Originally posted by BigMackCam That's a great offer.
I have the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 HSM, and it's a very good lens... but not WR, of course, and whilst it's sharp enough, I've always felt the rendering lacks a certain something. If I could justify the expense, I'd buy this new DA*16-50 in a heartbeat. Sadly, even with $200 off, it's way above my budget nowadays. I've no doubt it's worth it, though.
Looking forward to reading your opinions on the new lens
The Sigma 17-50 is seriously a great lens, much better than the Sigma 17-70 assuming my recollection is still good. I've got two of 'em so I could outfit a second shooter if needed at an event. That's the biggest reason I didn't think I'd care about the brand new DFA16-50.
Well you know what, I bought it anyway and worst case I discover the new Pentax isn't a significant upgrade for my portrait/event stuff over the Sigma and I resell it at about what I paid. I'm not as worried with buying great premium glass as I don't expect I'll lose much if any money as long as I buy smart and not full retail-priced. The only lenses I've really lost on are some of the older, used, and less expensive ones. that don't turn out to be in the condition I expected they were. Heck, I might even discover the new Pentax can make three or four of the ones I use now in that range disposable and selling in the Marketplace. Miracles do happen.
Really good pre-loved glass will always have a market.