there are no motor issues with this model.

taktoon · 05-06-2021, 05:51 AM

Still no release date?

Smolk · 05-06-2021, 08:37 AM

On the assumption that this star lens will indeed be stellar, like the recent star lenses were, it is a question whether to go for this lens or for the prime limiteds, 15-21-4 etc. These latter lenses are nice and compact, but they also are relatively old by now, and would require lens changes.
Then again, the zoom is likely to be heavier. When it would be 565 g as the old 16-50, that would be doable, then it's just the bulk of it. The DFA equivalent is 787 g, somewhere in between would still be doable I guess.
But I like the compactness of the 21mm with others in the bag.
And then there's the DFA 21mm...
We need the new lenses ! Then we can make more informed decisions.

**jersey** · 05-06-2021, 09:02 AM

I intend to gather all interesting Limiteds, interesting for me of course: 15, 35 and 70 but I also intend to get 16-50 PLM. With main reasons it being a zoom so no need to change lens in field (already had my share of dust cleaning, so no thank you in the future

) and WR that Ltds lack.

Plus I can support Pentax and hope from some new exciting lenses in future

corvaz · 05-06-2021, 10:05 AM

What does PLM AA mean?

**Serkevan** · 05-06-2021, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by corvaz

What does PLM AA mean?

If you mean "PLM AW"... It's Pulse Linear Motor (the AF motor in the lens) and All-Weather.

house · 05-06-2021, 10:38 AM

It's interesting that the new Leica 24-70 lens appears to be a Sigma rebadge. It's relevant to this thread with regards to the pace of releases and capacity of Pentax as well as their history of Tamrons. T

The third party manufacturers are slowly becoming the only ones with real capacity for lens production. The main brands become more and more just the brand. It's not surprising considering how everything is now extremely centralized with very few manufacturers of any given product. Producing for multiple brands will create expertise. Third parties already produce Pentax, Sony and Zeiss lenses as well as possibly others.

Leica releasing this Sigma rebadge suggest, when also considering their general pace of release for the SL system, that it's slow and difficult to release lenses to current standards.

corvaz · 05-06-2021, 10:47 AM

Originally posted by Serkevan

If you mean "PLM AW"... It's Pulse Linear Motor (the AF motor in the lens) and All-Weather.

Thank you, but what's the difference between AW and WR?

repaap · 05-06-2021, 10:51 AM

Originally posted by Smolk

On the assumption that this star lens will indeed be stellar, like the recent star lenses were, it is a question whether to go for this lens or for the prime limiteds, 15-21-4 etc. These latter lenses are nice and compact, but they also are relatively old by now, and would require lens changes.
Then again, the zoom is likely to be heavier. When it would be 565 g as the old 16-50, that would be doable, then it's just the bulk of it. The DFA equivalent is 787 g, somewhere in between would still be doable I guess.
But I like the compactness of the 21mm with others in the bag.
And then there's the DFA 21mm...
We need the new lenses ! Then we can make more informed decisions.

I have the original DA*16-50. And many said that it is big and heavy, back then. I bought it and I thought that it is more beefier than 18-55 kit, but no much and hood was almost(still is in new one too) as big as the lens. You forget that once you put that lens on the camera. Sure, some might feel fatique even. That said. I think people should get both, limiteds and these kind of zooms. This zoom should still be smaller that 24-70/2.8 for FF and propably it will be still better...(had to put it there, didn't I)

I have DA 40/2.8 XS and all FA limiteds...I'm still tempted by 35 and 70. I know that I'll be having that DFA 21. sooner or later, propably later, because I have K-3III ordered and will next replace my DFA 15-30 with 11-18 and old DA*16-50 with this PLM.

---------- Post added 05-06-21 at 20:51 ----------

Originally posted by corvaz

Thank you, but what's the difference between AW and WR?

AW is more weather sealed than WR.

house · 05-06-2021, 11:00 AM

Originally posted by repaap

This zoom should still be smaller that 24-70/2.8 for FF

From that lens lineup image the DA*1650 is larger than the DA*1118. The DA*1118 is 100mm and the DFA2470 is 109mm... So the apsc lens will be just as large if not bigger. It's a * lens though and an equivalent doesn't exist for FF yet.

repaap · 05-06-2021, 11:21 AM

Originally posted by house

From that lens lineup image the DA*1650 is larger than the DA*1118. The DA*1118 is 100mm and the DFA2470 is 109mm... So the apsc lens will be just as large if not bigger. It's a * lens though and an equivalent doesn't exist for FF yet.

This is actually true. I looked up from this thread, tht 16-50 is going to be 109,7 mm(measured by someone?). So it is actually going to be larger! LOL.

We will see if there is going to be equiv. for FF, with * lens quality. New * not old one. I do doubt it, but it would be nice for DFA*70-200

One3rdEV · 05-06-2021, 08:42 PM

By default I would have expected basically the same lens optically with just the work required to bring it to PLM. But if 109.x mm is true then I'd tend to hope that it has been improved optically beyond the former performance. In fact it seems like justification to dream that it might be designed to handle FF. It most certainly will be an important release to accommodate the silent video potential and AF speed capability of the K3 III.

Ishpuini · 05-06-2021, 11:24 PM

In terms of size and weight, all DA* zooms are pretty large. It's true that size must be judged when mounted on camera, but for me these lenses are largely what justifies getting a battery grip for my cameras to balance out the combo.
As to the comparison between the old and the new DA*16-50/2.8, I'm pretty sure the difference will be negligible when mounted on a gripped camera.

davidsladek · 05-06-2021, 11:28 PM

Originally posted by taktoon

Still no release date?

I would expect Ricoh is waiting for some cashflow from sales of K-3III and sales figures to get this going

repaap · 05-07-2021, 12:03 AM

Originally posted by One3rdEV

By default I would have expected basically the same lens optically with just the work required to bring it to PLM. But if 109.x mm is true then I'd tend to hope that it has been improved optically beyond the former performance. In fact it seems like justification to dream that it might be designed to handle FF. It most certainly will be an important release to accommodate the silent video potential and AF speed capability of the K3 III.

It is ’only’ 1 cm taller than old version. So definetly yes for improved image quality as * quality 2021 has to be exellent. For FF coverage, I would not hold my breath.

---------- Post added 05-07-21 at 10:05 ----------

Originally posted by davidsladek

I would expect Ricoh is waiting for some cashflow from sales of K-3III and sales figures to get this going

Nah, they just take their time to make it perfect from beginning, as they have done in past with other lenses too.

05-06-2021, 04:34 AM	#541
Yoda boy Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Central Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 144	*the old DA 16-50 lens** After three new SDM motors, I now have a nice lens that seems to be working fine. For me, this is my most used lens but if anything goes wrong again, I would likely get the upcoming PLM version. I just hope that there are no motor issues with this model.

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05-06-2021, 05:51 AM	#542
taktoon Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 605	Still no release date?

05-06-2021, 08:37 AM	#543
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	On the assumption that this star lens will indeed be stellar, like the recent star lenses were, it is a question whether to go for this lens or for the prime limiteds, 15-21-4 etc. These latter lenses are nice and compact, but they also are relatively old by now, and would require lens changes. Then again, the zoom is likely to be heavier. When it would be 565 g as the old 16-50, that would be doable, then it's just the bulk of it. The DFA equivalent is 787 g, somewhere in between would still be doable I guess. But I like the compactness of the 21mm with others in the bag. And then there's the DFA 21mm... We need the new lenses ! Then we can make more informed decisions.

05-06-2021, 09:02 AM	#544
jersey Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: 3City agglomeration Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,062	I intend to gather all interesting Limiteds, interesting for me of course: 15, 35 and 70 but I also intend to get 16-50 PLM. With main reasons it being a zoom so no need to change lens in field (already had my share of dust cleaning, so no thank you in the future ) and WR that Ltds lack. Plus I can support Pentax and hope from some new exciting lenses in future

05-06-2021, 10:05 AM	#545
corvaz Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 58	What does PLM AA mean?

05-06-2021, 10:13 AM	#546
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by corvaz What does PLM AA mean? If you mean "PLM AW"... It's Pulse Linear Motor (the AF motor in the lens) and All-Weather.

05-06-2021, 10:38 AM	#547
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	It's interesting that the new Leica 24-70 lens appears to be a Sigma rebadge. It's relevant to this thread with regards to the pace of releases and capacity of Pentax as well as their history of Tamrons. T The third party manufacturers are slowly becoming the only ones with real capacity for lens production. The main brands become more and more just the brand. It's not surprising considering how everything is now extremely centralized with very few manufacturers of any given product. Producing for multiple brands will create expertise. Third parties already produce Pentax, Sony and Zeiss lenses as well as possibly others. Leica releasing this Sigma rebadge suggest, when also considering their general pace of release for the SL system, that it's slow and difficult to release lenses to current standards.

05-06-2021, 10:47 AM	#548
corvaz Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 58	Originally posted by Serkevan If you mean "PLM AW"... It's Pulse Linear Motor (the AF motor in the lens) and All-Weather. Thank you, but what's the difference between AW and WR?

05-06-2021, 10:51 AM	#549
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by Smolk On the assumption that this star lens will indeed be stellar, like the recent star lenses were, it is a question whether to go for this lens or for the prime limiteds, 15-21-4 etc. These latter lenses are nice and compact, but they also are relatively old by now, and would require lens changes. Then again, the zoom is likely to be heavier. When it would be 565 g as the old 16-50, that would be doable, then it's just the bulk of it. The DFA equivalent is 787 g, somewhere in between would still be doable I guess. But I like the compactness of the 21mm with others in the bag. And then there's the DFA 21mm... We need the new lenses ! Then we can make more informed decisions. I have the original DA16-50. And many said that it is big and heavy, back then. I bought it and I thought that it is more beefier than 18-55 kit, but no much and hood was almost(still is in new one too) as big as the lens. You forget that once you put that lens on the camera. Sure, some might feel fatique even. That said. I think people should get both, limiteds and these kind of zooms. This zoom should still be smaller that 24-70/2.8 for FF and propably it will be still better...(had to put it there, didn't I) I have DA 40/2.8 XS and all FA limiteds...I'm still tempted by 35 and 70. I know that I'll be having that DFA 21. sooner or later, propably later, because I have K-3III ordered and will next replace my DFA 15-30 with 11-18 and old DA16-50 with this PLM. ---------- Post added 05-06-21 at 20:51 ---------- Originally posted by corvaz Thank you, but what's the difference between AW and WR? AW is more weather sealed than WR.

05-06-2021, 11:00 AM	#550
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	Originally posted by repaap This zoom should still be smaller that 24-70/2.8 for FF From that lens lineup image the DA1650 is larger than the DA1118. The DA1118 is 100mm and the DFA2470 is 109mm... So the apsc lens will be just as large if not bigger. It's a lens though and an equivalent doesn't exist for FF yet.

05-06-2021, 11:21 AM	#551
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by house From that lens lineup image the DA1650 is larger than the DA1118. The DA1118 is 100mm and the DFA2470 is 109mm... So the apsc lens will be just as large if not bigger. It's a lens though and an equivalent doesn't exist for FF yet. This is actually true. I looked up from this thread, tht 16-50 is going to be 109,7 mm(measured by someone?). So it is actually going to be larger! LOL. We will see if there is going to be equiv. for FF, with * lens quality. New * not old one. I do doubt it, but it would be nice for DFA*70-200

05-06-2021, 08:42 PM	#552
One3rdEV Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: So-central, MI Posts: 285	By default I would have expected basically the same lens optically with just the work required to bring it to PLM. But if 109.x mm is true then I'd tend to hope that it has been improved optically beyond the former performance. In fact it seems like justification to dream that it might be designed to handle FF. It most certainly will be an important release to accommodate the silent video potential and AF speed capability of the K3 III.

05-06-2021, 11:24 PM	#553
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	In terms of size and weight, all DA* zooms are pretty large. It's true that size must be judged when mounted on camera, but for me these lenses are largely what justifies getting a battery grip for my cameras to balance out the combo. As to the comparison between the old and the new DA*16-50/2.8, I'm pretty sure the difference will be negligible when mounted on a gripped camera.

05-06-2021, 11:28 PM	#554
davidsladek Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Surrey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 346	Originally posted by taktoon Still no release date? I would expect Ricoh is waiting for some cashflow from sales of K-3III and sales figures to get this going

05-07-2021, 12:03 AM	#555
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by One3rdEV By default I would have expected basically the same lens optically with just the work required to bring it to PLM. But if 109.x mm is true then I'd tend to hope that it has been improved optically beyond the former performance. In fact it seems like justification to dream that it might be designed to handle FF. It most certainly will be an important release to accommodate the silent video potential and AF speed capability of the K3 III. It is ’only’ 1 cm taller than old version. So definetly yes for improved image quality as * quality 2021 has to be exellent. For FF coverage, I would not hold my breath. ---------- Post added 05-07-21 at 10:05 ---------- Originally posted by davidsladek I would expect Ricoh is waiting for some cashflow from sales of K-3III and sales figures to get this going Nah, they just take their time to make it perfect from beginning, as they have done in past with other lenses too.