Introducing the HD Pentax-DA★ 16-50mm f/2.8 ED PLM AW

biz-engineer · 07-14-2021, 11:40 PM

Originally posted by clackers

Yes, luckily for the beef farmers, it's harder to smuggle a thousand head of cattle in a Ford Transit van!

cport · 07-14-2021, 11:59 PM

nicely looking ... it is a pitty that the 11-18/2,8 does not have 77mm filter thread too.

Ishpuini · 07-15-2021, 12:06 AM

Originally posted by JPT

The Japanese special site is now up - in English too.

Product Overview | HD PENTAX-DA?16-50mmF2.8ED PLM AW | PENTAX STAR LENS | RICOH IMAGING

Great to see the comparison images with the old SDM DA*16-50. Excellent corner sharpness at 16mm f/2.8 in the new one compared to the poor performance of the old one. this always bothered me on the old one, and made me avoid compositions with the subject near the edge of the frame. I'll be glad to have more options there. This corner sharpness at f/2.8 will also be great for astro!!

---------- Post added 15-07-21 at 09:09 ----------

Originally posted by cport

nicely looking ... it is a pitty that the 11-18/2,8 does not have 77mm filter thread too.

You can still use an adapter ring to fit 77mm filters into the 82mm thread at the cost of vignetting at 11-12mm... I do it that way, and it doesn't bother me too much as I generally use it less at its widest end.

repaap · 07-15-2021, 12:14 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Ishpuini

Great to see the comparison images with the old SDM DA*16-50. Excellent corner sharpness at 16mm f/2.8 in the new one compared to the poor performance of the old one. this always bothered me on the old one, and made me avoid compositions with the subject near the edge of the frame. I'll be glad to have more options there. This corner sharpness at f/2.8 will also be great for astro!!

---------- Post added 15-07-21 at 09:09 ----------

You can still use an adapter ring to fit 77mm filters into the 82mm thread at the cost of vignetting at 11-12mm... I do it that way, and it doesn't bother me too much as I generally use it less at its widest end.

This is true! I have to say that I’m amazed. That performance and all is going to make this lens amazing to use. Most, if not all negative things have been corrected/made better. When I get my balance back from buying K-3III , this lens is going to ve my next purchase

good times to be a Pentaxians

**Serkevan** · 07-15-2021, 12:19 AM

Huh, I'm surprised it is more expensive than the DA* 11-18 (which is a couple years old only).

The MTF charts are just ridiculously good at both extremes. It's pretty darn heavy, though - can't get those optics without a good load of glass...

AfterPentax Mark II · 07-15-2021, 12:22 AM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

Brexit or not, the unofficial route is still the monthly happy family trip from Dover to Auchan Calais by minivan, and back with truck-load of red wines for private consumption only as they say to the customs

Thought that AW meant All Weather Resistant, not All WINES resistant.

repaap · 07-15-2021, 12:24 AM

Originally posted by Serkevan

Huh, I'm surprised it is more expensive than the DA* 11-18 (which is a couple years old only).

The MTF charts are just ridiculously good at both extremes. It's pretty darn heavy, though - can't get those optics without a good load of glass...

It is 200g more than old one. A bit bigger, but a lot better. They have packed a lot of punch in that extra weight.

**jersey** · 07-15-2021, 12:30 AM

I saw Mike Muizebelt video and lens looks fantastic from photographs point of view, but it is SO HUGE when mounted on K-3 Mk III. Sigma 17-50 I am using currently is not small either and it extends but still new lens is really big.

AfterPentax Mark II · 07-15-2021, 12:30 AM

Originally posted by JPT

I got a DA20-40 recently. It won't work on my K-5 IIs anyway. I'll (just have to) be happy.

I see (or read) no reason why it should not work on your K-5 II. Only thing I can think of is that your 20-40 will not allow it!

**Serkevan** · 07-15-2021, 12:32 AM

Originally posted by repaap

It is 200g more than old one. A bit bigger, but a lot better. They have packed a lot of punch in that extra weight.

A bit? Man, that's almost 50% heavier

It's only 70 g lighter than the DFA 24-70/2.8!

I mean, of course it's going to rock our socks off optically, but it's sorta throwing away the size advantage of APS-C.
(I'm on limited data and I can't really open the special site's images until I get myself to a wifi spot. Do the photos look good?)

kinkindoll · 07-15-2021, 12:32 AM - **1 Like**

You can find the sample photos from the Japanese website, those pictures are very nice and the portrait shots are wide open F2.8, the bokeh and colour are fabulous.

HD PENTAX-DA?16-50mmF2.8ED PLM AW / ????? / K??????? / ??? / ?? | RICOH IMAGING

**Serkevan** · 07-15-2021, 12:46 AM

Originally posted by kinkindoll

You can find the sample photos from the Japanese website, those pictures are very nice and the portrait shots are wide open F2.8, the bokeh and colour are fabulous.

HD PENTAX-DA?16-50mmF2.8ED PLM AW / ????? / K??????? / ??? / ?? | RICOH IMAGING

Thanks! I'll try to look at them when I can. Taking your word for it in the meantime

(It's a new Pentax ★ lens, of course it was gonna be good)

Mousehill · 07-15-2021, 12:55 AM

Originally posted by jersey

I saw Mike Muizebelt video and lens looks fantastic from photographs point of view, but it is SO HUGE when mounted on K-3 Mk III. Sigma 17-50 I am using currently is not small either and it extends but still new lens is really big.

It's indeed not the smallest combination out there, when I look quickly to my side I have to look hard to separate the K-1 24-70 combination from the K-3 16-50mm combination. But is a combination that's just made for each other. They bring the best out in each other.....
For me it's all about having sharpness through the entire frame and there was the previous version lacking.

**southlander** · 07-15-2021, 01:39 AM

Originally posted by AfterPentax Mark II

I see (or read) no reason why it should not work on your K-5 II. Only thing I can think of is that your 20-40 will not allow it!

I think the KAF4 mount with electromechanical aperture will preclude use on a K-5 or K-5 II.

---------- Post added 15th Jul 2021 at 07:11 PM ----------

Impressed with the Ricoh Imaging pages spruiking this new lens. Loads of information and insight into the design goals and process.

Ishpuini · 07-15-2021, 01:41 AM

No talk of a silver edition to fit the silver K-3 III?

---------- Post added 15-07-21 at 10:43 ----------

Originally posted by Mousehill

It's indeed not the smallest combination out there, when I look quickly to my side I have to look hard to separate the K-1 24-70 combination from the K-3 16-50mm combination. But is a combination that's just made for each other. They bring the best out in each other.....
For me it's all about having sharpness through the entire frame and there was the previous version lacking.

Hello Mike, what does it physically look like zoomed out to 50mm? Does the barrel extend much?

07-14-2021, 11:59 PM	#32
cport Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 428	... nicely looking ... it is a pitty that the 11-18/2,8 does not have 77mm filter thread too.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
HD Pentax DA * 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW is the second one.	shardulm	Pentax News and Rumors	924	12-28-2021 05:23 PM
Pentax is announcing the HD Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW zoom	PF Staff	Homepage & Official Pentax News	0	02-26-2021 04:40 AM
HD Pentax-D FA★ 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW first review	Mistral75	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	105	07-07-2020 04:02 PM
Photo Life News letter - HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW and the HD PENTAX-FA35mmF2	jpzk	Photographic Industry and Professionals	4	02-04-2019 08:15 AM
★★NOW IN STOCK★★Pentax K-5 Limited Edition★★	Chuck-B&H	Ask B&H Photo!	11	03-31-2011 05:29 AM

07-14-2021, 11:40 PM	#31
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Originally posted by clackers Yes, luckily for the beef farmers, it's harder to smuggle a thousand head of cattle in a Ford Transit van!

07-15-2021, 12:06 AM	#33
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	Originally posted by JPT The Japanese special site is now up - in English too. Product Overview \| HD PENTAX-DA?16-50mmF2.8ED PLM AW \| PENTAX STAR LENS \| RICOH IMAGING Great to see the comparison images with the old SDM DA*16-50. Excellent corner sharpness at 16mm f/2.8 in the new one compared to the poor performance of the old one. this always bothered me on the old one, and made me avoid compositions with the subject near the edge of the frame. I'll be glad to have more options there. This corner sharpness at f/2.8 will also be great for astro!! ---------- Post added 15-07-21 at 09:09 ---------- Originally posted by cport nicely looking ... it is a pitty that the 11-18/2,8 does not have 77mm filter thread too. You can still use an adapter ring to fit 77mm filters into the 82mm thread at the cost of vignetting at 11-12mm... I do it that way, and it doesn't bother me too much as I generally use it less at its widest end.

07-15-2021, 12:14 AM - 1 Like	#34
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by Ishpuini Great to see the comparison images with the old SDM DA*16-50. Excellent corner sharpness at 16mm f/2.8 in the new one compared to the poor performance of the old one. this always bothered me on the old one, and made me avoid compositions with the subject near the edge of the frame. I'll be glad to have more options there. This corner sharpness at f/2.8 will also be great for astro!! ---------- Post added 15-07-21 at 09:09 ---------- You can still use an adapter ring to fit 77mm filters into the 82mm thread at the cost of vignetting at 11-12mm... I do it that way, and it doesn't bother me too much as I generally use it less at its widest end. This is true! I have to say that I’m amazed. That performance and all is going to make this lens amazing to use. Most, if not all negative things have been corrected/made better. When I get my balance back from buying K-3III , this lens is going to ve my next purchase good times to be a Pentaxians

07-15-2021, 12:19 AM	#35
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Huh, I'm surprised it is more expensive than the DA* 11-18 (which is a couple years old only). The MTF charts are just ridiculously good at both extremes. It's pretty darn heavy, though - can't get those optics without a good load of glass...

07-15-2021, 12:22 AM	#36
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,462	Originally posted by biz-engineer Brexit or not, the unofficial route is still the monthly happy family trip from Dover to Auchan Calais by minivan, and back with truck-load of red wines for private consumption only as they say to the customs Thought that AW meant All Weather Resistant, not All WINES resistant.

07-15-2021, 12:24 AM	#37
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by Serkevan Huh, I'm surprised it is more expensive than the DA* 11-18 (which is a couple years old only). The MTF charts are just ridiculously good at both extremes. It's pretty darn heavy, though - can't get those optics without a good load of glass... It is 200g more than old one. A bit bigger, but a lot better. They have packed a lot of punch in that extra weight.

07-15-2021, 12:30 AM	#38
jersey Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: 3City agglomeration Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,056	I saw Mike Muizebelt video and lens looks fantastic from photographs point of view, but it is SO HUGE when mounted on K-3 Mk III. Sigma 17-50 I am using currently is not small either and it extends but still new lens is really big.

07-15-2021, 12:30 AM	#39
AfterPentax Mark II Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,462	Originally posted by JPT I got a DA20-40 recently. It won't work on my K-5 IIs anyway. I'll (just have to) be happy. I see (or read) no reason why it should not work on your K-5 II. Only thing I can think of is that your 20-40 will not allow it!

07-15-2021, 12:32 AM	#40
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by repaap It is 200g more than old one. A bit bigger, but a lot better. They have packed a lot of punch in that extra weight. A bit? Man, that's almost 50% heavier It's only 70 g lighter than the DFA 24-70/2.8! I mean, of course it's going to rock our socks off optically, but it's sorta throwing away the size advantage of APS-C. (I'm on limited data and I can't really open the special site's images until I get myself to a wifi spot. Do the photos look good?)

07-15-2021, 12:32 AM - 1 Like	#41
kinkindoll Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 173	You can find the sample photos from the Japanese website, those pictures are very nice and the portrait shots are wide open F2.8, the bokeh and colour are fabulous. HD PENTAX-DA?16-50mmF2.8ED PLM AW / ????? / K??????? / ??? / ?? \| RICOH IMAGING

07-15-2021, 12:46 AM	#42
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by kinkindoll You can find the sample photos from the Japanese website, those pictures are very nice and the portrait shots are wide open F2.8, the bokeh and colour are fabulous. HD PENTAX-DA?16-50mmF2.8ED PLM AW / ????? / K??????? / ??? / ?? \| RICOH IMAGING Thanks! I'll try to look at them when I can. Taking your word for it in the meantime (It's a new Pentax ★ lens, of course it was gonna be good)

07-15-2021, 12:55 AM	#43
Mousehill Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 58	Originally posted by jersey I saw Mike Muizebelt video and lens looks fantastic from photographs point of view, but it is SO HUGE when mounted on K-3 Mk III. Sigma 17-50 I am using currently is not small either and it extends but still new lens is really big. It's indeed not the smallest combination out there, when I look quickly to my side I have to look hard to separate the K-1 24-70 combination from the K-3 16-50mm combination. But is a combination that's just made for each other. They bring the best out in each other..... For me it's all about having sharpness through the entire frame and there was the previous version lacking.

07-15-2021, 01:39 AM	#44
southlander Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Adelaide Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,364	Originally posted by AfterPentax Mark II I see (or read) no reason why it should not work on your K-5 II. Only thing I can think of is that your 20-40 will not allow it! I think the KAF4 mount with electromechanical aperture will preclude use on a K-5 or K-5 II. ---------- Post added 15th Jul 2021 at 07:11 PM ---------- Impressed with the Ricoh Imaging pages spruiking this new lens. Loads of information and insight into the design goals and process.

07-15-2021, 01:41 AM	#45
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	No talk of a silver edition to fit the silver K-3 III? ---------- Post added 15-07-21 at 10:43 ---------- Originally posted by Mousehill It's indeed not the smallest combination out there, when I look quickly to my side I have to look hard to separate the K-1 24-70 combination from the K-3 16-50mm combination. But is a combination that's just made for each other. They bring the best out in each other..... For me it's all about having sharpness through the entire frame and there was the previous version lacking. Hello Mike, what does it physically look like zoomed out to 50mm? Does the barrel extend much?